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+Project Gutenberg's Three Years in the Sixth Corps, by George T. Stevens
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Three Years in the Sixth Corps
+       A Concise Narrative of Events in the Army of the Potomac,
+       from 1861 to the Close of the Rebellion, April, 1865
+
+Author: George T. Stevens
+
+Release Date: June 30, 2007 [EBook #21976]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THREE YEARS IN THE SIXTH CORPS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, David King, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreaders Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+THREE YEARS
+IN THE
+SIXTH CORPS.
+
+A CONCISE NARRATIVE OF EVENTS IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
+FROM 1861 TO THE CLOSE OF THE REBELLION, APRIL, 1865.
+
+By GEORGE T. STEVENS,
+SURGEON OF THE 77TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
+
+ALBANY:
+S. R. GRAY, PUBLISHER.
+
+1866.
+
+Entered according to act of Congress, in the year eighteen hundred and
+sixty-six,
+
+By GEORGE T. STEVENS,
+
+in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States for the
+Northern District of New York.
+
+WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY,
+PRINTERS, STEREOTYPERS AND BOOKBINDERS,
+ALBANY, N. Y.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: MAJ.-GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The following pages are offered to my old comrades of the Sixth Corps,
+with the hope that they may pleasantly recall the many varied
+experiences of that unparalleled body of men. If much has been omitted
+which should have been written, or if anything has been said which
+should have been left out, I rely upon the generosity of brave men to
+treat with leniency the failings they may detect.
+
+I have endeavored to present without exaggeration or embellishment of
+imagination, a truthful picture of army life in all its vicissitudes;
+its marches, its battles, its camps, and the sad scenes when the victims
+of war languish in hospitals. The story is written mostly from extensive
+notes taken by myself amid the scenes described; but official reports
+and letters from officers have been used freely in correcting these
+notes, and gathering fresh material. The narrative commences with the
+experiences of my own regiment; then when that regiment became a part of
+Smith's division, its incidents and history includes the whole. From the
+organization of the Sixth Corps to the close of the rebellion, I have
+endeavored without partiality to give the story of the Corps. If I have
+failed to do justice to any of the noble troops of the Corps, it has
+been from no want of desire to give to each regiment the praise due to
+it.
+
+I cannot close without acknowledging my many obligations to the numerous
+friends, officers and soldiers of the Corps, and others who have favored
+me with their assistance. I take especial pleasure in acknowledging the
+kindness of Miss Emily Sedgwick, sister of our lamented commander;
+Vermont's honored son, Major-General L. A. Grant, Major-General Thomas
+H. Neill, Colonel James B. McKean, Colonel W. B. French, Chaplain Norman
+Fox, and Mr. Henry M. Myers. I am also indebted to the friends of Samuel
+S. Craig for the use of his diary, extending from the early history of
+the Army of the Potomac, to the death of the talented young soldier in
+the Wilderness.
+
+The engravings are nearly all from sketches taken by myself on the
+ground, the others are from the pencil of the well known artist, Captain
+J. Hope, and all have been submitted to his finishing touch. Mr.
+Ferguson has executed the wood cuts in a style creditable to his art.
+
+The typographical portion of the work has been done in a style of beauty
+and finish for which the work of Weed, Parsons and Company is so well
+known.
+
+18 North Pearl Street, Albany, N. Y.
+
+_September 5, 1866._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+ 1. Portrait of General Sedgwick.
+
+ 2. Illustrated Title Page.
+
+ 3. The Old Church at Hampton.
+
+ 4. The Quaker at Newport News.
+
+ 5. Charge of the Vermonters at Lee's Mills.
+
+ 6. Charge of Hancock's Brigade at Williamsburgh.
+
+ 7. Charge of the Seventy-seventh New York at Mechanicsville.
+
+ 8. Portrait of Colonel James B. McKean.
+
+ 9. Charge of the Sixth Corps at Burkettsville.
+
+10. White Oak Church, Va.
+
+11. Storming Fredericksburgh Heights by Howe's Division.
+
+12. "What'll Ole Missus do Now?"
+
+13. Church Call.
+
+14. Battle of Fort Stevens.
+
+15. "Why Don't he Come?"
+
+16. "Going Norf."
+
+17. Diagram of the Charge of the Sixth Corps, April 2, 1865.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+Chapter I.
+
+A New Regiment goes to the War.
+
+Organization of the Seventy-seventh N. Y. V.--Departure from
+Saratoga--Greetings by the way--New emotions--The noble dead--On board
+the Knickerbocker--At New York--Presentation of flags--Beauties of
+monopoly--Hospitality of Philadelphia--Incidents on the route--Arrival
+at Washington--In camp.
+
+Chapter II.
+
+Army Life at Washington.
+
+Meridian Hill--Neighboring scenery--First Sunday in
+camp--Drills--Sickness--The Hospital--General Casey--"Why don't the army
+move?"--Washington blockaded--Burnside's heroes--Orders to
+move--Something of a train--Smith's division--Our first reconnoissance.
+
+Chapter III.
+
+The Manassas Campaign.
+
+Orders to march--A grand spectacle--Bivouac near Fairfax Court
+House--The camps at night--Visits to Manassas and Centreville--
+Dissatisfaction in the army--A deserted country--Lawless
+soldiers--Fairfax Court House--A representative Southerner--Review by
+Gen. McClellan--March to Alexandria--"Camp Misery."
+
+Chapter IV.
+
+The Army Transferred to the Peninsula.
+
+The advance to Yorktown--A thunder storm--"Reliable contrabands"--Facing
+the enemy--A strong position--The Union line--A rebel welcome--Digging--
+On picket--A dreary country--An enterprising planter--Active
+work--Battle of Lee's Mills--Charge of the Vermont brigade--Progress of
+the siege--Ravages of disease--A front seat--Short supplies--The rebels
+withdraw--Entering the strongholds--Infernal machines--March to
+Williamsburgh--Victims of disease.
+
+Chapter V.
+
+Yorktown.
+
+The advance to Yorktown--A thunder storm--"Reliable contrabands"--Facing
+the enemy--A strong position--The Union line--A rebel welcome--Digging--
+On picket--A dreary country--An enterprising planter--Active
+work--Battle of Lee's Mills--Charge of the Vermont brigade--Progress of
+the siege--Ravages of disease--A front seat--Short supplies--The rebels
+withdraw--Entering the strongholds--Infernal machines--March to
+Williamsburgh--Victims of disease.
+
+Chapter VI.
+
+Williamsburgh.
+
+Battle of Williamsburgh--The army not organized--The medical
+department--Hooker's gallant fight--Hancock's charge--McClellan at
+Yorktown--Night on the battle-field.
+
+Chapter VII.
+
+The March up the Peninsula and the Organization of the Sixth Corps.
+
+March up the Peninsula--Joy of the contrabands--Cumberland Landing--The
+Sixth Corps organized--At White House--On the Chickahominy--Fight at
+Mechanicsville--Battle of Hanover Court House.
+
+Chapter VIII.
+
+On the Chickahominy.
+
+Gaines' Farm--The line of battle--Battle of Seven Pines--Sedgwick and
+Kearney to the rescue--Hooker's charge--A lost opportunity--Golden's
+Farm--Ditching--Malaria--Chickahominy fevers--A German regiment--
+Stuart's raid.
+
+Chapter IX.
+
+The Seven Days' Battles.
+
+The army united--Plans and counter plans--Battle of Fair Oaks--Lee's
+plan--The situation--Stonewall Jackson on the flank--Battle of
+Mechanicsville--Joy in camp--Porter's corps retreats--An astonished
+army--Battle of Gaines' Farm--Slocum's division at Games' Farm--Retreat
+to the river--Battle of Golden's Farm--A young hero--A Union
+victory--Our right exposed--The sick abandoned--A night of sorrow--The
+grand retreat commenced--Sad scenes at Savage's Station--A meteor
+railroad train.
+
+Chapter X.
+
+The Grand Retreat.
+
+Lee's army in pursuit--Sumner and Smith at Bay--Battle of Savage's
+Station--The Vermont Brigade--Sick and wounded abandoned--Retreat to
+White Oak Swamp--Battle of White Oak Swamp--An astonished division--A
+night march--A mystery--In sight of the James--Battle of Malvern
+Hill--Departure of the princes--Gloom and anxiety--Lee's attack--The
+rebels demoralized.
+
+Chapter XI.
+
+Harrison's Landing.
+
+March to Harrison's Bar--A scene of confusion--A beautiful
+landscape--Fourth of July in camp--Gloom at the north--Cause of the
+disasters--Prevalence of disease--Review by the President--A night
+demonstration by the enemy--Reconnoissance to Malvern Hill--Departure of
+General Davidson--A retrospect.
+
+Chapter XII.
+
+Retreat from the Peninsula, and General Pope's Bull Run Campaign.
+
+Premonitions of a change of base--The transfer commenced--Marching down
+the Peninsula--On board transports--A contrast--Arrival at
+Alexandria--Unaccountable delays--General Pope's campaign--An obstinate
+general--Causes of Pope's failure.
+
+Chapter XIII.
+
+The Maryland Campaign.
+
+General McClellan restored to command--March through
+Washington--Leisurely campaigning--Battle of Crampton Pass--Death of
+Mathison--Battle of South Mountain Pass--Death of Reno--Surrender of
+Harper's Ferry--March to Antietam.
+
+Chapter XIV.
+
+The Battle of Antietam.
+
+The Valley of the Antietam--Gathering of the hosts--The
+battle-field--The battle commenced--Splendid fighting of Hooker's
+forces--Successes and reverses of Sumner's troops--Timely arrival of the
+Sixth corps--A gallant charge--Losses of the corps--Burnside's
+attack--Hours of suspense--The enemy defeated at all points--Retreat of
+the rebels--Scenes on the battle-field--At the hospitals--At
+Sharpsburgh--A division of militia--Couch's division joins the Sixth
+corps--Visit of the President--Recruits--Energy at the north--At
+rest--Want of clothing--Stuart's raid--Delays--Clear Spring--General
+Brooks.
+
+Chapter XV.
+
+The Second Advance into Virginia, and the Battle of Fredericksburgh.
+
+Marching in Maryland--Arrival at New Baltimore--General McClellan
+superseded by General Burnside--Thanksgiving in camp--The grand
+divisions organized--The march resumed--Fatal delays--In order of
+battle--The crossing--Fredericksburgh bombarded--Situation of
+Fredericksburgh--Scenes of activity--The Bernard house--Scenes at the
+hospital--The battle on the right--Charges of the Pennsylvania
+reserves--The river recrossed--Reflections.
+
+Chapter XVI.
+
+The Winter at Falmouth.
+
+Camp at White Oak Church--"The mud march"--Return to camp--General
+Neill--General Hooker supersedes General Burnside--Burnside's
+magnanimity--General Hooker as a soldier--Reconstruction--The cavalry
+organized--Business departments renovated--The medical department--
+Ambulance system--Quartermasters' and commissary departments--Life in
+camp--Snowball battles--In the Seventy-seventh--The Light
+division--Review by General Hooker--General John Sedgwick--Scene at
+head-quarters--Review of the army by the President--Preparing for the
+campaign.
+
+Chapter XVII.
+
+The Chancellorsville Campaign.
+
+Orders to move--The river crossed--Sedgwick's command--The First corps
+withdrawn--Gallant conduct of the Light division--Advancing to the
+heights--The line of battle--The columns of attack--Attack of Howe's
+columns--Of Newton's column--Of Burnham's--Misfortune following
+victory--Fight of Bartlett's brigade--The First division at work--A
+critical position--The Sixth corps surrounded--Savage fight of Neill's
+brigade--The corps withdraws to Banks' Ford--Recrosses the
+river--Hooker's operations on the right--Position of the corps--Rout of
+the Eleventh corps--The rebels repulsed--Jackson renews the attack--The
+rebels again repulsed--Hooker recrosses the river.
+
+Chapter XVIII.
+
+Second Encampment at White Oak Church and the Pennsylvania Campaign.
+
+The army in its old position--A trip to Dixie--The wounded at the
+hospitals--Introduction of army badges--Adornments of the camps--The
+"Third crossing"--The Barnard mansion--Exchanging papers--A broken
+lieutenant--The Pennsylvania campaign commenced--Restriction of
+baggage--A severe march--An army bathing--At Centreville--Bristow
+Station--March to Maryland--General Hooker succeeded by General
+Meade--Position of the army.
+
+Chapter XIX.
+
+The Gettysburgh Campaign.
+
+The rebels in Pennsylvania--Panic at Harrisburgh--Alarm at Baltimore and
+Washington--Sixth corps leaves Bristow Station--A surprise--General
+Meade takes command--Position of the army--Marching through
+Pennsylvania--An unprecedented march--Exciting news--Battle of
+Gettysburgh--Death of Reynolds--First and Eleventh corps fall back
+--Second day's battle--The battle-field--Fighting at Round Top--On the
+right--The grand onset--The battle decided--Rebel and Union wounded.
+
+Chapter XX.
+
+Pursuit of Lee's Army.
+
+Scenes of the field of Gettysburgh--The rebel hospitals--The sightless
+rebel soldier boy--The Sixth corps at Fairfield--"Hurrah for the
+Union"--Kilpatrick's handiwork--At Waynesboro'--On picket--A division of
+militia--The Vermonters at Funkstown--The army at Funkstown--Meade's
+failure to attack--New York riots--Return to Virginia.
+
+Chapter XXI.
+
+Camps at Warrenton, the Centreville Campaign and the Battle of
+Rappahannock Station.
+
+Camp at Hart's Mills--A ride to the Sulphur Springs--Contrabands going
+north--The Vermonters go to New York--Jersey Brigade at Warrenton--The
+Sixth corps at Cedar Mountain--Retreat to Centreville--Battle of Bristoe
+Station--Advance to Warrenton--Battle of Rappahannock Station--Flight of
+Lee's army.
+
+Chapter XXII.
+
+The Army at Brandy Station.
+
+Encampment at Brandy Station--The Mine Run campaign--Crossing the
+Rapidan--Battle of Locust Grove--The army on Mine Run--The order of
+battle--The army withdraws--Back at Brandy Station--Reconnoissance to
+Madison Court House--Ladies in camp--Chapel tents.
+
+Chapter XXIII.
+
+The Wilderness Campaign.
+
+Preparing to leave camp--General Grant in command--The last advance
+across the Rapidan--The battle-ground--Battle of the Wilderness--Noble
+fight of Getty's division--Hancock's fight on the left--Rickett's
+division driven back--The ground retaken--The wounded--Duties of the
+surgeons--The noble dead.
+
+Chapter XXIV.
+
+Spottsylvania.
+
+Moving by the flank--The wounded abandoned--The Fifth Corps at
+Spottsylvania--Arrival of the Sixth Corps--Getting into line--Death of
+Sedgwick--General Wright in command--Battle of the 10th of
+May--Upton's splendid charge--Battle at "the angle"--Another flank
+movement.
+
+Chapter XXV.
+
+The Hospitals at Fredericksburgh.
+
+The journey from the battle-field--Sufferings of the wounded--A
+surgeon's letters--Rebel hatred--Assistance from the north--A father in
+search of his boy--The wounded sent to Washington.
+
+Chapter XXVI.
+
+Coal Harbor.
+
+At Hanover Court House--The Eighteenth corps joins the Army of the
+Potomac--The armies meet at Coal Harbor--Battle of June 1st--Battle of
+June 3d--Terrible exposure--The army strikes for Petersburgh--Charles
+City Court House--A centenarian--Review of the overland campaign.
+
+Chapter XXVII.
+
+Petersburgh.
+
+The march to Petersburgh--Smith's successes--The battle of June
+18th--The Sixth and Second corps sent to the left--Rebels penetrate the
+line--Progress of the siege--Sixth corps proceeds to Reams'
+Station--Kautz's and Wilson's raids.
+
+Chapter XXVIII.
+
+Sixth Corps Transferred To Washington--Battle of Fort Stevens.
+
+The Shenandoah Valley--Hunter's advance to Lynchburgh--The
+retreat--Rebels advance into Maryland--Battle of Monocacy--Sixth corps
+goes to Washington--Battle of Fort Stevens.
+
+Chapter XXIX.
+
+The Shenandoah Valley.
+
+The Sixth and Nineteenth corps follow the enemy--Crossing the
+Potomac--Averill's fight at Snicker's Gap--Return of the Sixth corps to
+Washington--March back to Harper's Ferry--Return to Maryland--Death of
+Major Ellis--General Sheridan assigned to command--Back in the
+Valley--Charlestown--John Mosher--March to Fisher Hill--Return to
+Charlestown--Fight at Charlestown.
+
+Chapter XXX.
+
+Battle of Winchester.
+
+Encampment at Berryville--Leaving camp--The advance--Taking
+position--Advance and retreat--Death of Russell--"I know they'll
+run"--Reminiscences--At the hospitals--A regiment going home--"Why don't
+he come."
+
+Chapter XXXI.
+
+Fisher Hill.
+
+March up the valley--Strasburgh--The army confronting Fisher Hill--The
+flank movement--Flight of Early--The pursuit--Guerrilla
+warfare--Southern refugees--Starting for Washington--Return to Cedar
+creek.
+
+Chapter XXXII.
+
+Battle of Cedar Creek.
+
+Position of the Union forces on Cedar creek--Demonstrations by
+Early--The morning of October 19th--Eighth corps straggling--Nineteenth
+corps routed--The Sixth corps to the rescue--Death of General
+Bidwell--The Sixth corps holds the enemy--General Wright prepares for
+another attack--Arrival of Sheridan--The charge--The rout--Guns, wagons
+and prisoners--The victors in camp.
+
+Chapter XXXIII.
+
+The Final Campaign.
+
+Sixth corps returns to Petersburgh--Condition of the corps--Sheridan
+joins the grand army--Capture of Fort Steadman--The last grand
+charge--The pursuit of Lee's army--Tributes to the Sixth
+corps--Disbanding.
+
+
+
+
+THREE YEARS IN THE SIXTH CORPS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+A NEW REGIMENT GOES TO THE WAR.
+
+    Organization of the Seventy-seventh N. Y. V.--Departure from
+    Saratoga--Greetings by the way--New emotions--The noble dead--On
+    board the Knickerbocker--At New York--Presentation of
+    flags--Beauties of monopoly--Hospitality of
+    Philadelphia--Incidents on the route--Arrival at Washington--In
+    camp.
+
+
+Our regiment was organized at Saratoga Springs, the historic scene of
+the battle of Bemis Heights and the surrender of Burgoyne--hence its
+name, "The Bemis Heights Battalion." Hon. Jas. B. McKean, then member of
+congress, a gentleman of well known patriotism, was made our Colonel. We
+left our rendezvous on the 26th of November, 1861, Thanksgiving day,
+having been mustered into the United States service three days before.
+
+As the long train of cars bore us from the station at Saratoga Springs,
+the thousands who had gathered to witness our departure united in cheer
+after cheer until all the groves and vales of that charming resort rang
+with the echoes of the tumultuous shouting.
+
+The thousand brave fellows, who were about to try the stern realities of
+war, were by no means backward in replying to these hearty expressions
+of good wishes. Long after we had lost sight of the lovely village, the
+shouts of the multitude could be heard and the hills rang again with the
+responding cheers of those in the cars. At each station, as we passed,
+crowds of people pressed to greet us, and loud and long were the cheers
+that bade us "God speed."
+
+We were now fairly off for the war. We who had followed the various
+peaceful avocations of life, in the professions or in the workshops, in
+trade or in husbandry, had now turned away from the office, the desk,
+the shop and the plough, to join the Grand Army upon which the hopes of
+the nation were staked, and which we confidently believed was soon to
+sweep the rebellion to destruction.
+
+Emotions hitherto unknown to us filled our hearts. We were soldiers,
+wearing for the first time the army blue, and perhaps soon to be called
+out to meet in deadly strife an enemy whose prestige for valor was
+already too well established.
+
+Were we to return to the friends from whom we had just parted, bearing
+the chaplet of victory, or were we to find a last resting place on some
+field of the south, never again to meet with wife or sister, father or
+mother? Four years have passed and those doubts have been solved. Many
+of those brave men have gone to their long rest.
+
+  "Their graves are severed far and wide."
+
+Some sleep beneath the tall pines of Yorktown; and the bright azalia
+casts its purple blossoms over the graves of many who lie in the swamps
+of the Chickahominy. The Antietam murmurs a requiem to those who rest on
+its banks, and green is the turf above the noble ones who fell
+gloriously at Fredericksburgh. Some rest amid the wild tangles of the
+Wilderness, and upon the arid plain of Coal Harbor. Many of their graves
+are upon the banks of the Ny and the Po. The marble monument at Fort
+Stevens tells the names of some who gave their lives in the defense of
+the Capital, while the simple headboards of pine tell where repose many
+in the valley of the Shenandoah, and before Petersburgh. The remains of
+some have been brought back to the peaceful cemetery at home to rest
+beside the dust of loved ones.
+
+  "'Tis little; but it looks in truth
+    As if the quiet bones were blest
+  Among familiar names to rest,
+    And in the places of their youth."
+
+Must it be said, many of the strongest yielded to the grim monster
+starvation in the rebel prison pens, and found relief from their
+tortures in lowly graves at Andersonville and Salisbury.
+
+A little band, with bronzed faces and manly hearts, returned home. Their
+glorious and unspotted record had preceded them. They needed no song of
+victory, and they desired no greater marks of honor than their simple
+silver crosses, the badge of their corps.
+
+No incident worthy of note occurred until we reached Albany, where we
+left the cars and embarked upon the steamer Knickerbocker, an old
+dismantled craft, unfit for any purpose but the transportation of
+soldiers; whose decks were covered with mud an inch in depth, and whose
+doors having been thrown overboard, a free circulation of the rough
+November air was allowed in every part. The men had no rations, and some
+of them became clamorous; but order was soon restored, and rations of
+bread and ham with coffee were distributed. They could not, however, all
+be brought to a perfect state of quietude. Some were determined not to
+submit, and passed the night in carousal, while those soberly inclined
+tried in vain to sleep. The officers found lodging in the after cabin,
+where some in berths and some on the floor, we passed a restless night.
+
+As we approached New York in the morning, the sky was hung with heavy
+clouds, and as we left our rickety old craft for _terra firma_, the rain
+poured in fresh torrents upon us. We marched through 14th street and
+Broadway to the Park. We were to remain in New York until six o'clock in
+the evening, and the Sons of Saratoga were to present us with a stand of
+colors and guidons. They commenced by presenting us with an excellent
+dinner, at which speeches were made by the committee, and responded to
+by Colonel McKean and others on our part.
+
+Dinner over, the regiment was drawn up in front of the City Hall, where
+the ceremony of presenting the flags took place. The banner was an
+exquisite piece of work, of the richest fabric; a blue ground with
+elegant designs in oil. On one side was represented an engagement in
+which the American soldiers, led by Washington, were fighting under the
+old flag--thirteen stripes and the union jack. On the reverse was
+pictured the surrender of Burgoyne, at Saratoga, under the new flag--the
+stars and stripes--first unfurled in the goodly city of Albany, and
+first baptized in blood at the decisive battle of Bemis Heights, which
+resulted in the surrender of Burgoyne and the virtual success of the
+Revolution.
+
+We had already a beautiful national flag, the gift of the patriotic
+young ladies of Mr. Beecher's seminary, at Saratoga.
+
+The hour for departure arrived, and we crossed to Amboy by ferry. We
+were in New Jersey. We had heard disparaging things of the railroad
+management of this State, but we were now to realize the beauties of
+monopoly. We learned afterwards to respect New Jersey's soldiers, many
+of whom fought shoulder to shoulder with us, and were among the bravest
+of the brave, but we never forgave her railroads. The men were crowded
+into a number of shaky old cars, reeking with filth, and redolent of
+most noisome odors. It was in vain that we protested that these vehicles
+were unfit for transporting men; we were offered by the agent of the
+road the alternative to take these cars or remain where we were. We
+concluded to go on.
+
+At four o'clock we had passed over the whole of the Camden and Amboy
+road. Another ferry crossed, and we were in Philadelphia. Glorious,
+generous, enlightened Philadelphia! Many of our men were sick when we
+left Saratoga, and the unaccustomed hardships, with the cold and rain
+thus far on the route, had greatly prostrated them. Many others had also
+been seized with violent illness, so that our single medical officer had
+been taxed beyond his strength in looking after the wants of the sick,
+while the little case of medicines with which we started from Saratoga
+was exhausted. Among the first acts of kindness of these excellent
+people was the care of our sick. A gentleman, with countenance beaming
+with benevolence, said to the doctor, "If you will get your sick
+together, we will conduct them to comfortable quarters, and see that
+they are well cared for." The heart of the surgeon leaped with joy at
+finding some one who could and would help to care for the poor fellows.
+
+The sick being collected, our friend mounted a barrel and called to the
+soldiers to hear him a moment. "You are welcome," said he, "to
+Philadelphia, and to show you that we are glad to see you, it gives us
+pleasure to invite every man of you to partake of a warm breakfast which
+will be ready for you in a few minutes." This speech was greeted by
+three hearty cheers for Philadelphia.
+
+The doctor soon had his sick removed to the Soldiers' Retreat, a place
+fitted up by the noble-hearted people of Philadelphia for the
+entertainment of soldiers passing through their city. The upper part of
+the building was arranged with exquisite taste and order for a hospital.
+Here were many sick men left by the various regiments which had passed
+through the city. Our sick boys were placed in beds, with expressions of
+gratitude that, notwithstanding their illness, their lot had fallen in
+pleasant places.
+
+Presently the men were marched into the long saloon, where all took
+their places at the well spread tables. The repast being over, Colonel
+McKean called upon the men for three cheers for the Philadelphians;
+remarking that there need be no fear of raising the roof, for even
+should such an accident occur he doubted not these generous people would
+willingly replace it. Then came the cheers; and such cheers! only to be
+surpassed by the three more and then three more that followed.
+
+The long years of our campaignings never diminished the lively feelings
+of gratitude we experienced that morning, and to this day our veterans
+never speak of Philadelphia but with pleasing recollections of the
+friendly reception given them by the goodly inhabitants of the Quaker
+city.
+
+The sun was up when we resumed our journey, and again we were met with
+surprises. All along the track of the railroad, men, women and children,
+filling the windows of the houses and thronging the wayside, cheered us
+on our way, shouting and waving flags and handkerchiefs. Children in the
+arms of their nurses waved little flags from the windows in great glee,
+while gray haired old men in piping tones cried "God bless our
+soldiers." This unlooked for, and to us surprising ovation continued
+until we had passed the limits of the city, and indeed did not cease
+till we had left the station many miles behind. In the train, the men
+kept up a continuous cheering; tears stood in the eyes of many, and the
+most enthusiastic expressions passed from lip to lip.
+
+The experience of our regiment was only that of others who passed
+through this noble city, and often during our long campaigns, the
+soldiers of different regiments would gather round their camp fires, and
+relate to each other the kindnesses received by them in the City of
+Brotherly Love.
+
+We were cordially welcomed in Delaware, the people waving banners and
+handkerchiefs, and when those were not at hand, newspapers or even
+articles from the clothes lines answered to show their good will; and
+the negroes in the fields swung their hats and their hoes with great
+spirit.
+
+We reached Baltimore in the evening, where we were kindly received,
+furnished with supper and sent on our way. After many delays we reached
+Washington at four o'clock Sunday morning, and were assigned to
+temporary quarters near the station. Who would have suspected that it
+was the Sabbath? Now we began to see something of the circumstance of
+war. Horsemen were galloping in every direction; long trains of army
+wagons rattled over the pavements at every turn of the eye; squads of
+soldiers marched here and there; all was hurry, bustle and confusion.
+
+It was night when we reached the ground for our encampment on Meridian
+Hill. The men had suffered much from cold, and what at that time was
+hardship. Not less than a hundred of them were sick. It was not long
+before tents were up, and for the first time the regiment was under
+canvas.
+
+Our camp was pleasantly located, commanding a fine view of Washington,
+the Potomac, Alexandria and other points of interest. We were surrounded
+by the camps of other regiments, some arriving and some departing almost
+daily. We had not been two days here when we began to get a taste of
+camp rumors. One rumor declared that we were to have barracks erected,
+and we were to go into winter quarters, while another assured us that we
+were to have an immediate taste of actual warfare. These proved quite as
+reliable as the thousands of rumors which during all our years of
+service were afloat throughout the army, and acquired the expressive
+appellation of "Camp Yarns."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+ARMY LIFE AT WASHINGTON.
+
+    Meridian Hill--Neighboring scenery--First Sunday in
+    camp--Drills--Sickness--The Hospital--General Casey--"Why don't
+    the army move?"--Washington blockaded--Burnside's heroes--Orders
+    to move--Something of a train--Smith's division--Our first
+    reconnoissance.
+
+
+We encamped on Meridian Hill December 1st, 1861, with 960 men.
+
+Meridian Hill is the most delightful locality in the vicinity of
+Washington. The plain on which the city stands, extends northward from
+the Potomac about two miles where it is abruptly terminated by a line of
+hills. From the summit of these hills stretches back another plain, at
+an elevation of one or two hundred feet above the first. Along the
+margin of these eminences were some fine old suburban mansions. On our
+right towards Georgetown, was Kalorama, a charming spot, once the
+residence of Joel Barlow, the author of the famous poems "Hasty Pudding"
+and "The Columbiad." Now the building was converted by the government
+into a hospital. In close neighborhood to us was Columbia College, also
+used as a hospital, and to the east was the fine mansion of Colonel
+Stone, and other superb places, all of which, like Kalorama and the
+college, were full of sick men.
+
+Meridian Hill was in the center of this line of once beautiful country
+residences, directly north of the President's house. It had been the
+residence of Commodore Porter, and the house still bore the name of "the
+Porter Mansion." The grounds had been elegantly laid out with box and
+juniper, while the rich groves of oak and chestnut surrounding lent
+additional charms to the locality. The hill was dotted with the white
+tents of a dozen regiments, but none were so pleasantly located as our
+own, under the shadow of those grand old trees.
+
+The mansion itself became our hospital, and for a time also served as
+our head-quarters. From its broad piazza we could look upon the busy
+scenes of the city, and watch the vessels passing up and down upon the
+river. A week had passed before we were fairly established in our
+quarters, but we rapidly learned the mysteries of the soldier's life.
+
+The weather was delightful; more like September than what we were
+accustomed to experience in December. Although heavy mists hung over us
+until nine or ten o'clock in the morning, they were dispelled by the
+warm sunshine, and then all was bright as midsummer. This lovely weather
+continued until about the first of January.
+
+The country in rear of our encampment was charming. Fine groves,
+traversed by streams of pure, sweet water, and fields surrounded by
+hedges, stretched far to the northward. The dark green leaves of the
+magnolia were to be seen here and there among trees of larger growth,
+and the shining, ever-green laurel forming a dense undergrowth, gave the
+woods a lively and spring-like appearance. On the open plain might any
+day be seen a regiment of Lancers, wheeling and charging in their
+brilliant evolutions, their long lances with bright red pennons adding
+greatly to the beauty of the display, and, as we at that time vainly
+believed, to the efficacy of the troop.
+
+The first Sunday came, and we had religious services. The regiment was
+formed in front of the mansion, every man being called out, unless on
+duty or excused on account of illness. This became an established rule
+with us for all time; every man was required to attend divine service
+unless especially excused. Chaplain Tully and the members of the staff
+occupied the piazza. The chaplain offered a prayer for the loved ones at
+home, and then we all sung "Coronation," and after the sermon, we sung
+"Cambridge" and "Old Hundred." The men seemed deeply affected by the
+simple service, and many a quivering lip betrayed the emotions of the
+heart.
+
+Drills became the order of the day. Every morning the hill rang from one
+end to the other with the sharp commands of the company officers to
+"Order arms!" "Shoulder arms!" as the men exercised by squads. Besides
+the regular drill in the manual of arms, some of the companies delighted
+in that system of military gymnastics called the bayonet exercise. In
+the afternoon Colonel McKean usually trained the regiment in the more
+difficult exercises of the battalion drill.
+
+But we began to feel the scourge of new regiments. Disease became almost
+universal. We had but a single medical officer and he was tasked beyond
+his strength. One hundred and fifty or two hundred men were prescribed
+for every morning, aside from those so ill as to be in the hospital.
+
+The large parlors of the old mansion were neatly fitted up for our
+hospital, for which they were admirably adapted. The two principal wards
+were the large front parlors, which communicated by folding doors; the
+ceilings were high, and the large open fire places in either apartment
+served the double purpose of supplying heat and ventilation, so that
+while about fifty beds were always occupied, the air was kept fresh and
+pure. Typhoid fevers, typhoid pneumonias, diphtheria, and remittent
+fevers were prevalent, while now and then the malaria manifested itself
+in the form of the terrible spotted fever. Besides, as usually occurs
+when the last named disease prevails in camps, some died suddenly from
+unknown causes.
+
+By the tenth of the month the majority of the men were unfit for duty.
+In one company the three commissioned officers were in the hospital, and
+but twelve men could be mustered for evening parade. The labors of the
+medical officer who undertakes single-handed to minister to the wants of
+a regiment of recruits can only be known to those who have tried it. Our
+doctor was as much worn out by the perplexities of organizing his
+department as by the actual attendance on the sick. New demands came
+almost every hour of the day and night, and it was only when the
+violence of disease had subsided, and another officer was added to the
+medical staff, that our weary son of Galen found a degree of respite.
+
+We were in the command of General Silas Casey, a noble specimen of a man
+and a soldier. His manly dignity and kindly bearing impressed all with
+profound respect for him, and although we were but a few weeks in his
+command we never ceased to remember him with pleasure. The provisional
+brigade and division to which we were attached was frequently reviewed
+and drilled by the general, and made a fine appearance.
+
+Thus the time passed until the opening of the New Year. Our men, like
+most fresh soldiers, were anxious for a fight, and were heartily tired
+of what they considered inglorious inactivity. Many of them expressed
+great fears that they would be obliged to return home without ever
+hearing the sound of battle. How greatly they were mistaken we shall see
+as we trace the bloody campaigns of more than three years of hard
+fighting.
+
+Our friends at home were not unmindful of us. Boxes of clothing and
+other comforts for the sick were sent in goodly numbers; so our sick
+were well supplied with bedding and changes of clothing, as well as
+jellies and other luxuries. Our friend, McMicheal, of Congress Hall,
+Saratoga, thinking we could better celebrate the New Year with a good
+dinner, sent us one worthy of his fame as a landlord. Could Mack have
+heard the cheers of the boys that made the ground tremble as the four
+hundred pounds of cooked chickens and turkeys were distributed among
+them, his glory as a caterer would have been complete. With the New Year
+came stormy weather; rain was the rule, sunshine the exception. The mud
+became almost unfathomable and it was not uncommon to see the six mules
+attached to an army wagon tugging and striving with all their power to
+drag the empty wagon out of a mud hole. Boys who had plied the trade of
+bootblack gave up their profession and with pail and sponge in hand
+called to the passer by, "Wash your boots, sir?" During the lovely month
+of December we had been impatient for action; but now the oft repeated
+question, "Why don't the Army of the Potomac move?" became ludicrous to
+our ears.
+
+Thus passed another month in drills and camp duties. Some recruits came
+to us, while many of the men who came out at first were found unfit for
+field duty and were discharged.
+
+Distrust arose among officers and enlisted men of our army about the
+capital, in regard to the manner in which the army was managed. A
+wilderness of men surrounded Washington, and yet we were blockaded by
+the rebels on all sides except one.
+
+Government was paying enormous prices for fuel consumed by the army,
+because the Potomac was closed, and all wood had to be brought by rail
+from the sparsely wooded districts of Maryland. Provisions sold at
+fabulous prices, and Washington was in fact a beleaguered city. Some
+rays of light from the west penetrated the thick darkness; but it cannot
+be concealed that while the Grand Army stationed about the capital
+panted for action and longed for the glory of the battle-field, a gloom
+possessed the spirits of the men, and a feeling, that all this splendid
+material was destined to a "masterly inactivity," prevailed. Our hopes
+were newly kindled when the affairs of the War Department passed into
+the hands of a live man, and when Mr. Stanton's practical energy began
+to be manifested both in the department and in the field. We heard from
+Burnside; first sad news, and then of success; and our hearts burned to
+be with him. Fort Donelson followed Roanoke; and Price's army was routed
+in Missouri. We envied the men who had been our nearest neighbors, but
+who had followed Burnside to the South. Glorious fellows! What cared
+they now for the fury of the waves or the hardships of short rations? We
+were afraid of being left as idle spectators of great things in which we
+should not be allowed to participate.
+
+On the 15th of February came an order for us to move in a few days, and
+join Smith's division. This division lay upon the other side of the
+river, and although we had been anxious to move we did not wish to get
+permanently fixed in the mud by moving there. We knew little of General
+Smith or his division, only that the general had been trying very hard
+for some time past to get the regiment, and we had little hopes of good
+from the new arrangement. How little did we then suppose that the cross
+of that old division would be one of the proudest badges of honor that
+men could wear!
+
+Sunday night came, and the order to move at once, came also. What a
+scene of confusion! We had never broken up camp before, and the
+excitement ran high. The pounding and tearing of boards, the shouting of
+men and braying of mules, combined in a grand uproar. Bonfires blazed
+from every part of the camp, and the whole night was spent in tearing
+down quarters and loading the stuff into army wagons as they presented
+themselves in great numbers. It was a rare sight. The camp glowing with
+a hundred fires, and the men and teams moving about among them like
+spectres. Morning came, and the teams were loaded, and the men ready to
+march. The teams drove out and formed a line reaching down 14th street
+from our camp nearly to the White House! One hundred and five six-mule
+teams constituted the train for our regimental baggage; and so much
+dissatisfaction prevailed among certain company officers that we were
+allowed twenty-five more teams next day! Rain had fallen nearly all
+night, and the prospect looked dreary. As the day advanced the rain came
+faster and faster, until it fairly poured. The men waded through mortar
+nearly to their knees.
+
+It was three o'clock in the afternoon when we reached Smith's division
+and the ground on which we were to make our camp. The prospect was not
+cheering, and as two or three of our staff officers rode upon the
+ground, the place seemed forbidding enough. It had been recently the
+location of a thicket of scrub pines, but the trees had been cut down
+for fuel, and the stumps and brush remained, so that the mounted
+officers found much difficulty in reining their horses into the midst.
+Snow covered the ground to the depth of several inches. Here our men,
+tired and wet, cold and hungry, were to pitch their tents, cook their
+suppers, and make their beds.
+
+The men fell to work heartily, and by dark they had cleared off the snow
+and brush enough to make room for their tents, and many cook fires
+blazed over the camp.
+
+The regiments of the division showed us much hospitality, and a very
+pleasant acquaintance commenced on that day, which was destined to
+become earnest friendship. The next day was spent in putting the camp in
+order. As rain continued to fall, the mud in the company streets became
+knee-deep. Our sick, those unable to walk, had been left in our old
+hospital with a sufficient number of faithful nurses, under charge of
+the surgeon of one of the regiments that remained.
+
+Let us for a moment glance at the composition of the division of which
+we now formed a part. We were assigned to the Third brigade. It
+comprised, beside our own, the Thirty-third New York, Colonel Taylor, a
+regiment whose gallantry at Yorktown, Williamsburgh and Fredericksburgh
+fully established its reputation as one of the best fighting regiments
+in the army. The Forty-ninth New York, Colonel Bidwell, a noble regiment
+with a noble commander, a regiment which could always be counted on to
+do all that men could do; the Seventh Maine, Colonel Mason, whose men
+were patterned after the pines of their own forests, tall, straight and
+powerful fellows, who never forgot their proclivities for hunting, and
+who were never so happy as when they could pick off a few rebel pickets
+with their rifles. The brigade was commanded by General Davidson, who
+afterwards made himself exceedingly disagreeable to the rebels, and
+famous at the north by his daring cavalry raids in the west. The first
+brigade included the Forty-third New York, Colonel Vinton; the
+Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, Colonel Irwin; the Sixth Maine, Colonel
+Knowles; and the Fifth Wisconsin, Colonel Cobb; all of them excellent
+regiments, under command of General Hancock, who has since placed his
+name high on the roll of fame as the commander of the old Second corps.
+
+The Second brigade was composed entirely of Vermont troops, including
+the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Vermont regiments, commanded
+respectively by Colonels Henry Whiting, B. N. Hyde, E. H. Stoughton, L.
+A. Grant and N. M. Lord, and known as the "Vermont Brigade," and nobly
+did they sustain the traditional reputation of the Green Mountain Boys,
+as stern patriots and hard fighters. They were commanded by General
+Brooks, who afterward commanded the Tenth corps.
+
+General William F. Smith, or, as he was familiarly known, "Baldy Smith,"
+commanded the division. He is too well known to all who admire a true
+soldier to require more than a mention here, and his great fame has been
+well and faithfully earned.
+
+No more splendid material, either for officers or men, ever entered into
+the composition of a division, and how nobly it played its part in the
+great drama of the war, it shall be part of our duty to record. Drills,
+regimental, brigade and division, were again in order, and picket duty
+now became a part of our routine.
+
+This would not be a faithful chronicle of the doings of the new
+regiment, were we to forget to relate the history of our first
+expedition into the enemy's country.
+
+An order came one evening in February for Colonel McKean to take his
+regiment and make a reconnoissance towards Vienna. His instructions were
+to pass the picket line, advance towards Vienna, make a thorough
+reconnoissance and return.
+
+The news spread through the camp, and the regiment was ablaze with
+excitement. Some who had been on the sick list, and were excused from
+camp duty, sought from the surgeon permission to accompany the
+expedition, while a few who had been, up to this time, well, were
+earnest in their applications to be excused from the march.
+
+The regiment was formed at ten o'clock at night; thick darkness,
+darkness of the blackest and most intense degree, prevailed. One could
+scarcely see his neighbor whose shoulder touched his own. We were miles
+away from the enemy, but the men were to be instructed in performing
+their movements in secrecy; so the commands were passed along the line,
+as the companies were forming, in whisper. No lights were allowed, and
+we left our camp a column of blackness. We were presently joined by a
+guide who carried a lantern. We passed a great many regiments, all the
+while observing strict silence.
+
+The mud was deep, very deep; some of the men lost their shoes in the
+depths of the mire, and some even lost themselves, and were only
+discovered when they arrived in camp some hours earlier than the
+regiment. Through the darkness we plodded until we reached our
+destination, at daylight on the following morning. Here we found bough
+houses which had been used by rebel cavalry; and the tracks of many
+horses imprinted only a little while before, whether by the horses of
+our own cavalry, or by those of the enemy, we never knew. The battalion
+was halted and scouts were sent to the front and on the flanks. Some of
+the boys who had lost their shoes in the mud before we had advanced the
+first mile, had made the whole march in their stockings; while others,
+who had been sick, looked as though they could never get back to camp.
+The companies deployed and marched through the woods, but as the enemy
+was on the other side of Vienna we saw no rebels. It was noon when we
+reached our camp, tired and covered with mud. Those who went laughed at
+those who remained behind, and called them "dead beats!" The "beats"
+tauntingly demanded of the others what all their demonstration had
+amounted to.
+
+The New York papers heralded the exploit as a grand advance on the
+enemy, and we said little about it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE MANASSAS CAMPAIGN.
+
+    Orders to march--A grand spectacle--Bivouac near Fairfax Court
+    House--The camps at night--Visits to Manassas and
+    Centreville--Dissatisfaction in the army--A deserted
+    country--Lawless soldiers--Fairfax Court House--A representative
+    Southerner--Review by Gen. McClellan--March to Alexandria--"Camp
+    Misery."
+
+
+The first week in March brought lovely weather: birds sang more sweetly,
+the sun shone more brightly, and bands played more merrily than usual,
+and friends passed from regiment to regiment seeking social pastime with
+friends.
+
+We had known no such pleasant times in camp; still we were waiting for
+orders to advance. During the night of Sunday, the 8th of March, the
+order came: "This division will move at four o'clock in the morning with
+two days' rations in haversacks." Little rest we got that night; the
+hammer and the axe were plied vigorously in tearing down quarters and
+packing stores, and as the sun rose in the morning the whole army was in
+motion. It was a sublime spectacle: that immense line of troops pouring
+along hour after hour, stretching over the hills as far as the eye could
+reach; a hundred and twenty thousand troops on the move! Just beyond and
+above them, in the gray sky of the morning, hung a beautiful rainbow. At
+six our division commenced to march. Rain soon began to fall, and
+continued all day. We passed through Vienna and Lewinsville, each a
+hamlet of a dozen houses, and reached our camping ground at five o'clock
+in the afternoon, tired, and drenched, and hungry.
+
+Great numbers of troops had already occupied the fields, and the whole
+country seemed alive with men and horses, artillery and wagons. We were
+in the vicinity of Fairfax Court House, about a mile to the northward,
+on what was called Flint Hill.
+
+The army, for the first time, was under "_tentes d'abri_," or, as they
+are now called, shelter tents. Until now the enlisted men had occupied
+the spacious Sibley, or the comfortable wedge tents, and all officers
+were quartered in wall tents; now, line officers and enlisted men were
+to occupy shelter tents, which they were to carry on their shoulders;
+and although a small number of wall tents could be carried in the wagons
+for field and staff officers, yet so imperfect was the understanding, in
+or out of the quartermaster's department, of what could or ought to be
+done, that most regimental field and staff officers were left without
+any shelter at all.
+
+The men proceeded to make themselves as comfortable as possible under
+their novel coverings, and as evening approached, the hills were
+magnificently illuminated with thousands of camp fires. Very few men
+occupied their new tents that night. They had not been accustomed to lie
+upon wet ground, with only a single blanket wrapped about them, so
+during all the night groups of soldiers stood about the camp fires,
+talking in low tones and wondering what was to happen in the morning.
+The sky was clear and bright when the sun rose, and as we looked out
+upon the hill tops, dotted with clean white tents, and bristling with
+stacks of shining muskets, we exulted in the thought that we were part
+of the Grand Army that was now at work. Soon we knew that we were not to
+fight here. The cavalry, and some of Porter's division, were returning
+from Manassas and Centreville, both places burned and deserted. Were we
+to pursue the retreating army, or were we to return to Washington to
+take a new start? Parties from the division rode to Centreville and
+Manassas. The works were indeed formidable and the barracks extensive;
+and the old chestnut logs with blackened ends, that were mounted in some
+of the embrasures, had, at a distance, grim visages. The smoking ruins
+betokened the destructiveness of war. On the old battle-field lay
+bleaching the bones of horses and men, and here and there might be seen
+portions of human skeletons protruding from the shallow graves where
+some pretense had been made at burial. Fragments of shells, broken
+muskets and solid shot strewed the ground.
+
+Head-quarters of the army were established at Fairfax Court House, and
+thither repaired the corps commanders to hold a council in regard to our
+future movements. The country about our camp was rolling and sparsely
+settled. Nearly all the houses were deserted, and most of them destroyed
+so far as any future usefulness was concerned. One house, the ruins of
+which stood not far from our camp, and which had been the most
+comfortable place in the whole section of country, had been the
+residence of a northern farmer. Although the house was completely
+stripped, and nothing of the barns and outhouses remained but the
+frames, yet there were many evidences of the thrift and comfort of the
+former occupant. A northern reaper, several horse rakes, ploughs of
+improved patterns, and other modern implements of agriculture, betokened
+a genuine farmer. We were told that he was driven from his home early in
+the war, and had now found refuge among his friends in New Hampshire.
+But the houses of the southerners had not been exempt from the general
+devastation, and some who had sought refuge in Richmond had left their
+homes to ruin. The people were evidently strongly "secesh," although
+some of them professed to be glad to see us.
+
+It cannot be said that the presence of our army afforded them great
+protection, for the men, unused to the strict discipline which afterward
+prevailed, coolly appropriated whatever articles seemed to them to be of
+use either for the present or the future. It was amusing to see the
+soldiers of some of the divisions in which less than the usual
+discipline prevailed, peering and creeping about wherever there seemed a
+prospect of plunder. Now one would pass with a pair of chickens; next,
+one bringing a clothes line; then one with part of an old table, and
+still another with half a dozen eggs. This system of plunder was at
+length checked, in a measure at least. Fowls, eggs and potatoes could be
+purchased of the people at fair rates, while rebel currency could be
+bought for silver at a very considerable discount. Twenty-five cent and
+one cent shinplasters were brought into camp and laughed at by men who
+were afterward glad to get shinplasters from another manufactory.
+
+To Fairfax Court House was but a short distance; and a ride to the
+village afforded a pleasant gallop of a morning. The place, and the
+country half a mile on each side, was occupied by McCall's division. The
+village was pleasantly located on high ground, surrounded by fine
+groves. It contained some pretty residences, which were occupied by
+officers as head-quarters: their horses, in some instances, being
+picketed on the porticos, and in others in the kitchens. The village was
+nearly deserted by its own people, not more than fifty of the original
+inhabitants being left, though the population of the town before the war
+was nearly six hundred. Houses which were deserted were generally
+stripped of everything. The court house was a solid old brick building
+of very limited dimensions, with a little bell swinging in a comical
+looking steeple. The court house was by no means an exception to the
+general rule of destruction; the seats were torn out, and the judge's
+bench had been split in pieces, and nearly all carried away by pockets
+full, as relics. At one of the houses where the family still remained, a
+party reined up and made some inquiries of the _pater familias_, a
+hangdog looking specimen, with an old slouched hat covered to the crown
+with rusty crape, a mark of second-hand gentility in these parts. He
+said that "this yer war" had caused such a famine among the people, that
+nearly all of them had been obliged to leave; some had gone to
+Washington and some to Richmond, "a right smart lot of them had gone to
+Richmond." He had "reckoned onct or twict" that he would have to go too,
+but he "had succeeded in hanging on so long."
+
+Our division was reviewed by General McClellan, who was received with
+enthusiasm. Although many of us were familiar with the appearance of the
+Commander-in-Chief, this was his first appearance to us as a division.
+The General appeared a man below the medium height, with broad
+shoulders, full chest and a round pleasing face relieved by a heavy
+moustache. He sat his horse well and rode with great speed. While his
+appearance and address were pleasing, there seemed in his smooth face
+and mild eye nothing to indicate a man of brilliant genius or great
+purpose.
+
+At length the council of corps commanders had rendered its decision, and
+the grand campaign of the Virginian Peninsula was planned. On the
+morning of the fourteenth of March, with buoyant hopes and exulting
+anticipations of a "quick, sharp and decisive," and as we devoutly
+believed, a successful campaign, we left our camp at Flint Hill. It had
+few charms for us, and we were glad to leave it. How little we yet knew
+of real campaigning. Although we had notice several hours beforehand
+that we were to move by daylight, yet many, indeed, the majority of us,
+marched that morning without breakfast.
+
+No morning sun cheered us as the day began, but the sky was hung with
+heavy clouds. A drizzling rain, now diminishing almost to a heavy mist,
+and now coming in fresh showers, made the marching heavy and unpleasant.
+Grandly appeared that majestic army as it filed down the turnpike to
+Alexandria. At times the elevation of the road afforded a view of the
+mighty column for miles to the front, and at other times we could see it
+pouring onward an endless stream of cavalry, infantry, artillery and
+wagons, far from the rear.
+
+So grand a spectacle had never been witnessed on this continent before.
+Our march was rapid and we made no halt for dinner: those who went
+without breakfast had poor chance for coffee that day.
+
+Towards evening the rain increased, and as we drew off into a piece of
+woods five miles out from Alexandria, the rain came down in sheets. Near
+our halting place were some deserted houses. No sooner had we stopped
+than began the work of destruction, afterward so familiar to us, and in
+less than an hour there was not a board or timber left of either
+building. The ground, although quite uneven and sloping, soon became so
+flooded that tents, even when they could be pitched, were untenable. The
+men attempted to build fires, but in most instances the floods of water
+quenched the flames. Some, however, succeeded in starting huge fires,
+and around these stood the men during the whole night, while the tempest
+poured in torrents upon them. A few of the officers of the division,
+among whom was one who afterward became noted for looking out for and
+providing good things for his regiment as quartermaster, sought refuge
+in a house not far off, where, for the moderate sum of twenty-five cents
+each, they were allowed by the people sleeping room upon the floor.
+Never since the times of Pharaoh was an army so thoroughly drenched.
+During more than three years campaigning in the field our boys never
+forgot that night; and to this day they frequently refer to the
+disagreeable experience in what they not inappropriately term "Camp
+Misery." Here, in "Camp Misery," we remained several days, waiting to
+embark for Fortress Monroe.
+
+Without doubt, the rebels all this time knew of our destination; for the
+people among whom we were encamped were by no means our friends or
+indifferent to the success of the rebels, and the point of our
+destination was well known and freely spoken of among them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE ARMY TRANSFERRED TO THE PENINSULA.
+
+    Embarking for the Peninsula--Mount Vernon--On the
+    Potomac--Hampton--In camp--Orders to march--A night visit to
+    Fortress Monroe--The advance--A sifting--A Quaker battery--At
+    Newport News--Compliments of the Teaser.
+
+
+On Sunday morning, March 23d, we marched to Alexandria. The whole of our
+division, and of the other divisions of Keyes' corps, were there,
+besides part of Heintzelman's corps and other troops. In the course of
+the afternoon, this great body of men was embarked upon the transports.
+The vessels having received their lading, swung out upon the river and
+laid at anchor during the night. Early in the morning the whole fleet
+was under way, steaming down the river. We passed Mount Vernon--the
+bells of the fleet tolling. The tomb lies in the midst of a clump of
+firs just south and a little below the house; the mansion and the
+grounds are nearly as they were left by Washington, and the whole looks
+down upon the river, calling upon the passer-by for a thought upon the
+great man whose dust lies beneath the fir trees. After passing Mount
+Vernon, nothing of special interest was seen except the broad expanse of
+waters of this magnificent stream. A few large mansions, a few inferior
+houses, and now and then a little hamlet, appeared on the banks; and at
+Aquia creek could be seen the insignificant earthworks that had covered
+the few field pieces which for so many months had kept up an efficient
+blockade of the Potomac.
+
+How different was all this from our Hudson! The country bordering on the
+river is beautiful; nature has done everything for it, but a cursed
+institution has blighted it. There is not a country in the world where
+nature has been more lavish with its blessings, and yet it is forsaken,
+worn out, almost a wilderness. The magnificent rivers and unsurpassed
+harbors of Virginia, its natural fertility and the mildness of its
+climate, present natural advantages scarcely equaled by any country. As
+we stood upon the deck of the steamer, watching and admiring the
+ever-varying beauties of the noble stream, some one repeated these lines
+from Barlow's _Columbiad_:
+
+  "Thy capes, Virginia, towering from the tide,
+  Raise their blue banks, and slope thy barriers wide,
+  To future sails unfold a fluvian way,
+  And guard secure thy multifluvian bay,
+  That drains uncounted realms and here unites
+  The liquid mass from Alleganian hights.
+  York leads his way embanked in flowery pride,
+  And noble James falls winding by his side;
+  Back to the hills, through many a silent vale,
+  Wild Rappahannock seems to lure the sail;
+  Patapsco's bosom courts the hand of toil;
+  Dull Susquehanna laves a length of soil;
+  But mightier far, in sea-like azure spread,
+  Potowmac sweeps his earth disparting bed."
+
+At night we were on the broad Chesapeake. A stiff breeze set our fleet
+rocking, but we slept quietly, leaving the waves to take care of
+themselves and the pilots to take care of the boats. Reveille awoke us
+in the morning to discover on the one side of us the world-renowned
+Fortress Monroe and on the other the equally famous Monitor. At our bow
+lay the village of Hampton--or rather the chimneys and trees of what had
+been Hampton. Orders came for us to disembark here, and we were soon
+among the debris of the town. A sadder commentary on war could hardly be
+found than the ruins of this beautiful village. A forest of shade trees
+and chimneys marked the place where a few months before had stood one of
+the most ancient villages in America. Hyacinths and daffodils, peach
+trees and roses, were in bloom in the deserted and fenceless gardens;
+and the dark green leaves of the japonica and laurel covered many a heap
+of unsightly rubbish.
+
+The walls of the old church, the most ancient in the State, stood like
+silent witnesses against the reckless spirit of destruction of the
+rebels. Although not large, the church had evidently been a fine old
+structure, having the form of a Greek cross. About it were the graves of
+the forefathers of the village, reposing under the shadow of those old
+trees. Many of the tablets were ancient, dating back as far as 1706.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD CHURCH AT HAMPTON.]
+
+The whole army was pouring out upon this shore, and at Fortress Monroe.
+Dense masses of infantry, long trains of artillery and thousands of
+cavalry, with unnumbered army wagons and mules, were mingled in grand
+confusion along the shore; the neighing of horses, the braying of mules,
+the rattle of wagons and artillery, and the sound of many voices,
+mingled in one grand inharmonious concert.
+
+Our division marched along a pleasant route to a field about midway
+between Fortress Monroe and Newport News. We rested until March 26th,
+when an order came at midnight for the army to march very early in the
+morning. We were short of some medical stores and quartermasters'
+supplies, and officers at once mounted their horses to ride through the
+thick darkness to Fortress Monroe, to procure the needed articles. Along
+the road men were already cooking their breakfasts, and artillery was
+hurrying towards Newport News. At short intervals along the road,
+sentinels were posted; and as the sounds of the horses' hoofs were
+heard, the sharp command rung out through the darkness, "Halt! who comes
+there?" and the galloping horses would suddenly halt at long distance
+from the sentry.
+
+"Friends with the countersign."
+
+"Dismount and advance one; and give the countersign."
+
+One of the parties, leaving his horse with the other, would advance and
+give the required word, and on we rode again until suddenly halted by a
+similar warning. As we approached the fortress, the sentinels were more
+frequent, until, as we came within half a mile of our destination, the
+guards were posted so frequently that we had hardly passed one, before
+the sharp command to "Halt!" was heard again. We crossed the drawbridge,
+and at length found ourselves in the little village in rear of the fort.
+Passing here many sentinels who examined us very carefully, we reached
+the door of the citadel. Here we were halted by a sentinel, and each
+examined for the countersign. The sentinel called the corporal of the
+guard; who after satisfying himself that we were Union officers shouted
+to the sergeant. The great iron door ground upon its massive hinges as
+it swung open just far enough to permit the sergeant to squeeze through,
+and again it was closed, and the heavy bolts rung as they flew back to
+their places. The sergeant, after asking a few questions, went back into
+the fort, and soon returned with the officer of the guard, who, after
+receiving the countersign, questioned us closely as to our business, and
+who we were. Satisfied, at length he ordered a soldier to take our
+horses, the heavy door slowly opened, and we were admitted within the
+walls. Such were the precautions in admitting strangers to the
+stronghold.
+
+At six o'clock the division was in line and on the road. The morning was
+indescribably beautiful. The vapors that rose from the broad expanse of
+waters were tinged with a thousand gorgeous hues as they rolled away,
+dispersed by the morning sun; and the tall yellow pines were crowned
+with rich golden coronals of light. The road was perfectly level and
+dry, and the country delightful. Long rows of locusts and pines lined
+the sides of the road, and the rich groves of oak just sending forth
+their foliage, were beautifully interspersed with the holly, with its
+bright red berries and rich evergreen leaves. Peach orchards in full
+bloom added to the beauty of the scene, and when at times we could see
+the lines of troops, two and three miles in extent, their muskets
+glittering in the bright sunlight, the enthusiasm of the men was
+unbounded.
+
+All the bridges over the route had been destroyed by the enemy, but
+pioneers advanced at the head of the column, and as the bridges were all
+small they were quickly repaired. A march of a few miles brought us in
+sight of the James river; a noble stream, at least five miles wide at
+this point. Not far from the shore appeared the masts of the U. S.
+frigate Cumberland, sunk in the memorable fight with the Merrimac. As
+our march led us along the banks, the views were charming. On one hand
+was the noble river, and on the other the orchards and groves. Deserted
+houses, and gardens blooming with hyacinths and other blossoms of early
+spring, were passed. On the opposite side of the river lay a rebel
+gunboat, watching our movements.
+
+Our division, Smith's, had taken the lead on the James river road, while
+Porter's division had marched upon Great Bethel. After a march of
+fifteen miles, our division was drawn up in line of battle near Warwick.
+Porter's division had already reached Great Bethel, on our right, and we
+could see huge columns of smoke rising in that direction, and hear the
+roar of artillery. An aide dashed up and informed General Davidson that
+the enemy were in line of battle ready to receive us. Soon the order
+came to advance; the line swept onward through the woods and over a
+cleared field, but found no foe. A few cavalry pickets only were seen,
+and a shell from one of our Parrott guns set them flying towards
+Yorktown. We passed through the confederate encampments where their
+fires were still blazing, but soon turned round and bivouacked on ground
+last night occupied by rebels.
+
+In this advance or reconnoissance of the whole army, the qualities of
+the individual soldiers composing it were brought out in bold relief.
+The effect on our own division was marked. During the months we had been
+in winter quarters, many officers and men had established marvelous
+reputations for bravery and hardihood, merely by constantly heralding
+their own heroism. But from this time these doughty heroes went back.
+Officers suddenly found cause for resigning; and enlisted men managed to
+get sent to the rear, and never showed their faces at the front again.
+On the contrary, some who were really invalids insisted on dragging
+themselves along with the column, fearful that an engagement might take
+place in which they would not participate. A sifting process was thus
+commenced throughout the whole division, and to its honor the poltroons
+were very soon sifted out, and from that time forth, Smith's division
+never afforded a comfortable resting place for men of doubtful courage.
+"They went out from us, because they were not of us."
+
+Next morning we retired over the road upon which we had advanced, and
+encamped near Newport News. As we passed this place on our outward
+march, we saw at a distance what appeared to be a heavy gun, but as we
+approached it proved to be a large cart, on which was mounted a great
+wooden mortar, which had, perhaps, been used by negroes for cracking
+corn. When we returned a hog's head was fixed in the mouth of the
+mortar. "There," remarked an officer, "is the first Quaker we have seen
+on the Peninsula." "You must sketch it," said the colonel of the
+Seventy-seventh, and the officer obeyed.
+
+[Illustration: THE QUAKER AT NEWPORT NEWS.]
+
+The division encamped upon a low plain covered with sedges and reeds, a
+good enough encampment while the dry weather lasted, but when the rain
+came in floods two nights after we pitched our tents here, the whole
+division was inundated, and we moved to higher and better ground.
+
+The masts of the Cumberland greeted our eyes whenever we turned toward
+the river, and the rebel gunboats made short excursions toward our side
+of the stream. One day large numbers of men, mostly from the Vermont
+brigade, were on the shoals of the river bathing and gathering oysters.
+The gunboat Teazer discovering them, steamed down toward them, and threw
+some heavy shells, shrieking and cracking among them, causing great
+consternation among the bathers, and some confusion and much amusement
+on shore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+YORKTOWN.
+
+    The advance to Yorktown--A thunder storm--"Reliable
+    contrabands"--Facing the enemy--A strong position--The Union
+    line--A rebel welcome--Digging--On picket--A dreary country--An
+    enterprising planter--Active work--Battle of Lee's Mills--Charge
+    of the Vermont brigade--Progress of the siege--Ravages of
+    disease--A front seat--Short supplies--The rebels
+    withdraw--Entering the strongholds--Infernal machines--March to
+    Williamsburgh--Victims of disease.
+
+
+At length, on the 4th of April, the army was put in motion for Yorktown.
+The General-in-Chief had arrived at Fortress Monroe the evening before,
+and at once the army became the scene of prodigious activity. Keyes'
+corps, our own division in advance, took the road along the banks of the
+James river. The rest of the army, headed by Porter's division, advanced
+on the more direct road to Yorktown, through Great Bethel, accompanied
+by General McClellan.
+
+The day being clear and warm, the men soon began to realize the
+difficulty of transporting large amounts of clothing and camp equipage
+on their shoulders, and the roadsides were strewn with blankets and
+overcoats, dress coats and pants. The bushes and trees for miles along
+the route were thickly hung with articles of clothing, mostly new, and
+all good. Soldiers who had put on their marching suit would fall out of
+the ranks, the knapsack would quickly disgorge a new coat and pants, the
+wearers would as quickly divest themselves of the soiled garments and
+replace them with the new ones, the others being left on the ground.
+Whenever a halt was ordered this shifting process became general.
+
+The roads, which at first were dry and firm, were as we advanced badly
+cut up, and great difficulty was experienced in getting the trains
+along.
+
+An advance of ten miles brought us in front of Young's Mills, a strongly
+fortified position five or six miles from Yorktown. The corps was drawn
+up in line of battle and cavalry sent to reconnoiter the position. The
+works were deserted, but camp fires still blazed in them. Here we rested
+for the night. At daylight next morning the advance was renewed. The
+roads were even worse than the day before. Infantry could get along well
+enough, but artillery and army wagons had a hard time of it. Each piece
+of artillery made the road worse, until the axles dragged in a river of
+mud. We passed the little village of Warwick Court House. There were
+here a little brick court house, a jail and a clerk's office seven feet
+by ten, a store and a tavern. There were also two small dwelling houses.
+
+After a march of three miles the division was drawn up in line of
+battle. We had reached the hostile works before the rest of the army.
+Skirmishers were sent to the front and we advanced slowly and cautiously
+through the woods. A terrific thunder storm burst upon us and the roar
+of the heavenly artillery seemed to mock any efforts at martial
+grandeur. Seldom, if ever, had we of the northern states witnessed such
+an exhibition of sublimity and terrible magnificence of the workings of
+the elements. The vivid lightning and terrific peals of thunder seemed
+to the men the presage of deadly work to come. The advance was very
+difficult, the woods being marshy and filled with tangles and briars.
+The men were scratched and bleeding. The long line of battle presently
+emerged from the woods and occupied a clearing, in the center of which
+was a mansion, the late residence of a rebel officer. Some scouts
+brought from the house a couple of negresses whom they led to General
+Keyes. They communicated their information with an earnestness that
+proved their sympathies were not with their late master. It was a
+picturesque scene; those tall negresses with their bright red turbans
+and long white woolen gowns, telling with earnest gestures what they
+knew of the position of the enemy, while the generals and their staffs
+listened eagerly to their words. They said that when we passed over the
+little hill just in front, we should be under fire from the batteries of
+the rebels, who were in large force; "but laws a massa, noting like all
+dese yer," said they, pointing to the troops of our division.
+
+Cautiously the clearing was crossed, the long line of battle moving in
+beautiful order--Kennedy's, Ayres' and Wheeler's batteries each
+accompanying a brigade.
+
+Again we entered a heavy pine wood in which the swamp was deeper than
+ever, and advancing through it we came face to face with the enemy.
+Warwick creek, a marshy stream which had been dammed by the rebels,
+raising its waters into ponds and deep morasses, was between us and
+their works, and the accessible points were guarded by artillery. Two
+regiments were at once deployed as skirmishers and sent in advance, and
+our batteries were planted along the edge of the wood with the line of
+the infantry. Only Smith's division was in line, the others were waiting
+on the road for orders to come up.
+
+Along the road, for more than half the distance back to Young's Mills,
+the brigades of Couch's and Kearney's divisions were resting on their
+arms, while cannon by scores waited to be called into action.
+
+The enemy was not slow to acknowledge our presence, and as a token of
+greeting sent some twelve-pound shells crashing among the trees about
+us. The firing now became brisk on our side, and the rebels replied
+spiritedly with their twelve-pounders. Hundreds of men were now called
+up from the rear brigades and detailed to build corduroy roads. Trees
+were cut down and trimmed of their branches, and laid side by side so as
+to form a kind of bridge over the swamp to enable more artillery to come
+up. The rapidity with which such roads were built was marvelous.
+
+By this time the column on the right had reached the works in front of
+the town. The position here was also strong. Although the Warwick did
+not interpose, yet high bluffs, crowned with redoubts in which were
+mounted heavy guns, frowned upon the assailants. Thus far it appears
+that the leaders of our army had been totally ignorant of the position
+and strength of the enemy, and had led it up to the works, blindly
+feeling the way without maps or guides. (McClellan's Report.) The
+defensive works were now found to consist of a series of redoubts and
+rifle pits stretching across the Peninsula, seven miles in extent, with
+high bluffs on the right and Warwick creek in their front on the left.
+
+The position occupied by our division was known as Lee's Mills, and to
+our right, nearly three miles, was the village of Yorktown. The line of
+battle was now arranged in the following order from right to left:
+Heintzelman's corps, consisting of Porter's, Hooker's and Hamilton's
+divisions, were in front of the town; Sedgwick's division of Sumner's
+corps on the left of them, and Keyes' corps, comprising Smith's and
+Couch's division (Casey's division arrived in a few days), held the
+position on the Warwick at Lee's Mills.
+
+The position of the enemy was, without doubt, one of great strength, and
+everything had been done to render it more formidable. Yet they were by
+no means too strong or sufficiently well garrisoned to resist an assault
+from such a body of men as now appeared in their front. That there were
+weak points in this line of defenses, stretching seven miles, was
+afterwards demonstrated; and that the forces behind the works were by no
+means sufficiently numerous, at the time of our approach, to afford
+formidable resistance at all points in their extensive line, is now well
+known.
+
+It appears from the official report of the rebel General Johnston, who
+then commanded all the rebel forces in Virginia, that at the time of the
+appearance of our army before Yorktown the works were defended by only
+about eleven thousand men, and that even after he had reinforced the
+garrisons by the troops which he was hurrying from Manassas, his army
+amounted to only fifty thousand men.
+
+The artillery duel was kept up until night. We had lost some men during
+the day, but not so many as we had feared. First a poor fellow from the
+Seventh Maine, his heart and left lung torn out by a shell; then one
+from the Forty-ninth New York, shot in the head; the next was from our
+own regiment, Frank Jeffords, who had to suffer amputation of a leg;
+then a man from the Forty-ninth was sent to the rear with his heel
+crushed. In all, our loss did not exceed twenty men. The casualties in
+the other brigades were less than in our own.
+
+As night approached, the firing gradually ceased, and nothing but the
+scattering shots of the skirmishers was heard. We lay down in the swamp
+with no tents, and many of us without food. Officers and men built
+platforms of logs and bark to keep out of the water where they were not
+fortunate enough to find a dry place. General Smith bivouacked near the
+line of battle, making his bed at the foot of a pine tree, with nothing
+but his overcoat for shelter. It may not be amiss to say here that
+General Smith, unlike most gentlemen with stars on their shoulders, was
+always in the habit of sleeping at the very front.
+
+All the following day, and the next, the firing was kept up steadily on
+both sides. At night showers of cannister and grape would fall in our
+camp, and fortunate was he who had a good tree or stump between him and
+the rebel works against which to lay his head while he slept.
+
+We at length became so accustomed to the continual skirmishing, that
+unless the firing was in fierce volleys we took no notice of it. The
+boys of the Thirty-third New York being on the skirmish line on the 8th,
+charged a rifle pit with shouts and hurrahs, and drove the rebels from
+it. An attempt was made to retake it, but the boys held their ground.
+
+The men performed herculean labors on the roads, and in throwing up
+earthworks. No rest was allowed. When not on picket they were cutting
+down trees or throwing up earthworks or building bridges. Such constant
+labor soon began to exhaust the strength of the stoutest, and hundreds
+of them yielded to disease who supposed themselves capable of enduring
+any amount of hardships. Yet there was now and then a grimly gay episode
+in this hard routine. Here is an incident that occurred two or three
+days after we approached the works, and affords a good sample of
+picketing between us and the forts. Our pickets were within speaking
+distance of those of the enemy; each party kept, if possible, snugly
+behind some big stump or tree, out of the reach of his disagreeable
+neighbors. A good deal of hard talk had passed between one of our
+pickets and one of the "Johnnies." Finally the rebel thrust his hand
+beyond his tree holding in it a bottle, and shaking it, challenged the
+Yankee to come and take it--"_crack_" went the Yankee's rifle at the
+hand. "Ha, ha! why don't you hit it? What do you think of Bull Run?"
+"How do you like Fort Donelson?" responded the Yankee.
+
+While this colloquy was going on, Yankee number two crept round behind a
+log, and drawing on the southerner, blazed away at him. The son of
+chivalry clapped his hand to his shoulder and ran off howling. "There,
+you fool," shouted Yankee number one, "I told you that blind man would
+be shooting you pretty soon."
+
+The country about us was uncultivated and unhealthy. The lands were low
+and swampy, and mostly covered with a heavy growth of yellow pines. The
+few remaining inhabitants were mostly women, negresses and children; now
+and then a disabled specimen of poor white trash, or a farmer too infirm
+to be of service in the rebel army, was to be met with. All were alike
+destitute of enterprise, and the houses upon the "plantations" were of
+the meanest order, raised three or four feet above the ground upon posts
+without the usual foundation of stone. The "plantations" consisted
+usually of about ten or twenty acres of cleared land in the midst of the
+forest, with narrow roads among the pines leading to neighboring
+plantations.
+
+The writer inquired of the proprietor of one of these isolated spots,
+who also had some forty negro women and children, how he managed to
+support so large a family from the proceeds of so little land. "Well,"
+said he, "I could not support them from the proceeds of the land alone,
+but you see I sell a few negroes every year and buy corn with the money;
+so with what we raise and what we get for the sale of the negroes, we
+get along very well."
+
+"But why do you not cut down some of this forest and till more land? You
+own a large tract of land which is entirely worthless as it now is."
+
+"There is where you are greatly mistaken, said the enterprising
+southerner, my timber land is my best property." But of what use do you
+make it? "Oh, I sell a great deal of wood. I take it to Fortress Monroe
+and Hampton and get two dollars and a half a cord for it!"
+
+The reader will perhaps understand the profits drawn from the wood
+lands, when it is remembered that Fortress Monroe was twenty miles
+distant.
+
+Night attacks by the enemy became common; and it was not an unfrequent
+occurrence for the whole division to be called suddenly to arms at
+midnight and stand in line until morning. Skirmishes and sharpshooting
+continued with little intermission; bullets of rebel riflemen whizzing
+through our camps or unceremoniously entering our tents at all times.
+Rebel gunboats approached the mouth of the Warwick and by their
+assistance the rebel infantry attempted to turn our left flank, but the
+troops of our division gallantly met their attack and drove them back.
+
+This state of affairs continued until the 16th of April. That morning,
+word passed through the division that we were to make an assault. Orders
+came to move, and the division was massed near some ruins, known as "The
+Chimneys," in front of one of the rebel forts; the Second brigade
+holding the front line, supported by the First and Third brigades. As we
+moved round to take our positions, an American eagle whirled above our
+heads in elegant circles and at length floated away toward the south,
+the boys swinging their hats and cheering the bird with loud huzzahs.
+
+[Illustration: CHARGE OF THE VERMONTERS AT LEE'S MILLS.]
+
+The fort in our front covered the road from Newport News to
+Williamsburgh, and could we get possession of it we could turn the
+flanks of the enemy, obliging him to abandon his position and enabling
+us either to prevent his escape or to harass him in his flight. In front
+of the fort the creek had been dammed and a deep morass interposed
+between us and the works. General McClellan and his immense suite rode
+to the point from which the attack was to be made, and communicating a
+few minutes with Generals Keyes and Smith, left the field. Mott's
+battery was now brought into position on the open plateau and opened a
+fierce cannonade, to which the rebels replied with spirit, dismounting
+one of our guns and killing several of the gunners at the very start.
+Mott was reinforced by Kennedy's and Wheeler's batteries, and the
+hostile guns were soon silenced. Our batteries then advanced within five
+hundred yards of the fort, and the gray-coated rebels who were seen to
+fill the woods, were soon dispersed. Two companies of troops, from the
+Third Vermont, were now ordered forward. Down from the woods they came,
+rushed into the water to their waists, and gallantly made for the rebel
+rifle pits. The first line of the works was gained and then the second.
+The fort was empty, but a ditch to their left was filled with men. They
+poured a volley among them and the gray coats fled. Thus the fort was
+actually in their possession, and was held for some minutes by the noble
+fellows, but when they looked for support, none came. The three brigades
+stood upon the opposite bank, ready to plunge through the stream, and
+waiting with intense anxiety for the order, "forward;" but no order
+came, and the brave Green Mountain boys who had so nobly performed their
+part of the work, were forced to fall back under a galling fire from the
+rebels, who rushed back to their pits as soon the Vermonters had left
+them, pouring volley after volley into the retreating forces, who, their
+ammunition spent, could not reply to the rebel fire. Before they were
+able to reach the shelter of the woods, sad havoc was made in their
+ranks. Skirmishing was kept up for some hours, by other regiments, but
+with no result except the loss of men.
+
+The following list of killed and wounded was obtained the next day after
+the battle:
+
+2d Vermont--1 killed.
+
+3d Vermont--24 killed, 7 mortally wounded, 56 wounded,
+            1 missing.
+4th Vermont--3 killed, 30 wounded.
+5th Vermont--2 killed, 6 wounded.
+6th Vermont--11 killed, 77 wounded.
+
+Total loss to the brigade, 218.
+
+Thus ended the fight known as the "Battle of Lee's Mills," a battle in
+which two hundred men gallantly captured an important work of the enemy,
+and thousands of their companions burning with desire to share in their
+glory stood by and saw them abandon it! Why the other brigades were not
+ordered forward has never been explained satisfactorily. That General
+Smith would gladly have sent them forward we earnestly believe; but we
+now know that General McClellan desired that a general engagement should
+not be brought on at that time.
+
+The wounded men exhibited the same bravery, while their wounds were
+being cared for, that characterized their brilliant charge. Men badly
+mutilated, with bullets in their heads, or breasts, or limbs, refused to
+receive attention from the surgeon who dressed their wounds, until their
+more unfortunate companions were cared for. "Don't mind me, doctor,
+there are others hurt worse than I am," said many a brave fellow, as he
+lay upon the ground bleeding from his wounds.
+
+The following incident connected with this noble charge will be
+remembered by all who were at that time members of Smith's division, and
+by hundreds who saw accounts of it in the newspapers of the day:
+
+Private William Scott, of Company K, Third Vermont, was, in the autumn
+of 1861, found asleep at his post on the picket line. It was a grave
+fault; but the weary soldier, inexperienced in the service, and
+unaccustomed to such night vigils, in an evil hour yielded to the
+demands of tired nature, little thinking that the lives of hundreds of
+his comrades were periled by his unfaithfulness. He was tried by a
+court-martial and sentenced to be shot. The sentence was approved, and
+at the appointed time he was brought forth to execution. General Smith,
+desiring to impress upon the minds of his men the terrible consequences
+of such an offense, formed his troops in line. The culprit was brought
+out before them, and led to the place of execution. The guard, with
+loaded muskets, stood ready to execute the dreadful sentence, which was
+read before all the troops. All waited in breathless expectation for the
+order to fire; but instead another paper was read. It was a pardon from
+the President! Then the wildest shouts of joy ran along the line. Shout
+after shout arose from the division, and hundreds blessed the name of
+President Lincoln.
+
+There were many circumstances to render this a case of peculiar
+interest. It was the first sentence of the kind; it was at the beginning
+of the war, when a soldier's life was regarded of value, and when all
+eyes were riveted upon the army, and every incident was of interest. It
+was also the first instance of the kind in which the executive clemency
+had been exercised. So near had the hour of execution arrived when the
+President signed the pardon, that, fearing it might not be received in
+season, he took his carriage and drove to camp, to assure himself that
+the man's life should be spared.
+
+"I will show President Lincoln that I am not afraid to die for my
+country," said the grateful soldier; and well did he fulfill his
+promise. Among the bravest of those two hundred heroes who crossed the
+swamp at Lee's Mills, was William Scott, of Company K, Third Vermont.
+But he was brought back a corpse. He had shown the President that he was
+not afraid to die for his country. He was one of the foremost in the
+charge, and one of the first to fall. His comrades made his grave under
+the shadow of the tall pines, and as they folded his blanket around him,
+and lowered him to his resting place, tears stood upon those brown
+cheeks; but the tears of sorrow were mingled with tears of joy, when
+they thought of his glorious death, and his narrow escape from an
+ignominious fate, and again, in their hearts, they blessed the man who
+was always the soldier's friend.
+
+We resumed our place the next day after the battle, on the front line,
+and commenced digging.
+
+Fierce night sorties were again made by the enemy and bravely resisted
+by our boys, who continued the work regardless of these annoyances. Only
+one fight occurred on our part of the line after the 16th, in which we
+lost any number of men. On the 28th the First brigade had a skirmish in
+which we lost one killed and half a dozen wounded. Among the latter was
+Lieutenant, afterward Colonel Milliken, of the Forty-third New York. A
+reconnoissance on the left about the same time, resulted in finding the
+rebels in considerable force, and a loss of two good soldiers to the
+Seventy-seventh New York. In the meantime earthworks of great strength
+were being thrown up on the right of the line before Yorktown, and
+everything was being put in a complete state of preparation for the
+grand bombardment. Enormous siege guns of one hundred and even two
+hundred pound calibre, and immense mortars were brought up and mounted
+in the earthworks, and it was thought that with the powerful means we
+were using the fall of Yorktown was only a question of time.
+
+Our losses by the rebels before Yorktown were not great, but the ravages
+by disease were fearful. Many thousands of noble fellows who would
+gladly have braved the dangers of the battle-field, were carried to the
+rear with fevers engendered by the deadly malaria of the swamps, from
+which few ever recovered sufficiently to rejoin the ranks; and thousands
+of others were laid in humble graves along the marshy borders of the
+Warwick or about the hospitals at Young's Mills. For a month the men
+were almost continually under arms; often called in the middle of the
+night to resist the attempts of the enemy to force our line under cover
+of the thick darkness, standing in line of battle day after day and
+digging at earthworks night after night.
+
+During the thirty days of the siege we had twenty days of rain. Thunder
+storms followed each other in quick succession, with lightnings more
+vivid than we had ever seen at the north. Men lay down to rest at night
+with their equipments buckled about them and wet to their skins. Men
+unaccustomed to the hardships of campaigning could not endure such
+exposure.
+
+A few divisions of the army performed by far the greater part of the
+labor, either because they had at first reached positions which imposed
+greater toil, or because greater confidence was reposed in them. Our own
+division was one of those upon which the duties imposed were too great
+for men to perform; yet the men would have resented being sent to the
+rear, and it was said that General Smith remarked that "he had spoken
+for a front seat for his boys and he intended to keep it."
+
+Added to all the exposures and hardships of the siege, there was a
+deplorable want of proper commissary and medical supplies. While the men
+were supplied with fair rations of hard bread, vegetables were unknown
+among us, and the supply of fresh meat wholly inadequate. In the Medical
+Department the greatest difficulty was experienced in obtaining
+supplies, and indeed it was impossible to get them. Not that regimental
+surgeons did not use their utmost endeavor to procure them, but as
+brigade and regimental commissaries could not obtain supplies of food
+which were not furnished to the army at all, so surgeons could not
+procure medicines and other necessaries which were locked in the
+storehouses in Washington. This subject will be more fully alluded to in
+another place, and it is to be hoped that the responsibility of this
+criminal negligence to supply the army with medical and hospital stores
+may fall where it belongs.
+
+Thus, with their minds wrought up to a continual state of excitement,
+with constant exposure to tempests and malaria, with excessive and
+exhausting labors, and with improper food and scarcity of medicine,
+sickness and death swept over us like a pestilence.
+
+At length, after a month of toil and exposure almost unprecedented,
+after losing nearly one-fifth of our magnificent army by disease and
+death, our batteries were finished, the enormous siege guns were
+mounted, and the thirteen inch mortars in position. The army looked
+anxiously for the grand _finale_ of all these extensive preparations.
+Men had lost the enthusiasm which prevailed when we landed upon the
+Peninsula, and a smile was seldom seen; but a fixed and determined
+purpose to succeed still appeared in their faces. Now at length we were
+ready; and the countenances of the soldiers began to lighten up a
+little. But as the sun rose on the morning of the 4th of May, behold,
+the rebels had vanished, and with them our hopes of a brilliant victory!
+Unfortunately for our hopes of a great success at Yorktown, the rebel
+generals had shown themselves unwilling to afford us such an opportunity
+by waiting for us longer; and during the night of the 3d and 4th they
+had evacuated the place.
+
+They had gained a month of time for strengthening the defenses about
+Richmond, and for concentrating their forces there. Now they were ready
+to fall back without testing our magnificent works and huge guns, and
+lead us into the swamps of Chickahominy; where they hoped that the fever
+would complete the ghastly work already commenced at Yorktown.
+
+During the night of the evacuation, the roar of artillery exceeded
+anything that had been heard before. From one end of the line to the
+other the shells and shot poured into our camps, and the arches of fire
+that marked the courses of the shells, with flame spouting from the
+mouths of the guns, created a magnificent pyrotechnic display. But at
+daylight, orderlies flew from regiment to regiment with the startling
+intelligence that the beleaguered works were deserted, and with orders
+to occupy them at once. Smith's division hastened to cross over the dam,
+and we found ourselves in the strongholds that we had so long invested.
+As the Seventy-seventh regiment passed along one of the roads leading
+among the intrenchments, a sharp report like that of a pistol was heard
+at the feet of those in the center of the column, and directly under the
+colors. The men scattered, and a piece of old cloth was seen lying on
+the ground at the point from which the report emanated. Colonel McKean,
+who was very near, lifted the cloth with the point of his sword, and
+discovered a torpedo carefully buried in the ground, except a nipple
+which had been filled with fulminating powder, which was covered by the
+old cloth. The fuse only had exploded. Had the machine itself exploded,
+it must have destroyed many of our men, our colonel among them. Other
+regiments were not so fortunate as we were. Very many men were killed in
+the streets and intrenchments by these torpedoes, which the enemy had
+planted in the street at either end of the bridges, about springs, and
+near the deserted guns. They were concealed beneath the ground with
+great care, the capped nipple only rising above the surface, and this,
+covered by an old rag or piece of bark thrown over it, exploded at the
+slightest touch. These infernal machines were only one feature of the
+general plan of our enemies to carry on a war by brutal, savage and
+cowardly means. The starving of prisoners at Andersonville and
+Salisbury, and the wholesale butchery at Fort Pillow, were other parts
+of the same savage plan which was crowned by the fearful tragedy at
+Ford's Theatre.
+
+We made little delay among the rebel intrenchments; only long enough to
+glance over the formidable works, where the enemy had abandoned
+seventy-two pieces of artillery, mostly of heavy caliber, with immense
+numbers of shovels, picks, wheelbarrows and other paraphernalia of an
+army.
+
+The division was at nine o'clock sent forward on the road toward
+Williamsburgh; encountering, before it had proceeded far, a portion of
+the rear-guard of the confederate army, which hastily fell back before
+our advance. General Smith informed the Commander-in-Chief of the
+encounter, who ordered Stoneman, with a regiment of cavalry, to give
+chase to the retiring body, and, if possible, cut it off; but,
+unfortunately, either from want of proper information in regard to the
+roads, or from other hindrances, this was not effected. The division
+pushed on over the road lately traversed by the rebels, the men
+overcoming all obstacles that had been thrown in their way, in their
+anxiety to overtake the foe.
+
+The scenery, as the troops passed, was indeed charming beyond
+description. Magnificent forests of oak and pine, interspersed with
+clearings, the residences of farmers, with fine fields, covered with the
+green blades of the newly springing wheat, met the view along the road;
+while the woods were adorned with innumerable flowers. The tall dogwood,
+with its clusters of large flowers like swarms of white butterflies,
+mingled with the Judas tree, whose leafless boughs were densely covered
+with racemes of purple blossoms. The azalia and the honeysuckle beneath
+formed a delightful contrast with the gorgeous floral display above.
+
+Thus the division was hurried on, until at evening it came upon the
+rebel works at Williamsburgh. As our forces approached Williamsburgh,
+the cavalry came upon the enemy, and a sharp skirmish ensued, in which
+we lost about fifty in killed and wounded, and the rebels left as many
+on the field. The charge was made by the Sixth cavalry and Gibbon's
+battery, driving the rebels back. They, in their turn, being reinforced,
+forced our troops back; one of our guns, from which all the horses were
+shot, being abandoned. Each party strove hard for the possession of the
+gun, but night closed upon the contest, leaving it in possession of
+neither. In the meantime, the men of our division too sick to march were
+being cared for by our medical officers. Hundreds of the men of our
+division lay sick with typhoid fever and other equally dangerous
+maladies. These were all taken to the hospital which had been commenced
+a day or two previous, about a mile and a half from our camp. The whole
+day was occupied in removing these men. Of those sent to this hospital,
+as of the many previously sent to the hospital at Young's Mills and
+Fortress Monroe, few ever returned.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+WILLIAMSBURGH.
+
+    Battle of Williamsburgh--The army not organized--The medical
+    department--Hooker's gallant fight--Hancock's charge--McClellan
+    at Yorktown--Night on the battle-field.
+
+
+Early on the morning of the 5th skirmishing commenced. The division of
+Hooker was posted on the left of the road from Lee's Mills to
+Williamsburgh, and our own division held the road, stretching mostly to
+the right of it. Fort Magruder was directly in front of us, commanding
+the road. All that part of the army which had advanced on the right,
+that is, on the road from Yorktown, were massed as fast as they arrived,
+awaiting orders. Great delay was experienced in getting the troops in
+position, as there seemed to be no harmony of action. Every general of a
+division seemed to do what pleased him, without orders from higher
+authority.
+
+General Sumner was in command of the troops on the field, but from some
+cause seemed not to be able to combine his forces in such a manner as to
+bear effectually upon the lines of the enemy. One of the serious
+difficulties was getting artillery to the front. The roads had become
+very muddy from the rain during the night, and were blocked up with the
+immense multitude of wagons, so that artillery could not pass. Here was
+sadly exemplified the grand defect of our army--the want of
+organization.
+
+Our army was an enormous heterogeneous mass, without any pretense of a
+system to centralize and harmonize its movements. An army is not
+organized by throwing it into brigades and divisions; this is but the
+first and easiest step. The _departments_ must be so organized that each
+performs well its part, without interference with another. In this case
+the quartermaster's department sadly interfered with the others. Every
+regimental quartermaster was for himself, and, as a natural result, the
+immense trains were thrown into great disorder, impeding the movements
+of all the other branches of the service. No one seemed at liberty to
+bring order out of this confusion; and thus artillery and wagons
+remained stuck in the mud. This same confusion prevailed in all the
+departments. We shall take the liberty here to quote at some length from
+the remarks of the Prince De Joinville, who was at that time a member of
+General McClellan's staff, an able soldier and an ardent friend of the
+Commander-in-Chief. Says the Prince:
+
+    "The American system of 'every man for himself,' individually
+    applied by officers and soldiers of each corps to one another,
+    is also applied by the corps themselves to their reciprocal
+    relations. There is no special branch of the service whose duty
+    it is to regulate, centralize and direct the movements of the
+    army. In such a case as this of which we are speaking, we should
+    have seen the general staff of a French army taking care that
+    nothing should impede the advance of the troops; stopping a file
+    of wagons here and ordering it out of the road to clear the way;
+    sending on a detail of men there to repair the roadway, or draw
+    a cannon out of the mud in order to communicate to every corps
+    commander the orders of the general-in-chief. Here nothing of
+    the sort is done.
+
+    "The want of a general staff was not less severely felt in
+    obtaining and transmitting the information necessary, at the
+    moment of an impending action. No one knew the country; the maps
+    were so defective that they were useless. Little was known about
+    the fortified battle-field on which the army was about to be
+    engaged. Yet this battle-field had been seen and reconnoitered
+    by the troops which had taken part in Stoneman's skirmish.
+    Enough was surely known of it for us to combine a plan of
+    attack, and assign to every commander his own part of the work.
+    No, this was not so. Every one kept his observations to himself;
+    not from any ill-will, but because it was nobody's special duty
+    to do this general work. It was a defect in the organization,
+    and with the best elements in the world, an army that is not
+    organized cannot expect great success. It is fortunate if it
+    escapes disaster."
+
+We may be pardoned for continuing this digression from the narrative, to
+speak particularly of the disorder in the medical department. The
+surgeons of regiments were, as a general rule, men of ability, and who
+were earnestly devoted to the duties of their position. Of course, in so
+large an army, there were some who were not fitted for their position,
+either by ability or moral worth; these were exceptions. Yet, while
+there was a general disposition prevailing in the department to make any
+sacrifice or submit to any amount of fatigue, in order to relieve the
+sufferings of those committed to their charge, they labored under the
+greatest disadvantage from want of proper combination and coöperation in
+the staff. Every man was for himself. Each regimental surgeon was
+expected to look out for the wants of his own men; to erect his hospital
+tents; to see that the wounded of his regiment were carried off the
+field; to administer food, dress wounds, and attend to the operative
+surgery. With all these divers cares, he could hardly be expected to
+perform any duties well. When any combination of action was effected,
+the organization was voluntary and temporary, and, of course, wanting in
+order and efficiency. Added to these difficulties, the medical officer
+found himself destitute of supplies, and seemingly without any prospect
+of obtaining them.
+
+It is true that the officers of the medical staff were generally
+inexperienced in the duties of military surgery, so different from the
+labors of the physician in civil life; yet, the great trouble was
+without doubt at head-quarters. The department was directed by an
+officer who had done good service in the Mexican war, but who by long
+connection with the regular army, seemed to have become so wedded to the
+formal precision of military routine, that no contingency was sufficient
+to move him from his established habits. Here was occasion for
+dispensing with formalities. Responsibilities should have been assumed,
+and, if necessary, supplies should have been thrown into the army
+broadcast, without thought of requisition or receipts. Under the
+direction of the efficient and gentlemanly surgeon of volunteers, Dr.
+Letterman, order was at length brought out of the confusion which
+existed until the battle of Antietam; from which time the medical staff
+became the most efficient ever known in any army.
+
+To return to our narrative. By noon the battle raged furiously; Hooker's
+division contesting the field nobly against superior numbers, while our
+own division held the position on his right, but without coming to any
+direct engagement aside from being subjected to the fire of artillery.
+Hooker brought his men gallantly up to the work and at first forced the
+enemy back, but in turn was driven from the ground he had taken, and
+only by the most valorous fighting, prevented a rout.
+
+The gallant general and his noble men held the ground alone until the
+division was fearfully cut up. At length General Kearney, at the head of
+his division, approached on the Lee's Mills road. General Sumner rode up
+to him and said quietly, "General, do you know that Hooker is badly cut
+up?" "No." "He is, and is falling back. Hurry on your division as fast
+as possible." "How shall I reach him?" said Kearney. "Through yonder
+strip of woods." Kearney now led his men forward at a rapid pace and
+very soon came to the relief of the exhausted division. The troops of
+Hooker were holding their ground against the enemy twenty thousand
+strong. They had fought for hours with only nine thousand men.
+
+General Hancock of our First brigade, at his own and General Smith's
+request, was, at three o'clock, allowed to take his own and a part of
+our Third brigade to the right of the line, where the position of the
+enemy was very strong by nature, and which was on that account secured
+with less care than the rest of the line.
+
+A steep wooded bluff rose to a great height in our front, and a mill
+pond lying at the foot of the bluff and newly dammed by the rebels,
+served as a moat. Spanning the pond near the dam, was a bridge of logs
+which they had neglected to destroy. Across this bridge and up a road
+winding along the side of the bluff, the general led his troops, finding
+the enemy upon the plateau above, occupying strong redoubts. Artillery
+was brought to bear upon them and the rebels fled; our forces advancing
+and occupying the works. The enemy was now reinforced by a brigade of
+North Carolina troops and charged upon the federals. The Union troops
+allowed them to approach very near, when they opened a tremendous fire
+of musketry and artillery upon them. Still the rebels came on until they
+were within thirty yards of our men. "Now, gentlemen, the bayonet!"
+cried Hancock, as he rode along the line of battle close to the troops.
+The men charged upon the rebels, who fell back before the shock, broke
+and fled, leaving the broad, green wheat field strewed with their dead
+and wounded.
+
+[Illustration: CHARGE OF HANCOCK'S BRIGADE AT WILLIAMSBURGH]
+
+While the fighting was going on, General Hancock had sent for the
+remainder of our Third brigade. The order "forward, double quick" was
+received by the men with one of those wild exulting shouts, such as is
+only heard on the field of battle; and they rushed forward through the
+liquid mud, each regiment striving which should first reach the field.
+But as we reached the scene of conflict, the rebels had fled; leaving
+the victory with the men in blue.
+
+The regiments engaged in this brilliant affair were, the Forty-third New
+York, the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, the Sixth Maine and Fifth Wisconsin,
+of the First brigade, and the Thirty-third New York and Seventh Maine of
+the Third brigade.
+
+The rebels, outflanked by the gallant movement of Smith's division, were
+glad to fall back from before Hooker and Kearney, and seek refuge behind
+their works. Meanwhile the great body of the army had remained entirely
+passive; not even having been brought into line of battle. Why some of
+these troops were not called to the assistance of Hooker, or to render
+the victory of Hancock more complete, we do not know.
+
+Thus closed the battle of Williamsburgh; a battle fought by two
+divisions and a part of a third, while the mass of the army remained as
+idle spectators of the terrible scene. If less than twenty thousand men
+could drive the rebels from their strong works, what could not that
+grand army have done had it been brought into action!
+
+General McClellan arrived on the field at five o'clock in the afternoon,
+and was received with shouts of applause; but the fighting was then
+over. The general had remained at Yorktown since the morning of the 4th,
+to superintend personally the shipment of Franklin's division of twelve
+thousand men; one-half of whom, in order that they might be in readiness
+at any moment to proceed up the river and head off the enemy, had never
+been allowed to disembark from the transports which brought them to
+Yorktown. General McClellan's conduct in spending nearly two days in
+overseeing personally the embarkation of half or even the whole of a
+division of men, while one of the most important battles of the war was
+in progress, leaving it to others to take care of the "little affair at
+the front," has, by some, been severely censured; while others have as
+earnestly claimed that the Commander-in-Chief had his own views of the
+necessity of getting those troops off at once, and the necessity of
+seeing that supplies of rations, ammunition and war material, were
+forwarded, was imperative; and that we are to remember that the advance
+was intrusted to General Sumner; a man in whose ability both he and the
+army confided. The general telegraphed that night to the Secretary of
+War: "After arranging for movements up the York river, I was sent for
+here. I find General Joe Johnston in front of me in strong force,
+probably greater a good deal than my own.... My entire force is
+_undoubtedly considerably inferior to that of the rebels_, who will
+fight well; but I will do all I can with the force at my disposal."
+
+It was not known that night that we had won such a victory; but when, in
+the morning, we found the rebels all gone, he telegraphed: "Every hour
+proves our victory more complete."
+
+In the light of this testimony of the Commander-in-Chief, what a noble
+record had those three divisions that day made for themselves! They had,
+according to these dispatches, fought with a force "greater a good deal"
+than our entire army, and had won a complete victory!
+
+Night closed upon the battle-field. Our division bivouacked around one
+of the rebel redoubts. It was filled with rebel wounded, whose groans
+and cries made the night hideous. The ground was a bed of liquid mud,
+and the rain still poured. No fires were allowed, and the men stood
+shivering all night rather than lie down in the mud.
+
+The sun rose clear and bright next morning, and the whole army filed
+into the works deserted by the enemy during the night, and occupied the
+town of Williamsburgh, a mile or more from the battle-field. All the
+public buildings in town were filled with the rebel wounded; and the
+inhabitants were actively engaged in ministering to their wants. Here
+the army remained three days, waiting for provisions to come up from
+Yorktown, a distance of fifteen miles. It is a question, why troops, who
+were afterward accustomed to carry four or even six days' rations, were
+sent away from Yorktown with one.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE MARCH UP THE PENINSULA AND THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SIXTH CORPS.
+
+    March up the Peninsula--Joy of the contrabands--Cumberland
+    Landing--The Sixth Corps organized--At White House--On the
+    Chickahominy--Fight at Mechanicsville--Battle of Hanover Court
+    House.
+
+
+On the ninth of May, after a delay of three days, the Army of the
+Potomac resumed the pursuit of Johnston's army. The day was fair and
+bright, and the journey of fifteen miles, to troops as yet little inured
+to the fatigues of long marches, bore severely upon them. We rested till
+three o'clock next morning; when orders came to fall into line, and at
+five we were again toiling over the road. After a hard day's march we
+halted near New Kent Court House; where General Stoneman, with his
+cavalry, had a day or two before overtaken the rear-guard of the enemy,
+who gave him battle. Evidences of the engagement were to be seen all
+about us, and many wounded cavalrymen were found in the neighboring farm
+houses. We remained here over the Sabbath and the next day; glad of
+rest, though anxious to be on the trail of the enemy.
+
+General Franklin's division had already landed, and beaten the rebels at
+West Point; and the flotilla laden with supplies had also ascended the
+river thus far.
+
+It was at New Kent Court House that the news of the destruction of the
+Merrimac, and the possession of Norfolk by General Wool's forces, first
+reached us, and our hearts swelled with joy at our successes. On the
+13th we resumed the march; winding along the banks of the tortuous
+Pamunkey, enchanted by the lovely scenery which constantly met our gaze.
+The profusion of flowers in the forests, the bright green meadows, and
+the broad fields of newly springing wheat, offered a perpetual charm;
+and as we passed along, the women and negroes watched us with
+conflicting sentiments of interest. All the white men capable of bearing
+arms, and every able-bodied negro, had been swept along by the rebel
+army in its retreat, and none but women and children and aged negroes
+were now left along the route. At every house the alarmed white people
+threw out the white flag in token of submission, as though their
+protection from injury depended upon this symbol of peace.
+
+Great numbers of negroes flocked to the roadside, to welcome the Union
+army. Their expressions of joy at seeing us were wild and amusing. All
+hoped we would shortly overtake and destroy the rebel army, their own
+masters included. Those who had hitherto regarded the relation of master
+and slave as one of mutual affection, had only to witness these unique
+demonstrations of rejoicing at our approach, and the seemingly certain
+destruction of the slave owners, to be convinced that the happiness and
+contentment claimed for those in servitude was but a worthless fiction.
+The negroes, gathering in crowds along the wayside, would grasp the
+hands of the Union soldiers, calling down all manner of blessings upon
+them, and leaping and dancing in their frantic delight.
+
+One gray-haired old patriarch, surrounded by a numerous group of younger
+chattels, who were leaping and shouting, exclaimed, in a loud voice,
+"Bress de Lord! I'se been praying for yous all to come all dis time; and
+now I'se glad yous got so fur; and I pray de Lord dat yous may keep on,
+and conquer def and hell and de grabe!" All the others, joining in the
+chorus, cried, "Bress de Lord!" The master of the old man sat quietly
+watching the scene, offering no hindrance to these expressions of
+sympathy; but it is doubtful whether this conduct on the part of his
+servants was forgotten after the departure of our army. Whatever
+information the slaves could give concerning the movements, numbers, or
+probable intentions of the enemy, was communicated gladly, and although
+this information was not always reliable for accuracy, it was always
+given in sincerity, and was very often of great service.
+
+Our march on the 13th, was an easy one of six miles. As we reached the
+brow of a hill overlooking the plain of Cumberland Landing, a scene of
+imposing beauty was spread out before us. Between us and the broad
+river, were thousands of troops, parks of artillery, squadrons of
+cavalry, divisions of infantry; some already in camp, others moving
+about in order, but seeming, from the distance, to be intermingled in
+most perfect confusion.
+
+A broad plain stretched far away to the left, beautifully variegated
+with green pastures, rich groves and fields of grain. Beyond was the
+Pamunkey; here spreading out into a broad expanse of water, on which was
+riding the Union flotilla of gunboats and the transport fleet.
+
+Upon this broad plain the whole army assembled. At no other time in the
+history of the Army of the Potomac, were all its forces gathered within
+a compass that the eye could take in at a single glance.
+
+Early on the morning of the 14th, the cry, "Fall in!" resounded through
+the camps, and we proceeded up the river about four miles, and again
+encamped on its banks. A field of fresh clover served for our bivouac.
+In this pleasant spot we remained for several days; and while here, an
+event occurred of no less interest than the organization of the Sixth
+corps.
+
+Just before the Army of the Potomac embarked for the Peninsula, it was
+divided, by order of President Lincoln, into five corps of three
+divisions each. These corps were placed under command, respectively, of
+Generals McDowell, Sumner, Heintzelman, Keyes and Banks. On leaving for
+the Peninsula, the First and Fifth corps had been left behind. Now two
+new corps were to be organized; the Fifth provisional, consisting of the
+divisions of Porter and Sykes, and the reserve artillery, under command
+of General Porter; and the Sixth provisional corps, consisting of
+Franklin's division of the First and Smith's of the Fourth corps.
+General W. B. Franklin was assigned to the command of the corps.
+
+Franklin's division, now the First division, Sixth corps, under command
+of H. W. Slocum, had been ordered away from the First corps, to join the
+army of the Potomac, while we were at Yorktown; and its recent
+exhibition of gallantry at West Point, had already established for it a
+reputation for valor. The regiments composing this division were, the
+First, Second, Third and Fourth New Jersey; regiments trained to the
+service by the knightly soldier and ardent patriot, Philip S. Kearney,
+now under command of Colonel Taylor, and afterwards so long and so ably
+led by General Torbert; the Sixteenth and Twenty-seventh New York, Fifth
+Maine and Ninety-Sixth Pennsylvania; General Slocum's own brigade, now
+commanded by Colonel Bartlett; and Newton's brigade: the Eighteenth,
+Thirty-first and Thirty-second New York, and Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania.
+
+The history of the Second division, General Smith's, we have already
+traced. The bravery and extraordinary endurance of each of its brigades
+had been exhibited too often to be questioned.
+
+With such splendid materials for a corps, a brilliant history of great
+achievements was to be anticipated, and nobly has it wrought out for
+itself such a history.
+
+No other body of troops has ever made for itself so proud a record. No
+corps, either in our own army or any other, ever met the enemy so
+frequently in general battle, and never were more glorious deeds
+accomplished by troops than were done by these. Never in the course of
+all their campaigns were either of these two divisions put to rout, and
+in almost all its encounters the corps held the field as victors.
+
+We were now encamped on the old Custis place; at present owned by
+General Fitzhugh Lee, of the rebel cavalry service. On every side of us
+were immense fields of wheat, which, but for the presence of armies,
+promised an abundant harvest. Day after day passed, in quiet repose, and
+the Sabbath found us still waiting on the banks of the Pamunkey. It was
+marvelous that such silence could exist where a hundred thousand men
+were crowded together, yet almost absolute stillness reigned throughout
+the vast camp during the whole of this pleasant Sabbath. Save that here
+and there the notes of Old Hundred or some sacred air was heard from the
+band of some regiment whose chaplain had gathered his men for religious
+services, no sound disturbed the universal quiet.
+
+Not far from us was the White House, at the head of navigation, on the
+Pamunkey. The house was a fine building, once the property of
+Washington, now in possession of the Lee family. Here the Richmond and
+York River railroad crossed the Pamunkey, and this was made the base of
+operations for the army. Here the transports poured out a vast amount of
+supplies, and under the protection of the flotilla of gunboats, the
+quartermasters and commissaries commenced their active operations.
+
+Except that a few rails had been torn up, the railroad was in excellent
+order, and engines and cars were at once placed on the track ready to
+follow the army on its advance to Richmond.
+
+The Sixth corps proceeded toward the Chickahominy, which it reached at a
+point several miles above the railroad crossing at Bottom's Bridge,
+occupying the extreme right of the Union line of battle as formed along
+that river. The position of the Union army was now as follows: Keyes'
+corps had crossed the Chickahominy at Bottom's Bridge, and Heintzelman
+had followed, taking a position between Keyes and the bridge. Sumner was
+on the railroad, and Franklin on the right near New Bridge; Stoneman's
+cavalry was on the right of the Sixth corps, and Porter's divisions were
+in the rear, within supporting distance.
+
+On the 23d, General Stoneman with his cavalry pushed forward toward
+Mechanicsville, supported by Davidson's brigade. The brigade halted for
+the night near Beaver Dam creek, a marshy stream pouring into the
+Chickahominy. On the following morning the brigade again pushed forward,
+the men making their way with great difficulty through a swamp, then
+plunging through the stream, then forcing their way through brambles and
+briars, and again wading through the water; until the men seemed to have
+become amphibious. They at length found the enemy near the little
+village of Mechanicsville.
+
+The brigade, with Wheeler's battery, formed in line of battle on some
+commanding grounds, and quietly rested for the night. On the morning of
+the 24th, the Seventy-seventh and part of the Thirty-third were ordered
+to advance toward the village and reconnoiter the position. Hardly had
+the advance commenced before the rebels opened upon the two commands a
+fierce cannonade, which forced our men to lie down, that the shells
+might pass over them. Wheeler's battery responded nobly to the rebel
+artillery, and presently General Davidson ordered Colonel McKean to
+charge the village with his regiment. The men rose to their feet and
+started forward with a yell. Down the hill they rushed impetuously,
+cheering and yelling; but the two rebel regiments, the Seventh and
+Eighth Georgia, startled by the shouts, seized their muskets and ran;
+firing but one parting salute. Their battery also limbered up and beat a
+hasty retreat; and as our men reached the village they were seen lashing
+their horses into a run, and in a moment they disappeared altogether
+down the road.
+
+In their haste the rebels forgot to carry off their knapsacks, canteens
+and haversacks; and our boys gathered them up to be kept till called
+for. They had also left a great many guns and cartridge boxes; and a
+flag, which the Seventy-seventh bore away in triumph.
+
+On the 26th of May, the enemy was discovered in considerable force at
+Hanover Court House, to the right and rear of our army. A part of
+Porter's corps was sent to meet this rebel force, and if possible drive
+it from its position. After a fatiguing march through mud and rain,
+General Emory, with his own brigade, and other troops of the corps, came
+up with the enemy near Hanover Court House, and at once commenced
+advancing slowly against the line of the enemy, when, being reinforced
+by part of Martindale's brigade, a charge was ordered and the rebels
+were routed. They fled precipitately, leaving one of their guns in the
+hands of our troops.
+
+Being reinforced, the rebels turned upon our troops, but were gallantly
+held by Martindale's brigade until General Porter brought a large force
+to the field. The rebels were again attacked and completely routed. They
+left about two hundred of their dead on the field to be buried by our
+men. Seven hundred prisoners were captured, beside two railroad trains,
+a twelve pound gun and many small arms. Our own loss amounted to about
+fifty killed and more than three hundred wounded and missing.
+
+[Illustration: CHARGE OF THE 77TH NEW YORK AT MECHANICSVILLE.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ON THE CHICKAHOMINY.
+
+    Gaines' Farm--The line of battle--Battle of Seven
+    Pines--Sedgwick and Kearney to the rescue--Hooker's charge--A
+    lost opportunity--Golden's Farm--Ditching--Malaria--Chickahominy
+    fevers--A German regiment--Stuart's raid.
+
+
+Davidson's command was withdrawn from its position on Beaver Dam creek
+on the 26th of May. Moving down the river about five miles, it encamped
+with the rest of the Sixth corps on the farm of Dr. Gaines, a noted
+rebel, where it remained until June 5th. The camps were within easy
+range of the enemy's guns, which were planted on the opposite side of
+the river, and our pickets could observe those of the rebels as they
+walked their beats.
+
+Few more charming places than Gaines' Farm could be found on the
+Peninsula. The broad wheat fields, alternating with wooded hills,
+afforded a scene of enchantment to the weary soldiers. A single wheat
+field contained four hundred and fifty acres, and a delightful grove in
+rear of the superb old mansion, furnished a cool retreat during the
+intense heat of the day. The extensive gardens were filled with rare
+exotics and most beautiful native plants and trees, and birds of varied
+and brilliant plumage sported among the flowering shrubs and charmed the
+air with their lively notes. Near the river side stood a large barn well
+filled with tobacco, from which the boys of the corps did not hesitate
+to lay in a full supply.
+
+In the rear of the corps was Liberty Hall, the birthplace of Patrick
+Henry. Now it was used as a hospital, and hundreds of soldiers, worn out
+with fatigue or burning with fevers, occupied the house and hospital
+tents surrounding it.
+
+Our men were employed in doing picket duty, and in building corduroy
+roads and bridges. The river, scarcely restrained by banks, was rising
+rapidly from the continued fall of rain, and at one time the pickets of
+our division, including the Thirty-third New York, were found in the
+morning surrounded by water; the rain having within three hours risen so
+rapidly that many were standing in water above their waists, while
+others were clinging to bushes for support. Boats were procured, and the
+drenched pickets were removed from their disagreeable positions.
+
+The army was divided into two wings, one on the south and one on the
+north side of the Chickahominy. The line of battle was in the form of a
+V: Keyes' and Heintzelman's corps on a line from Bottom's Bridge to
+Seven Pines, forming the left arm of the V, and Franklin's, Sumner's and
+Porter's on the north bank of the Chickahominy, from Bottom's Bridge to
+Gaines' Farm, the right arm.
+
+Keyes' corps, now composed of Casey's and Couch's divisions, had crossed
+the river at Bottom's Bridge on the 24th, and after considerable
+skirmishing with the enemy, had established itself on the road from
+Richmond to Williamsburgh, about six miles from Richmond, and as far
+from the Chickahominy, at a fork in the road called Seven Pines.
+Heintzelman's corps had followed, and occupied a position in the rear
+near the river. Casey's division occupied an advance position, and Couch
+the second line. One of the roads from this point, called the nine-mile
+road to Richmond, crossed the Richmond and York River railroad north of
+Seven Pines, at a place called Fair Oaks. The country was wooded and
+marshy, and General Casey was not able to throw his pickets out more
+than a thousand yards in advance of his line of battle. Both divisions
+at once intrenched themselves, and slashed the forests, that any
+approach of the enemy might be discovered, and to widen the sweep of
+their guns. Here the two divisions remained, having occasional
+skirmishes with the enemy, until the morning of the 31st of May.
+
+During the night before, the rain had fallen in torrents. Thunders
+rolled along the sky, and the heavens blazed with perpetual flashes of
+lightning. The morning found the earth drenched by the floods, and the
+men of Casey's division rose from their beds of mud to fight the battle
+of Seven Pines.
+
+It became evident to General Casey early in the day that the enemy
+designed to attack him in force. He accordingly ordered his division
+under arms, and made such dispositions of his forces as seemed best
+calculated to resist the onset.
+
+At half-past twelve the attack was commenced. Large bodies of rebels
+emerged from the cover of the woods, and at once commenced a brisk fire
+of musketry and artillery, driving in the picket line, and pressing
+forward against the Union line of intrenchments. The numbers of the
+enemy were now seen to be greatly disproportionate to those of the
+single division opposed to them, and General Casey called for help.
+Couch's division was under arms, acting as support, but not yet engaged.
+Some of the new troops, thus pressed by overwhelming numbers broke and
+retreated in disorder; but the division at large nobly withstood the
+mighty host which assailed it in front, flank and rear. The forces of
+the enemy constantly increased; and the single division was now fairly
+invested by the exultant foe, who pressed forward, unmindful of the
+losses inflicted by Casey's troops. Again and again the enemy came on in
+masses, receiving the shot and shells, which tore open their ranks,
+closing up the gaps, and pushing steadily on to the assault. Against
+these repeated attacks of superior numbers of confident troops, who
+constantly arrived in fresh numbers, and, forming under cover of the
+woods, rushed against our lines, Casey's division held its ground three
+hours, until almost half its number were destroyed. The execution done
+on the rebels was great. All means of transportation at their command,
+were brought into requisition to carry off the wounded to Richmond; and
+their dead lay piled upon the bloody field. The white-haired veteran,
+General Casey, was present wherever the danger seemed greatest. Riding
+along his lines, encouraging his troops, and making his dispositions for
+repelling the overwhelming assaults, his heroism inspired bravery in the
+hearts of the men, and prevented defeat from becoming a rout. General
+Keyes was directing the movements of the second line, held by General
+Couch. Portions of the division were rallied, and with the aid of
+Couch's troops and a brigade of Kearney's division, which that never
+tiring general had just led on to the scene of conflict, the attempt was
+made to retake the line of works just lost, but without success.
+
+By this time General Heintzelman had arrived with his corps; and orders
+were given to fall back to a third line. The enemy made one more
+desperate attempt to crush the retreating division, but they were
+repulsed with fearful loss, and here commenced the turning of the tide
+in the conflict.
+
+The line of battle as now formed was nearly two miles in the rear of the
+position of the morning, at Fair Oaks.
+
+Heintzelman's and Keyes' corps at once proceeded to strengthen this
+position, and before dark the brave fellows of Sedgwick's division, of
+Sumner's corps, were on the ground, ready to assist in repelling the
+progress of the enemy. Richardson's division, not far behind, arrived at
+sunset; and now the Union army was prepared for any attempt which the
+rebels might see fit to make. The efforts which the enemy were now
+making to break through our flank on the left at White Oak Swamp, were,
+by this timely arrival of Sedgwick, thwarted. Had the confederates
+succeeded in this, the retreat of Keyes' corps and that part of
+Heintzelman's on the ground must have been cut off, and our army
+destroyed. The rebels, not satisfied with a partial victory, and
+determined to destroy the left wing of our army, then thrust beyond the
+river, renewed their assaults, and again and again pushed forward.
+Gathering in masses under cover of the forest, they would dash upon our
+lines with impetuous fury; only to be sent reeling back by a hurricane
+of leaden and iron hail. Sedgwick and the intrepid Kearney fought their
+divisions with greatest skill; and by their own example animated and
+encouraged their men. Night closed upon the scene; and at eight o'clock
+the fighting had ceased. The rebels, so exultant at their success in the
+early part of the day, were now hopeless of turning their victory to any
+good account; for their last assaults had met with such terrible
+repulses, that to renew the attack in force in the morning, would be but
+a useless waste of life to them. Still, they held their ground, and on
+the morning of June 1st, made some demonstrations against parts of our
+line, which were gallantly met.
+
+Finally, General Hooker, who here sustained the enviable reputation he
+had so nobly earned at Williamsburgh, led his command across the open
+space in front of our line, a space not more than one-fourth of a mile
+wide, beyond which the ground was interrupted by forests, to attack the
+enemy.
+
+With quick and steady step, the well trained division advanced across
+the field, deploying to the right and left; and before half crossing the
+open space their pace was quickened to a run; constantly firing as they
+dashed forward on the enemy.
+
+Presently the edge of the forest was reached; and here considerable
+opposition was met with; yet, after a moment's halt, the division again
+pushed forward into the woods. The din of arms was heard for a few
+moments, then the firing ceased, and our troops were in possession of
+the ground.
+
+The rebels were, in their turn, now panic-stricken; and hundreds of them
+rushed back to the confederate capital, spreading the alarm, and
+declaring that the Yankees were about to walk into the city.
+
+It was doubtless a sad mistake that this victory was not followed up.
+The rebels, who had greatly outnumbered us in the fight of the day
+before, were now themselves outnumbered. They had suffered severe
+repulses on the evening before, and on this day their rear-guard had
+been whipped by General Hooker.
+
+A renewal of the attack in force on the part of the Union army would
+have probably resulted in the capture of the beleaguered city. As it
+was, the commander of the Union army was on the north side of the
+Chickahominy, many miles from the scene of action, and no order for a
+forward movement was given.
+
+Such was the battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks. Fought for the most
+part, by a single division of less than six thousand men, against the
+combined forces of Longstreet, Hill, Smith and Huger; all under the
+immediate command of the Commander-in-Chief of the rebel army, General
+Johnston.
+
+General Johnston had become satisfied, from the reports of his scouts,
+that only Keyes' corps, of two divisions, was across the Chickahominy.
+Believing that the bad state of the roads and the swollen condition of
+the Chickahominy, would effectually prevent reinforcements reaching this
+corps before he could fall upon it and crush it, he had determined to
+bring an overwhelming force against it. Accordingly, the divisions of
+Longstreet, Hill, Smith and Huger, were placed in position to make a
+sudden and destructive assault upon the front and flanks of Casey's
+exposed division, in the confident expectation of annihilating it. But,
+instead of giving way before this avalanche, as Johnston had
+contemplated, the regiments of the division, with few exceptions,
+manfully held their ground for three hours.
+
+The Commander-in-Chief reported to the Secretary of War that Casey's
+division "gave way unaccountably and discreditably." Five days later he
+promised to modify his charge, if he found occasion; but it was only in
+his final report, made many months after leaving the army, he was
+constrained to acknowledge the good conduct of the division--an act of
+tardy justice to deserving men.
+
+Notwithstanding the great disparity in the numbers of those engaged on
+the rebel and Union sides, the losses were nearly equal. The Union army
+lost four thousand five hundred and seventeen in killed and wounded, and
+one thousand two hundred and twenty-two missing. Nearly one-half of all
+these losses were from Casey's and Couch's divisions. General Johnston
+reported the rebel loss in Longstreet's and Hill's commands at four
+thousand two hundred and thirty-six.
+
+Among the trophies of the enemy, were ten pieces of artillery and four
+stands of colors.
+
+With these trophies, they were satisfied to boast their victory;
+regardless of the fact that they had been the assailants in superior
+numbers, and had been repulsed with fearful slaughter, and that the only
+fruit of their boasted victory was a few guns and colors, as an offset
+for the loss of thousands of their soldiers. General Johnston himself
+was among the rebel wounded, and was forced to give over the command to
+another.
+
+On the other hand, the Union army might, had the corps on the north bank
+of the Chickahominy promptly followed that of General Sumner across the
+river, have easily entered Richmond. But the hesitancy which
+characterized the movements of the army lost to us all the advantages of
+success. Early next day the treacherous river had risen to such an
+extent as to render crossing almost impossible; so the army remained as
+the battle of Fair Oaks had left it; three corps on the south, and two
+on the north side of the Chickahominy, separated by an almost
+unsurmountable obstacle.
+
+From our camp at Gaines' Farm, the men of the Sixth corps could see the
+smoke of battle and hear the roar of artillery and musketry; but were
+not able to go to the assistance of their fellows.
+
+The distance from Gaines' Farm to Fair Oaks was, in a direct line,
+scarcely more than four miles, but as all communications with the
+opposite side of the river were by way of Bottom's Bridge, the distance
+was about fifteen miles. The Vermont brigade essayed a crossing in our
+own front on the afternoon of the second day of the fight, with the view
+of rendering assistance on the other side, but the attempt was
+abandoned.
+
+General McClellan, with General Hancock and other officers, took a
+position in the line of our Third brigade, on Sunday, where they
+remained watching the progress of the battle from afar until darkness
+shut out the view.
+
+On the day after the battle, rain poured in a continuous storm; deluging
+the roads and swelling what had been but rivulets the day before, into
+rivers. In the midst of this tempest of rain, Casey's division,
+destitute of tents and blankets, weary from fighting and disheartened by
+injustice, marched six miles to the rear to find a new encampment. On
+the 5th of June, Smith's division, of the Sixth corps, was ordered to
+cross the Chickahominy, and encamp on "Golden's Farm," nearly opposite.
+The Third brigade took the advance, followed by the rest of the
+division. Owing to the swollen state of the river, and the impossibility
+of bridging it, the division was forced to march to Dispatch Station
+before effecting a crossing. The march was a long and weary one to gain
+a distance less than three miles.
+
+Some of our troops were found skirmishing with the enemy, and our
+batteries opened upon the gray coats, who quickly surrendered the ground
+and took to flight. Our Second division encamped in a pleasant locality,
+yet in close proximity to the swamp.
+
+The Chickahominy wound its doubtful course among multitudes of islands
+scarcely raised above the surface, yet covered with trees, shrubs and
+vines in profusion, within a few rods of our camp. Beyond us, in our
+front, were forests of luxuriant growths of trees and climbing shrubs,
+and the country all about us was interrupted with rank growth of timber.
+The division at once proceeded, as did all the other divisions in the
+army, to throw up earthworks; making slow advances at certain points by
+pushing these works further toward the front. On the 18th, we were
+joined by the other division, Slocum's. The Sixth corps now formed the
+right of the new line of battle on the south of the river. The line
+reached from Golden's Farm to Fair Oaks. Day and night the men worked at
+the breastworks and bridges. One-third of the army was employed
+constantly at these works, and the immense lines of intrenchments were
+marvels of achievements in engineering. These were all constructed under
+the fire of the enemy; no day passing without its skirmish. Soldiers
+were daily brought to the hospitals with wounds, even in the most quiet
+times.
+
+Everything combined to exhaust the energies of the men and produce
+fevers, diarrheas and scurvy. Day after day the men worked under a
+burning sun, throwing up the immense walls of earth, or toiled standing
+to their waists in water, building bridges. Night after night they were
+called to arms, to resist some threatened attack of the enemy. Their
+clothing and tents were drenched with frequent rains, and they often
+slept in beds of mud. With the hot weather, the malaria became more and
+more deadly. The whole country was alternately overflowed and drained;
+and the swamps were reeking with the poisoned air. The hospitals became
+daily more crowded. The strongest were constantly falling. Diarrhea,
+typhoid fever, and other miasmatic maladies, became almost universal.
+Men who worked at the breastworks one day would be found in the
+hospitals on the next, burning with fever, tormented with insatiable
+thirst, racked with pains, or wild with delirium; their parched lips,
+and teeth blackened with sordes, the hot breath and sunken eyes, the
+sallow skin and trembling pulse, all telling of the violent workings of
+these diseases.
+
+Day after day, scores of brave men, who had left their northern homes to
+aid in the hour of their country's need, were borne to lowly graves
+along the banks of that fatal river; and at times one might sit in the
+door of his tent and see as many as six or seven funeral parties bearing
+comrades to their humble resting places.
+
+Hospital steamers plied constantly from the White House to Washington,
+Alexandria and Philadelphia, bearing thousands of these victims of
+disease; and many, with stoic indifference, lay down in their shelter
+tents and gave themselves over to death, without even applying to
+comrades or surgeons for assistance.
+
+Everywhere at the north, men were seen on cars and steamers, on the
+streets and in the houses, whose sallow countenances, emaciated
+appearance, and tottering steps, marked them as the victims of
+"Chickahominy fever." Express cars groaned with the weight of coffins
+containing the remains of youths who but a few months before had gone to
+the war in the pride of their strength, and had now yielded, not to the
+bullets of the enemy, but to the grim spirit which hovered over that
+river of death.
+
+Our army seemed on the point of annihilation from disease; and matters
+were constantly growing worse. At White House landing, great temporary
+hospitals were established, where hundreds languished, and waited their
+turn to be sent north.
+
+Thus, for nearly a month, the two armies looked each other in the face,
+each engaged in throwing up defenses against the approach of the other,
+but neither attempting to bring on any general engagement. The pickets
+of the two opposing forces were within speaking distance, but they
+contented themselves with watching each other, and, as a general rule,
+amicable relations existed between them. But occasionally, when a
+belligerent regiment would be on picket on one or the other side, some
+fellow, who imagined he had a capital chance to pick off an opposing
+picket, would blaze away; when in a moment the whole line on either side
+would flash with the discharge of musketry. Night demonstrations on the
+part of the enemy were so common, that it was a rare thing for our
+troops not to turn out at midnight, or at two or three o'clock in the
+morning, and stand under arms until after daylight.
+
+The men of our Third brigade were a part of the time engaged in building
+a strong fort, near the river bank, which, in honor of our dashing
+brigadier, was named Fort Davidson.
+
+A new regiment was added to Davidson's brigade during the month of June,
+the Twentieth New York. The regiment was composed entirely of German
+Turners. Nearly every man had served his three years in the Prussian
+service.
+
+They had been stationed in the works at Newport News, and their drill
+excelled anything in the army, either in the regular or volunteer branch
+of service. Their full ranks, and their unsoiled uniforms, were in
+striking contrast with the shattered and worn-out regiments forming the
+rest of the brigade.
+
+Among the causes of discouragement and anxiety for the safety of our
+army, was the notorious raid of General Stuart in our rear. This
+energetic officer, with a body of about two thousand rebel cavalry, had
+swept round our entire rear, causing something of a panic, not only at
+White House, where all the shipping dropped down the river, but in the
+ranks of the army, where it was feared that our communications were
+destroyed, and we were liable to be hemmed in and overthrown at any
+time.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES.
+
+    The army united--Plans and counter plans--Battle of Fair
+    Oaks--Lee's plan--The situation--Stonewall Jackson on the
+    flank--Battle of Mechanicsville--Joy in camp--Porter's corps
+    retreats--An astonished army--Battle of Gaines' Farm--Slocum's
+    division at Games' Farm--Retreat to the river--Battle of
+    Golden's Farm--A young hero--A Union victory--Our right
+    exposed--The sick abandoned--A night of sorrow--The grand
+    retreat commenced--Sad scenes at Savage's Station--A meteor
+    railroad train.
+
+
+At length, after great labor, the bridge across the river, near our own
+camps, was finished. It was an immense structure, spanning not only the
+river, but the swampy banks on either side to a great distance. Sumner's
+forces had also rebuilt and enlarged the bridge below, and now the two
+wings of the army, after weeks of separation, were united by means of
+these bridges. Communications were now rapid and easy, and there was no
+difficulty in reinforcing one wing with troops from the other.
+
+General McClellan now determined to act; and an advance of our picket
+line was ordered on the 25th of June, preparatory to a general forward
+movement.
+
+But General McClellan was not alone in deciding upon this particular
+time for commencing offensive operations.
+
+General Lee, who had succeeded to the command of the rebel army when
+Johnston was wounded, aware of McClellan's intentions of approaching the
+city by regular approaches, and aware that it was in no condition long
+to withstand a siege, determined to act on the offensive.
+
+The two armies were now about equal in numbers, each consisting of a
+little more than one hundred thousand men for duty. (Our army had
+115,000 men for duty.) Our own army had recently been reinforced by
+McCall's division, and five or six thousand troops from Fortress Monroe;
+and the rebel army had been strengthened by the accession of Jackson's
+force, of nearly twenty thousand, from the valley.
+
+McClellan's first move was to advance the left wing, under Heintzelman,
+who occupied the ground on which had been fought the battle of Fair
+Oaks. General Hooker was ordered to advance his division about a mile
+across a clearing in his front. This the gallant general essayed to do.
+
+In front of his camp, before reaching the clearing, was a thick
+entanglement of low pines and bushes, filled with swamps and ponds. This
+chaparral was about five hundred yards wide. Beyond was the clearing, in
+which were the rifle pits and strong redoubts of the enemy, and still
+farther on a forest. Hooker's brigades, commanded by Sickles, Grover and
+Robinson, protected on the left flank by Kearney's division, and on the
+right by a Massachusetts regiment, moved into the tangled forest, about
+eight o'clock on the morning of the 25th. Grover's pickets soon fell in
+with those of the enemy, and sharp skirmishing commenced; but the rebel
+picket line was steadily driven back into the clearing, where it was
+strengthened by their reserve. The fighting now became general. The
+woods rang with the sharp sounds of musketry and the deep tones of the
+artillery, and clouds of smoke obscured the scene from view. Ambulances
+were emerging from the woods bearing the wounded; and bloody forms on
+stretchers, and the less seriously wounded leaning on the shoulders of
+comrades, made up a melancholy procession.
+
+The fire in the edge of the woods and in the open fields increased in
+intensity, until all of Hooker's and part of Kearney's forces were
+brought into action. The rebels finally retreated across the field to
+the cover of their rifle pits. The retreat was slow and orderly, every
+foot of the way being disputed.
+
+Our men were exultingly pushing forward, determined to drive them from
+their pits also, when an order from General McClellan directed General
+Hooker to retire with his division to the original position. Here was
+evidently a sad misconception of the state of affairs, for, when the
+Commander-in-Chief, an hour later, arrived on the field and consulted
+with General Hooker, the men were ordered forward once more to occupy
+the ground they had once taken and surrendered.
+
+This time there was less resistance. The rebels steadily gave way,
+giving up their rifle pits and yielding the whole of the open field.
+Under cover of the forest beyond the field they made another stand, and
+late in the afternoon a brigade charged upon our lines; but they were
+bravely met by men of Grover's brigade, and driven back, leaving three
+hundred of their dead on the field.
+
+By the action of this day, our line was advanced on the left nearly a
+mile. The victory, such as it was, cost us six hundred and forty men in
+killed and wounded. The men remained under arms all night, in readiness
+to meet the frequent sorties of the enemy, who intended nothing more
+serious than preventing reinforcements from being sent to the right of
+our line.
+
+Little did General Lee heed these operations on our left. It was all the
+better for his plan that the attention of our army should be engaged in
+this direction. He was ready now to execute his plan of raising the
+siege of Richmond; and a tremendous force had been massed against our
+right, ready to advance upon it and our rear, with the hope of cutting
+the Union army off from its supplies, and placing it in the greatest
+jeopardy.
+
+Let us, for a moment, recall the position of our army, which, since the
+first battle of Fair Oaks, has been somewhat changed. Porter's corps,
+consisting of McCall's, Morrell's and Sykes' divisions, still held the
+right, on the north bank of the Chickahominy, at Gaines' Farm and
+Mechanicsville. The several bridges which had been constructed since the
+1st of June, formed avenues of communication between the two portions of
+the army separated by the river. Next, near the river, and opposite
+Porter's corps, was our own Sixth corps, Slocum's and Smith's divisions,
+Smith's nearest the stream. Then, on our left was Sumner's corps,
+Sedgwick's and Richardson's divisions; and finally, on the left of all,
+was Heintzelman, with his divisions under Hooker and Kearney, and
+Couch's division, of Keyes' corps. Casey's shattered division was in the
+rear, guarding Bottom's Bridge and the road to the White House.
+
+The line stretched from Mechanicsville across the river to Golden's
+Farm, and thence to Fair Oaks.
+
+The whole of this extensive line was protected by earthworks of
+marvelous magnitude, and whole forests of timber slashed in front of
+some parts of the line formed almost impenetrable abattis.
+
+On the other hand, Lee's army had been as actively engaged in ditching
+and throwing up redoubts, and Richmond was surrounded by a cordon of
+most powerful works. Stonewall Jackson had been recalled from the
+Shenandoah Valley; and now, with an army of thirty thousand men, a very
+large proportion of them being men of his original army, he hung upon
+our right and rear, ready to come down upon our communications and flank
+like an avalanche.
+
+Scarcely had General McClellan finished his dispatch to the Secretary of
+War, in which he announced the glad tidings that he had got his pickets
+in the right place, preparatory to a general advance, before he was
+aroused from his illusion by the intelligence that the pickets on the
+right were being driven in. He had already, during the day, learned
+something of Jackson's position, and it was now easy to divine the
+intention of that energetic chief.
+
+During the night, Hill and Longstreet crossed the upper Chickahominy;
+and, by rapid marches, confronted the pickets of McCall's division at
+Mechanicsville before daylight on the morning of the 26th. Jackson,
+delayed by our skirmishers, was still behind. Without waiting for
+Jackson, Hill ordered an attack by daylight. Our pickets were forced
+back upon the main line, and the battle of Mechanicsville commenced.
+McCall's division, consisting of Reynolds', Meade's and Seymour's
+brigades, was strongly posted behind Beaver Dam creek; a stream about
+twelve feet wide, wooded on either side, with water waist deep, and a
+steep bank on the side held by the Union forces. Along this bank, timber
+had been felled, rifle pits dug, and other careful preparations made for
+meeting an attack. The only accessible places for artillery were the two
+roads which crossed the stream, one at Ellison's Mills, and the other a
+mile above. Against these two points the rebels directed their principal
+efforts. Hill's division made the first assault. Clearing their rifle
+pits, his men rushed forward with a yell, gaining the creek, within a
+hundred yards of our line. Here the creek and the almost impenetrable
+abattis checked their progress, and a murderous fire of shot, shells,
+cannister and musketry was opened upon them, which threw them into
+confusion, and repulsed them with fearful loss. Again and again the
+charge was renewed; each time with equal want of success. More and more
+grand and terrible the battle became, as the combatants struggled with
+each other at close range. Thus far there had been no such terrific
+artillery firing during the war. The uproar was incessant, and sublime
+beyond description. Finding the position too strong to be carried by
+direct assault, the confederates fell back to their rifle pits; leaving
+their many dead and wounded on the ground. The men of McCall's division,
+securely posted behind their breastworks, had suffered comparatively
+little; our loss not exceeding three hundred in killed and wounded, out
+of the six thousand belonging to the brigades engaged.
+
+On the other hand, the rebels had lost heavily. From their own official
+reports, it is known that of the twelve thousand engaged, the loss in
+killed and wounded was fifteen hundred; Ripley's single brigade losing
+five hundred and seventy-four men.
+
+Both Davis and Lee were present on the field, directing in person the
+movements, and exposed to the fire where the battle was fiercest.
+General McClellan was at the head-quarters of General Porter, where he
+remained until the close of the battle, when he rode over the field.
+
+From the camp of the Sixth corps, the battle-field was not more than
+four or five miles distant in a direct line, though by way of the bridge
+it was much farther.
+
+We could watch the columns of smoke as they rolled up from the scene of
+carnage, and see the flashes of bursting shells, like sheets of
+lightning in dark thunder-clouds, and hear the tremendous roar of arms.
+In the afternoon, as the rebels charged upon a certain part of our
+lines, we could watch the movements of both armies. Our only part in the
+engagement was to stand to arms, ready to rush to the assistance of
+those on the other side of the river, at a moment's notice. In the
+evening, the news of our success spread through the army, creating the
+wildest joy. Men who had, by constant hardships, and by continually
+looking on death, almost forgotten the feelings of joy, now broke out in
+loud shouts of gladness; and for the first time in many weeks the bands
+played those heart-stirring national airs, which in times past had been
+wont to fill the hearts of the soldiers with enthusiasm.
+
+The night passed in constant watchfulness, the men resting upon their
+arms; for a renewal of the attack might be expected at any moment.
+Still, the men of the whole of the left wing of the army were exulting
+in the glad hope that in the morning we were to march into Richmond,
+almost without opposition; and that their high hopes of success were to
+be speedily realized. The prize which they had so often been promised,
+seemed almost within their grasp. Men shook hands with each other, sung
+patriotic songs, and shouted in greatest glee.
+
+Bands continued to ring out their notes of gladness until long after
+nightfall; general officers rode about announcing a grand victory; all
+was the most intense excitement; and the men lay down upon their arms to
+dream of reveling in the streets of Richmond before another night. For
+weeks, even the drum calls and the bugle notes had not been heard in our
+camps. Now, as if suddenly waked from a long slumber, the strains of the
+bugle and the roll of the drum were added to the general rejoicing.
+
+It was known that the rebel troops engaged were not those of Jackson. He
+then must be working around to our rear. He was known to have a very
+large force; not less than thirty thousand. It was evident that our
+communications were in great danger, and that unless the main force of
+our army, now on the right bank of the Chickahominy, were hastily
+concentrated on the left bank, we could not expect to hold the line to
+the Pamunkey another day. If this were done, the rebels could easily
+prevent our retreat to the James river, and leave us on the banks of the
+Pamunkey. Accordingly, General McClellan gave up all hope of being able
+to maintain the position of that portion of the army on the north side
+of the Chickahominy, and at once issued orders with a view of preparing
+for a change of base. The quartermaster at White House was directed to
+"send cars to the last moment, and load them with provisions and
+ammunition." "Load every wagon you have," said the dispatch, "with
+subsistence, and send them to Savage's Station. If you are obliged to
+abandon White House, burn everything you cannot get off."
+
+The quartermaster was directed, also, to throw all his supplies, not
+burned or sent to the army, up the James river, and there establish
+depots of supplies. General Casey, who was now in command of the guard
+at White House, was instructed to see these orders carried out. He
+burned immense quantities of stores, consisting of clothing,
+subsistence, and other war material, and then hastily marched his force
+to rejoin the army.
+
+The evening of the 26th was passed in gladness over our victory; but
+while the army was rejoicing at this temporary success, it was losing
+one of the grandest opportunities ever presented it for entering the
+rebel capital. The whole plan of Lee had been based upon a false
+calculation; and had this mistake been improved by our commanders, the
+history of the war would have been entirely changed. Both Lee and Davis
+believed that the main body of our army was on the north side of the
+Chickahominy; whereas, of the five corps constituting our army, only
+one, that of Porter, remained on that side. Under this erroneous
+impression, Lee had brought nearly the whole of his army across the
+river to assail the Union army on its right. This was known to our
+generals, for while positive information had been received that Jackson,
+with his large army, was making for our rear, the prisoners taken during
+the day were from Hill's command, and from them it was known that the
+troops of A. P. Hill, Longstreet and D. H. Hill, were confronting us on
+the right. Thus, between our main force, of over seventy-six thousand
+men, and Richmond, less than twenty-five thousand rebels guarded their
+extensive line of works. A concentrated assault of the four corps on the
+south side of the river must have resulted in the utter rout of the
+force opposed to them, and the road to Richmond would have been opened.
+
+But the error of General Lee was never suspected, and this grand
+opportunity was lost.
+
+During the night of the 26th, the heavy artillery and baggage of
+Porter's corps was all sent across the river. McCall's whole division,
+except a line of pickets left as a blind, also fell back five miles
+below, to the vicinity of the bridge at Gaines' Farm, where the three
+divisions of the corps united.
+
+The astonishment of the men on the south side of the river on
+discovering, in the morning, that Porter's corps had fallen back, was
+only equaled by their mortification and disappointment, as they saw the
+long lines of rebels advancing in the gray of the morning against our
+retreating column.
+
+They had believed, when night came on, that our arms had achieved the
+first of a series of victories which was to give us the rebel capital.
+Now they saw that our army was already in retreat, and they gazed at the
+long train of artillery and wagons, which had parked near us, with
+downcast faces. From our camp, Porter's division could be distinctly
+seen, and we could watch the movements of the rebels as they arrived
+upon the highlands, formed their line on the range of hills opposite
+Porter, and planted their guns near the large barn on Dr. Gaines' farm.
+
+The position of Porter's corps was a strong one; and he was ordered to
+hold it till night, and then to cross the bridge and burn it after him;
+the upper bridge having been burned during the night. The country
+between the two lines was rolling, somewhat wooded, but in parts
+cleared. Both parties went to work to cut down trees in their front.
+
+The rebel forces, who supposed on the 26th that they were fighting our
+main army, were surprised, on the morning of the 27th, to find that only
+a picket line opposed them. They were early astir; and advancing against
+the slender line, drove it back. The whole rebel force advanced
+cautiously; A. P. Hill and Longstreet bearing to the right, while D. H.
+Hill turned to the left, to unite with Jackson, who was supposed to be
+coming in from the rear. Owing to the uneven country over which they
+were advancing, their march was slow; for they might fall upon a Union
+line of battle behind any rounding swell of land.
+
+It was afternoon before the rebel army had fully formed its line on
+Gaines' Farm. The position of that army was nearly that of the same army
+when Grant attacked it at Coal Harbor two years later, only it was faced
+about. The battle opened about one o'clock, by skirmishing on both
+sides; but it was not till an hour later that Hill's division dashed
+across the open space, rushing through the swamp, and under a severe
+fire from our batteries and musketry, pushed up the slope on which was
+posted our line. The confederate troops advanced almost up to Sykes'
+line of battle on the right, and in other parts of the line actually
+forced back the Union troops; but they were able to hold their position
+only a short time, when they were forced back with great loss.
+
+Longstreet now advanced against the left of our line, but he too met
+with a stern reception, and he withdrew to rearrange his plan of attack.
+
+By this time Jackson was approaching, and now the overwhelming forces of
+the enemy promised to crush the single corps; but Slocum's division of
+our Sixth corps was ordered to the relief of the Fifth corps, and
+arrived at four o'clock. The division was sent into the fight at once,
+each brigade being ordered separately to strengthen the weak points of
+the line. Thus, while the division fought bravely, and suffered equally
+in proportion with the Fifth corps, its incorporation with that corps
+for the time deprived it of the honors to which it was justly entitled.
+
+Bartlett, with his brigade, went to the aid of Sykes, who was doubtfully
+struggling to hold his line; but who now, by the aid of the gallant
+brigade, was able to hurl the assailants back from his front.
+
+The rebel line being completed, Longstreet, A. P. Hill, and Jackson all
+up with their troops, a general advance was made.
+
+The charge was made with great spirit, the rebels rushing over the open
+ground and floundering through the swamp under a most writhing fire, but
+the position of our forces was still too strong for them. At all points
+they were repulsed with terrible slaughter. First on the right, where
+Sykes' regulars, supported by Bartlett's brigade, withstood the onset of
+Hill, the disordered and disheartened confederates began to scatter in
+all directions.
+
+One of the confederate generals reported that had not his men fallen
+back themselves he would have ordered it. "Men were leaving the field,"
+says another general, "in every direction; two regiments ... were
+actually marching back under fire. Men were skulking from the woods in a
+shameful manner. The woods on our left and rear were full of troops in
+safe cover, from which they never stirred." Such was the effect of the
+reception given by the regulars. On our left they met with no better
+success. These, too, fell back in disorder. Now a desperate attempt was
+made against our center. The tactics with which we afterwards became so
+familiar on the part of the rebels were brought to bear. This was in
+massing troops against certain parts of our line and making desperate
+onslaughts with a view of breaking the line. The forces of Jackson, Hill
+and Longstreet threw themselves fiercely against our works, but without
+being able to drive our men back. Here it was that the First and Third
+brigades of Slocum's division saved the wavering line, and all the fury
+of the rebels was spent in vain. General Porter directed Newton's
+brigade to its position in the center; Newton leading the Thirty-first
+New York and Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania into the woods on one side, and
+the gallant Colonel Matheson with the Eighteenth and Thirty-second
+entering on the other, both in the face of a destructive fire. The
+rebels charged upon the brigade and gallantly the charge was met.
+Newton, seeing the rebel line waver before the fire of his men, shouted
+"Forward!" and the impetuous regiments cleared the woods and drove the
+rebels more than seven hundred yards. But the confederates, reinforced,
+pressed hard upon them with overwhelming numbers, and Newton demanded
+aid. Regiments from the New Jersey brigade rushed to the assistance of
+their brothers of the Third brigade, cheering as they advanced, and the
+position was held until the left wing of Porter's corps gave way. For
+two hours the conflict on this part of the line raged with terrible
+violence; the columns surging backward and forward, neither party being
+able to gain any permanent advantage. Never had we heard such volleys of
+musketry as now rolled along the borders of the swampy Chickahominy.
+Artillery was less used; a strip of pine woods intervening between the
+position occupied by some of our batteries and the rebel line preventing
+an accurate range. The attempt to break our center was abandoned, and
+now immense forces were brought against the left. The roar of battle
+became more loud than before. The thousand continuous volleys of
+musketry mingled in one grand tumultuous concert of death; while the
+booming of artillery, which was now brought more into action, shook the
+earth for miles around. Under the pressure of overwhelming numbers, one
+brigade gave way; and another on the extreme left, finding itself
+outflanked, fought its way back to the upper bridge, which had been
+partially destroyed during the night, and, crossing to the south side of
+the river, gathered its shattered regiments behind the breastworks of
+our Second division.
+
+For two hours and a half the battle had raged fiercely on this part of
+the line, and as these brigades on the right gave way, the confusion
+spread all along. The rebels, seeing the disorder, and encouraged by
+their success on the left, came on with redoubled fury; and the whole
+line gave way, and fell back to some high grounds near the bridge. Here
+two brigades from the Third corps appeared as reinforcements, and the
+retreat was checked. The Fifth corps, with Slocum's division and the two
+brigades from the Third corps, were able to hold their position on the
+north side of the river till after dark.
+
+But we had been beaten, and our losses were very great. Twenty-two
+pieces of artillery fell into the hands of the enemy. We lost two
+thousand prisoners, among whom was General Reynolds, commanding one of
+McCall's brigades; and our killed and wounded numbered about four
+thousand. The rebels had suffered greater losses in men, nine thousand
+five hundred having been killed or wounded. The action, on the part of
+the rebels, had been directed by General Lee in person, who was on the
+field during the whole action, controlling the movements of his troops,
+and attending to the details of the fight. On our part, the battle had
+been fought entirely under the direction of General Porter. General
+McClellan, believing he could best watch the movements at all parts of
+his line from a central position, had remained during the day at the
+Trent House, five miles from the scene of action, without deeming it
+necessary even to ride down to the river by the Woodbury bridge.
+(McClellan's Report.)
+
+Meantime, while the battle raged with fury on the north side of the
+Chickahominy, there was active work in our own front. Our Second
+division, at Golden's Farm, was joined on the left by Sedgwick's
+division, of the Third corps. The two divisions held the key to
+Richmond; for, had the brave men composing them, under the leadership of
+such men as Smith and Sedgwick, been ordered to break through the rebel
+line, there was no power in their front to restrain them. The rebels,
+aware of this, and designing to prevent reinforcements from going to
+Porter, made frequent feints all along our line. Now with pickets, and
+anon, gathering a considerable force, they would advance upon some part
+of our works. From the nature of the ground, they could appear in large
+force at one point, then withdrawing, pass under cover of the woods and
+reappear at another point; thus keeping up the idea of a large force.
+
+These skirmishes and the artillery duels had been kept up all day, to
+the annoyance of all.
+
+Just at sunset, Davidson's brigade was ordered to cross the river, by
+the Woodbury bridge, to reinforce the Fifth corps. Preparations for
+moving were not complete, when the enemy opened a fierce fire of
+artillery and musketry. The idea of reinforcing the Fifth corps was at
+once abandoned, and we hastily took refuge from the howling missiles
+behind our breastworks. The artillery firing increased, until the scene
+became in the highest degree exciting.
+
+Our guns were answering the rebels with great spirit, hurling shells
+fast and furiously, and clouds of smoke rolled up from both the opposing
+lines. At length the rebel infantry was brought forward to charge our
+line. Hancock's brigade of our Second division, and Burns' of Sedgwick's
+division, were farthest in advance. Hancock had taken up a critical
+position in front of the line of works, where his brigade was supporting
+a strong battery. Against these two advance brigades the enemy pounced
+with the hope of routing them by this sudden onset. Against Hancock they
+made the most desperate attempt, but with no success further than
+driving in the picket line. In return, the rebels were hurried back to
+the cover of the woods from whence they came, leaving many dead and
+wounded on the field. While the First brigade was thus bravely
+withstanding the assault of the rebels, the Third brigade and the Second
+occupied a second line, acting as support, but neither were actively
+engaged; yet several of the regiments in the second line lost men by the
+shells.
+
+During the night our Third brigade relieved Hancock's regiments and
+remained in possession of the advanced position until afternoon next
+day. We had moved from our old position while the fight was in progress,
+and had left everything except arms and ammunition.
+
+We could hear the sound of ambulances in the front where the rebels were
+gathering up their wounded, till after midnight; and toward morning they
+made a sally upon a part of the line, but were quickly repulsed.
+
+June 28th, the men of Davidson's brigade who had been ordered the day
+before to leave haversacks, canteens, blankets and tents, found in the
+morning that their camp was occupied by another division, tired and
+hungry, who had lost their blankets in the fights of the two days
+before, and who had now appropriated the haversacks and blankets of our
+boys to their own use. Some confusion occurred upon making this
+discovery, but our boys soon helped themselves to substitutes and bore
+their loss on the whole very patiently.
+
+Our picket line was relieved at 9 A.M., but before the whole line was
+changed the rebel batteries opened upon the moving companies a
+concentrated fire from twenty pieces of artillery, putting a stop to the
+process. Shot and shell came tearing through our camps in every
+direction, crashing through trees, throwing up great clouds of dust,
+riddling tents and alarming the cooks and contraband servants who
+remained in camp.
+
+This artillery practice continued for an hour without eliciting much
+reply from our side, as our guns had been nearly all withdrawn from the
+front to join the train preparatory to the retreat.
+
+The rebels ceased their fire and we inferred that they had withdrawn to
+some other point; but at two o'clock the mistake was discovered. A
+brigade of rebels was seen to leap over their breastworks and rush
+toward our line with yells and shouts like so many madmen. Our picket
+line was forced back before this impetuous charge, the pickets
+retreating to the main line.
+
+The Thirty-third New York held the principal part of the picket line,
+but two companies from the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania of Hancock's
+brigade, and a detachment from the Seventy-seventh New York also guarded
+a part of the line in front of the Second division.
+
+A part of the detachment from the Seventy-seventh held a small advance
+redoubt or lunette which had been thrown up by Hancock's men. Over this
+work the rebels rushed, unmindful of the bullets sent by the
+skirmishers, and the guard was compelled to retreat in haste.
+
+But all did not leave that picket line.
+
+One youth, as brave a boy as ever shouldered a musket, John Ham, of the
+Seventy-seventh regiment, had sworn never to retreat before the enemy.
+Faithful to his word, when the handful of pickets were compelled to
+retreat (and this was the first time that any part of his regiment had
+ever fallen back before the enemy), he stood his ground, loading and
+firing as rapidly as possible, alone defending the redoubt!
+
+The rebels pressed upon him, and he fell riddled with bullets. When,
+later in the day, we had driven the confederates back to their works, we
+recovered his body, pierced by bullets and bayonets.
+
+As the rebels neared our main line of battle, they were met by a
+withering fire from our men, and, after maintaining the contest for a
+few moments, they broke and fled in confusion, leaving the ground
+thickly strewed with dead and wounded. Not satisfied with this repulse,
+they reformed and came on again; this time with less audacity than at
+first. Again a murderous fire compelled them to fall back, leaving more
+of their number on the field. Among their wounded was Colonel Lamar, who
+was in command of the charging regiments.
+
+He was brought into our lines by Sergeant Bemis and another soldier of
+the Seventy-seventh. He had been formerly a mischievous member of
+congress from Georgia.
+
+The final repulse of the rebels was made more complete and more fatal to
+them by the timely aid of a section of Mott's battery, which had come up
+and opened an enfilading fire upon them from the left. Joyous cheers
+went up from our men as they saw the rebels fleeing in all directions,
+and it was only by the peremptory orders of their commanders that they
+were restrained from following the flying enemy.
+
+A company of about fifteen rebels threw out a white flag and voluntarily
+surrendered themselves. Fifty dead rebels and one hundred wounded
+remained in our front, whom their comrades were allowed to remove, under
+flag of truce.
+
+The Thirty-third New York had, during this engagement, sustained the
+principal shock of the enemy's charge; and with that gallantry for which
+they bore during their two years of service an enviable reputation, they
+met the charge and repulsed the enemy.
+
+By the retreat of the Fifth corps to the south side of the Chickahominy,
+which was accomplished during the night of the 27th and 28th, the rebel
+army was allowed to approach the river at Gaines' Farm. By this movement
+the camps of Davidson's brigade, which were upon the extreme right of
+our line, near the river, and the two forts we had erected, were
+rendered untenable; for the rebel guns shelled the whole position with
+ease. Our men went in squads and brought away the most valuable
+property, including regimental papers and the knapsacks and blankets. A
+few days before this, our whole corps, as well as the other corps of the
+army, had been supplied with an abundance of new tents. Staff and
+company officers had their wall tents, and the private soldiers their
+shelters. All these were destroyed by cutting them with knives; as it
+was known that any attempt to remove them would be discovered by the
+rebels, who would at once open all their batteries upon us.
+
+Now, the feelings of the men underwent a terrible revolution. It was,
+for the first time, told them that the army must _retreat_ in all haste
+to the James river! Our brave fellows had looked with sad faces at
+Porter's retreating column; but that was felicity compared with what
+they now experienced. Even when the right wing was forced across the
+river, they still had faith that their bravery was to be rewarded with
+victory.
+
+Now, they felt that all was lost. General Davidson rode through the
+camps, and announced to the commanding officers of his regiments the
+mysterious information, with directions to get off a few valuable
+articles and abandon all else.
+
+Already, by Porter's retreat, the brave fellows in Liberty Hall
+Hospital, mangled and sick, groaning with wounds, and delirious with
+fevers, were abandoned, _deserted_, to fall into the hands of an enemy
+known to be merciless.
+
+And now the siege of Richmond was to be abandoned, and the men who but
+two days before had exulted in the glad hope of a speedy entrance into
+the city, which even now lay just within our grasp, were to turn their
+backs as _fugitives_ before their enemies! It was a time of humiliation
+and sorrow. Every man was weighed down with a terrible anxiety. Officers
+hurried to and fro, silently and hastily forwarding the preparations for
+the retreat. The great caravan of army trains was on its way under the
+direction of scores of officers, and with it were escorts of cavalry and
+infantry.
+
+At three o'clock Sunday morning the 29th, the Sixth corps quietly
+evacuated its works and proceeded in the direction of Savage's Station.
+The men slung their knapsacks and quietly moved off. A scene of
+desolation met their view as they passed along. Tents cut to pieces,
+commissary stores thrown upon the ground or burning in heaps, blankets
+and clothing piled promiscuously about, not considered worth carrying
+away; all indicating a retreat under most disastrous circumstances.
+
+We had been preceded by Keyes' corps, which had started at noon the day
+before, crossed White Oak creek and occupied the opposite side, acting
+as advance guard for our long trains which were now making all haste
+toward the James river.
+
+The endless streams of army wagons, artillery trains and ambulances were
+all pouring down the roads from the various camps, and crowding into the
+narrow paths that led to the opposite side of the Peninsula. Porter's
+infantry mingled with the trains, and thousands of cattle driven along
+through the woods by the roadside made a strange scene. Franklin's,
+Sumner's and Heintzelman's corps were to guard the rear, and it was with
+secrecy that we had left the rifle pits; for the enemy was close upon us
+ready to take advantage of every movement. A picket guard was left to
+deceive the rebels, while regiment after regiment silently disappeared,
+leaving only the pickets to hold the long line of earthworks. These
+brave men waited hour after hour for the signal to retire. The gray
+lights of the morning broke upon them, yet there was no sign for them to
+join their commands. At length, when they had given up all hope of being
+relieved, they were signaled to leave the breastworks, and under cover
+of the morning mists, they quickly joined their comrades.
+
+The Second division moved in the direction of Savage's Station, while
+the First kept on to the crossing of White Oak Swamp, acting as
+rear-guard to Porter's corps. We of the Second division kept along the
+high lands which skirt the Chickahominy, when, after marching about two
+miles, the division was brought to bay by the pursuing enemy. Facing
+about we waited in line of battle for our trains to get out of the way;
+when we again resumed the retreat. While here, General McClellan, with
+his immense staff, rode by us on his way toward Harrison's Landing. He
+passed White Oak Swamp the same day, and waited the arrival of the army;
+which, hindered by battles and innumerable difficulties, did not come up
+with its commander again till the 1st of July.
+
+We arrived at Savage's Station at 4 P.M. Here trains and troops were
+crowded together in wonderful confusion. Immense heaps of commissary
+stores, arms and ammunition were waiting destruction lest they should
+fall into the hands of the enemy, and hundreds of sick and wounded men
+were taking sad leave of their friends; for it had been determined that
+these brave unfortunate men must be left to the tender mercies of the
+rebels. Again the division was formed in line of battle to protect our
+pioneers and the regiments which were engaged in the destruction of the
+stores. The long railroad bridge across the river at this point had been
+burned. The work of destruction went on at a marvelous rate. Boxes of
+hard bread, hundreds of barrels of flour, rice, sugar, coffee, salt and
+pork were thrown upon the burning piles and consigned to the flames. One
+heap of boxes of hard bread as large as a good sized dwelling made a
+part of the sacrifice. Boxes of clothing and shoes were opened and every
+man as he passed helped himself to whatever he thought worth carrying
+away. Notwithstanding thousands helped themselves, and huge boxes of
+clothing were cast into the flames, we found on our return to the
+Peninsula two years afterwards, that the inhabitants for a long distance
+around were clothed and shod with articles left by us at Savage's
+Station on the grand retreat. The people had also made large gains by
+gathering up the coats, pants, shirts and shoes left on the ground and
+selling them in Richmond and elsewhere.
+
+It was easy thus to dispose of commissary and quartermaster's stores,
+but to destroy the immense magazines of cartridges, kegs of powder, and
+shells, required more care. These were loaded into cars; a long train
+was filled with these materials, and then, after setting fire to each
+car, the train was set in motion down the steep grade. With wildest fury
+the blazing train rushed; each revolution of the wheels adding new
+impetus to the flying monster, and new volumes to the flames. The
+distance to the bridge was two miles. On and on the burning train
+thundered like a frightful meteor. Now, the flames being communicated to
+the contents of the cars, terrific explosions of shells and kegs of
+powder lent new excitement to the scene. The air was full of shrieking,
+howling shells, the fragments of which tore through the trees and
+branches of the forest; and huge fragments of cars were seen whirling
+high in the air.
+
+At length the train reached the river; and such was its momentum, that,
+notwithstanding the bridge was burned, the engine and the first car
+leaped over the first pier in the stream, and the cars hung suspended.
+While this destruction was going on, Smith's division moved back beyond
+Savage's Station, toward White Oak Swamp, marching, with frequent halts,
+three or four miles, when we were ordered to retrace our steps with all
+speed, to reinforce Sumner's corps, which was engaging the enemy. The
+heat of the day was most oppressive. Many of our men fell with
+sunstroke. Among those who thus suffered was General Davidson.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE GRAND RETREAT.
+
+    Lee's army in pursuit--Sumner and Smith at Bay--Battle of
+    Savage's Station--The Vermont Brigade--Sick and wounded
+    abandoned--Retreat to White Oak Swamp--Battle of White Oak
+    Swamp--An astonished division--A night march--A mystery--In
+    sight of the James--Battle of Malvern Hill--Departure of the
+    princes--Gloom and anxiety--Lee's attack--The rebels
+    demoralized.
+
+
+Meanwhile the rebel army, finding no force in front of them, were at
+first at a loss to determine what course we had taken; but when it was
+discovered that we had withdrawn from before both wings of their army
+and that our base of supplies at White House had been abandoned, it was
+quickly divined that the Union army was retreating to the James river.
+Stuart, with his cavalry, had dashed down to White House and found only
+heaps of smoldering ruins; and from the absence of all motion in front
+of the right of their line, it was clear that no attempt was to be made
+on Richmond. Finding himself thus unexpectedly victorious, Lee at once
+ordered his forces, now on the north bank of the Chickahominy, to cross
+over and pursue the retreating army.
+
+During the night of the 28th, they had been actively engaged in
+rebuilding the bridge destroyed by General Porter, and early on the
+morning of the 29th, the main body of Lee's army was pouring across the
+river. Hill and Longstreet moved rapidly so as to interpose between our
+army and Richmond, and to be able to strike us on the flank; two other
+divisions followed on the Charles City road, and Jackson, with his
+corps, moved down the bank of the Chickahominy, threatening our rear.
+
+To resist any attack from these approaching columns, Sumner's and
+Heintzelman's corps, and our Second division of the Sixth corps, were
+formed in line of battle before Savage's Station.
+
+For hours our division, with Sumner's corps, stood in the open field
+watching the enemy. Heintzelman withdrew his corps and left Sumner and
+Smith to stem the tide that was destined to pour upon us. It seems to
+have been the impression of General Heintzelman, who had listened with
+credulity to the stories of the immense superiority of the enemy in
+numbers, that all hope of resisting the power of Lee's army was gone,
+and that there remained nothing for us but to make the best of our way
+to the James river without stopping to give the enemy battle.
+
+In the view that there was no safety but in retreat, he was guided by
+the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief, who had no thought of any further
+resistance than should suffice to bring the men and as much of the
+material of the army as could be brought by the teams across the
+Peninsula. Not so the old war horse Sumner. He would gladly have
+attempted, a few hours later, to have "pushed the rebels into the
+Chickahominy," had not his application for help been answered from
+beyond White Oak Swamp, "The rear-guard will follow the retreat of the
+main body of the army." If there was no hope for the army but rapid
+retreat, then it was right for Heintzelman to leave the road clear; for
+as it was, with only Sumner's corps and our own division, the road was
+packed so full that the men could scarcely march. But if there was an
+opportunity of inflicting great injury upon the rebels, as Sumner
+believed there was, then we are not surprised at the amazement of the
+veteran when he discovered, the battle having commenced, that one corps
+had left the line altogether. We were now as near our new base of
+supplies as the rebels were to theirs, and here we had enough to last
+the army many days. We were, as they had been, on the defensive; and we
+had the advantage in position. But there was nothing left for those now
+on the line but to make the best resistance possible under the
+circumstances, and then fall back to the banks of the James.
+
+About five o'clock the huge cloud of dust in the direction of the camps
+we had deserted, gave warning of the approach of that part of the rebel
+army which was marching by the Charles City road; and at sunset the
+thunders of their artillery burst upon us. For an hour, only the heavy
+roar of artillery was heard from both sides. Shells screamed from one
+side to the other, and the bright flashes and sharp reports, as they
+burst in the air, mingled with the noise and smoke of the battle, as
+battery responded to battery. Thus far no discharge of musketry was
+heard; but suddenly Magruder's men, with yells and shouts, rushed to the
+charge. Streams of fire flashed along the two lines, and the rattle of
+innumerable muskets told of closer work than artillery duels. The brave
+fellows of Sumner, and of our Vermont brigade, met the assailants with
+defiant shouts that rang out above the roar of muskets and cannon.
+
+Leaving Sumner's heroes to contend the ground on their part of the line,
+let us glance more in detail at the part borne by our own division in
+this battle of Savage's Station.
+
+The Vermont brigade having the advance of the division, General Brooks
+at once threw his regiments to the front. The Fifth and Sixth as
+skirmishers, supported by the Third and Second in line of battle, the
+Fourth being thrown upon the flank, the brigade advanced rapidly through
+a wide strip of woods. Suddenly, as the line of skirmishers emerged from
+the woods they received the fire of a battery and of a strong line of
+battle. The Fifth at once charged upon the force in front, which
+scattered in all directions. The rebels were beaten back both from our
+own and from Sumner's front; but only to reform and press forward again
+from the cover of the woods to which they had retreated, to give battle
+with new vigor. Again the flash and roar of musketry mingled with the
+wild yells of the rebels and the manly shouts of the Unionists, and
+again nothing could be seen but the clouds of smoke, out of which sprung
+the vivid blaze of the cannon, and the quick flash of the rifles. Every
+now and then, fresh troops arriving upon the field would send up the
+shout above all the other noise of battle, and then nothing but the
+continuous din of arms could be heard. Three rebel regiments now
+advanced against the Fifth Vermont; but the brave fellows secured a good
+position and held it, in spite of every effort of the rebels to dislodge
+them. The other regiments were not so hotly engaged as the Fifth. Two
+hundred of the men of that regiment were killed, wounded or missing.
+Fifty of their dead bodies were left on the field. Davidson's and
+Hancock's brigades guarded important positions, but were not actively
+engaged.
+
+The conflict raged till eight o'clock, when the confederates, repulsed
+at every point, beaten and discouraged, left the field, and no more was
+seen of them. The whole loss to the confederates in this engagement was
+about four hundred.
+
+Before midnight, the rear-guard had turned toward White Oak Swamp,
+leaving many hundreds of our brave wounded and sick men lying upon the
+green sward, or collected under rude shelters. Here, large groups were
+gathered under the shade of some large tree; and there, long lines of
+staggering invalids, leaning upon their guns or staffs for support,
+tottered after the retreating column, in the hope of being able to reach
+with it a place of safety.
+
+Surgeons were left to care for these unfortunate ones who could not get
+off; and a small amount out of the abundance of provisions that was
+condemned to destruction was saved for them. Of all the sad scenes which
+had made the Peninsula swarm with melancholy memories, nothing we had
+seen could compare with this most sorrowful of all. Twenty-five hundred
+of our sick and wounded were left to fall into the hands of the enemy.
+
+At nine or ten in the evening, we withdrew from our position before
+Savage's Station, and marched rapidly toward White Oak Swamp. The road
+was completely filled with wagons, ambulances and artillery, mingled
+with horsemen and infantry, all crowding forward with utmost speed.
+Never had our men experienced so severe a march. They were obliged to
+pick their way among the teams, losing all organization, each man bent
+upon making his way forward regardless of others.
+
+At length, toward morning, we crossed White Oak creek, ascended a little
+elevation on the further side, and lay down upon the grass completely
+exhausted and worn out.
+
+The sun was shining brightly when we were roused from our heavy
+slumbers. The morning passed in perfect quiet except the rattle of the
+trains which had parked here over night, and now were hurrying along the
+narrow road, wagons and artillery rushing by with all speed to allow
+room for the immense collection to file out. This process continued till
+afternoon, and was the only source of excitement to us except the
+distant roar of battle on the left, where McCall and Hooker were hotly
+engaged. Thus matters continued until about two o'clock; the men seeking
+shelter among the pines or resting quietly after their weary night's
+march. A picket line composed of men from the various regiments of our
+Third brigade, Second division, guarding our extreme right flank. All
+were listless and little dreaming of the tremendous storm of iron hail
+which was gathering to break upon us in a moment.
+
+Suddenly, like a thunderbolt, seventy-five pieces of artillery belched
+forth their sheets of flame and howling shells; and in an instant, our
+whole division was thrown into the most perfect confusion by the deadly
+missiles which flew among us in every direction. Such cannonading had
+never before been heard by our army, and before our batteries could
+reply with any effect, the horses were killed, the gunners dispersed and
+the pieces disabled. It was a most perfect surprise; no one was
+prepared; men ran hither and thither seeking shelter behind any object
+which seemed even sufficient to conceal them from the view of the enemy.
+
+It appeared that Jackson had effected a crossing of the river, and with
+great secrecy made his way to the border of White Oak creek, where,
+concealed by trees and underbrush, he had massed his batteries, and when
+all was in perfect readiness had opened upon us this storm of death.
+Unutterable confusion prevailed for a time; riderless horses galloped
+madly to the rear; men rushed here and there; officers wandered about
+without commands, and men were left without directions how to act.
+Generals Smith and Davidson occupied an old fashioned wooden house which
+stood upon the brow of the elevation above and facing the bridge. About
+it were many orderlies, holding their horses, or lounging carelessly, or
+chatting with each other. The very first volley riddled the house with
+shells; orderlies rushed from the place in consternation and the inmates
+quickly appeared without, gazing in amazement toward the source of this
+unexpected cause of the tumult. The gray-haired owner of the house was
+cut in two as he stood in the door, and several other persons were more
+or less injured. General Smith, at the moment the cannonade opened, was
+engaged at his rude toilette; his departure from the house was so hasty
+that he left his watch, which he did not recover. He coolly walked off
+to a less exposed position and devoted himself to restoring order. One
+regiment, as soon as the shells began to fly, rushed pell-mell to the
+rear, none of the men standing upon the order of their going.
+
+During all this time a few of the regiments held their ground without
+moving. By active exertions, on the part of officers, order was restored
+and the whole division fell back a short distance, taking up a position
+at the edge of a strip of woods, which commanded an open field. General
+Smith, with his accustomed fearlessness, was to be seen riding along his
+lines exhorting his men to coolness, and by his own composure restoring
+confidence to them. The design of Jackson, to cross the stream, was
+frustrated. The firing soon ceased, and, as darkness came on, quiet
+again reigned, except now and then a little skirmishing.
+
+At nine o'clock in the evening, under cover of the darkness, we silently
+and hastily withdrew. All orders were given in whispers; men refrained
+from conversation; and everything indicated the most intense anxiety on
+the part of our generals for the safety of the army. Thus, in silence,
+we hastened on our way; the weary and exhausted troops scarcely able to
+keep awake while they marched. No better illustration can be given of
+the intense state of anxiety, excitement and doubt which prevailed, than
+the following little incident, which occurred during this night march.
+Our Third brigade, leading the Second division, had halted where the
+narrow road passed through a piece of woods, waiting a moment for the
+road to clear, or for the guides to report the direction for the march.
+Generals Franklin and Davidson, with officers of Davidson's brigade,
+were grouped together near the head of the column, sitting upon their
+horses. The weary men, almost overcome by sleep, were leaning upon their
+muskets or lying in the road half asleep. Officers nodded and swung this
+way and that in their saddles. The stillness of death prevailed. In an
+instant, without any perceptible cause, as though a breath from some
+evil genius had swept the narrow track, every man was gone from the
+road. They stood in the woods looking with breathless wonder into the
+road for the unseen danger. After the first moment of surprise, the word
+passed along, in low tones, "Attention!" Not a living being could be
+seen in the road, and all was silence. Recovering from the first
+surprise, General Davidson looked for General Franklin, who, but a
+moment before, was dozing by his side. "General Franklin! General
+Franklin!" called the general in a loud whisper, but nothing could be
+found of him, and we saw no more of him that night. What was the cause
+of this sudden alarm we never knew. Possibly, a riderless horse might
+have suddenly startled those in front, or, quite as likely, there was no
+cause whatever; but the incident illustrates the state of feeling in the
+army that night.
+
+At length, just as the gray light of the morning was streaking the
+skies, we came in sight of the majestic James river. Every man took a
+long breath, as though relieved of a heavy load of anxiety. Officers
+clasped their hands and exclaimed, "Thank God." The worn out men stepped
+lighter, for they had arrived at the haven of their hopes. Again they
+experienced a feeling of safety. We filed into a beautiful clover field,
+and there the exhausted columns sunk down for a brief rest. Brief it was
+to be, for scarcely had two hours passed when we were ordered into line
+of battle. We moved back through the woods, crossing a little stream,
+and formed in a wheat field, where the grain stood in shocks. Here we
+remained, watching the enemy, who stood in our front, contenting
+themselves with occasional sallies of their skirmishers, while the great
+battle of Malvern Hill was in progress on our left, where the booming of
+our field pieces and the dull roar of the heavy guns from the gunboats
+was heard for many hours. At length, as night came on, the sound of
+battle died away, and all was again quiet. Now we heard cheers on the
+left, and, looking in that direction, we saw, approaching at great
+speed, the commander of the Union army. Cheers greeted him as he rode
+along the line, and hats were thrown high in the air in honor of the
+chief.
+
+As the leading corps of the army had fallen back from White Oak Swamp,
+they had occupied a superb position on the James river, called Malvern
+Hill. The wagons and other impedimentia of the army had also arrived
+there, and were secured behind the southern slope of the hill. The place
+was admirably adapted for a defensive battle. It was a lofty plateau,
+rising not less than one hundred and fifty feet above the plain, sloping
+gently toward the north and east, down to the border of the forest. The
+approach to this sloping field was rendered difficult by ravines, which
+ran along the front; and the enemy, if he approached, must do so by way
+of the roads which crossed them.
+
+Upon the crest was posted the battery of siege guns which had escaped
+the hands of the enemy; and nearly three hundred field pieces were
+arranged along the heights, so that the fire might pass over the heads
+of the infantry, who were arranged upon the glacis, up which the enemy
+must charge, hidden, for the most part, by the tall wheat and corn. Here
+the main body of the army was posted. First, nearest the James, was
+Porter's corps; then Heintzelman's, Keyes', Sumner's and our Sixth
+corps, occupying the right flank, two or three miles from the position
+where the rebels must advance with their main force. The fleet of
+gunboats floated upon the river, on our left flank, ready to send their
+screaming monster shells into the ranks of the advancing enemy.
+
+Against this position, naturally almost impregnable, Lee hurled his
+hosts, with the design of giving the final blow to the Union army, which
+should insure its destruction and capture. The rebel army confidently
+believed that the army of the north must now be compelled to surrender
+or be driven into the James.
+
+If the rebels were confident and exultant, our own men were filled with
+the deepest despondency.
+
+Exhausted by a month of constant labor and watchfulness, with fighting
+and marching and digging, now, as they believed, fleeing from the face
+of an enemy immensely superior to them in numbers, it is not to be
+wondered at that they were apprehensive of the worst results.
+
+Paymasters sought refuge with their treasures in the gunboats on the
+river. The Prince De Joinville and his nephews, the Count De Paris and
+Count De Chartes, who had acted as aides de camp to General McClellan,
+who had been with us from the beginning, active, brave men, who were
+frequently where the danger was greatest, and who had entered our
+service with the determination of seeing it to the end, now departed;
+they, too, finding a respite from their toils upon one of the gunboats.
+The young men were accompanied on board by the staff and by the
+Commander-in-Chief himself. From the deck of the vessel he communicated
+his orders by the signal flags, to those left in command on shore. Here,
+with his young friends, and in consultation with the commander of the
+fleet, he remained until about five o'clock, when he rode down the lines
+to the rear of our corps, where he spent the time till darkness put an
+end to the fight.
+
+Such was the sad state of feeling in our army. Yet, exhausted and
+depressed as they were, our men were as brave and determined as ever.
+They had yet a country; and they knew that the fate of that country
+depended upon the result of this encounter, and they resolved to acquit
+themselves with heroism and even desperation.
+
+Lee had marshaled his whole force in front of our strong position. He
+wrote to each of his division commanders ordering an assault, and
+directing, when they heard the yell of Armistead's troops, to charge
+also with yells.
+
+The yell was heard, and some of the divisions, but not all, pressed
+forward to a wild charge.
+
+The rebels came on heroically, but were sent reeling back down the slope
+in confusion and disorder. Again and again they renewed the charge from
+under cover of the woods which skirted the base of the slope. They would
+start across the open space, charging our batteries with wild yells, but
+the heavy fire of our guns and the steady volleys of our infantry sent
+them back as often to the shelter of the woods. At times our infantry
+would reserve their fire till the rebel columns had run the gauntlet of
+shot and shell from our batteries, almost reaching our lines, when with
+exultant cheers they would bound forward to seize the prize now almost
+within their grasp, when our men would open upon them a single volley,
+and, leaping over the breastworks, pursue the panic-stricken assailants,
+capturing prisoners and colors, and driving the rebels in confusion down
+the slope. Thus the battle raged with terrible fury; every attempt on
+the part of the enemy failing, until darkness set in, and the rebel
+chiefs were glad to let the battle subside; though it was not till nine
+o'clock the artillery firing ceased.
+
+The weight of the attacks had been upon our center. Here Couch, Sumner
+and Heintzelman withstood the shock of battle for hours, only a part of
+Porter's corps being engaged, and neither our Sixth corps nor Casey's
+division of Keyes' corps being actively in the fight.
+
+The rebel General Trimble thus describes the condition of their army on
+the morning after the battle:
+
+"The next morning by dawn I went off to ask for orders, when I found the
+whole army in the utmost disorder. Thousands of straggling men were
+asking every passer-by for their regiments; ambulances, wagons and
+artillery obstructing every road; and altogether in a drenching rain
+presenting a scene of the most woful and heart-rending confusion."
+
+Had but a show of an attack upon such an army been made, it must have
+resulted in defeat and utter rout to the rebels.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+HARRISON'S LANDING.
+
+    March to Harrison's Bar--A scene of confusion--A beautiful
+    landscape--Fourth of July in camp--Gloom at the north--Cause of
+    the disasters--Prevalence of disease--Review by the President--A
+    night demonstration by the enemy--Reconnoissance to Malvern
+    Hill--Departure of General Davidson--A retrospect.
+
+
+Our corps remained in line of battle in the wheat field till early next
+morning; changing position during the night just often enough to deprive
+us of rest. As we started out toward Harrison's Landing the rain was
+pouring in sheets; and throughout the day it continued to deluge the
+country. The roads were rivers of almost fathomless mud; and our tired
+men could scarcely drag themselves along. But at four in the afternoon
+we halted under cover of our gunboats, and bivouacked for the night.
+Such a deplorable scene as was here, was enough to melt the heart of the
+stoutest. As we debouched from a piece of woods skirting the plateau at
+Harrison's Landing, officers stood like hotel porters at a steamboat
+landing, calling out "This way for the Third corps;" "This way for the
+Fifth corps;" "This way for Slocum's division." All was confusion. The
+whole army seemed to be made of stragglers. Our little Brigadier
+Davidson rose in his saddle to an unusual height, as he looked back and
+saw with undisguised pride, his brigade marching in, almost unbroken.
+
+The landscape before us was indescribably beautiful. There lay the James
+river, and spreading out between us and the river were the broad fields
+of wheat; the fine country houses; the long avenues and roads lined with
+rows of cedar trees; which last were almost in a moment stripped of
+their branches to make beds for the soldiers.
+
+There, crowded together, were the immense caravans of wagons,
+ambulances, guns and pontoons, hugging the river, and the multitude of
+men swarming over the plain. Long processions of sick and wounded men,
+leaning on canes and crutches, their heavy steps and sunken faces now
+for a moment lighted up at the thought that their melancholy pilgrimage
+was nearly ended, filed by us; and battalions of cooks and special duty
+men were wandering about in search of their commands.
+
+The river was full of transports and gunboats, giving it the appearance
+of the harbor of some commercial metropolis. Many of the hungry men,
+without waiting for their rations to be brought by the commissary,
+plunged into the stream, swam to the boats and there procured the
+coveted food. But the greater number of our men, their powers completely
+exhausted, without waiting for food, or to provide comfortable quarters,
+lay down in the bed of mud and were soon in heavy slumbers.
+
+Again, after a poor night's rest, the corps was marched to a new
+position on the front line, where we remained to celebrate the
+anniversary of the nation's birthday. A gloomy "Fourth of July" was this
+to us, though every effort was made to keep up the spirits of the men.
+Early in the morning the enemy opened a fire upon parts of our line, to
+which our guns responded. A national salute had been ordered, and
+precisely at the hour appointed, while the fighting was in progress, the
+heavy guns were heard booming the salute. Our boys listened for a
+moment, and then, as if all inspired with new life, they made the welkin
+ring with their cheers. The bands, roused from their long inactivity,
+pealed forth stirring national airs, and the Commander-in-Chief issued
+an address to his array, in which he praised its gallantry and firmness,
+declared that he himself had established the new line, and that if the
+enemy would come upon us now we would convert his repulse into a final
+defeat.
+
+At home, a heavy gloom hung over the nation. The news of our retreat and
+of the terrible battles, had been carried by the magic wires to the
+remotest parts of the north; but few yet knew the fate of their friends
+who were in the great army. It was enough that the siege of Richmond,
+which had cost so much time and money, and, above all, so many thousands
+of brave men, was abandoned, and the grand army, on which the hopes of
+the nation hung, was now beleaguered, defending itself in an unhealthy
+position, which offered little advantage for anything but defense.
+Sympathizers with the rebellion secretly rejoiced and openly prophesied
+the speedy destruction of our army by the scorching sun and poisoned
+air, even if left to itself by the rebels.
+
+The cause of all these disastrous circumstances was by some attributed
+to unwise interference, on the part of the authorities in Washington,
+with the plans of the chief of our army. They claimed that the
+President, Secretary of War and the Major General commanding all the
+armies of the Union, had, in the words of General McClellan, "done what
+they could to defeat this army." They complained loudly that
+reinforcements had been withheld, and that McDowell, with a large force,
+had been kept unemployed in the vicinity of Fredericksburgh, when his
+corps would have thrown the balance of strength upon our side. Others
+claimed that the whole campaign had been sadly mismanaged by a commander
+who had, as they insisted, never seen his army fight; who had invariably
+found employment elsewhere than on the field of battle when fighting was
+to be done, and whose character as a soldier was made up of doubts and
+hesitancies.
+
+Six weeks of camp life, dreary, sickly and monotonous, succeeded our
+arrival at Harrison's Bar.
+
+Our corps proceeded to the work of throwing up strong intrenchments and
+mounting guns. Our Third brigade, Second division, constructed an
+extensive fort, in which several very heavy guns were mounted; each of
+the regiments taking their turn at the labor. In our front the forests
+were slashed for a great distance, and thousands of sturdy wood-cutters
+plied their heavy blows, sweltering under the burning rays of the sun.
+
+Sickness became almost universal. The men were worn out with the
+tremendous labors which they had performed since their arrival on the
+Peninsula; they were burned by almost unendurable heat; they were nearly
+devoured by the countless myriads of flies and other annoying insects;
+and they were forced to drink impure and unwholesome water. It was not
+strange that hundreds died in camp, and that hundreds more, with the
+seeds of death implanted in their constitutions, went to their homes in
+the north to breathe out their lives in the midst of their friends, or
+languished in the large government hospitals at Washington, and other
+cities.
+
+Leaves of absence were given freely, and thousands availed themselves of
+the opportunity of visiting their homes and recruiting their health. The
+men, with the patience which none but soldiers ever exhibit, went
+quietly to work to render their situation as tolerable as possible.
+Wells were dug in the camps, from which they procured better water than
+they were able to get at first, and small pines were brought and set
+among the tents, by which some degree of protection was afforded against
+the burning sun. On the morning of the 8th of July, the monotony was
+broken by the arrival of President Lincoln. The booming of artillery
+announced his coming, and the heartfelt cheers of the soldiers assured
+him of a welcome.
+
+The President, after spending a few hours at the head-quarters of the
+army, proceeded to review the various corps. He was accompanied by
+General McClellan, and many officers of note. Everywhere he received an
+enthusiastic welcome from the men, who regarded him as their warm
+friend. He manifested great emotion as he rode along the lines and saw
+that the regiments, which but a few weeks before had left Washington
+with full ranks, were now mere skeletons of regiments. Evening drew its
+mantle over the scene, and the review was closed by moonlight.
+
+Little occurred to relieve the monotony of the six weeks of camp life at
+Harrison's Bar, except the events of which we have spoken; a
+demonstration by the enemy during the night of the 31st, and an advance
+to Malvern Hill by General Hooker's division. On the former occasion,
+the troops were startled from their slumbers about midnight, by the
+sudden discharge of a battery of artillery from the south side of the
+James. The rebels had succeeded in getting a force in position there,
+and they now opened a vigorous fire upon our shipping and our camps.
+Their shells flew among us in disagreeable proximity, and the long lines
+of fire traced upon the midnight sky lent a certain charm to the
+dangerous business. Our gunboats answered the fire; and after two hours
+of exciting work drove the rebels from their position. Some infantry was
+taken across the river, who hastened the retreat of the enemy, burned
+the buildings near the shore, and cut down the trees, that they might
+not in future afford concealment for the rebels.
+
+General Hooker's reconnoissance resulted in his occupying Malvern Hill
+for a day or two, having a brisk skirmish with the enemy and returning
+to camp.
+
+Our active and gallant Brigadier-General Davidson was, early in August,
+relieved from the command of our Third brigade, and ordered to the
+department of Missouri. Notwithstanding the severity of his discipline,
+and his occasional forgetfulness that men could not accomplish as much
+physical labor as horses--for the general had always been a cavalry
+officer--his never-tiring energy, his undoubted bravery, and his
+interest and pride in his brigade, had endeared him to the men. During
+the severe trials on the Chickahominy, and on the retreat, the general
+had taken an unusual interest in the brigade, and had made himself
+personally acquainted with nearly all the members of his command.
+
+The general took command of a cavalry division in Missouri; where his
+name became a terror to all secessionists in that part of the country.
+The command devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Corning of the Thirty-third
+New York, then senior officer of the brigade, who was soon succeeded by
+Colonel W. H. Irwin, of the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers.
+
+Reinforcements began to arrive from Washington, and our army, in August,
+numbered one hundred and twenty thousand men. With these, and a few
+thousand more, General McClellan declared his belief that he could repel
+the enemy and advance into Richmond.
+
+Let us for a moment turn to the fortunes of the regiment with which we
+left Saratoga, and whose early history we have traced. In all the
+stirring events which have transpired in the division and corps, the
+Seventy-seventh has acted an important and honorable part. Always ready
+to perform the duties demanded of it; always in its place when danger
+was greatest; ever cheerfully obeying the commands of superiors, it has
+assumed no honor above its fellows, but proudly claimed to be the peer
+of such noble regiments as the Sixth Maine, the Fifth Wisconsin, the
+Thirty-third New York, and other bright stars in the galaxy of the Sixth
+corps; ornaments to it and the army. "It is a little regiment," said
+General Davidson to a member of Governor Morgan's staff, who came to
+look after the interests of the New York troops, "but it is always in
+the right place." The general regarded the regiment with especial favor,
+and was accustomed to call it "my little Seventy-seventh." Since the
+arrival of the army on the Peninsula the experiences of the regiment
+have been varied. With the other regiments of Smith's division, it has
+spent a month at Yorktown, within musket shot of the enemy. At
+Williamsburgh it, with other regiments of its brigade, supported
+batteries in front of Fort Magruder, and when, in the afternoon, it
+received the order to go with the Forty-ninth to the assistance of
+Hancock, it started forward with cheers; the men going through the mud
+at double quick. But when the two regiments arrived on the field, their
+gallant brothers of Hancock's and of their own brigade, had nobly
+accomplished the work in which they would gladly have assisted. We have
+seen how gallantly the regiment routed the rebels at Mechanicsville;
+capturing a flag and other trophies; and when on the Chickahominy
+Smith's division held the line closest upon the enemy, it bravely
+assumed its part of the labor and danger. A portion of the regiment on
+picket on the 28th of June, exhibited sterling heroism, and we need
+hardly refer to the noble sacrifice of the brave young soldier John Ham.
+
+Disease and exhaustion had made terrible inroads upon the
+Seventy-seventh. Instead of nearly a thousand men with which we came to
+the Peninsula, inspection in the middle of June showed only about two
+hundred and fifty men present for duty. Although this regiment had from
+the very beginning occupied an exposed position in the very front line;
+although it composed a part of Smith's division, which has already
+become famous both in the Union and rebel armies for being always in
+closest proximity to the enemy, yet it had thus far lost very few men in
+battle. All the rest of those now absent had been stricken down by
+fevers, or worn out by the exhausting labors and exposures of the
+campaign.
+
+[Illustration: James B. McKean--Col. 77th Regt. NYSV.]
+
+Among those attacked by typhoid fever was Colonel McKean. After
+suffering a few days in the vain hope of soon being able to place
+himself again at the head of his regiment, he was removed from the
+poisonous atmosphere of the swamps to Washington, and thence to his home
+in Saratoga. The men looked upon his departure with sincere regret, for
+they not only respected him as an able commander, but loved him for his
+never failing interest in their welfare. He had been to the regiment in
+the capacity of commander and father. His leave of the regiment was
+destined to be final; for except as an occasional visitor he never
+returned to it; and after many months of suffering, his constitution
+undermined, and his health permanently destroyed, he was forced to
+relinquish the command. But though forced to leave the field, the men of
+his regiment never ceased to cherish feelings of love and respect for
+their first commander. They had witnessed his bravery on the field, and
+they now knew that he was contending with disease with the same
+fortitude that had marked his course in the army. The departure of
+Colonel McKean from the service was not only a great loss to his
+regiment but to the whole corps; for he was not only a brave officer,
+but a gentleman of superior intellectual endowments. Another of the
+sufferers from typhoid fever was Lieutenant Bowe, a young man of fine
+abilities and greatly beloved by his regiment. After several weeks of
+absence, he returned to camp on the 18th of July restored to health. On
+the very next day, while standing with several officers in a tent, he
+was fatally wounded by an accidental shot from a pistol. His father,
+hearing of the sad occurrence, came for him and removed him from camp;
+but only to see him expire in a few days.
+
+Changes occurred among the officers. The lieutenant-colonel and major
+left the service, the first by resignation, the other by dismissal.
+Adjutant French was made major, and afterwards lieutenant-colonel, which
+office he held during the remainder of the term of the regiment. He
+assumed command of the regiment on his return to it after the battle of
+Antietam, and continued in command while it was a regiment. Captains and
+lieutenants also resigned. Chaplain Tully and Quartermaster Shurtliff
+departed for their homes, having left the service. Lieutenant Hayward
+was made quartermaster, a position for which he was eminently qualified,
+and which he thenceforward held to the great satisfaction of the entire
+regiment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+RETREAT FROM THE PENINSULA, AND GENERAL POPE'S BULL RUN CAMPAIGN.
+
+    Premonitions of a change of base--The transfer
+    commenced--Marching down the Peninsula--On board transports--A
+    contrast--Arrival at Alexandria--Unaccountable delays--General
+    Pope's campaign--An obstinate general--Causes of Pope's failure.
+
+
+Early in August, rumors were floating about the army, that General
+McClellan had received positive orders to transfer the Army of the
+Potomac to the front of Washington, there to unite the forces of the two
+armies; and that this plan was strongly opposed by General McClellan,
+who insisted that he wanted only a few thousand more men to march into
+Richmond.
+
+The army had received large reinforcements since arriving at Harrison's
+Landing, and now numbered more than one hundred thousand men; not by any
+means an inconsiderable force, yet too small, in General McClellan's
+opinion, to warrant another advance.
+
+But, owing to the movements of the enemy in front of General Pope, the
+supposed impracticability of the route, and to some distrust as to the
+abilities of General McClellan by the authorities at Washington,
+peremptory orders had been sent to him to remove his army as quickly as
+possible from the Peninsula.
+
+What the merits of the dispute in high places might be, the army at
+large was not able to decide; but the rumors gave rise to many spirited
+debates, in which the authorities at Washington and the authority at
+Harrison's Bar had each earnest advocates. At length it became known
+that the army was to leave the Peninsula, and preparations for this
+important movement commenced. The work of shipping the sick and wounded,
+numbering twelve thousand five hundred, began; but it was not carried on
+with a degree of alacrity satisfactory to the War Department or the
+President.
+
+The wharves along the river side became the scene of immense activity.
+Ambulances crowded along the banks of the river, laden with sick and
+wounded, while those from the hospitals able to walk, tottered along
+with trembling steps, their wan faces and sunken eyes telling their
+story of suffering. Transports were in waiting for these, and were
+rapidly filled with their freight of suffering humanity. Everything not
+movable was ordered to be destroyed. Tents were struck and taken to the
+pickets who had left them behind, and everything betokened an important
+movement. Three or four days were spent in momentary expectation of the
+order to "fall in," but still the situation remained unchanged.
+
+At length, on the 16th of August, all was ready and the men were ordered
+to pack their knapsacks; but the men of the Sixth corps remained in camp
+until the sun's rays became scorching; then the column moved rapidly
+eastward. A hard day's march on the 16th and another on the 17th,
+brought the corps in sight of the Chickahominy. It crossed a pontoon
+bridge of enormous extent, in the construction of which ninety boats
+were used, and the length of which was over two thousand feet.
+Thoroughly exhausted the men bivouacked on the eastern bank of the
+Chickahominy.
+
+The rebels, now aware of the retreat, were following close at the heels
+of the Union army, but declined to make any offensive demonstrations,
+further than picking up stragglers and those that fell out by the way
+from weakness and fatigue. The main portion of the rebel army was now
+occupied in important movements in another direction.
+
+Another rapid march, under a burning sun, brought our corps to the
+ancient capital of the Old Dominion--Williamsburgh. Passing through its
+streets without halting, taking only time to glance at its now
+dilapidated buildings, we reached the familiar scenes of the old
+battle-field, which, three months before, we little expected to recross
+before the downfall of the rebellion. Here was the plain where a portion
+of our Second division had, by its gallantry, decided the fate of the
+battle; the scene of our bivouac in the rain and mud, and the redoubts
+where lay the wounded rebels, whose groans had rendered the night
+hideous. In the midst of these scenes we bivouacked again for the night.
+
+At dawn the column moved again, and after a fatiguing march reached
+Yorktown; our Second division encamping in the works erected by Porter's
+division during our famous thirty days' siege of that place.
+
+Many of the men had by this time become exhausted; and a long train of
+ambulances was filled with these and sent ahead on the morning of the
+20th. The well ones soon followed toward Fortress Monroe, halting on the
+field of Big Bethel. This was the first visit of our corps to this
+disastrous field, and the men rambled about manifesting great interest
+in the spot rendered sacred by the blood of Winthrop and Greble.
+
+Plums, peaches and sweet potatoes constituted novel additions to the
+diet of the men, and although the two former were unripe, their good
+effects were manifested in arresting multitudes of those troublesome
+cases of diarrhea which had resisted all treatment so long as the men
+were deprived of acid fruits. Another hard march on the 21st brought the
+corps again, after five months' absence, to the vicinity of the
+desolated village of Hampton, and the end of our march for the present.
+The whole army was crowded along the shores, waiting to embark for
+Aquia. Transports of every size and description were riding upon the bay
+or lashed to the wharves, and infantry, cavalry and artillery were
+crowding toward the beach ready to take their turn to embark. The scene
+was one of unusual activity, resembling only the one we had witnessed on
+embarking for the Peninsula months ago.
+
+At length all were on board, and the transports swung out upon the bay
+and steamed up the Potomac. One of the transports on which a portion of
+the Second division was embarked, the "Vanderbilt," had been, in other
+days, an old friend, as she ploughed up and down the Hudson; now her
+magnificent saloons, which had been of dazzling beauty, were dismantled
+and disfigured. No gorgeous drapery or gilded mirrors adorned them, but
+desolation and filth prevailed.
+
+The weather was charming, and, except for the crowded condition of the
+transports, the trip would have been a delightful one. What a contrast
+was there in the appearance of those same men now, and when they came
+down the river in April! Then our ranks were full; the men were healthy
+and in fresh vigor; their uniforms were new and clean, and their muskets
+and equipments were polished and glistening. Now, we looked about with
+sadness when we remembered how many of our former companions were
+absent, and how few present. We could bring to mind many who went to the
+Peninsula, full of hope, who had sunk as victims of the malarial
+poisons, and now rested in humble graves at Yorktown or along the
+Chickahominy; and many others who had nobly fallen upon the field of
+strife; and yet others who now were wearing out tedious days of sickness
+in hospitals or at home.
+
+The little band that remained could hardly be recognized as the same men
+who left the defenses of Washington but a few months since; their faces
+were now bronzed from constant exposure to the scorching rays of the
+sun, and their clothing was worn and soiled. Hats and caps of every
+description: hats of straw and of palm leaf, of brown wool, black wool,
+and what had been white wool. Caps military and caps not military, all
+alike in only one respect, that all were much the worse for wear. It
+would have puzzled a stranger to have determined from this diversity of
+apparel, what was the regular uniform of our troops.
+
+We came up the river with feelings far less exultant and confident than
+those experienced in our downward trip. Indeed a gloom hung over the
+minds of all. The army was satisfied that General McClellan would be
+removed from command, and it was said that General Pope or General
+Burnside would be his successor. Though they remembered the brilliant
+successes of the one in the west and of the other in the south, many
+expressed fears that the command of a large army might be as fatal to
+either of these as it had been to General McClellan.
+
+At sunset of the 23d, the transports bearing the two divisions of the
+Sixth corps, were anchored just off Alexandria; but none of the men were
+allowed to go ashore. Spending another night in the crowded vessels,
+where the foul air prevailing between decks rendered breathing anything
+but a luxury, the men hailed the appearance of daylight as the time for
+their liberation from this close and unpleasant confinement.
+
+The process of disembarking progressed rapidly, and the divisions were
+marched through the city to a field about a mile beyond its limits,
+where we encamped near Fort Ellsworth.
+
+Although this was on Sunday morning, and it was known that Pope's army
+was fighting the enemy even before we left the Peninsula, and was in
+need of reinforcements; yet no signs of marching occurred until
+Thursday.
+
+Let us now turn back for a moment and hastily glance at the movements of
+General Pope and his army, which had now for several days been actively
+engaged. The battle of Cedar Mountain was fought on Saturday, August
+9th. General Banks, pushing his corps toward Cedar Mountain, and,
+finding the enemy in his front, had boldly attacked him. The confederate
+forces were led by General Jackson, and outnumbered the forces under
+General Banks. The field was hotly contested for an hour and a half,
+when our forces were obliged to fall back; but being reinforced by
+Rickett's division, they were able to prevent the enemy from occupying
+the field. During the night, Jackson withdrew his forces, leaving the
+ground in our hands, which was at once occupied by the Union forces.
+
+The whole of Sunday was occupied in burying the dead and bringing off
+the wounded of both armies. Our men had behaved with great bravery, and
+the gallantry and zeal of General Banks was what might have been
+expected from that general. The field was yet in our hands; yet the
+battle could hardly be called a decided victory for our arms. Jackson
+retreated rapidly across the Rapidan, in the direction of Gordonsville,
+leaving many dead and wounded along the road from Cedar Mountain to
+Orange Court House. Except to follow up the enemy with cavalry as far as
+Orange Court House, no important move was made for several days by the
+forces under General Pope.
+
+Reinforcements were constantly arriving for Jackson, and it became
+evident, by the 18th, that nearly the whole of Lee's army was assembling
+in front of General Pope, along the south side of the Rapidan. Among
+papers captured from the enemy at this time, was an autograph letter
+from General Robert Lee to General Stuart, stating his determination to
+overwhelm General Pope's army before it could be reinforced by any
+portion of the army of the Potomac.
+
+The whole army was now ordered to fall back and occupy a stronger
+position behind the Rappahannock. The movement was executed on the 18th
+and 19th of August, without loss; the new line extending from Kelley's
+Ford to a point three miles above Rappahannock Station. The enemy
+appeared next day at the various fords, but, finding them strongly
+guarded, waited for all their forces to arrive from the Rapidan.
+
+The whole of the 21st and 22d were spent by the enemy in efforts to
+cross the river, and a fierce artillery duel prevailed along the line
+for more than seven miles in extent, but the rebels were repulsed at
+every point, and withdrew with the intention of moving up the river and
+turning the flank of the Union army.
+
+General Pope, appreciating the danger of this movement on the part of
+the rebels, telegraphed to Washington, and, in reply, was assured that,
+if he could hold out two days longer, he should be so strongly
+reinforced as to enable him, not only to hold his position, but to take
+the offensive.
+
+It is needless to say that, with the exception of one or two small
+divisions, no reinforcements reached him within that time; and although
+General Porter reported to him by letter from Bealton on the 25th, it
+had been better for General Pope had he not come at all. On the night of
+the 26th, Jackson, coming through Thoroughfare Gap, got in the rear of
+Pope's army and cut the railroad at Kettle Run, near Warrenton Junction.
+Lee was still in front, in the vicinity of Sulphur Springs. General
+Pope, desiring at the same time to fall back toward Centreville and
+interpose his army between Jackson's and Lee's forces, ordered a
+retrograde movement. His troops were by this time fairly exhausted. In
+his report to the Secretary of War, he says: "From the 18th of August,
+until the morning of the 27th, the troops under my command had been
+continually marching and fighting night and day; and during the whole of
+that time there was scarcely an interval of an hour without the roar of
+artillery. The men had had little sleep, and were greatly worn down with
+fatigue; had had little time to get proper food or to eat it; had been
+engaged in constant battles and skirmishes, and had performed services,
+laborious, dangerous and excessive, beyond any previous experience in
+this country." Jackson had succeeded in burning fifty cars at Bristow
+Station, and a hundred more at Manassas Junction, heavily laden with
+ammunition and supplies. On the afternoon of the 27th, a severe
+engagement occurred between Hooker's division of Heintzelman's corps,
+which had arrived the evening before, and Ewell's division of
+Longstreet's corps, near Bristow Station. Ewell was driven back; the
+loss on each side being about three hundred. During the night, General
+McDowell with his corps, and Generals Reno and Kearney with their
+divisions, took such positions as effectually to interpose between
+Jackson's forces and Lee's, and no alternative was left Jackson but to
+turn upon Hooker and rout him, or to retreat by way of Centreville.
+Hooker's men had exhausted their ammunition, so that there were but five
+rounds per man left. General Pope, fearing that Hooker would be
+attacked, dispatched an aide to General Porter with orders to join
+Hooker at once. The aide was instructed to inform General Porter of the
+immediate necessity of moving at once, and to remain and guide him to
+the place. But Porter utterly refused to obey the order. Most
+fortunately for our army, Jackson, ignorant of Hooker's weakness,
+determined to retreat by way of Centreville; a mistake which prevented
+most serious consequences to us. Jackson in his retreat was hotly
+pursued, and on the 28th a severe battle took place between McDowell's
+corps and the retreating column, in which our forces gained decided
+advantages. On the 29th, Jackson was again near the old Bull Run
+battle-ground, and a terrific battle ensued, which lasted with great
+fury from daylight until dark. The rebels were driven from the field,
+which was occupied by our men. General Pope sent peremptory orders to
+Fitz John Porter to move at once upon Centreville; which would have cut
+off Jackson's retreat; but again this commander refused to obey orders,
+and Jackson was enabled to unite with Lee, who had by this time reached
+Thoroughfare Gap, and was pushing on toward him. Had the orders of
+General Pope been carried out, Jackson must without doubt have been
+crushed before Lee's forces could by any possibility have reached the
+field of action.
+
+On the following day the whole of both armies were brought face to face
+with each other. General Pope, by this time hopeless of any aid from the
+fresh troops he had expected long before this from Washington, and aware
+of the disaffection of the largest and freshest corps in his command,
+although nearly discouraged, determined to give battle and inflict as
+much damage as possible upon the enemy. His force now, including
+Porter's corps, was about forty thousand. The whole of Lee's and
+Jackson's forces now pressed upon our lines with terrible effect.
+
+The action raged with great fury for several hours; the rebels
+constantly massing heavy columns against our lines, especially upon the
+left, where McDowell's and Sigel's corps resisted the onset with great
+bravery, but were at length forced to yield, when an utter rout took
+place; the whole army falling back upon Centreville in great disorder.
+On this day, for the first time in all these long series of battles,
+Porter's corps was brought into action. The conduct of the corps, in the
+early part of the day, showed a determination on the part of its leaders
+not to fight, and the men fell back in disorder; but being rallied later
+in the day, the pride of the men overcame the obstinacy of their
+commanders and the corps did good service. Hooker's and Kearney's
+divisions, and Reynolds' Pennsylvania reserves had rendered most gallant
+services from the time they reached General Pope's army.
+
+Returning now to our Sixth corps under General Franklin. The corps
+remained quietly at Alexandria, from the morning of the 24th until the
+afternoon of the 29th. Rations and ammunition were as well supplied when
+we reached Alexandria as when we left. The booming of cannon was heard
+on the 26th and 27th, and contrabands and white refugees informed us
+that terrible fighting was in progress beyond Manassas. We wondered that
+we were not ordered to go to the relief of the little army which we knew
+was resisting the whole of Lee's and Jackson's forces.
+
+On Thursday afternoon, August 28th, the corps received marching orders.
+Tents were struck, knapsacks packed, rations provided, and many
+regiments, shouldering their knapsacks, stood in line ready to move. But
+sunset came and no further orders. The men waited impatiently, only a
+few venturing to unpack their knapsacks or pitch their tents, until long
+after dark.
+
+Friday morning brought few indications of an advance. Head-quarter tents
+remained standing, artillery horses stood unharnessed, and everything
+showed an intentional delay. At length the corps moved. Marching quietly
+and easily, the old ground of Camp Misery was passed, and the corps
+reached Annandale, where it halted and encamped after an easy march of
+six miles. Saturday morning the corps again moved leisurely along,
+making very frequent halts. The firing in front indicated a hardly
+contested battle, and our men, knowing that Pope must be in need of
+reinforcements, were anxious to push forward rapidly. Every hour the
+corps halted for at least twenty minutes, and sometimes even longer. At
+this snail pace we passed Fairfax Court House, the roar of musketry and
+artillery becoming constantly louder in front, and arrived at
+Centreville. Orders immediately came for the corps to proceed to Cub
+Run, about two miles beyond Centreville. Here, wounded men by hundreds
+and stragglers in greater numbers passed across the little bridge over
+the run, a dismal crowd, hastening toward Centreville.
+
+As usual at such times, scores of cowardly villains were attempting to
+pass to the rear as wounded men.
+
+An amusing encounter occurred between one of this class, a coward in
+captain's uniform, and one of our own officers, Captain Deyoe, as brave
+a fellow as ever drew a sword. The demoralized captain, his sword thrown
+away and its sheath after it, came hurriedly upon the bridge, where
+Deyoe was sitting, coolly filling his pipe. The fugitive captain turned
+his face, pale with fright, to the imperturbable Deyoe, and, striking
+him on the shoulder, said with as much composure as he could muster,
+"Captain, we have had hard times of it out there, but _don't be afraid,
+don't be afraid_." Deyoe, turning his face toward that of the straggler
+with a look of unruffled coolness and unmitigated contempt, replied,
+"Well, who the d--is afraid? Oh, yes, I see, _you are_. Well, you had
+better get away from here then!"
+
+The corps remained at Cub Run until nightfall, when it was ordered to
+return to Centreville, where it encamped. Regiments from our Third
+brigade were sent to the rear of Centreville to arrest stragglers, who
+were hurrying toward Alexandria in great numbers.
+
+The regiments were drawn up in line across the turnpike, where they
+remained all night, turning back hundreds of stragglers at the point of
+the bayonet.
+
+The scene at Centreville on the next day was one of the utmost
+confusion. Thousands of stragglers wandered about without knowing or
+caring what had become of their commands; long columns of shattered
+regiments and batteries filed past to take up new positions, either
+within the intrenchments or on the flanks. The appearance of these
+skeletons of regiments and batteries gave evidence of the terrible
+experiences of this long series of engagements. Their ranks, thinned by
+the fortunes of battle, and still more by the disgraceful skulking which
+had become so universal, the worn and weary appearance of the men, their
+flags, each surrounded by only enough men to constitute a respectable
+color-guard, all showed that even the hard experiences of the Army of
+the Potomac had never had so demoralizing an effect as this.
+
+The skulkers were loud-mouthed in their denunciations of General
+McDowell. Hundreds of them, who had in all probability not been near
+enough to the front during the whole retreat to know anything that was
+going on there, declared that they had seen him waving that mystic white
+hat as a signal to the rebels; and all knew that it was through his
+treachery that the army had been destroyed. Others declared positively
+that they had seen, with their own eyes, General McClellan, with a small
+body of faithful followers, dash against the advancing foe, and arrest
+the pursuit! Such wild and improbable stories filled the whole
+atmosphere, and, strangest of all, were believed by thousands, not only
+in the army, but throughout the whole north.
+
+Long trains of ambulances were bringing from the battle-field wounded
+men, who had been, since Saturday, exposed to the burning sun and the
+storm which had prevailed during Sunday night.
+
+Temporary hospitals were established, and surgeons were actively
+employed in ministering to the relief of the unfortunate. Monday evening
+the battle of Glendale or Chantilly was fought, in the midst of a
+terrific thunder storm. The enemy, in attempting to turn our right, had
+been met by Hooker, Reno, McDowell and Kearney, and repulsed with heavy
+loss, from our entire front. But the victory was a costly one for us.
+The brave, earnest and accomplished soldier, Major-General Kearney, and
+the gallant Stevens, were both killed while leading their commands
+against the enemy.
+
+The Sixth corps, on Monday evening, was marched back to Fairfax Court
+House; but early next morning returned within a mile of Centreville,
+when it took possession of the heights, and lay in line of battle until
+three o'clock P.M., when orders were received to march back to our old
+camp at Alexandria, which we reached at ten o'clock the same night; thus
+making in a single evening, a distance that had required two full days
+and a part of another, to march, in going out.
+
+Thus ended General Pope's campaign in Virginia. Never was a campaign so
+misrepresented or so little understood; and never were the motives of
+men so falsely judged as were those of the generals connected with this
+campaign.
+
+General Pope had fallen a victim to the foulest treachery of ambitious
+rivals, rather than to the strength of his open foes. Any one who will
+in candor trace the movements and the handling of that little army, when
+beset by an enemy now known to have been double its own strength, must
+concede that his plans were well conceived, and his generalship in this
+campaign fully equaled that which had won him so great renown in the
+west.
+
+That the defeat of General Pope was brought about by the rivalry and
+jealousy of generals of the Union army cannot now be doubted. We know
+why Porter withheld the largest and freshest corps in the command from
+the fights, while its eleven thousand men were within sight of the
+battles; but why was the Sixth corps delayed? Some one was equally
+culpable with Porter. Was it worse to keep a corps out of the fight,
+when on the field, than to keep another corps off from the field
+altogether without any good reason? There can be but one question--who
+was responsible for the criminal neglect to send the Sixth corps to the
+assistance of Pope's army?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN.
+
+    General McClellan restored to command--March through
+    Washington--Leisurely campaigning--Battle of Crampton
+    Pass--Death of Mathison--Battle of South Mountain Pass--Death of
+    Reno--Surrender of Harper's Ferry--March to Antietam.
+
+
+General Pope, at his own request, was relieved from the command of the
+army, and General McClellan resumed the direction. Whatever might have
+been the real fitness of General Pope to command, his usefulness with
+the army just driven back upon the defenses of Washington, had departed.
+The return of General McClellan was hailed with joy by a large portion
+of the army.
+
+On the 5th of September, Lee crossed the Potomac into Maryland, and
+occupied Frederick City. General McClellan was ordered to push forward
+at once and meet him. It was on the evening of the 6th that orders were
+issued to move. It was but short work to pack up our limited supply of
+clothing, cooking utensils and the few other articles which constituted
+our store of worldly goods, and prepare to march. We left Alexandria,
+and proceeding toward Washington, passed Fort Albany and crossed the
+Long Bridge, the moon and stars shining with a brilliancy seldom
+equaled, rendering the night march a pleasant one. As the steady tramp
+of the soldiers upon the pavements was heard by the citizens of
+Washington, they crowded upon the walks, eager to get a glance, even by
+moonlight, of the veterans who had passed through such untold hardships.
+Many were the questions regarding our destination, but we could only
+answer, "We are going to meet the rebels." Passing through Georgetown,
+we reached the little village of Tanleytown, where, weary from the short
+but rapid march, we spent the remainder of the night in sleep. The
+morning passed without orders to move, and it was not until five o'clock
+in the afternoon that we again commenced the march, when, having
+proceeded six miles, we halted. At daybreak on the morning of the 8th,
+the corps was moving again, and passing through Rockville we halted,
+after an easy stage of six miles.
+
+On the 9th we marched three miles, making our camp at Johnstown. On the
+following morning, at 9 o'clock, we were again on the move, driving
+before us small bodies of rebel cavalry, and reaching Barnesville, a
+small village, ten miles from our encampment of the night before. Our
+Third brigade, of the Second division, was quartered on the plantation
+of a noted secessionist, who, on our approach, had suddenly decamped,
+leaving at our disposal a very large orchard, whose trees were loaded
+with delicious fruit, and his poultry yard well stocked with choice
+fowls. Our boys were not slow to appropriate to their own use these
+luxuries, which, they declared, were great improvements on pork and hard
+tack. In the enjoyment of ease and abundance, we remained here until the
+morning of the 12th, when we resumed the march, proceeding ten miles
+farther, halting near Urbana, at Monocacy bridge, which had been
+destroyed by the rebels, but was now rebuilt. On the same day General
+Burnside, having the advance, entered Frederick, encountering a few
+skirmishers of the enemy, which he drove. On the 13th, we arrived at the
+lovely village of Jefferson, having made ten miles more, and having
+driven a detachment of rebels through Jefferson Pass.
+
+The advance was sounded at ten o'clock on the morning of the 14th, and
+at three we found ourselves near the foot of the South Mountain range,
+having marched about fifty miles in eight days. Upon the advance of
+Burnside into Frederick, the rebel force had fallen back, taking the two
+roads which led through Middletown and Burkettsville, and which crossed
+the South Mountains through deep gorges, the northern called South
+Mountain or Turner's Pass, and the other, six miles south of it,
+Crampton Pass.
+
+These passes the rebels had strongly fortified, and had arranged their
+batteries on the crests of neighboring hills. The Sixth corps came to a
+halt when within about a mile and a half of Crampton Pass, and a
+reconnoissance was ordered.
+
+General Franklin was now directed to force the pass with the Sixth
+corps, while the remaining corps should push on to the South Mountain
+Pass and drive the enemy through it. We formed in line of battle and
+advanced. Before us lay the little village of Burkettsville, nestling
+under the shadow of those rugged mountains, its white houses gleaming
+out of the dark green foliage. Beyond were the South Mountains; their
+summits crowned with batteries of artillery and gray lines of rebels,
+while the heavily wooded sides concealed great numbers of the enemy.
+
+A winding road, leading up the mountain side and through a narrow
+defile, known as Crampton's Gap, constituted one of the two passages to
+the other side of the range; South Mountain Gap being the other. The
+enemy had planted batteries and posted troops behind barricades, and in
+such positions as most effectually to dispute our passage.
+
+At the foot of the mountain, was a stone wall, behind which was the
+first rebel line of battle, while their skirmishers held the ground for
+some distance in front. The position was a strong one; admirably
+calculated for defense, and could be held by a small force against a
+much larger one.
+
+[Illustration: CHARGE OF THE SIXTH CORPS AT BURKETTSVILLE.]
+
+The day was far advanced when the attack was ordered. No sooner had the
+lines of blue uniforms emerged from the cover of the woods, than the
+batteries on the hill tops opened upon them. The mountains, like huge
+volcanoes, belched forth fire and smoke. The earth trembled beneath us,
+and the air was filled with the howling of shells which flew over our
+heads, and ploughed the earth at our feet. At the same time, the line of
+battle behind the stone wall opened upon us a fierce fire of musketry.
+In the face of this storm of shells and bullets, the corps pressed
+forward at double quick, over the ploughed grounds and through the corn
+fields, halting for a few moments at the village. The citizens,
+regardless of the shells which were crashing through their houses,
+welcomed us heartily, bringing water to fill the canteens, and supplying
+us liberally from the scanty store left them by the marauding rebels.
+
+Patriotic ladies cheered the Union boys and brought them food; and well
+might they rejoice at the approach of the Union army, after their recent
+experience with the rebels, who had robbed them of almost everything
+they possessed in the way of movable property.
+
+After a few minutes, in which our soldiers took breath, the advance was
+once more sounded, and again we pushed on in face of a murderous fire,
+at the same time pouring into the face of the foe a storm of leaden
+hail. Slocum's division, of the Sixth corps, advanced on the right of
+the turnpike, while Smith's division pushed directly forward on the road
+and on the left of it. After severe fighting by both divisions, having
+driven the enemy from point to point, Slocum's troops, about three
+o'clock, succeeded in seizing the pass, while our Second division
+pressed up the wooded sides of the mountain, charging a battery at the
+left of the pass and capturing two of its guns. The confederates fled
+precipitately down the west side of the mountain, and our flags were
+waved in triumph from the heights which had so lately thundered
+destruction upon us. As we advanced, we wondered, not that the foe had
+offered such stubborn resistance, but that the position had been yielded
+at all. Their dead strewed our path, and great care was required, as we
+passed along the road, to avoid treading upon the lifeless remains which
+lay thickly upon the ground. On every side the evidences of the fearful
+conflict multiplied. Trees were literally cut to pieces by shells and
+bullets; a continual procession of rebel wounded and prisoners lined the
+roadsides, while knapsacks, guns, canteens and haversacks were scattered
+in great confusion. The rebel force made its way into Pleasant Valley,
+leaving in our hands their dead and wounded, three stand of colors, two
+pieces of artillery and many prisoners. Our troops scoured the woods
+until midnight, bringing in large numbers of stragglers.
+
+We had lost quite heavily; some of our best men had fallen. Colonel
+Mathison, who commanded the Third brigade of Slocum's division, whose
+heroism at Gaines' Farm, and bravery in all our campaign on the
+Peninsula, had endeared him to his division, was among the killed.
+
+The corps moved down the road to the western side of the mountains, our
+men resting on their arms for the night, expecting that the battle would
+be renewed at dawn. But the morning revealed no enemy in our front; we
+were in quiet possession of the valley.
+
+Meanwhile on the right, at South Mountain Pass, a still more sanguinary
+battle had been in progress.
+
+On the morning of the 14th, the Ninth corps, Burnside's veterans, the
+heroes of Roanoke and Newbern, under the command of the gallant Reno,
+advanced from Middletown; and coming near the base of the mountains,
+found the enemy strongly posted on the crests of the hills, thronging
+the thickly wooded sides, and crowding in the gap. No matter what
+position the brave boys occupied, they were submitted to a murderous
+fire from the crests and sides of the mountains. Under this galling
+fire, the First division of the corps formed in line of battle, and
+advanced toward the frowning heights. It was an undertaking requiring
+more than ordinary valor, to attempt to wrest from an enemy strong in
+numbers, a position so formidable for defense; but the men approaching
+those rugged mountain sides had become accustomed to overcome obstacles,
+and to regard all things as possible which they were commanded to do.
+Under cover of a storm of shells, thrown upward to the heights, the line
+of battle advanced, with courage and firmness, in face of terrible
+resistance, gaining much ground and driving the rebels from their first
+line of defenses. Now, the corps of Hooker rushed to the assistance of
+the Ninth. As the gallant general and his staff rode along the lines,
+enthusiastic cheers for "Fighting Joe Hooker," greeted him everywhere.
+Forming his divisions hastily, he pushed them on the enemy's lines at
+once.
+
+Thus far, the battle had been principally maintained by artillery; the
+rattle of musketry coming occasionally from one or another part of
+Reno's line. But now, the whole line was pushing against the rebel line,
+and the continued roll of musketry told of close work for the infantry.
+Reno's troops on the left and Hooker's on the right, were doing noble
+fighting. The advancing line never wavered; but pressing steadily
+forward, pouring volley after volley into the enemy's ranks, it at last
+forced the rebels to break and fly precipitately to the crests, and,
+leaving their splendid position on the summit to retreat in great haste
+down the other slope of the mountain. The engagement had been of three
+hours duration; and the bravery of the Union troops was rewarded by the
+possession of the mountain tops. Darkness put an end to the pursuit.
+Thus the two chief passes through the mountains were in the possession
+of the Union army.
+
+While his corps was striving to dislodge the enemy from the stronghold,
+the gallant Reno was struck by a minie ball, and expired. The loss of
+this hero threw a gloom not only over his own corps, but throughout the
+army.
+
+In the many battles in which he had taken a brilliant part, he had won
+an enviable fame, and his private virtues and kindly qualities of heart
+added lustre to the brilliancy of his military record.
+
+While the fight was in progress in Crampton Pass, the booming of guns at
+Harper's Ferry, only seven miles distant, told us of an attempt, on the
+part of the rebels, to capture that important point; and while we lay
+upon our arms on the morning of the 15th, two miles nearer than we were
+on the day before, the firing was heard to be still more fierce. Our
+Sixth corps was ordered to press forward to the relief of the
+beleaguered place; but before we had started the firing suddenly died
+away. General Franklin concluded that the place had been surrendered;
+and his conclusion was verified by reconnoissances. So the corps
+remained in Pleasant Valley, at rest, all of the 15th and 16th.
+
+The surrender of Harper's Ferry was a terrible blow to our cause. Had it
+continued in our possession it must have insured, with any respectable
+energy on the part of our commanders, the destruction of the rebel army
+in its retreat. As it was, our loss was over eleven thousand men, and a
+vast amount of war material.
+
+Of course, the surrender of Harper's Ferry, at this critical period, was
+owing directly to the imbecility and cowardice, not to say treachery, of
+the officers in command at Harper's Ferry and on Maryland Heights. But,
+while we condemn the weakness and cowardice of these commanders, can we
+relieve from a share in the responsibility, the general who marched his
+army in pursuit of the enemy at a snail pace, traveling but six miles a
+day upon an average, when by a few brisk marches this important point
+might have been reinforced?
+
+Early on the morning of the 17th, the Sixth corps was on its way,
+hastening to the scene of conflict which had commenced on the banks of
+Antietam creek. A part of the Seventy-seventh had constituted one-third
+of the picket line which had extended across the valley between the
+corps and Harper's Ferry.
+
+These companies, by a hard march, much of it at double quick, succeeded
+in overtaking the division just as the Third brigade was making a charge
+over ground already thrice won and lost by Sumner's troops. Without
+waiting to form the companies, the detachment joined the command, and,
+all out of breath and faint from their forced march, rushed with their
+companies against the foe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
+
+    The Valley of the Antietam--Gathering of the hosts--The
+    battle-field--The battle commenced--Splendid fighting of
+    Hooker's forces--Successes and reverses of Sumner's
+    troops--Timely arrival of the Sixth corps--A gallant
+    charge--Losses of the corps--Burnside's attack--Hours of
+    suspense--The enemy defeated at all points--Retreat of the
+    rebels--Scenes on the battle-field--At the hospitals--At
+    Sharpsburgh--A division of militia--Couch's division joins the
+    Sixth corps--Visit of the President--Recruits--Energy at the
+    north--At rest--Want of clothing--Stuart's raid--Delays--Clear
+    Spring--General Brooks.
+
+
+Among the delightful and fertile valleys which beautify the State of
+Maryland, none is more charming than the one through which the Antietam
+winds its tortuous course. Looking from some elevation down upon its
+green fields, where herds of sleek cattle graze, its yellow harvests
+glowing and ripening in the September sun; its undulating meadows and
+richly laden orchards; its comfortable farm houses, some standing out
+boldly upon eminences, which rise here and there, others half hidden by
+vines or fruit trees; the ranges of hills, rising on either side of the
+stream, diversified by charming vales or deep gullies; the turnpikes
+winding along the sides of the hills and through the valleys; the lovely
+stream itself, now flowing smoothly over its dark bed and anon tumbling
+noisily in rapids over a stony bottom, winding here far up to one range
+of hills and then turning back to kiss the base of the other; the whole
+scene is one of surpassing beauty, upon which the eye rests with
+untiring delight. Who would have selected this lovely valley as the
+scene of one of the most bloody struggles ever recorded? Who, looking
+down from some height of land on the morning of the 13th of September,
+would have dreamed that those stacks of grain, which dotted the fields
+here and there, would soon become the only protection from the heat of
+the sun and the storm of battle, to thousands of wounded, bleeding men?
+or, that from those lovely groves of oak and maple, now reposing like
+spots of beauty upon the landscape, were to belch forth fire and smoke,
+carrying destruction to thousands? Yet, here on these smiling fields,
+and among these delightful groves, one of the grand battles which should
+decide the march of events in the history, not only of our own country
+but of the world, was to be fought. These green pastures were to be
+stained with blood, and these peaceful groves marred and torn by shot
+and shell.
+
+Driven from the towns along the Potomac, from Frederick, from
+Hagerstown, and from Boonsboro; and forced from the strong passes in the
+South Mountains, the detached portions of the rebel army were
+concentrated along the banks of the Antietam creek, in the vicinity of
+the little town of Sharpsburgh. Hither Jackson and Longstreet, Hill and
+Stuart, with their hosts, had gathered to offer combined resistance to
+the Union army; boastfully proclaiming that now, upon northern soil,
+they would hurl our army to final destruction. One hundred thousand men,
+flushed with recent victories, and eager for one grand crowning success,
+proudly defied the Union army.
+
+Their position was well chosen. A line of steep hills, forming a half
+circle, with the convexity in front, rising at some distance back from
+the creek, and nearly parallel with it, afforded admirable advantages
+for posting batteries, in such a manner as to sweep the plain below,
+from right to left. Upon their left, wooded fields afforded protection
+to their infantry; while upon their right, the undulating nature of the
+grounds near the base of the hills, covered them from the fire of our
+guns. In their rear was Sharpsburgh; and two fine roads leading to the
+Potomac, afforded safe lines of retreat in case of disaster. From the
+crest of the hills, on which Lee had thus posted his army, the ground
+sloped gently back; concealing the movements of his forces from the view
+of the army in their front, allowing them to maneuver unobserved by
+their opponents. Owing also to the form of their line of battle, it was
+an easy matter to throw troops from one part to another. Thus, strongly
+posted and confidently anticipating victory, they waited the approach of
+the Union army.
+
+Our own forces were also gathering toward this point. Richardson's
+division of the Second corps, pressing closely upon the heels of the
+retreating rebels, had passed through Boonsboro and Keedeysville, and
+had overtaken them here.
+
+Porter, with his regulars, was close at hand, and took position. Then
+came Burnside, with his favorite Ninth corps; and the white-haired
+veteran, Sumner, with troops worthy of their leader; fighting Joe Hooker
+and his gallant men; and Mansfield, with Banks' corps. The afternoon and
+most of the night was spent in getting into position. Brisk skirmishes
+were occurring with sufficient frequency to excite the men on both
+sides; but no general engagement took place. The morning of the 16th
+found our army ready to give battle. On our right was Hooker; then
+Sumner with his own and the Twelfth, Mansfield's corps; and far to the
+left was Burnside. Porter's corps, secure behind an elevation in the
+rear, was held in reserve.
+
+The night had passed with but now and then a little picket firing; but
+all felt that, before many hours, must commence a battle, which must
+determine the fate at least of that campaign.
+
+Crossing the Antietam, in front of the line of our army, were three
+bridges. The first, on the Hagerstown road; the next on the road to
+Sharpsburgh; and the third on the left, three miles below, on the road
+from Harper's Ferry to Sharpsburgh.
+
+This last bridge, crossed the stream at a point where steep and high
+hills crowded closely on every side; the summits of those on the western
+side of the stream, crowned with rebel batteries, and their steeply
+falling sides covered with infantry. Over the first of these bridges, on
+the right, Hooker was to cross his forces; while on the left, Burnside
+was to attempt to dislodge the enemy from his commanding position. Far
+in the rear, a prominent hill rose above the surrounding country; here
+was a signal station, and here the commander of the army established his
+quarters. Hour after hour of the 16th passed away, the two armies facing
+each other, watching and waiting; troops moving this way and that,
+maneuvering like two giant wrestlers, each willing to try the movements
+and feel the gripe of the other before coming to the sharp grapple. At
+four o'clock, Hooker crossed his corps and occupied a position on the
+west side of the creek, and Mansfield soon followed; a little fighting,
+but not severe, and then darkness closed over the scene again. The
+skirmishes and artillery practice here, developed, to the quick eye of
+General Hooker, the position of the enemy in his front, and their plan
+of defense. Satisfied with this knowledge, he was willing to allow his
+corps to rest until morning. Our lines were now very near those of the
+rebels; so near that the pickets of the opposing forces could hear
+conversation from one line to the other.
+
+At an early hour on the morning of the 17th, the great battle commenced
+in earnest. Hooker formed his line with Doubleday on the right, Meade in
+the center, and Ricketts on the left. Opposed to him was Stonewall
+Jackson's corps. First, Meade's Pennsylvania reserves, of Hooker's
+corps, opened upon the enemy, and in a few moments the firing became
+rapid and general along the line of both Meade's and Rickett's
+divisions. The rebel line of battle was just beyond the woods, in a
+cornfield. The hostile lines poured into each other more and more deadly
+volleys; batteries were brought up on each side which did terrible
+execution. Each line stood firm and immovable. Although great gaps were
+made in them, they were closed up, and the opposing forces continued to
+pour fearful destruction into each other's ranks. General Hooker, riding
+everywhere along the front line, knew exactly the position and the work
+of every regiment in his command. Cheer after cheer greeted him as he
+passed along the line, inspiring the men by his presence. Thus for half
+an hour the two lines stood face to face in deadly conflict; at length
+the general directed a battery to be placed in a commanding position,
+and the shells and shrapnel were seen to work fearful havoc in the
+rebel ranks. The gray line wavered; then back through the cornfield and
+over the fences the confederates rushed, seeking shelter from the
+terrible storm, under cover of the woods, on the other side of the
+field. "Forward!" shouted General Hooker, and his divisions pressed
+rapidly through the cornfield, up to the very edge of the wood, while
+the welkin rang with their cheers. Here, the fleeing foe, reinforced by
+fresh troops, made a determined stand. Terrific volleys poured from the
+woods, thinning out the Union ranks at a fearful rate. Unable to sustain
+the deadly fire, they fell back--this time the rebels following with
+yells and shouts; but before the cornfield was crossed, our troops made
+another stand, and the swarthy foe was brought to bay; yet the thinned
+line seemed hardly able to sustain the fearful shock much longer.
+Hooker, fearing that his center was doomed to destruction, sent to his
+right for a brigade, although his right was hard pressed and in danger
+of being flanked.
+
+The fresh brigade pressed steadily to the front, and the rebel line
+again fell back to the woods. Mansfield's corps now came to the support
+of the right wing, and well did those troops, so lately demoralized at
+Bull Run, stand their ground. General Mansfield received here his mortal
+wound.
+
+It was at this time, when Hooker saw his forces gaining a decided
+advantage and felt that their part of the work was well done, that a
+rifle ball passed through his foot inflicting a painful wound. Lamenting
+that he could not remain to see the end of what he hoped would prove a
+great victory, he left the field. The battle lulled at this point; but
+in the center it raged with terrible energy. There, Sumner the
+white-haired veteran, led his corps into the very jaws of death. If he
+seemed reckless of the lives of his men, he had no more care of his own.
+Across the ploughed ground, over ditches and fences, with unsurpassed
+ardor, sweeping over all obstacles, the corps pushed forward, driving
+the enemy before it; but the right became hard pressed, and a terrible
+fire on that part of the line and on the center, forced the corps back.
+Again the ground was taken; and again the enemy, with wild yells of
+triumph, drove our men back. Still determined to win, the veteran hero
+ordered a third charge; and the third time the field was ours, but only
+to be lost again. The brave General Sedgwick, who then led one division
+of Sumner's corps, whom we were afterward proud to call the commander of
+the Sixth corps, thrice wounded, was at length obliged to leave the
+field. Richardson and Crawford were carried wounded to the hospitals.
+
+It was at this critical moment, when Sumner's troops, weary and almost
+out of ammunition, were for the third time repulsed; the remnants of the
+shattered regiments no longer able to resist the overwhelming forces
+opposed to them; the artillery alone, unsupported, holding the enemy for
+a moment in check; that the Sixth corps, our second division in advance,
+arrived upon the field.
+
+The scene before us was awful. On the left, as far as the eye could
+reach, the lines of the contending forces, stretching over hills and
+through valleys, stood face to face; in places, not more than thirty
+yards apart. The roar of musketry rolled along the whole extent of the
+battle-field. The field upon which we had now entered, thrice hotly
+contested, was strewed with the bodies of friend and foe.
+
+Without waiting to take breath, each regiment as soon as it arrives on
+the field, is ordered to charge independently of the others. The third
+brigade is first; and first of its regiments, the Twentieth New York,
+with their sabre bayonets, are ready; and the shout, "Forward, double
+quick!" rings along the line. The Germans waver for a moment; but
+presently with a yell they rush down the hill, suddenly receiving a
+volley from a rebel line concealed behind a fence; but the Germans,
+regardless of the storm of bullets, rush forward; the rebels breaking
+and flying to the rear in confusion, while the Germans hotly pursue
+them. Next, on the left of the Twentieth, the gallant Seventh Maine
+charges; rushing forward into the midst of the cornfield, they, too, are
+met by concealed foes. Although they are concealed from our view, the
+crashing of musketry tells us of the struggle which they maintain.
+
+The gallant regiment makes its way down the slope, almost to the
+earthworks of the enemy, when the men throw themselves upon the ground
+behind a rail fence. Here, subjected to the shells from the Union and
+rebel batteries, the regiment can neither advance or retreat; but our
+batteries, finding that their shots are as fatal to our men as to the
+rebels, allow the remaining fragments of the regiment to retire from the
+perilous position.
+
+On the right of the Seventh Maine comes the glorious Forty-ninth and our
+own Seventy-seventh, Captain Babcock in command. On the right of all is
+the old Thirty-third, within supporting distance. The men of the
+Seventy-seventh rush forward over their fallen comrades, making toward a
+small school house which stands upon the Sharpsburgh and Hagerstown
+turnpike, behind which is a grove swarming with rebel troops. Our boys
+are almost on the road, when, at a distance of less than thirty yards,
+they find themselves confronted by overwhelming numbers, who pour a
+withering fire into their ranks. The Seventy-seventh receives the fire
+nobly, and, although far ahead of all the other regiments, stands its
+ground and returns the fire with spirit, although it is but death to
+remain thus in the advance. The brave color-bearer, Joseph Murer, falls,
+shot through the head; but the colors scarcely touch the ground when
+they are seized and again flaunted in the face of the enemy. Volley
+after volley crashes through our ranks; our comrades fall on every side;
+yet the little band stands firm as a rock, refusing to yield an inch. At
+this juncture, General Smith, riding along the line and discovering the
+advanced and unprotected position of the regiment, exclaims, "There's a
+regiment gone," and sends an aide to order it to retire. The order was
+timely, for the rebels were planting a battery within twenty yards of
+the left of the regiment, which would, in a moment longer, have swept it
+to destruction.
+
+The regiment reformed behind the crest, in line with the other regiments
+of the brigade, all of which had been forced to fall back; but the line
+held was far in advance of that held by Sumner's troops when the
+division arrived. Thirty-three of the little band had fallen; they were
+less than two hundred men when they came upon the field. In the Seventh
+Maine the loss was still greater; of the one hundred and seventy men who
+went into the fight, one-half were killed or wounded; more than eighty
+of those noble forms were prostrated like the slashings in their own
+forests. The Thirty-third lost fifty in killed and wounded. The total
+loss to our Third brigade was three hundred and forty-three; of the
+Second division, three hundred and seventy-three; of the corps, four
+hundred and thirty-eight.
+
+Our men lay down behind the ridge to protect themselves from the rebel
+batteries; yet even here the shells came, carrying death to many of our
+number. The Vermont brigade was sent to the assistance of French's
+division, who, having expended their ammunition, were making feeble
+resistance to the enemy. The Vermonters behaved with their usual
+gallantry, resisting the advance of the enemy; and although frequently
+subjected to the fire of artillery, they held their ground bravely. The
+brigade was composed of men who could always be depended on to do what
+they were ordered to do.
+
+The advent of the Sixth corps upon the field had decided the contest
+upon the right of the line, and after the first charge by the Third
+brigade the battle lulled. Of all the brilliant charges made in the army
+on that memorable day, none was more gallant or more important in its
+results than this noble charge of the Third brigade of Smith's division.
+Although the infantry on both sides became comparatively quiet,
+artillery thundered from every eminence in possession of our own or the
+enemy's batteries. Shells and cannister tore through the Union ranks,
+making in parts of the line fearful havoc. Thus, for nine long hours,
+our Sixth corps endured this fiery ordeal, when darkness closed over the
+field of strife.
+
+Meanwhile, on the left, Burnside became hotly engaged. At nine o'clock
+in the morning, his troops moved down toward the stone bridge, over
+which they hoped to cross. The hills on either side slope down almost to
+the water's edge; the road leading to the bridge winding through a
+ravine, and then on the other side ascending through another ravine to
+the highlands. No sooner had the head of the column descended into this
+amphitheater of hills, than the rebels opened a destructive fire from
+behind defenses which they had thrown up along the hillsides. Rifle
+pits, and breastworks of rails and stones, concealed thousands of
+infantry, who, from their secure position, poured volley after volley
+into the advancing column; while batteries, placed upon the heights,
+brought an enfilading fire upon the bridge and its approaches. In the
+face of this reception, the Ninth corps formed in line of battle. One
+brigade with fixed bayonets charged upon the bridge; but the
+concentrated fire of the enemy forced it back. Charge after charge was
+ordered and executed by different portions of the command with like
+success. At length a battery was brought to bear directly upon the
+enemy's position at the farthest end of the bridge, and, aided by these
+guns, fresh troops charged with great enthusiasm, carrying the bridge
+and planting their colors on the opposite side of the stream. Sturgis'
+division immediately advanced up the slope, driving the enemy before it.
+Meanwhile Rodman's division had succeeded, after a desperate fight, in
+crossing the stream below, and had also gained a position along the
+crest of the hills. The enemy having the range perfectly, made the
+position along the crest of the hills untenable, and the men were forced
+to fall back a little; lying close upon the ground to avoid the shells
+that burst about them.
+
+At length, at three o'clock, General Burnside ordered a general advance.
+The divisions moved in fine order, but were soon met by the enemy in
+overpowering numbers. The whole line became hotly engaged. All the
+reserves were brought into action, and still the rebels poured upon the
+Union men in increasing numbers; pressing their flank and turning the
+attack into a doubtful defense. It seemed impossible for the corps to
+hold its position against the overwhelming force opposed to it. At this
+juncture General Burnside sent to General McClellan for aid. Porter's
+troops were still in reserve; but McClellan refused to relieve the
+hardly pressed corps. Again Burnside sends word, "I cannot hold my
+position half an hour longer, unless I am reinforced;" and again the
+appeal is met with refusal. Contrary to his own expectations, Burnside's
+forces held their ground until darkness put an end to the strife.
+
+Thus our own Sixth corps, and Burnside's corps, held the ground they had
+each by most desperate fighting wrested from the hands of the enemy; and
+in spite of the peril which had threatened the right, when Hooker's
+braves were forced back, the center, where Sumner's brave men fell back
+for the third time with empty cartridge boxes, and the left, where
+Burnside was so hardly pressed, the advantage remained with our army;
+and the weary soldiers lay down in the expectation of renewing the
+battle in the morning.
+
+Their valor had saved them from defeat; they hoped to make the battle
+that should come, a complete victory.
+
+But the battle was ended. Toward morning, it was known to officers of
+our corps that the rebels were moving back, and the fact was reported;
+but no attention was paid to it. A truce, under pretense of burying the
+dead, gave the rebels a quiet day, in which to prepare for their escape,
+by sending their trains and much of their artillery to the rear; and on
+the night of the 18th, the whole rebel army disappeared. So this
+memorable and sanguinary battle ended. A defeat for the rebels, but not
+the decided victory to our arms that could have been hoped for.
+
+The Second division of the Sixth corps was relieved soon after noon of
+the 18th by Couch's division, which was soon afterward joined to the
+Sixth corps. Until now our corps had consisted of but two divisions, the
+First and Second. Our men were glad to fall back enough to allow them to
+cook their coffee once more, and they proceeded to the work of preparing
+a good meal with great spirit.
+
+The scene on the battle-field was past description. The mangled forms of
+our own comrades lay stretched upon the ground, side by side with those
+of the rebels. On almost every rod of ground over one hundred acres, the
+dead and wounded, some clad in the Union blue and some in confederate
+gray, were lying. A ghastly sight, presenting all the horrible features
+of death which are to be seen on such a field. At one point in our own
+front, for more than half a mile, the rebels lay so thickly as almost to
+touch each other. On the field where Hooker's men had won and lost the
+field, the dead and dying were scattered thickly among the broken
+cornstalks, their eyes protruding and their faces blackened by the sun.
+Wherever the lines of battle had surged to and fro, these vestiges of
+the terrible work were left. In the edge of the wood, where the rebels
+had made a stand against Hooker's advancing divisions, the bodies lay in
+perfect line, as though they had fallen while on dress parade. Further
+to the left there was a narrow road, not more than fifteen feet wide,
+with high fences on either side. Here a regiment of rebels was posted;
+when our batteries getting an enfilading fire upon them, and the
+infantry at the same time opening a murderous fire, the regiment was
+literally destroyed; not more than twenty of their number escaping.
+Their bodies filled the narrow road. Some were shot while attempting to
+get over the fence; and their remains hung upon the boards. A more
+fearful picture than we saw here, could not be conceived.
+
+Broken caissons, wheels, dismounted guns, thousands of muskets,
+blankets, haversacks and canteens, were scattered thickly over the
+field; and hundreds of slain horses, bloated and with feet turned toward
+the sky, added to the horror of the scene.
+
+While the excitement of battle lasts, and we hear the roar of artillery,
+and the shock of contending armies, the terrible reality of the occasion
+hardly presents itself to our minds, and it is only when we survey the
+bloody field, strewed with the mangled, lifeless remains of friend and
+foe, or walk through the hospitals, where the unfortunate victims of
+battle writhe in the agony of their wounds, that we realize the terrible
+nature of a great battle.
+
+Sickening as is the sight of the battle-field, the scenes about the
+hospitals are worse, except to those who are actually engaged in
+ministering to the relief of the wounded. To these the excitement and
+labor incident to their duties, crowd out the thoughts of the ghastly
+surroundings. They see only so many demands upon them for assistance,
+and have no time to indulge in sentimental emotions.
+
+Here in the rear of the army for miles, was a succession of hospitals.
+Every house, and barn, and haystack, formed the nucleus of a hospital,
+where men, shot through the head, through the limbs, through the body;
+with every conceivable variety of wounds, lay groaning in anguish.
+Surgeons toiled day and night with never lagging zeal to relieve these
+sufferings, but all their labor could only afford slight relief. The
+labors of medical officers after a great battle are immense, and there
+is no respite from their toils so long as a wounded man remains uncared
+for. While others find repose from the fatigues of battle in sleep, the
+surgeons are still at work; there is no sleep for them so long as work
+remains to be done.
+
+The rebel army had fallen back; yet a skirmish line had been left to
+cover the movement. At length even this suddenly disappeared, and,
+firing a few solid shots, as a parting salute, the enemy took a final
+leave of the field. Our forces were ordered on. We passed over the scene
+of carnage, where hundreds of dead lay still unburied; and pioneers were
+on every part of the field throwing the mangled, disfigured forms into
+shallow graves. Along the roadsides, under the fences, and where the
+confederate hospitals had been, still these gory objects met our view.
+We reached Sharpsburgh, and here the evidences of the terrible conflict
+were to be seen everywhere. Houses riddled by shells and bullets; some
+of them destroyed by fire, and some battered into shapeless masses; the
+streets filled with disabled wagons; horses galloping about without
+riders; knapsacks, guns and equipments cast away in the hasty flight;
+churches filled with rebel wounded; all helped to make up a scene of
+destruction such as has been rarely witnessed. The people of the village
+welcomed us as their deliverers, and brought water, and such other
+refreshments as they had been able to conceal from the rebels. We passed
+the village and bivouacked for the night.
+
+On the 20th, we, of the Sixth corps, retraced our steps, passing again
+over the battle-field, where the stench was now unendurable. We reached
+Williamsport at daylight, where Couch's division was face to face with
+the enemy, who were said to be recrossing the river, and who had last
+night forced back part of the division.
+
+The rebel force had, however, consisted of about four thousand cavalry,
+who, finding the Unionists in force, quickly returned to the south side
+of the Potomac. Here we found an immense division of Pennsylvania
+militia drawn up in line of battle. Its regiments were larger than our
+brigades. They were armed with every variety of fire-arms, from light
+sporting shot-guns to Sharpe's rifles. Their uniforms had quite as
+little uniformity as their arms. Some were dressed in gray pants and
+jackets, others in light blue; and still others in the various fashions
+which constituted the wearing apparel at home. Grave gentleman in
+spectacles, studious young men in green glasses, pale young men who were
+evidently more at home behind the counter than in line of battle, roughs
+who had not been tamed by the discipline of military life, and boys who,
+for the first time, had left the paternal mansion, made up the
+heterogeneous division.
+
+Remaining at Williamsport until the morning of the 23d, we marched on
+the Hagerstown turnpike to Bakersville, where we remained about three
+weeks. Here it was that Couch's division was joined to the Sixth corps.
+(The regiments of this division were, the 36th, 55th, 62d, 65th, 67th
+and 122d New York; the 23d, 82d, 93d, 98th and 102d Pennsylvania; the
+7th, 10th and 37th Massachusetts, and the 2d Rhode Island.) On the 3d of
+October the corps was ordered out for review by President Lincoln. The
+line was formed on a fine plain, and the booming of cannon announced the
+approach of the Commander-in-Chief of the armies of the United States.
+The illustrious visitor was accompanied by Generals McClellan, Franklin,
+Smith and other notable men, with an immense retinue. Conscious of the
+fatigues already endured by these veterans, the President simply passed
+along the line of the divisions, acknowledging the salutations which
+greeted him, without requiring the columns to march in review. The
+soldiers manifested their appreciation of the interest taken by the
+Chief Magistrate in their welfare, by loud and repeated cheers.
+Sumner's, Burnside's and Porter's corps had already been reviewed by the
+President.
+
+While at this camp, large accessions were made to our thinned ranks.
+Before the army left Harrison's Landing, efforts had been set on foot
+for filling up the skeleton regiments of our army. Recruiting officers
+had been detailed from every regiment, to go to the localities from
+which their respective regiments had been raised, and bring in recruits,
+to fill the places made vacant by death and disease. The critical
+condition of affairs when the army was withdrawn from the Peninsula,
+and, afterward, when Pope was so disastrously forced back upon the
+defenses of Washington, had roused to most earnest action, many
+patriots, who hoped to avert further disaster by forwarding men to the
+field. Under these influences, and as the result of these patriotic
+efforts, many recruits offered themselves; but after the battle of
+Antietam, new life was added to the recruiting service. Many who then
+supposed that the war was nearly ended, gladly accepted the large
+bounties, and in the hope of soon being "in at the death" of the
+rebellion, enrolled themselves among the soldiers of the Union. War
+meetings were held in every town, and the utmost enthusiasm was created.
+In Saratoga, a large concourse of people, among whom were many of the
+visitors at the Springs, gathered for a war meeting. Stirring speeches
+were made. Ladies offered their diamond rings, their watch chains, their
+watches and other valuables to those who should come forward and enter
+the service. Under the influence of such enthusiasm, many came forward
+and enrolled their names, and received the jewels from the fair hands of
+the patriotic donors. By such efforts as these, all over the country,
+from two to three hundred recruits were raised for each regiment in our
+corps, and large accessions were made to the ranks of the whole army.
+
+The advent of the new comers was hailed with joy by the veterans, who
+had become sadly discouraged by their small and constantly decreasing
+numbers.
+
+Our men were enjoying the welcome rest and the abundant supply of food
+obtained in this delightful country, and many varieties of diet, well
+remembered as familiar in former years, but unknown to them since their
+campaigns commenced, adorned their humble mess tables. Among other
+luxuries, "hasty pudding" and johnny cake became common articles of
+diet. The process of producing these articles, was after the rude manner
+of men who must invent the working materials as they are needed.
+One-half of an unserviceable canteen, or a tin plate perforated by means
+of a nail or the sharp point of a bayonet, served the purpose of a
+grater or mill for grinding the corn. The neighboring cornfields,
+although guarded, yielded abundance of rich yellow ears; which, without
+passing through the process of "shelling," were rubbed across the
+grater, yielding a finer meal than is usually ground at the grist mills.
+The meal being obtained, it was mixed with a large or small quantity of
+water, as mush or cake was desired, and cooked.
+
+The men complained of want of proper and sufficient clothing, and many
+of them were absolutely barefooted. On whom the blame for the long delay
+in furnishing these necessary articles should rest, we can only refer to
+the controversy between the Major-General commanding the armies of the
+United States and the Major-General commanding the Army of the Potomac.
+
+Soon after midnight, October 11th, the corps was ordered to move to
+Hagerstown. In the midst of a heavy shower the march was made, and
+Hagerstown was reached soon after daylight. Here a new cause of
+excitement occurred. Stuart, with his cavalry, was in our rear;
+Chambersburgh was burned, and other towns sacked. The Vermont brigade
+was hastily loaded into cars and sent to Chambersburgh in pursuit of the
+cavalry, which was already far on its way to the Potomac. Of course they
+could only return, having had an excursion through the country at
+government expense. The Third brigade of Smith's division marched
+hastily to the Maryland and Pennsylvania line, to where a stone bridge
+crossed the Antietam; a battery of artillery was also here, and the
+brigades and battery prepared to defend the crossing. But no enemy
+appeared, and the two brigades returned to Hagerstown; the Vermonters to
+occupy the town as provost guard, the other to encamp in a delightful
+grove a mile beyond.
+
+Thus ended the famous campaign of Antietam; which had humbled the pride
+of the boastful confederates, and had turned back their hordes to their
+mountain fastnesses in Virginia for safety. A campaign which, while
+conducted with great hesitancy and a total want of that celerity of
+movement usually considered absolutely necessary to brilliant success in
+military operations, yet had preserved the north from imminent and
+immediate danger which threatened it. Our losses in killed, wounded and
+missing, in this campaign, amounted to fifteen thousand two hundred and
+twenty.
+
+The army was posted, two corps, the Second and Twelfth, at Harper's
+Ferry; the remaining corps along the Potomac, above and below that
+point, for twenty miles. Here, six weeks were spent in getting ready for
+another campaign; the President, meanwhile, constantly ordering an
+advance across the river; General McClellan, constantly offering excuses
+for delay. It is not our purpose to discuss the merits of these excuses,
+but it may not be out of place to mention, that although the Sixth corps
+was represented as being in worse condition, in regard to clothing and
+shoes, than any other corps, that corps finally crossed the river before
+it received its clothing, showing that even the corps least supplied
+with these important articles could undertake the campaign even after
+another month's wear of the old clothes and the advent of the cold
+weather. On the 18th of October, that portion of the Third brigade able
+to perform duty, was marched to Clear Spring to perform picket duty,
+leaving in camp the recruits, who were unarmed, and the invalids. Thus
+the brigade occupied two distinct camps several miles apart. The duty on
+picket was by no means severe, and the country was delightful. The boys
+found little difficulty in procuring abundant supplies of luxuries, such
+as soft bread, hoe cakes and other articles, from the farmers; and as
+the enemy was at Winchester, they were not in great alarm from rebel
+raids.
+
+The Hagerstown camp was indeed a pleasant one. The people were generally
+loyal, and seemed glad to furnish the soldiers with all the comforts
+possible. There was little duty, and the invalids had time for
+recovering their exhausted strength, while the recruits were afforded an
+opportunity for drill.
+
+General Slocum, who had commanded the First division of our corps since
+the corps was organized, was assigned to the command of the Twelfth
+corps, in place of General Mansfield, who lost his life at Antietam.
+
+In the Vermont brigade an important change occurred, General Brooks, the
+old and tried commander of the brigade, was assigned to the command of
+the first division of the corps, succeeding General Slocum, who took
+command of the Twelfth corps. General Brooks was one of the most
+energetic and brave brigade commanders in our army, and notwithstanding
+his abrupt and sometimes very stern manners, had endeared himself by his
+excellent discipline and fighting qualities, not only to his brigade,
+but to the whole division.
+
+An amusing incident, well calculated to illustrate the mingled
+sentiments of love and fear entertained for the general by even those in
+his own command, occurred at a meeting of the officers of the brigade,
+immediately after the order for the transfer. The object of the meeting,
+was to make arrangements for presenting the general with a suitable
+testimonial of their regard. Some discussion occurred in regard to the
+character of the gift. Some proposed a silver service, some a sword. At
+length it was proposed, that a fine horse and equipments be purchased.
+An officer rose and said that it was all very well to talk about buying
+a horse for General Brooks, but he would like to know who would be so
+bold as to undertake to present it to him! Another officer suggested
+that the horse might be saddled and bridled and hitched in front of the
+general's quarters during the night, with a note tied to the bridle
+stating for whom it was designed, and by whom presented.
+
+A magnificent silver service was finally presented to the general, who,
+forgetting his rough manners, received the beautiful gift of his loved
+brigade with tears standing on his brown cheeks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE SECOND ADVANCE INTO VIRGINIA, AND THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH.
+
+    Marching in Maryland--Arrival at New Baltimore--General
+    McClellan superseded by General Burnside--Thanksgiving in
+    camp--The grand divisions organized--The march resumed--Fatal
+    delays--In order of battle--The crossing--Fredericksburgh
+    bombarded--Situation of Fredericksburgh--Scenes of activity--The
+    Bernard house--Scenes at the hospital--The battle on the
+    right--Charges of the Pennsylvania reserves--The river
+    recrossed--Reflections.
+
+
+Thus, for nearly six weeks, the army remained at Hagerstown, and on the
+line of the Potomac, resting and waiting for clothing. On the 28th of
+October, orders came to clear all the camps of sick; and all from our
+Sixth corps were sent to hospitals in Hagerstown. At dark, we set out,
+and making a night march of a few miles, reached Williamsport, where we
+bivouacked and remained two days, and thence went to Boonsboro.
+
+The march from Williamsport to Boonsboro led us through a magnificent
+country. On either side of the road, the long lines of corn shocks and
+the vine-clad houses, formed a picture of wealth and comfort. We halted
+at Boonsboro in sight of the field of Antietam, and passed our
+bi-monthly muster. At daybreak in the morning we were again on the road.
+The first part of our way led through a beautiful open country, but we
+were soon winding among the hills that form the slopes of "Pleasant
+Valley."
+
+The forests on the hillsides, glowing with the brilliant colors of
+autumn, the fine old residences, appearing here and there among the
+trees, and the plethoric stacks of hay and grain, combined, indeed, to
+make it a "pleasant valley," and, as the lines of troops filed along the
+roads, the spectacle was beautifully picturesque. We passed South
+Mountain, where the rebels had met with such a bloody reception from our
+forces, and not long after we were on the ground of the battle of
+Burkettsville, where our Sixth corps had charged up the hill and had
+driven the enemy in confusion. Every tree bore lasting marks of a
+terrible fight. For more than a mile, the forest was completely scarred
+by bullets and shells; not a tree had escaped, and many of them were
+pierced like the cover of a pepper-box. We halted near Berlin, in a
+charming valley, where we staid over Sunday. Monday morning, we crossed
+the Potomac to Virginia, on pontoon bridges, passed through the little
+towns of Lovettsville and Purcellville, Union Town and Upperville, then
+crossing the valley almost from west to east, from the Blue Ridge to the
+Kittoctan mountains, at length, on Thursday, reached White Plains, a
+station on the Front Royal and Manassas railroad, not far from
+Thoroughfare Gap. Here we were overtaken by a cold storm of rain, sleet
+and snow, gloomy enough, but not so gloomy as was the news that here
+reached us of the elections in New York. Whatever the attitude of the
+political parties may have been before or since that time in reference
+to the war, in our army the result of the New York elections was
+regarded, at that time, as a repudiation of the war.
+
+We reached New Baltimore on the 9th, and the next morning we were
+notified that, by order of the President, General McClellan was relieved
+from the command of the army of the Potomac, to be superseded by
+Major-General Burnside.
+
+No sooner had the farewell order of General McClellan been read to the
+troops, than the whole army was ordered into line for review by corps.
+The retiring and the incoming generals, each with his long train of
+followers, galloped along the whole of the line of the army, while
+batteries fired salutes and bands played "The Star Spangled Banner" and
+"Hail to the Chief." Many of the regiments cheered the departing general
+with great enthusiasm, while others observed a studied silence.
+
+A week was spent at New Baltimore, and then another week on the banks of
+Aquia creek, not far from Stafford Court House.
+
+The 27th of November was Thanksgiving day, in nearly all the loyal
+States, and doubtless our friends at home, as they gathered in many a
+family circle that day, to partake bounteous Thanksgiving dinners, spoke
+of those who were away at the war, and thought, that with them,
+Thanksgiving could only be a hard day's march in the rain or mud, with
+rations of hard bread and pork; and so, many kind hearts pitied the
+soldiers as they thought that we were deprived of the luxuries which
+they were enjoying.
+
+But we, too, enjoyed a pleasant Thanksgiving. In the morning, throughout
+the corps, there was brigade inspection; we put on our good clothes and
+presented ourselves to our generals, looking our best; then as we
+marched back into the various camps, we found dinner smoking in many a
+cook-tent, and the odor of roast meats rising throughout the whole corps
+like an odor of sweet incense. Fresh sheep pelts hanging here and there
+in considerable profusion, told of good cheer among all the men.
+
+As evening approached, the voice of singing was heard from all the
+camps, and groups were gathered under the shadow of the chestnut trees,
+where many pairs of government shoes were shuffling to the music of
+violins. Throughout the limits of the corps, good humor and mirth
+prevailed; the sick forgot their pains, and the homesick ones, for the
+time, looked bright, as they yielded to the general feeling of
+happiness.
+
+General Burnside, immediately upon taking command, consolidated the army
+into three grand divisions, of two corps each. The Right, to consist of
+the Second corps, General Couch, and the Ninth, General Wilcox; General
+Sumner to command the grand division. General Hooker was placed in
+command of the Center division, which consisted of the Third corps,
+General Stoneman, and the Fifth, General Butterfield. The Left grand
+division consisted of the Sixth corps, under General Smith, and the
+First corps, under General Reynolds; General Franklin was assigned to
+the command.
+
+The command of the Second division, Sixth corps, was given to
+Brigadier-General A. P. Howe.
+
+At length, we resumed our march, reaching Brooks' Station the first
+night; then, after a day's delay, we started again. The weather was
+intensely cold, and the mud almost unfathomable. The troops, with much
+difficulty, moved about six miles, reaching the rear of Falmouth
+Station, opposite Fredericksburgh; but the trains, at midnight, had only
+proceeded two miles. In the ambulances, the sick suffered beyond
+description. Six soldiers from the Third brigade, Second division, died
+in the ambulances that night. Even the well men in camp could hardly
+manage to keep warm. Few persons in that vast army slept, and the ring
+of hundreds of axes and the falling of trees, which were to be piled on
+the fires, were heard all night.
+
+The Right and Center grand divisions, had arrived in the vicinity of
+Falmouth several days before; and it had been the design of General
+Burnside to cross his army over the Rappahannock, seize the heights of
+Fredericksburgh, and push on toward Richmond, before the enemy could
+throw a sufficiently strong force in his front, to offer serious
+resistance. In this, doubtless, he would have been successful, but "some
+one had blundered," and the Commander-in-Chief suffered the
+mortification of seeing his plans foiled, and his series of forced
+marches a failure, because the pontoons which were to meet him on his
+arrival before Fredericksburgh were still at Washington; and this
+through the criminal neglect of some one. This campaign, which promised
+more than any previous campaign of the Army of the Potomac, was now
+destined to prove a failure.
+
+From the time that the first troops appeared in front of
+Fredericksburgh, nearly three weeks were spent in waiting for pontoons;
+while General Lee had abundant time to bring together all his forces and
+post them in such positions, as to dispute our passage at any point, for
+twenty miles up and down the river. In guarding this extensive front,
+General Lee had stretched out his army to such an extent, that Burnside
+hoped, by throwing his whole army across at one point, to pierce the
+weak line before his enemy could concentrate his forces.
+
+On the morning of the 11th of December, we marched to a point about two
+miles below Fredericksburgh. The whole army was in motion. The ground
+had become hardened by frost, and a light coating of snow lay upon it.
+The wheels no longer sunk in the mire; but artillery rolled easily over
+the frozen ground.
+
+The Right grand division, Sumner's, had already taken its position
+immediately in front and above the city of Fredericksburgh; the Center,
+Hooker's, and the Left division, Franklin's, now took position below the
+town.
+
+As we descended from the heights of Stafford, into the valley of the
+Rappahannock, dense clouds of fog obscured the view of the opposite
+bank, and it was only at noon that we could distinguish objects on the
+farther side of the river. Engineers were hard at work laying pontoon
+bridges, being submitted to a brisk musketry fire from the rebel
+skirmishers, who at times charged upon them, killing and wounding
+several of the workmen, and greatly hindering the work. A few volleys
+from our batteries, which were brought forward presently, put these
+troublesome parties to flight, and the work went on. Still, during all
+the day, the enemy strove with artillery and infantry to prevent the
+laying of the bridge, but to no avail.
+
+On the right, where the veteran Sumner commanded, the task of throwing
+the bridges across, was far more difficult than at the lower crossing.
+In the storehouses and dwellings along the banks of the river, swarms of
+rebel soldiers were concealed; and these, by pouring murderous volleys
+into the midst of the pontoniers, compelled them to desist from the
+attempt to finish their bridge. Determined no longer to be thwarted by
+these concealed foes, General Burnside, having previously notified the
+civil authorities of the town, that if the houses were used as covers
+for men who were shooting our soldiers, the town must suffer the
+consequences, ordered our batteries to concentrate their fire upon it
+and batter down the walls. Soon after noon, the bombardment commenced.
+One hundred and seventy cannon belched forth the huge iron missiles upon
+the devoted city. The roar of the artillery was terrific, and as the
+winds rolled away the huge columns of smoke, we saw that the city was on
+fire, the flames leaping to the skies. The spectacle was one of awful
+grandeur. The bursting bombs, shooting forth their flashing coruscations
+from the columns of smoke, the great tongues of flame from the burning
+buildings, leaping to the heavens, the clamor of the bursting shells and
+the shock of the artillery which shook the earth, made up one of the
+most terribly magnificent of scenes.
+
+In the midst of all this direful tumult, and while the conflagration of
+the city drove the confederates out of their places of concealment,
+Sumner's forces succeeded in laying their bridge and crossing troops;
+not, however, until two brave regiments had crossed in boats and
+captured or dispersed the rebel sharpshooters, who had given so much
+trouble. Hooker also effected a crossing at the same time. We had now
+bridges across at three points; "Franklin's Crossing" being nearly two
+miles below the town.
+
+The city of Fredericksburgh is upon the south bank of the Rappahannock
+river. Fronting the city, on the north side of the stream, rises a steep
+bluff--Stafford Heights--which approaches near the river above and
+opposite the town, and gradually recedes from it below. This was the
+side held by our army. Behind the town, on the south, the ground rises
+in several successive terraces until it reaches an elevation called "the
+mountain." Each terrace commands all below it, and the whole forms a
+position of unsurpassed advantages for defense. Here, between these high
+grounds, and stretching on either side of the river, is the valley of
+the Rappahannock--almost a level plain of six miles in length, and
+averaging two and a half miles in breadth, narrowing in front of the
+town to less than a mile, and spreading out, at the point where our
+lower bridges were thrown across, to at least three miles. On the crest
+of the heights, north of the river, were posted our batteries in great
+numbers. On the plain and on each of the terraces south of the river,
+the enemy was intrenched in most formidable positions.
+
+The advance of the enemy fell back, as our forces crossed the river,
+leaving us in possession of the plain on both sides, and of the town.
+Night came on, and the spectacle was unutterably grand, as the sheets of
+fire burst from the mouths of the opposing batteries; but at length the
+roar of battle subsided, and except the firing of pickets, all was
+quiet. Franklin threw but a small force across the river; a strong
+picket line, well supported, holding a semi-circular tract of the plain.
+The Eighteenth and Thirty-first New York were the first of the Sixth
+corps to cross the bridge.
+
+The Sixth corps returned to the heights and bivouacked for the night,
+leaving a few regiments to hold the plain in front of the bridge. It was
+the intention of the commanding general to press the enemy closely in
+front with the Right and Center grand divisions, while the Left division
+was to make a flank movement on the right of the enemy's line, seizing
+the road to Bowling Green, and rendering the rebel position untenable.
+
+Before dawn on the following morning, we made our way again to the
+river. Thousands crowded upon the banks, or hurriedly dashed across the
+bridge. The rumble of wheels upon the frozen ground, the tramp of
+thousands of men, the neighing of innumerable horses, mingled with the
+roar of musketry. The sun rose in splendor, and the spires of the city,
+two miles to our right, shone brightly, for only the lower part of the
+town had been destroyed by the conflagration of the day before, and tens
+of thousands of muskets gleamed in the morning light. The broad plain,
+on the south bank, swarmed with the hosts of Franklin and Hooker.
+Musketry fire became more and more brisk, as our forces moved into
+position, but no general engagement came on. Shells from the rebel
+batteries came bursting in our midst, and in reply, our own guns on
+Stafford Heights sent their shells screaming over our heads, to burst in
+the midst of the rebel artillerists.
+
+A fine stone mansion of large dimensions, situated on the south bank of
+the river, and a little below the bridge, was taken by the surgeons of
+our Second division, for a hospital. The position was exposed to the
+rebel fire, but it was the best that could be found. Just in front of it
+the gallant General Bayard, of the cavalry, was struck by a shell, and
+killed instantly. Others, some of whom had been previously been wounded,
+received fatal shots at the very doors of the house. The owner of this
+magnificent mansion still remained in it. He was an old secesh bachelor,
+very aristocratic in his notions, and highly incensed at the use his
+house was put to by the "hireling Yankees." But he was taken care of by
+a guard. His servants cooked for the wounded and our surgeons; his fine
+larder furnished us delicacies and his cellar rich old wines.
+
+Doubtless his feelings on delivering to us the keys of his wine cellar
+were not unlike those of Sir Hugh Berkley in "The Wagoner;" who
+
+  "--only knew they drank his wine;
+  Would they might hang, a scarecrow line,
+  On the next lightning blasted tree."
+
+Saturday, the sun appeared, bright and warm as on a spring morning. The
+battle now commenced in terrible earnest. First, on the left, the
+booming of heavy guns and the rattle of musketry told of hot work in our
+own front. Then gradually the battle rolled on to the right; and while
+it thundered there, our forces on the left remained comparatively quiet.
+Then, back again came the roar of cannon, the shrieking and cracking of
+shells and the din of musketry.
+
+The hills in our front were thickly wooded, and in these woods
+"Stonewall" Jackson had concealed his forces. General Meade, with his
+division of Pennsylvania reserves, and Gibbons, with his division, both
+of Reynolds' First corps, were sent to take and hold the Bowling Green
+road, which lay in the edge of the wood. Gallantly and in splendid
+order, the two divisions moved up toward the edge of the wood. Gibbons'
+division halted at the railroad, near the wood, Meade's pressed forward,
+and presently disappeared among the trees. Although considerable
+resistance was met with, the gallant division continued to press
+forward, the rebels steadily giving way. Suddenly, the roar of cannon
+became awful, and the fire of musketry almost deafening. The rebels had
+opened an enfilading fire upon the division, which made fearful havoc.
+The men who had so gallantly marched into the woods, came hurrying back
+in disorder; not, however, until they had succeeded in capturing several
+hundred prisoners from the enemy. A flag, one or two mounted officers,
+and a squad of a dozen or twenty men were all that could be recognized
+as a regimental organization; all others had fallen before the deadly
+fire that met them, or had lost their commands. The men quickly rallied
+about their flags and again charged into the woods, and again they were
+sent back in disorder. They were now withdrawn, and the rebels charged
+upon the line of the Sixth corps. The troops of our Second division were
+lying down behind a slight elevation of ground, and, as the rebels
+charged down furiously upon us, our men suddenly rose and poured a
+deadly volley into them. At the same time the troops of the First
+division met their attack with spirit, and sent them reeling back to
+their cover in the forest.
+
+The wounded poured into our hospitals, and well did those surgeons, who
+had seized the stone mansion, earn that day, lasting gratitude from
+their division.
+
+Never had wounded men been so quickly or so well cared for. It was the
+beginning of an era of _organized_ labor in that department. Among the
+earliest of the wounded was General Vinton, commanding the Third
+brigade, Second division. A ball had passed into the abdomen, and was
+cut out from his back. The unfortunate men were stowed in every part of
+the great house, and in the smaller buildings surrounding it, and tents
+furnished shelter for those unable to find room in the buildings. After
+General Vinton was wounded, Brigadier-General Thomas H. Neill was
+ordered to assume the command of our brigade, which he did on the
+battle-field.
+
+Meanwhile, on the right, Sumner's and Hooker's forces were striving,
+with herculean efforts, to dislodge the enemy from his strongholds, but
+to no avail. His position was impregnable, and the Union forces only
+advanced against the works to meet with deadly repulse from the savage
+fire of the concealed foe, and to fall back with fearful losses. Thus
+the struggle lasted until evening, when the roar of battle was hushed,
+and our tired troops slumbered upon their arms.
+
+On Sunday morning the rattle of musketry and the thunder of artillery
+commenced again, but, as little reply was made by the enemy, the
+demonstration on our part soon ceased, and the day was spent in
+comparative quiet. It was said that General Burnside, unwilling to give
+up the struggle, had ordered an advance of the Ninth corps, which he was
+personally to lead, against one of the rebel strongholds, but that he
+had yielded to the advice of the grand division commanders to refrain
+from the attempt.
+
+Monday still found us on the battle-field. The thumping of artillery was
+renewed, but not fiercely. Our wounded were removed to the other side of
+the river. A kind providence had favored them, for the weather had been
+delightful. Had such weather prevailed as we experienced a few days
+before, many of the wounded, faint and exhausted from the loss of blood,
+must have perished with the cold. During the night the whole army was
+withdrawn, with as much secrecy as possible, across the pontoon bridges.
+No sooner had the troops crossed to the north side of the river than the
+bridges were taken up, and the two armies were again separated by the
+Rappahannock. As the bridges were being taken up, the rebels rushed to
+the bank and fired into the pontoniers, but were repelled by the men of
+the Seventy-seventh New York. That regiment formed a picket line along
+the bank of the river, but were ordered not to fire unless the enemy
+did. "A pretty order," said Terry Gray, of Company B, "to wait till a
+man is killed before he can fire his gun!" The army went into camp on a
+line from Falmouth to Belle Plain; the Sixth corps occupying nearly the
+center of the line, at a place called White Oak Church, from a little
+whitewashed meeting house, without bell or steeple, in the midst of a
+clump of white oak trees.
+
+The attempt to capture the heights of Fredericksburgh by a direct
+assault was indeed a daring undertaking, and one involving a fearful
+risk. The only hope of success lay in the active and hearty coöperation
+of all the commands of the army. Such coöperation was not to be had. To
+the Left grand division was assigned an important work which it failed
+to accomplish; not because it was defeated in the attempt, but because
+the attempt was not made in earnest. The troops were brave and eager to
+meet the enemy. None were ever more brave or more desirous to test their
+valor. The heroic deeds of those who did advance against the enemy will
+ever redound to the glory of our arms; and had all the forces of the
+Left grand division been brought fairly into action, the result might
+have been different. Surely such troops as composed the grand old Sixth
+corps were fitted for a nobler work than standing upon an open plain,
+exposed to fierce artillery fire, without ever being allowed to turn
+upon the enemy. Our defeat had cost us more than twelve thousand men, in
+killed, wounded and missing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE WINTER AT FALMOUTH.
+
+    Camp at White Oak Church--"The mud march"--Return to
+    camp--General Neill--General Hooker supersedes General
+    Burnside--Burnside's magnanimity--General Hooker as a
+    soldier--Reconstruction--The cavalry organized--Business
+    departments renovated--The medical department--Ambulance
+    system--Quartermasters' and commissary departments--Life in
+    camp--Snowball battles--In the Seventy-seventh--The Light
+    division--Review by General Hooker--General John Sedgwick--Scene
+    at head-quarters--Review of the army by the President--Preparing
+    for the campaign.
+
+
+The men built huts, and made themselves as comfortable as they could, in
+their camp at White Oak Church, but disease spread rapidly, especially
+among the recruits. The regiments were crowded closely together on
+ground too low and wet for good camping ground, and the men, having
+never before erected winter quarters from shelter tents, were not so
+expert as they became in the succeeding winters; so they suffered from
+inconvenient quarters, as well as from the low ground and crowded camps.
+
+[Illustration: White Oak Church]
+
+Our army was now composed in large part, of the recruits sent from the
+north during the preceding summer and autumn, and thousands of these had
+never had any idea of fighting or of suffering the privations of army
+life. They had enlisted for the large bounties which were paid at that
+time, with the determination to leave the service as soon as their
+bounties were paid, and a favorable opportunity offered itself for
+escape. Desertions became alarmingly frequent; indeed, when a few weeks
+later General Hooker assumed command, there were more than eighty-four
+thousand absentees, with and without authority. The great number of
+desertions, we think, should be attributed to the fact that so large a
+proportion of the new recruits had enlisted for money, rather than to
+the demoralization of the army.
+
+Notwithstanding the inconveniences to which the men were subjected, and
+the advance to midwinter, the weather was in our favor. The sun shone
+brightly, the days were warm and the roads dry. It became evident that
+General Burnside was determined not to allow the delightful weather and
+the excellent roads to pass unimproved. Indications of a general
+movement crowded upon us, and on the 20th of January came the order to
+march.
+
+The whole army broke camp and moved toward Banks' Ford, two miles up the
+river from White Oak Church. On the march, an order from the commanding
+general was read to the troops, announcing to them that the auspicious
+moment had at length arrived when we were to reap the glorious fruits of
+our long toils. At five o'clock we halted in the thick woods at Banks'
+Ford, the point selected for crossing the river, and in a few minutes
+were quietly and comfortably bivouacked out of sight of rebels on the
+opposite side. Scarcely had we settled ourselves for a comfortable
+night's rest, when the clouds, which had been gathering since morning,
+broke in rain, and the delightful Indian summer gave way to the rainy
+winter of the south. All night long the rain poured, and all the next
+day. It was evident we had waited too long. But the commander was
+determined not to abandon his effort to outflank the enemy. By morning,
+the roads were so softened by the rain, that horses could not haul
+artillery or pontoons into position. Men took the place of horses. The
+whole Vermont brigade was detailed to drag the pontoons and guns to the
+river. All day long, working and tugging with the mud above their knees;
+here a hundred men pulling at a pontoon boat, there a party prying a
+cannon out of the mire with long levers, and still other parties laying
+strips of corduroy road. The Vermonters passed a disagreeable day.
+
+General Burnside was not idle all this while. Riding from one point to
+another, now personally superintending the placing of a battery in
+position on the bank of the river, now encouraging the men who lugged at
+the boats and guns, and now selecting places to cut new roads, he passed
+the night and the day in fatiguing and anxious labor. As he rode through
+the camp of our division in the afternoon, with only two staff officers,
+himself and his horse completely covered with mud, the rim of his hat
+turned down to shed the rain, his face careworn with this unexpected
+disarrangement of his plans, we could but think that the soldier on
+foot, arm oppressed with the weight of knapsack, haversack and gun, bore
+an easy load compared with that of the commander of the army, who now
+saw departing his hopes of redeeming the prestige he had lost at
+Fredericksburgh.
+
+Men were detailed from each of the regiments of the corps to return to
+Falmouth, a distance of five miles, to bring on their backs two days'
+rations; those brought by the men being nearly exhausted. But during the
+night it was determined to abandon the attempt to cross the river. The
+enemy, by this time fully aware of our intention, was prepared for us,
+and a crossing could only be made at great sacrifice, perhaps with
+defeat. So at sunrise in the morning we were on the road back to our old
+camp; this time for permanent winter quarters. All along the road lay a
+multitude of dead horses and mules, which had fallen in the tremendous
+but unavailing efforts of the day before. Artillery and wagons still
+stuck fast in the mud, and cannoniers and teamsters lifted and tugged
+with rails and with poles to raise the piece or the wagon from the mire.
+
+The mud was deep, the day was gloomy and the men were discouraged. They
+straggled badly. Regiments were not to be distinguished. The whole
+column became an unorganized crowd, pressing toward the old camps. Tired
+and discouraged as were the men, they kept up their lively sallies and
+jokes, as though all was smooth work. Toward evening the troops of our
+corps arrived on their old ground, now to be our home until the opening
+of spring, and at once fell to work to restore to some degree of comfort
+that most desolate of scenes, an abandoned camp. Unfortunately, on
+leaving the place, little thinking that they were so soon to return,
+they had burned everything combustible, and thus a strip of board or a
+piece of timber could hardly be found within the limits of the corps.
+Nevertheless, comfortable quarters were soon erected, and the routine of
+drills and picket was resumed.
+
+Brigadier-General Neill, who was assigned to the command of the Third
+brigade, was active in encouraging his men to provide good quarters, and
+in furnishing every facility in his power to make them comfortable. The
+general was a portly gentleman, with light red hair and whiskers, and a
+small blue eye, ceremonious in his style, and a perfect pattern of
+courtliness. He had, at West Point, won the appellation of "Beau Neill,"
+a title which never left him. He was a good commander in camp. He
+originated the brigade dress parade that winter, often calling out the
+brigade on fine evenings, and substituting the brigade for the
+regimental parade. The custom was at length adopted in many brigades in
+the army of the Potomac; but few gave credit for the improved parade to
+the originator of it.
+
+The second failure of General Burnside rendered his removal from the
+command of the army a thing to be expected; and no one was surprised
+when the order came relieving him, and assigning General Hooker to the
+command. It must be confessed that our failure at Bank's Ford had done
+much to demoralize the army and destroy the confidence in the commanding
+general so absolutely necessary to success. On our way back from Bank's
+Ford, as we passed Fredericksburgh, we saw huge placards posted up by
+the rebels with taunting inscriptions, such as "Burnside stuck in the
+mud," printed in conspicuous letters. The men caught up the words, and
+"Burnside stuck in the mud" passed from one end of the disordered column
+to the other. When we had failed at Fredericksburgh, the men were as
+willing as ever to try again under the same commander. They believed him
+to be at least earnest and brave. They knew that he was noble and
+self-sacrificing. In the noble letter to General Halleck, in which he
+assumed all the responsibility for the failure at Fredericksburgh, they
+found renewed assurance that he had all the qualities of a true
+soldier--bravery, integrity and true manhood; but an army must have
+success, or it cannot long repose confidence in the general. So, while
+the Army of the Potomac regarded General Burnside with great respect, it
+gladly welcomed the advent of "Fighting Joe Hooker" to the command.
+
+General Hooker had fairly won the title of "Fighting Joe" at the
+slaughter of Williamsburgh, where, almost single-handed with his
+division, he had stemmed the tide of battle for hours, until reinforced
+by Kearney, and then, with the help of that hero, had held the whole
+rebel army until it was outflanked by our Second division.
+
+In all the battles of the Peninsula he had been conspicuous, and at
+South Mountain and Antietam his fighting propensities were exhibited in
+more than their wonted splendor. In person he was of large stature, with
+fine features, brilliant eye, his side whiskers and ruddy countenance
+giving a more youthful appearance than his light gray hair would
+indicate. His gleaming eye told of the spirit which animated the man,
+and his determined air betokened the persistent and fearless soldier. In
+battle or on review he rode a magnificent milk white steed, a powerful
+animal and of extraordinary fleetness. Mounted on this superb war horse,
+he was the most conspicuous, as he was always one of the handsomest men
+in the army.
+
+The energy of the new commander soon began to be manifested in the
+reconstruction and reorganization of the whole army. The first step in
+the progress of reconstruction, was the revocation of the order making
+three grand divisions of the army. By the abolition of the grand
+divisions, Generals Sumner and Franklin were relieved from their
+commands; and the corps commanders, no longer subject to intermediate
+commanders, were again directly responsible to the general-in-chief of
+the army. Doubtless General Hooker had seen that the creation of these
+grand divisions had much to do with the failures of General Burnside.
+
+The cavalry next engaged the attention of the general. The whole force
+was thoroughly reorganized and put in an efficient condition, under
+command of Major-General Stoneman. Hereafter, men were not to ask, "Who
+ever saw a dead cavalryman?" To General Hooker, the cavalry of the Army
+of the Potomac owes its efficiency and the glorious record it from that
+time made for itself.
+
+The superiority of the rebel cavalry, in the early part of the war, was
+generally attributed to the supposed fact that the young men of the
+south were so much better horsemen than those of the north. In reality,
+this had little, if anything, to do with it. It is even very doubtful if
+there was any difference in favor of the superior horsemanship of the
+southern cavalry. Their strength lay in their union. The rebel cavalry
+was organized from the beginning; ours was an incoherent mass of men,
+having no proper relations or dependencies within itself. From the day
+that it became organized, the superiority of the rebel cavalry passed
+away forever. We had always better horses, and our men were certainly
+never inferior to the rebels. All that was needed was the proper
+combination of action; and, as soon as this was secured, our cavalry
+became the finest in the world.
+
+The business departments were also thoroughly renovated. The changes in
+the medical, quartermasters' and commissary departments were such as to
+bring each to a standard of perfection, which had never before been
+reached by those departments of any army in the field. No army had ever
+been provisioned as was ours that winter. Soft bread, potatoes, beets,
+carrots, onions, fresh beef, flour, sugar and coffee, constituted the
+regular rations of the men, and facilities were afforded for procuring
+luxuries not in the regular supply.
+
+The medical department became so thoroughly systematized, that wounded
+and sick men were cared for better than they had ever been in an army
+before. This radical change had commenced under General Burnside; but
+was perfected under General Hooker, by the efficient and earnest medical
+director of the army, Dr. Letterman; to whom belongs the honor of
+bringing about this most desirable change.
+
+By the new system, the surgeons were enabled to accomplish a far greater
+amount of work, and in much better order than under the old; and the
+wounded were better and more quickly cared for. By this system the
+hospital of the division was the unit. From the division, a medical
+officer of good executive ability was selected, to whom was assigned the
+general oversight of the hospital. One or more surgeons of well known
+skill and experience were detailed from the medical force of the
+division, who were known as "operating surgeons;" to each of whom was
+assigned three assistants, also known to be skillful men, who were
+either surgeons or assistant surgeons. To the operating surgeons all
+cases requiring surgical operations were brought, and thus the wounded
+men had the benefit of the very best talent and experience in the
+division, in the decision of the question whether he should be submitted
+to the use of the knife, and in the performance of the operation in case
+one was required. It was a mistaken impression among those at home, that
+each medical officer was the operating surgeon for his own men. Only
+about one in fifteen of the medical officers was intrusted with
+operations.
+
+From each brigade an assistant surgeon was detailed to provide food and
+shelter for the wounded. His duty was to superintend the erection of
+hospital tents as soon as there was a prospect of an engagement, and to
+have hot coffee and rations of food ready for the wounded as soon as
+they came to the hospital; he was to attend to their clothing, bedding
+and rations as long as they remained in the hospital.
+
+Another assistant surgeon from each brigade was selected to keep the
+records; to take the name and character of wound of every one who was
+brought to the hospital, with the operation, if any; and the list of
+deaths, the place of burial, and all other matters necessary to record.
+An assistant surgeon was to remain with each regiment, and attend to
+getting the wounded from the field into the ambulances, and to arrest
+hemorrhage in case of necessity.
+
+Thus, all labor was systematized. Every officer and nurse knew exactly
+what to do: each had his own part of the work assigned to him, and there
+was no conflicting of orders or clashing of opinions.
+
+Our ambulance system was also very perfect--so complete, indeed, that,
+after a year of trial in the Army of the Potomac, congress adopted it as
+the ambulance system of the United States. To Doctor Letterman, also,
+belongs the honor of originating this system.
+
+The ambulances of each corps were under command of a captain, who acted
+under directions from the medical director of the corps. A lieutenant
+commanded the ambulances of a division, and a second lieutenant those of
+a brigade. To each ambulance was assigned a driver, and two
+stretcher-bearers; and to three ambulances a sergeant, mounted. The
+ambulances of a division always went together, behind the division, and
+on the march were attended by a surgeon, an assistant surgeon, a
+hospital steward, a cook, and three or more nurses, who were to attend
+to the wants of the sick in the ambulances, and at night, if any were
+unable to return to their regiments, to erect tents for them, and supply
+them with food and bedding. In an engagement, the stretcher-bearers of
+each regiment, with the sergeant, reported to the assistant surgeon in
+attendance with the regiment. As soon as a man was wounded, he was
+brought to the medical officer, put into an ambulance, and taken to the
+division hospital. By this means, ordinarily, every man was carried to
+the hospital of his own division.
+
+The improvements in the quartermasters' department were nearly as great;
+and we have already alluded to the abundant supplies furnished by the
+commissary department.
+
+Great difficulty was experienced by the troops of our corps in getting
+wood. The men of our Second division lugged wood on their backs a mile
+and a half, with which to do their cooking and warm their tents. But
+notwithstanding the hardships they endured, the inclemency of the
+winter, and their severe picket duty, the men were gay. In many of the
+regiments, the sounds of the guitar and accordion could be heard every
+evening; and on pleasant afternoons and evenings, parties assembled in
+the company streets and danced cotillions, and polkas, and jigs, to the
+music of violins. When snow covered the ground, mimic battles with
+snowballs were a frequent amusement. At times, one regiment would
+challenge another, and a general melee would follow. Snowballing was,
+particularly, a favorite amusement with our friends of the Twenty-first
+New Jersey, who never let an opportunity pass for indulging in their
+favorite sport. Each party carried its flags and was led by officers
+chosen for the occasion. The capture of a flag, or of a number of
+prisoners, from an opposite party, caused great glee among the victors.
+A good deal of interest was excited throughout the Second division by a
+snowball battle between one of the Vermont regiments and the
+Twenty-sixth New Jersey. Both regiments formed in line of battle, each
+officered by its line and field officers, the latter mounted. At the
+signal, the battle commenced; charges and counter-charges were made,
+prisoners were taken on either side, the air was filled with the white
+missiles, and stentorian cheers went up as one or other party gained an
+advantage. At length victory rested with the Vermonters, and the Jersey
+boys surrendered the field, defeated.
+
+Another favorite amusement in the corps was the game of base ball. There
+were many excellent players in the different regiments, and it was
+common for the ball-players of one regiment or brigade to challenge
+another regiment or brigade. These matches were watched by great crowds
+of soldiers with intense interest.
+
+In our Seventy-seventh regiment, matters went on much the same as in
+other regiments of the corps. We had our share of disease and
+desertions. We had our ball-players and our violinists; our singers and
+our story-tellers, as every regiment had. At regimental head-quarters,
+matters went on gaily. It was the custom of the officers of the field
+and staff to collect in one of the tents as evening came on, and, in
+company with friends from other regiments, pass the hours in lively
+converse, in singing and relating amusing stories.
+
+We had a glee book and an old copy of the "Carmina Sacra," and then our
+friend, Colonel, now Major-General, Connor, was never at a loss for a
+song, and Colonel French often displayed his genius with the violin, and
+our friend, the chaplain, could always tell a good story or perpetrate a
+joke. Chaplain Norman Fox was an accession to our staff, who joined us
+when we first encamped at White Oak Church. He was a gentleman of
+enterprise and talent, who, soon after his arrival in camp, instituted a
+series of religious meetings on week days, in addition to the regular
+services of the Sabbath, and a good deal of religious interest was
+awakened among the men.
+
+Among other changes, we lost one of our most valuable and beloved
+officers. Dr. Campbell, who had for weeks been declining in health, was
+obliged to resign. The doctor was a most genial and companionable man,
+and an excellent officer. We greatly missed his hearty laugh, his fund
+of stories and ready wit in our social gatherings. The doctor was
+afterward appointed surgeon of the Fortieth New York, but was attacked
+with spotted fever, from which he recovered only after a long illness,
+during which he again resigned.
+
+The First brigade, Second division, which for some time past had been
+under command of General Calvin A. Pratt, was broken up, and a new
+brigade, called the "Light division," was formed from the regiments of
+the First brigade, and one regiment from each the First and Third
+divisions. The regiments were, the Fifth Wisconsin, the Sixth Maine, the
+Thirty-first and Forty-third New York, and the Sixty-first Pennsylvania.
+Colonel Burnham, of the Sixth Maine, was placed in command.
+
+Among other reviews in the Sixth corps during the winter, was one by
+General Hooker, of our Second division and the Light division. The
+troops were formed in line, and the general and staff were escorted to
+the ground by the Twentieth New York, of Neill's brigade, in splendid
+style. The regiment was composed entirely of German Turners. Their drill
+surpassed that of any regiment of regulars, and the exquisite neatness
+they displayed in their dress and in the care of their equipments,
+together with the perfection of their movements, made them the finest
+appearing regiment in the service, when on parade. It is to be regretted
+that the prestige of the regiment was not always sustained on the
+battle-field. As the regiment and cavalcade appeared on the field, it
+was a brilliant pageant; first came our brigade band, one of the finest
+in the army, then the pioneers of the Twentieth, their axes, shovels and
+picks polished so that they glistened in the sunlight like burnished
+silver; then the Twentieth regiment, in column by company, marching with
+step as perfect as though all were directed by a single will; following
+the regiment, rode General Hooker on his superb white horse, a head and
+shoulders above all his cavalcade. The immense suite, consisting of
+General Hooker's own staff, and a large number of major-generals and
+their staffs, completed the brilliant column. The division was drawn up
+in a line, stretching a half a mile across the field, straight as the
+flight of an arrow, with artillery on either flank. The general and his
+brilliant retinue, rode to the right of the line, and advanced slowly
+along the front of the whole division, inspecting closely each regiment
+as he passed, the bands playing "Hail to the Chief," the colors dipping,
+and the bugles pealing notes of welcome. Having passed the entire front
+of the line, the chief now rode at a rapid pace along its rear to the
+point of beginning. He then, with his attendants, took a position on a
+slight elevation of ground at a distance from the line, when the whole
+division, in column, marching to the place, passed in review before him,
+and the pageant was ended.
+
+An important change in the command of our corps occurred about this
+time. General Smith, who had so long commanded our division, and for
+some time past our Sixth corps, was relieved of his command, and ordered
+to the department of North Carolina. His successor was General John
+Sedgwick, then well known as one of our best division commanders, and
+one of the sternest soldiers in the Army of the Potomac. Bred as a
+soldier, he had served with great distinction in Mexico, and at the
+breaking out of the rebellion he had joined the Union army, and was soon
+placed in command of a division in Sumner's corps, which, under his
+command, became the best division of the corps, as the Sixth corps
+became the best in the army. Modest and retiring in his ordinary
+intercourse with his fellows, he exhibited the most brilliant qualities
+in time of battle. The dignity of his bearing fitted him to command, and
+he needed not the insignia of rank to command the deference of those
+about him.
+
+None who witnessed the farewell reception of General Smith, will forget
+the scene at corps head-quarters. The two generals, the old and loved
+leader of the Second division and of the corps, and the new commander,
+stood side by side. General Smith, tall, well dressed, his regulation
+coat buttoned closely about him, his easy and graceful manner and
+conversation; General Sedgwick, of stouter build, wearing a loose blouse
+and coarse blue pants, such as are furnished the private soldier, strong
+and manly in his appearance, and somewhat abrupt in his manner. Officers
+returned to their camps satisfied that although the corps had lost a
+favorite commander, it had also gained a brave leader.
+
+One of the grand events of the winter was the review of the whole army
+by President Lincoln. The review continued two days. The first was
+occupied in reviewing the Second, Fifth, Sixth and Third corps; the
+second of the remaining corps. It was a most imposing spectacle, never
+to be forgotten by those who were actors or spectators. The President,
+in his civilian's dress and tall hat, accompanied by General Hooker, and
+followed by an immense suite, was welcomed by the thundering of
+artillery as it fired the national salute. The different corps were
+drawn up in line, each occupying a plain within sight of the others.
+Riding in front of the corps, the President and the immense cavalcade
+passed along the whole line, inspecting carefully each regiment, then
+returned in the rear. This inspection over, the President and staff
+stationed themselves in some favorable position, and the whole corps
+passed in review before him. The same process was repeated with each
+corps.
+
+How one unaccustomed to such physical fatigues could endure such labor,
+commencing early in the morning and only resting at dark, was a wonder.
+It seemed as if the President's physical, like his mental constitution,
+could bear up under the most trying and continued labors. As the warm
+weather of spring appeared, the men adorned their camps with evergreen
+trees and beautiful arches, so that the camps presented a pleasant
+appearance; but we had little time to enjoy these, for as soon as the
+roads began to be passable, preparations were pushed forward for the
+spring campaign.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.
+
+    Orders to move--The river crossed--Sedgwick's command--The First
+    corps withdrawn--Gallant conduct of the Light
+    division--Advancing to the heights--The line of battle--The
+    columns of attack--Attack of Howe's columns--Of Newton's
+    column--Of Burnham's--Misfortune following victory--Fight of
+    Bartlett's brigade--The First division at work--A critical
+    position--The Sixth corps surrounded--Savage fight of Neill's
+    brigade--The corps withdraws to Banks' Ford--Recrosses the
+    river--Hooker's operations on the right--Position of the
+    corps--Rout of the Eleventh corps--The rebels repulsed--Jackson
+    renews the attack--The rebels again repulsed--Hooker recrosses
+    the river.
+
+
+On Tuesday, the 28th of April, the Sixth corps received orders to break
+up its camp and be ready to march at a moment's notice. Eight days'
+rations had been issued to the men, who were in the highest spirits,
+having forgotten all their former discouragements, and were now only
+anxious for an encounter with the enemy. A storm of rain of some
+violence set in on the morning of the 28th, which rendered marching
+difficult. At twelve o'clock we received the order to "fall in," and in
+five minutes we were on our way to take our place in the line of battle.
+A march of six miles through thickets and bogs, brought us to the rear
+of Falmouth Station, at a short distance from the river. Here we
+bivouacked for the night, and were awakened before daylight in the
+morning by the sound of artillery and musketry at the river, where
+Russell's brigade, of the First division, was forcing a passage across
+the stream. The Second division only had been allowed to rest quietly
+during the night. The men of the Light brigade had toiled from dark
+until nearly dawn, carrying the pontoon boats on their shoulders to the
+river side, and launching them in the stream. So noiselessly had they
+conducted their operations, that the pickets of the enemy took no alarm
+until they suddenly saw the braves of Russell's brigade approaching in
+the boats, just as dawn was breaking. The astonished confederates fired
+a few volleys of musketry, and our guns threw among them a few charges
+of cannister, and the rebels fled precipitately. A number of prisoners
+were captured, among them the officer of the picket-guard. Colonel
+Irwin, of the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, who had, at Antietam, commanded
+the Third brigade of the Second division, was among the wounded on our
+side.
+
+At sunrise the Second division filed down to the river side, and took
+position in line of battle. Our horses cropped the green blades which
+had sprung from the grain scattered for their food nearly five months
+before. The division was upon the very spot where it lay before, at the
+first battle of Fredericksburgh. The bridge also was in the same place
+that Franklin's bridge had been. The point was known as Franklin's
+Crossing.
+
+The First division of our corps (Brook's) was on the other side of the
+river, holding the plain for some distance. The pickets of that division
+formed the half of a circle of about three-fourths of a mile in
+diameter, the center being at the pontoon bridge, where some earthworks
+were thrown up. At our left, about a mile down the river, the First
+corps had also effected a crossing. The rebels had offered strong
+resistance, but the crossing was gallantly accomplished by Wadsworth's
+division in boats. Like the First division of our own corps, Wadsworth's
+division was holding a semi-circular portion of the plateau; but being
+able to maintain the position by some fighting.
+
+Sickles' Third corps was upon the high ground in the rear, ready to come
+to the assistance of the corps at the river. The three corps, First,
+Third and Sixth, were under command of General Sedgwick.
+
+The rebels spent the day in throwing up intrenchments and shelling
+Reynolds' position. Toward night the artillery practice ceased, and the
+First and Sixth corps bivouacked where they had stood during the day,
+but Sickles and his corps were ordered to the assistance of Hooker, on
+the right.
+
+The morning of the 30th was lowery, but the clouds dispersed as the day
+advanced. About noon the troops were massed by brigades, and a
+congratulatory order from General Hooker was read to them, amid great
+cheering. "The enemy," said the order, "must now come out and fight us
+on our ground, or retreat ingloriously." Nothing more of interest
+occurred that day; but, in the afternoon of the following day, the First
+corps became engaged in a fierce artillery duel with the enemy, in which
+the corps lost a large number of its men in killed and wounded. At
+sunset an order came from General Hooker, at Chancellorsville, for
+General Sedgwick to assume a threatening attitude--to make a severe
+demonstration--but to make no attack. There was much marching and
+getting into position, and regiments and divisions were marched and
+countermarched in such a manner as to convey to the rebels the
+impression that a grand attack was to be made at that point. The enemy
+was evidently deceived by these maneuvers, and heavy columns of rebel
+infantry commenced to form upon the old battle-field. While we stood in
+line of battle, one of our bands near the skirmish line struck up the
+air, "Dixie." The rebels, hearing the strains, set up defiant cheers,
+which were answered by our army in the most tremendous shouts
+imaginable. The contest seemed for the time to depend on strength of
+lung, and our boys certainly beat them at shouting.
+
+As the sun disappeared behind the hills, when Hooker's guns were
+thundering, we retired to our tents. All day long the earth had been
+shaken by tremendous firing of artillery on the right; and now, as
+darkness gathered over the scenes of conflict, the thundering of the
+guns and the trembling of the earth seemed like a succession of
+earthquakes. The spirit of our boys rose, as the battle on the right
+progressed, and there seemed to be indications of work for them. Groups
+might be seen at any time, when we were not standing in line of battle,
+telling yarns, singing songs, playing ball and pitching quoits, while
+they momentarily looked for the order to advance upon the heights, into
+the very jaws of death.
+
+Saturday morning, May 2d, the First corps was withdrawn from its
+position; its bridges were taken up, and the corps moved past us up the
+river to join the main body of the army under Hooker, on the right. The
+Seventy-seventh was sent to do picket duty on the ground occupied by the
+First corps the night before. Our reserve was posted a little way from
+the river, in a pleasant field, where the fresh clover furnished a soft
+bed for the men, and a dainty bite for our horses. Just in front of us
+was a lovely spot--the residence of Doctor Morson, for fifteen years a
+surgeon in the United States navy. The place was in remarkable order;
+the gardens in full bloom, the mocking birds building their nests, and
+the greenlets warbling sweetly among the flowering shrubs.
+
+We strolled along the banks of the beautiful river, gathering flowers
+and glancing at our "secesh" neighbors on the opposite bank, only a few
+yards distant; or we lounged in the shade of our tents, enjoying the
+charms of a lovely May day, while the terrible din of battle on the
+right, where Hooker's forces were contending, shook the ground beneath
+us, and we knew that ere the sun set, thousands of our brave comrades
+must be sacrificed.
+
+As the evening drew near, we who were on the north side of the river saw
+our skirmishers, of the "Light division", drive back the skirmish line
+of the enemy. It was a gallant feat, and finely executed. Our hearts
+leaped for joy as we watched our brave fellows, their line as perfect as
+though on drill, advance, firing rapidly, and pressing the enemy at
+"double-quick." They made no halt until they had crossed the whole
+breadth of the plain and reached the base of the hills.
+
+Few who were then in the Sixth corps will ever forget that scene. The
+sun, just sinking behind the hills where Hooker was at work, threw a
+beautiful golden light over the plain, and crowned the heights with
+brilliant hues. It was one of those evenings of surpassing loveliness,
+such as gladdened our hearts only at long intervals. Prominent in the
+foreground of the beautiful scene was a noble white steed, with its
+gallant rider, dashing from one end of the skirmish line to the other.
+None who witnessed the spectacle will forget the white horse and the
+fearless rider; and few of the Second or Light divisions need be
+reminded that the horseman was Colonel Baker, of the Forty-third New
+York, who was then in charge of the skirmish line.
+
+The "Light division" was, as we have before stated, the First brigade of
+our Second division, with regiments from the First and Third divisions
+which had been, a short time before leaving camp, detached to form an
+independent organization. The arrangement was broken up immediately
+after this battle, and the regiments put in the First and Second
+divisions again.
+
+Immediately after the brilliant advance of the "Light division," the
+Seventy-seventh regiment was ordered to leave the picket line and join
+its brigade. The Second division crossed the river and took position,
+the Third brigade in front, the Vermont brigade in rear. The
+Thirty-third and Forty-ninth New York, of the Third brigade, went
+forward as pickets in front of the hills, relieving pickets of the
+"Light division," which moved to the right. We remained in line all
+night, sometimes throwing ourselves upon the ground to catch a moment's
+sleep, then roused in expectancy of an advance.
+
+At four o'clock in the morning we did advance. Straight across the plain
+we went, until we came nearly to the base of the heights, where the
+hosts of the enemy awaited us, then taking the Bowling Green road, filed
+to the right and proceeded to the rear of Fredericksburgh; the
+Seventy-seventh in front, the Twenty-first New Jersey, the Forty-ninth
+New York, Twentieth New York, Seventh Maine and Thirty-third New York,
+constituting the Third brigade, under command of General Neill,
+following in the order mentioned. Then came the Vermont brigade, Colonel
+L. A. Grant commanding; these two brigades forming the whole of Howe's
+(Second) division of the Sixth corps since the First brigade was
+detached.
+
+As we gained the rear of the eastern part of the town, the batteries of
+the enemy opened upon us, and swarms of infantry rose up in our front
+and poured volleys of bullets into our ranks. The "Light division" and
+Newton's Third division of our corps had passed through the streets of
+the town, and were now on our right. The skirmishers from Wheaton's and
+Shaler's brigades had struck those of the enemy near a large mansion,
+where, each party dodging behind the garden fence, the cherry trees and
+the outhouses, they kept up a lively engagement for several minutes, but
+Newton's advance was forced to yield the ground.
+
+In the meantime, the long line of rifled cannon which surmounted
+Stafford Heights, on the north side of the river, as at the first battle
+of Fredericksburgh, were throwing huge shells across the wide valley and
+stream into the works of the enemy. One or two field batteries near the
+head of our own column, and some attached to the other divisions, got
+into position and opened a fierce cannonade.
+
+General Howe quickly formed his troops in line, as did the other
+division commanders.
+
+The line of battle of the corps extended from the pontoon bridge at
+Franklin's Crossing to the right of the town of Fredericksburgh. First,
+on the left, Brooks' division held the plain in front of the crossing.
+Next, on the right, in front of Marye's Heights, was Howe's Second
+division; then the "Light division," Colonel Burnham; and on the extreme
+right was Newton's Third division. Gibbon's division of the Second
+corps, which, because its encampment was in plain view of the enemy, had
+been left behind, also crossed into the town by a bridge which it threw
+over, and took position on the right of the corps.
+
+General Sedgwick, finding that the heights could only be carried by
+direct assault, directed storming columns to be formed in the Second and
+Third divisions and the Light division, which order was at once carried
+into execution.
+
+In the Second division, General Howe directed General Neill to lead the
+advance. The plan of attack of the division was in two lines of battle
+of three regiments each.
+
+The first line consisted of the Thirty-third New York, Colonel Taylor,
+the Seventh Maine, Colonel Connor, and the Twenty-first New Jersey,
+Colonel Van Houten, preceded by the Seventy-seventh New York, Colonel
+French, as skirmishers. The line was commanded by General Neill[1]. The
+second line consisted of the Sixth Vermont, Colonel Barney, the
+Twenty-sixth New Jersey, Colonel Morrison, and the Second Vermont,
+Colonel Walbridge, and was under command of Colonel L. A. Grant. Both
+lines were arranged from right to left, in the order above mentioned.
+
+    [1] "I was ordered to form three regiments as the _advance of a
+    column of assault_ against the heights of Marye's Hill, back of
+    Fredericksburgh. I led the Thirty-third New York, Twenty-first
+    New Jersey and Seventh Maine Volunteers, preceded by the
+    Seventy-seventh New York, who were acting as skirmishers, under
+    a heavy fire of shot and shell."--_Neill's Report._
+
+The Forty-ninth and Twentieth New York formed the right reserve, and the
+Third, Fourth and Fifth Vermont, under Colonel Seavor, the left reserve.
+
+The next column was composed of the Seventh Massachusetts, Colonel
+Jones, and the Thirty-sixth New York, Colonel Walsh; both under the
+command of Colonel Jones--the Fifth Wisconsin, Colonel Allen, acting as
+skirmishers. Supporting the column, in line of battle, were the Sixth
+Maine, Colonel Harris, Thirty-first New York, Colonel Jones, and the
+Twenty-third Pennsylvania, Colonel Ely.
+
+The right column of all consisted of the Forty-third New York, Colonel
+Baker, and the Sixty-first Pennsylvania, Colonel Spear--the two
+regiments under command of the latter officer, who fell, mortally
+wounded, while leading the charge. The Sixty-seventh New York, Colonel
+Cross, and the Eighty-second Pennsylvania, Major Bassett, under command
+of Colonel Shaler, supported this right column.
+
+At half-past ten, the arrangements for storming the heights were
+completed, and Newton's batteries opened upon the enemy. At the sound of
+Newton's first gun, General Howe ordered his batteries to direct their
+fire upon the heights, and then ordered the storming column forward.
+
+The division advanced toward the bold bluffs, which, bare of trees as
+well as the plain below, allowed the enemy an excellent view of all our
+movements. A railroad traversed the plain near the bluffs, and in a deep
+cut through which the road passed, were rebels. They rose up as we
+advanced, and poured showers of leaden hail into our line; but one of
+our batteries, getting an enfilading fire on the road, sent the
+gray-coated occupants hurriedly to the rear. For a moment we halted, the
+batteries on either side playing into each other with spirit.
+
+It was a moment of contending emotions of pride, hope and sadness, as
+our gallant boys stood face to face with those heights, ready to charge
+upon them. At double-quick, and in splendid style, they crossed the
+plain. Our line was perfect. The men could not have made a more orderly
+appearance had they been on drill. Proud of their commands, Generals
+Howe and Neill, and Colonel Grant, cheered the men onward, while
+Lieutenant-Colonel French, in charge of the skirmish line, inspired, by
+his own intrepid behavior, the utmost confidence and bravery in his men.
+They took the matter as coolly as though on parade.
+
+Just in rear of the division, three batteries of Parrott guns were
+playing into the works of the enemy, while from the heights above, all
+the opposing batteries poured a terrible and destructive fire upon the
+advancing lines. Having gained the rifle pits at the base of the hills,
+they pushed forward to capture the heights.
+
+[Illustration: STORMING OF MARYE'S HEIGHTS BY HOWE'S DIVISION.]
+
+A more grand spectacle cannot be imagined. There were the hills, enough
+to fatigue any man to climb them without a load and with no one to
+oppose. At the foot of the hills were thousands of the enemy, pouring
+into them volleys of musketry, and on the heights were their lines of
+earthworks, with their artillery, from which poured grape and cannister
+in a frightful storm. But the boys pushed nobly, steadily on, the rebels
+steadily retreating, the division coming up in splendid style. Generals
+Howe and Neill and Colonel Grant directing the movements and cheering on
+the men, as they pressed undauntedly against the murderous storm of iron
+and lead that met them from above. Our men were falling in every
+direction, but the lines were immediately closed, and on they passed.
+With shouts and cheers that drowned the roar of artillery, the noble
+division, with bayonets fixed, mounted the heights, the rebels
+retreating in confusion. Of that noble column the skirmishers of the
+Seventy-seventh first reached the heights of Marye's Hill, the
+Thirty-third New York, in line of battle, followed, and then the Sixth
+Vermont,[2] the other regiments of the two brigades being but a moment
+behind. But the work was not all done yet. On our left was an earthwork
+of strong profile, from which now the rebels turned their guns upon us.
+Against this the column turned, and soon gained possession of it also. A
+third stronghold then fell into our hands, and we were in undisputed
+possession of the heights. While the troops under Neill and Grant had
+thus nobly stormed the works in front, Colonel Seaver, with his three
+regiments, had scaled the heights further to the left.
+
+    [2] General L. A. Grant, in his report, does unintentional
+    injustice to a brave regiment. He says: "The Sixth Vermont
+    followed the Thirty-third New York, _and was the second_ to gain
+    the heights of Fredericksburgh." The Thirty-third was not the
+    first to gain the heights on that part of the line. The
+    testimony of General Neill, as well as of the members of the
+    regiment, and the many trophies it captured, fully establish the
+    claim of the Seventy-seventh to the honor.
+
+With one or two exceptions, every regiment in the division had behaved
+with great gallantry.
+
+The Seventy-seventh New York captured a stand of colors belonging to the
+Eighteenth Mississippi regiment, two heavy guns, a large number of
+prisoners, among whom was Colonel Luce of the Eighteenth Mississippi,
+and great numbers of small arms.
+
+As the regiment reached the heights, and took possession of the guns,
+General Howe rode up, and, taking off his hat, exclaimed: "Noble
+Seventy-seventh! you have covered yourselves with glory!" The general's
+words were greeted with tumultuous cheers.
+
+In the second work, the Thirty-third New York captured a piece of heavy
+ordnance and a number of prisoners. The regiment had exhibited great
+spirit and bravery. Six color-bearers had been shot down successively.
+
+It was at the signal of the first gun in Newton's front that General
+Howe had ordered the charge of the Second division. The Third division
+and the Light division had not been idle while the events we have
+described were going on. It will be remembered that the column on the
+right consisted of the Forty-third New York and the Sixty-first
+Pennsylvania, supported by a line of battle; and that the other column
+consisted of the Seventh Massachusetts and Thirty-sixth New York, also
+supported by other regiments.
+
+The ascent in front of the Third and Light divisions, though steep, was
+less precipitous than in front of Howe's column, and a good road led to
+the heights. But a stone wall skirted the base of the hills, behind
+which the rebels swarmed in great numbers.
+
+Under the fire of the rebel batteries, Newton's and Burnham's regiments
+lay, some in the outskirts of the town, some in the cemetery, until
+General Sedgwick gave the order for the advance. Then, almost at the
+same time, both commands moved up the glacis towards the heights.
+Colonel Jones, with his two regiments, the Seventh Massachusetts and
+Thirty-sixth New York, pushed forward up the telegraph road, against the
+stone wall, bearing to the right of the road; their knapsacks and
+haversacks were left behind that they might be unencumbered with
+needless burdens. As they approached within three hundred yards of the
+wall, a murderous volley checked the advance, and threw the head of the
+column into disorder. In two minutes the men were rallied, and again
+they approached the wall, this time nearer than before; but again they
+were broken. A third time they were rallied; this time they pushed
+straight forward to the works.
+
+The column under Colonel Spear started briskly forward, divested, like
+the others, of knapsacks and haversacks. Sallying from the town at
+double quick, in column of four ranks, they crossed the bridge just
+outside the city, when the gallant Colonel Spear received his mortal
+wound, and fell at the head of his men. The Sixty-first, which led the
+column, shocked at the death of their beloved leader, broke, and in
+confusion turned toward the town. This unfortunate confusion spread to
+the men of the Forty-third, who, checked by the disordered mass in
+front, and submitted to a galling fire, also commenced falling back.
+Finding any attempt to get the men through the disordered mass in front,
+the gallant Wilson drew his colors to the right and rallied his regiment
+around them. Then, bounding forward, the regiment reached the heights
+scarcely behind any of the regiments on the left, capturing a gun and
+many prisoners.
+
+The line of battle under Colonel Burnham advanced on the left of the
+road; the Fifth Wisconsin on the skirmish line, the Sixth Maine, the
+Thirty-first New York, and the Twenty-third Pennsylvania in line. Four
+more gallant regiments could not be found in the service. Leaving
+everything but guns and ammunition, they started forward, encountering a
+shower of bullets, grape and canister, as soon as they rose above the
+slight knoll which had concealed them. We of the Second division looked
+with admiration upon the advancing line; our flag--it was the flag of
+the Sixth Maine--in advance of the others, its brave color-guard
+bounding forward, then halting a moment while the men came up, then
+dashing forward again, and finally gaining the heights before us all! It
+was a noble spectacle, and filled our hearts with pride for our brave
+comrades of the Light division. The Light division secured as trophies
+about seven hundred prisoners and five cannon.
+
+Thus the heights were won. It was a glorious day for the Sixth corps.
+Never was a charge more gallantly made. But it was a sad day, for many
+scores of our brave comrades lay stretched in death, along the glacis,
+and on the steep ascent, in the ravines and along the road.
+
+The Seventh Massachusetts, the Sixth Maine, the Fifth Wisconsin, the
+Second Vermont, and the Seventy-seventh, Thirty-third and Forty-third
+New York, were among the greatest losers. The Sixth Maine reached the
+rebel works with the loss of six captains and the major, and a
+proportional number of enlisted men. Two color-bearers and
+Lieutenant-Colonel Newman were shot in the Thirty-first, and Colonel
+Jones, of the Seventh Massachusetts, was seriously wounded, while one
+hundred and twelve of his brave men were either killed or wounded.
+
+The wounded had been taken to the city, where they were kindly cared for
+by the surgeons of the corps, who had seized the town for hospital
+purposes. Churches and private dwellings swarmed with the unfortunate
+men, whose mangled forms told of the fearful work of the day. Surgeons
+were hard at work ministering relief to the suffering, binding up the
+wounds or removing the mangled limbs which offered no hope of recovery;
+while nurses administered food and coffee, and prepared beds, such as
+could be extemporized from blankets spread upon the floors. More than
+three thousand wounded were brought into the city before nightfall.
+
+Upon the very heels of the brilliant success of the corps commenced
+disaster. An order from General Hooker had directed General Sedgwick to
+advance toward Chancellorsville, and form a junction with the main army.
+So the corps which had so nobly won the heights pressed on for further
+achievements. The heights were left behind. Brooks' division, which now
+took the lead, had advanced as far as Salem Church, on the
+Chancellorsville pike, when, instead of meeting any portion of Hooker's
+army, a few shells from rebel guns warned the division of the presence
+of the enemy.
+
+A dense thicket was in front, and Bartlett's brigade, which had the
+advance, was deployed to skirmish and ascertain the position of the
+concealed foe. Presently, having fallen upon a strong line of
+skirmishers, the brigade was formed in line of battle; the
+Twenty-seventh New York on the right, then the Fifth Maine, then the One
+Hundred and Twenty-first New York, and on the left the Ninety-sixth
+Pennsylvania; the Sixteenth New York holding the skirmish line in front.
+General Bartlett advanced his line to the thicket, the Sixteenth driving
+the rebel skirmishers, the brigade following closely. At the edge of the
+thicket General Bartlett halted the line, but being ordered by General
+Brooks to advance rapidly, he pushed on again.
+
+Advancing through the thicket about thirty rods, the brigade suddenly
+found itself face to face with a rebel line. The confederates were lying
+down in a road which traversed the thicket; and, when the Union line was
+within twenty yards, they suddenly discharged a volley, which, had it
+been well aimed, must have almost annihilated the brigade; but the fire
+was returned with effect, and presently, the confederates were glad to
+leave the road, which was almost filled with their dead and wounded, and
+seek shelter behind rifle pits. The rifle pits were but a few yards in
+rear of the road, and here a very strong force was posted. The Union
+forces occupied the road, and directed their fire against the works; but
+the rebel fire cut down their unprotected ranks like grass before the
+scythe. For fifteen minutes the gallant regiments endured this murderous
+fire, and then fell back in good order, having lost, within twenty
+minutes, nearly seven hundred men; of whom two hundred and seventy-three
+were from the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York.
+
+The New Jersey brigade, and the whole division, had by this time been
+brought into action, and great slaughter was made in almost every
+regiment. Newton's division was also fiercely engaged on the right,
+Wheaton's brigade holding its position only by the most stubborn
+fighting. The enemy having forced the First division to retire, advanced
+against our line; but the batteries under Williston, Rigby and Parsons,
+by splendid practice, repulsed the onset. The Second division, forming
+the rear of the column, had not been brought into the engagement.
+
+Darkness came to the relief of the corps, and the men slept soundly on
+their arms after the arduous duties of the day; but there were many
+misgivings among officers in regard to what to-morrow might bring forth.
+
+While we rested, the enemy was bringing up reinforcements from the
+direction of Richmond. Very early in the morning the siege guns on
+Stafford Heights, opposite the town, sent some shells screaming across
+the valley to the heights of Marye's Hill, giving the alarm to those in
+the town and to those who had so recently left it. Lines of rebels were
+seen all along the outskirts of the town and on the crests above.
+Fifteen thousand confederate troops were between the Sixth corps and
+Fredericksburgh Heights. The surgeons immediately prepared to send the
+wounded across the river, but, supposing that to accomplish the whole
+before the rebels should take possession of the town would be
+impossible, made every preparation for being themselves taken prisoners.
+A small detachment of Gibbon's division still guarded the town, but
+nearly all his troops had recrossed the river and were on Stafford
+Heights. But the small force in the town seemed sufficient to convey to
+the rebels the impression that it was well guarded, for they made no
+attempt to seize the immense amount of hospital stores which was at
+their mercy, or to molest the wounded or the surgeons.
+
+The Sixth corps was now in a critical position; its communications
+entirely cut off, and surrounded by hosts of the enemy. The corps was
+sandwiched between the rebels on the heights and Lee's whole army; while
+on its left was a strong force, and on its right an impassable river.
+Dispositions were at once made to meet the emergency.
+
+Brooks' division was drawn back, and Howe's, still in the rear, changed
+front and quickly extended the line of battle to the river, so as to
+include Banks' Ford, six miles above the city, over which communications
+were at once established.
+
+The whole of Early's rebel division occupied the crest of Marye's and
+Cemetery Hills; the divisions of Anderson and McLaws were on our flank;
+and the brigades of Hays, Hoke and Lawton, supported by Lee's whole
+army, were in our rear. We were in the vicinity of Salem Church, and our
+only line of retreat was upon the road leading to Banks' Ford.
+
+The first demonstration of the rebels, on the morning of the 4th, was
+against the position held by Neill's brigade. A company from the Seventh
+Maine, and two companies from the Forty-ninth New York, in conjunction
+with a part of Martin's battery, and supported by the remaining
+companies of the Forty-ninth, gallantly repulsed and routed a whole
+brigade of rebels, capturing two hundred prisoners, and the colors of
+the Fifty-eighth Virginia regiment; which last trophy was borne off by
+the men of the Forty-ninth, and was the second stand of colors taken by
+that gallant brigade in this engagement, the Seventy-seventh having
+captured the other.
+
+The day wore away with little fighting till five o'clock. General Howe
+had so disposed his troops as to occupy two positions.
+
+In front was the Third brigade, holding a crest which overlooked a
+ravine through which the rebels must pass. Behind the brigade was
+another ravine, in which was a thin skirt of woods. In rear of this
+second ravine, and behind a swell of ground, the Vermont brigade was
+strongly posted, forming the second line of battle. There were in each
+of these two brigades about three thousand men.
+
+Now came the most fearful struggle of the campaign. At five o'clock the
+rebel hordes came, with deafening yells, upon the division. The
+divisions of Early, Anderson and McLaws rushed upon the single brigade
+of less than three thousand men, massing their troops in the ravine, and
+charging with impetuous fury. But the noble regiments heroically
+withstood the shock, the Germans of the Twentieth only going to the rear
+in confusion. The stubborn resistance of the brigade prevented the
+rebels from piercing our lines, and cutting off our retreat, and thus,
+by its gallantry, enabled the corps to cross at Banks' Ford. But one
+thousand men--more than one-third of the brigade--fell on that crest.
+Colonel Van Houghton, of the Twenty-first New Jersey, was mortally
+wounded, and many other choice spirits were among the fallen. General
+Neill was injured by the fall of his horse, which was shot. General Howe
+now ordered the brigade to fall back, and the decimated regiments left
+the front line, and fell behind the strong position held by the
+Vermonters. The rebels, thinking this a retreat, followed with yells of
+exultation, but were met by the second line of battle, which, from its
+position behind the swell of ground, was concealed, with a murderous
+fire, which sent them reeling back to the cover of the first ravine.
+Their charge had inflicted little damage upon the Union line. It was now
+nearly dark, and the reception which the rebels had received had so
+completely routed and broken them, that they made no further attempt
+upon our lines.
+
+About nine o'clock, the division was ordered to fall back to Banks'
+Ford, now two miles distant from us. We fell back quietly, and found
+that the other divisions had preceded us, and were snugly behind rifle
+pits. They had fallen back as soon as it was dark, leaving the Second
+division to cover the retreat.
+
+Meantime, comparatively little fighting had been done by the other
+divisions, though a constant skirmish was kept up, and in the evening
+the confederates managed to get in the rear of a part of the picket of
+the Light division, capturing a large number of prisoners from the
+Forty-third and Thirty-first New York, and Sixty-first Pennsylvania.
+
+The position at Banks' Ford might have been held until reinforcements
+could have reached the corps from Hooker; but, unfortunately, that
+general, receiving from General Sedgwick first, intelligence that he
+could not safely hold the position, then that he could, ordered the
+corps to be withdrawn, and afterward countermanded the order; but the
+last order was only received when the movement had been accomplished.
+
+Toward morning the corps recrossed the Rappahannock on pontoon bridges;
+not without the utmost difficulty; one bridge being destroyed by rebel
+artillery, and the other barely saved from destruction long enough to
+allow the troops hurriedly to pass over.
+
+The corps had passed through a fearful ordeal, and had shown itself to
+be made of heroic material. No two more brilliant feats had been
+performed during the war, than the storming of the heights of
+Fredericksburgh, and the splendid resistance when surrounded and
+attacked by overwhelming forces. The men came out of the fight, not
+demoralized, but as ready to scale those terrible heights again, if
+called upon, as they had been on the 3d of May.
+
+General Sedgwick had manifested during the fights, those masterly
+qualities which made him one of the greatest soldiers of the age. His
+conduct on the retreat was cool and unimpassioned. Personally examining
+every part of the ground in front and rear, riding from one end of the
+line to the other, now ordering a battery placed at some commanding
+point, and now looking out a new position to which his troops might fall
+back in case of necessity, he was everywhere present, full of energy, as
+determined to save as he had been to win.
+
+Throughout the land the glorious deeds of the Sixth corps became
+household words; but its glory had been dearly purchased. Five thousand
+of the heroes who crossed the Rappahannock on the 2d of May, were either
+dead or wounded. Colonel Van Houghton, one of New Jersey's bravest sons,
+had received a mortal wound, from which he died in the hands of the
+enemy. Captain Luther M. Wheeler, of the Seventy-seventh, was shot while
+we halted at the foot of Marye's Hill. It was a sad loss to his
+regiment, and the corps. Few more gifted young men could be found in the
+army. He was one of our bravest and most efficient officers. Gentle in
+his relations with his fellows, cool and daring in battle; his youthful
+face beaming with fortitude, was a continual joy to his men in time of
+danger. He died as he had lived, a hero.
+
+The Forty-third had lost Captain Knickerbocker and Lieutenant Koonz. Two
+young men of brilliant promise, greatly loved and respected in their
+regiment and in their native city, Albany.
+
+The wounded men in the hospitals exhibited the same heroic fortitude in
+their sufferings that they had manifested in the charge and in the
+retreat. A few instances are given as illustrations of many: Erskine
+Branch of Company D, Seventy-seventh New York, when his leg was torn to
+shreds by a shell, hobbled off on the sound one and his gun, singing
+"The Star Spangled Banner." Corporal Henry West was shot through the
+thigh, and he was brought to the rear. "I guess," said he "that old Joe
+West's son has lost a leg." The corporal died soon after. While in the
+hospital, suffering from extreme anguish, a wounded man at his side
+lamented that he had come to the war. "I am not sorry that I came,"
+instantly responded the brave corporal.
+
+Let us now turn back and glance hastily at the maneuvers of the main
+army at Chancellorsville. We, of the Sixth corps, could only see by the
+balloon which, like some huge bird, hovered over the army, where it held
+its position, and the unceasing roar of artillery told us of a severe
+struggle with its foe; while rumor brought, now reports of brilliant
+success, and anon tales of sad defeat. We knew little of the true state
+of affairs at the right, and it was only when we mingled with our
+comrades of the other corps that we learned the details of the battle of
+Chancellorsville. We now repeat it as it was given to us. On the day
+that the army broke up its winter camp, General Hooker led the Fifth,
+Eleventh, Twelfth and Second corps, except Gibbon's division of the
+latter, up the river, until he reached Kelley's Ford, about twenty miles
+above Fredericksburgh. Here he crossed his whole force, and pushing
+southward and eastward, uncovered the United States Ford eight miles
+below, which was guarded by a brigade of rebels, and struck the
+intersection of the Gordonsville plank road with the Orange county
+turnpike, about five miles from United States Ford; having by great
+exertions crossed two rivers and marched twenty miles. At the crossing
+of the two roads, west of the turnpike, and south of the plank road,
+stood a single large mansion, the Chancellor house. Here General Hooker
+made his head-quarters, and from this point he disposed the corps of the
+army so as to form a line of battle, which should face south and east,
+with a single corps to guard against an advance from the west. The Third
+and First corps soon joined Hooker's forces, and the corps were posted
+as follows: The Eleventh corps, under General Howard, was on the right
+of the line, three miles southwest of Chancellorsville, facing westward;
+next, to the left of Howard, but far to the south, and holding the
+turnpike five miles in front of Chancellorsville, was Sickles with his
+Third corps; back almost to the plank road, and left of the turnpike,
+was Slocum with the Twelfth corps; and still to the right, and behind
+the plank road, the Fifth corps, under General Meade, faced toward the
+southwest; behind Meade and Slocum, the Second corps was posted, one
+division guarding the approach to the bridge. The country was densely
+wooded. Except an open space about the house, it was a tangled
+wilderness. The ground was low and marshy, and nearly level. Earthworks
+were thrown up in front of all the corps, and everything seemed in
+readiness for the enemy, for whom General Hooker now waited, hoping,
+that by fruitless assaults upon what seemed an impregnable position, the
+enemy would be so exhausted that he might turn upon him with fresh
+divisions, and rout the retreating forces. His programme was to secure a
+position in the rear of the rebel positions at the fords, while that
+portion of the army left at Fredericksburgh was to divert attention from
+the principal movement. Stoneman, with the cavalry, was to make a grand
+raid on the communications of the rebel army, burning the bridges and
+tearing up railroads. The main body of the army having secured its
+position, and accomplished its work, the Sixth corps was to press
+forward and harass them in their retreat toward Richmond.
+
+Saturday afternoon, almost at dark, the First corps, Reynolds', which
+had that morning parted company with the Sixth corps, crossed the river
+and took position near the ford, four miles in rear of Howard.
+
+The rebel army had been on the southeast of ours. Sickles, on the
+afternoon of Saturday, discovered a train of wagons and ambulances
+moving across the pike far in his front. He sent a force to cut it in
+two, and was successful in taking a large number of prisoners and in
+creating a panic in the train. He advanced, and was met by a strong
+force of the enemy. He now sent to General Howard for reinforcements.
+General Howard led a brigade to his assistance in person, and then at
+full speed galloped back to his corps. He was just in time. Bursting
+shells on the right of his line told of the presence of the enemy.
+"Stonewall" Jackson, with an immense force, had passed round our army,
+and now came like an avalanche upon the right division of the Eleventh
+corps, General Devins. The men were cooking their coffee, when suddenly
+the whizzing of innumerable bullets aroused them from their culinary
+engagements. The hosts of Jackson, with yells and shouts, fell like a
+thunderbolt upon the astonished division, and it melted away like a
+snowflake in summer. The next division, Shurz, tried to maintain the
+ground, and did what men could do, but could not withstand the shock of
+fifty thousand men. General Hooker, fearing that the flying Germans
+would stampede the whole army, directed the cavalry which was with him,
+to charge upon the fugitives and arrest their flight; but no power could
+halt them. The commanding general at once directed General Sickles to
+attack the enemy on the flank, and, if possible, check his farther
+advance.
+
+General Howard, with great presence of mind and perseverance, succeeded
+in stopping the rout at a stone wall, behind which he posted his line.
+Forty pieces of artillery were also, by General Hooker's order,
+concentrated to oppose the confederates, who again rushed forward with
+mad desperation, and were met with terrific fire from this long line of
+guns. They staggered back, but soon rallied, and again charged, and
+again met with a terrible repulse. The conflict now ceased for the
+night. Hooker drew in his lines, making them more compact, changed the
+disposition of some of the corps: throwing the Eleventh corps from the
+right to the left of the line, and bringing Meade, with the Fifth corps,
+to the right. Sickles and Slocum, with the Third and Twelfth corps, were
+near the Chancellor house. Artillery was massed to command the
+approaches to the turnpike, and earthworks went up in the night as if by
+magic. At daylight, Sunday morning, Jackson, with all his forces,
+advanced on the turnpike, against the Chancellor place, not with the
+thin line of battle, but in solid mass. His men poured from the woods
+like a torrent, their shouts and yells making a pandemonium of the
+wilderness. Suddenly, from the mouths of forty cannon was hurled against
+them a cruel storm of grape and canister, which ploughed through the
+advancing column, carrying death and destruction in its course, while
+the infantry from the Third corps poured into the faces of the desperate
+foe a terrible hail storm of bullets which almost decimated the heavy
+column. With the desperation of madness, the rebels rushed against this
+terrible fire, almost reaching the muzzles of the guns, only to be
+hurled back again by the fearful tornado in front. The Third corps
+seemed hardly able to hold its position, but now General Hooker sent two
+divisions of the Second corps to attack the enemy in the flank. These,
+with the Fifth corps, came with great force upon the left of the column.
+It reeled, the huge mass wavered to and fro, and then fell back in
+flight. The troops at the house, however, had been forced back, and
+General Hooker again shortened his lines, making his forces still more
+compact.
+
+Again, in the afternoon, the rebels came on exultingly, but not with the
+desperation that marked the attack of the morning. Hour after hour they
+strove to drive back or break in two the Union line, but it was
+immovable. Artillery poured into the ranks of the assailants the most
+deadly fire, until they fell back, long before nightfall, disheartened
+and defeated. Hooker had at length succeeded in accomplishing a part of
+his object. He had allowed his enemy to fight him until his army was
+exhausted and dispirited, while he himself had half his army fresh and
+ready to charge upon the weakened foe. Now came the time for action. If
+he now succeeded in putting the enemy to flight, the rebel cause was
+destroyed; if, on the contrary, he suffered a repulse, what would be the
+result? The river was swelling rapidly; the pontoons could even now with
+difficulty be held together. If, haply, they were to be swept away, all
+means of retreat would be cut off, and a repulse would amount to
+annihilation. Sedgwick and the Sixth corps were driven back, and
+Stoneman, who had gone with his cavalry toward Richmond, was not heard
+from. In the midst of these doubts, he called a council of corps
+commanders, who agreed, not unanimously, that it was advisable to
+recross the river. So the army, on Wednesday, was withdrawn across the
+river, when victory seemed ready to rest on our banners.[3] Without
+doubt, had the general known of the panic created by the cavalry in the
+rear, or had he been sure that his communications would remain intact,
+the result would have been far different.
+
+    [3] The author makes no attempt to discuss the merits of the
+    controversy, which grew out of this battle, between two of the
+    best soldiers of our army. The reader will find, in the Report
+    on the Conduct of the War, 1865, all the facts and arguments on
+    both sides, by those most competent to give them--Generals
+    Hooker and Sedgwick.
+
+The loss to the whole army, in this campaign, was over seventeen
+thousand in killed and wounded.[4] Very many of these were left in the
+hands of the enemy.
+
+    [4] The following statement exhibits the loss to the various
+    corps in killed, wounded and missing:
+
+    1st,         292
+    2d,        2,025
+    3d,        4,039
+    5th,         699
+    6th,       4,925
+    11th,      2,508
+    12th,      2,883
+    Cavalry,     145
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+SECOND ENCAMPMENT AT WHITE OAK CHURCH AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CAMPAIGN.
+
+    The army in its old position--A trip to Dixie--The wounded at
+    the hospitals--Introduction of army badges--Adornments of the
+    camps--The "Third crossing"--The Barnard mansion--Exchanging
+    papers--A broken lieutenant--The Pennsylvania campaign
+    commenced--Restriction of baggage--A severe march--An army
+    bathing--At Centreville--Bristow Station--March to
+    Maryland--General Hooker succeeded by General Meade--Position of
+    the army.
+
+
+The army now turned back to its old position, encamping in line nearly
+as before, only all the troops which had encamped on our left, between
+the Sixth corps and Belle Plain, were placed far to the right, leaving
+the Sixth corps on the left of the army, instead of being nearly in its
+center. The corps occupied a line nearly a mile in rear of the old camp,
+where the ground had been unoccupied, and where a growth of young pines,
+and, in places, considerable groves of oak timber, afforded far more
+attractive surroundings than the old quarters.
+
+The wounded were taken to an immense field hospital at Potomac creek,
+where hospital tents sufficient to accommodate eight thousand wounded
+men were erected in a locality where cool breezes could play freely
+among the encampments, and where pure water could be obtained. On the
+9th, many of our wounded were brought to the side of the river at
+Fredericksburgh and sent over to us by the enemy, in pontoon boats,
+under flags of truce. On the morning of the 10th, the surgeon of the
+Seventy-seventh was ordered to proceed at once to Banks' Ford to receive
+wounded officers who were to be removed from the enemy's lines. The
+doctor was soon at the ford, where he found a boat and a flag of truce
+at his disposal. He crossed the river and met the officer in command,
+who received him courteously, but declared that he knew nothing of any
+officers to come there. The surgeon addressed a note to General Wilcox,
+commanding the brigade at Banks' Ford, but he knew as little about it as
+the officer at the river. "There are plenty of federal officers here,"
+said he, "and we shall be glad to send them across to your lines at any
+time when General Hooker shall apply to General Lee for them; but I know
+of no arrangement of the kind now." Believing that some arrangements had
+been made for the transfer of the wounded officers, but that the order
+had not yet reached General Wilcox, the surgeon spent the day among the
+rebels, conversing with their officers, while his boatmen, having with
+them a canteen of brandy, soon made themselves very popular with the
+crowd of rebel soldiers who gathered about, dressed in motley colors,
+buff, blue, gray, butternut, and colors indescribable. They were all in
+good humor and lively, and the hours passed pleasantly, as the men from
+the two opposing armies chatted in the shade of some oak trees. Finding
+little prospect of executing his peaceful mission, the surgeon obtained
+permission from General Wilcox to get the remains of Colonel Van
+Houghten, of the Twenty-first New Jersey regiment, who was shot at Salem
+Church, and died from his wound next day. Doctor McNiel, of the
+Twenty-first, with a party of men, proceeded to the place where the
+colonel was buried, a mile and a half from the ford, and brought the
+remains to the river and across to our own lines. On reporting at
+General Hooker's head-quarters, the surgeon found that no agreement had
+been concluded until late in the day for the delivery of the wounded
+officers; so he had spent the day in rebeldom to little effect, except
+the restoration of the body of the colonel to his friends, and leaving a
+company of nurses to assist our surgeons who were already in attendance
+upon our prisoners.
+
+Nearly all our wounded were at length returned to us, and were sent to
+Potomac Creek, or to Washington. At Potomac Creek, the coöperation of
+the Sanitary Commission was of great assistance to the surgeons; and
+many comforts and luxuries, the gifts of our friends at home, cheered
+the hearts of the wounded and suffering heroes. Sheets, pillow cases,
+handkerchiefs, with jellies and canned fruits, were distributed in
+profusion. Here was the place for manifesting the overflowing interest
+and noble generosity of the people of the north, and thousands blessed
+them for their munificence.
+
+A mistaken idea prevailed among friends at home, that the agents of the
+Sanitary Commission resorted to the battle-field, ministering to the
+wants of the wounded, dressing the wounds, bringing the crippled from
+the field, and feeding the hungry. Our illustrated papers were filled
+with fine engravings, representing these acts of mercy on the
+battle-field. These were pictures of the imagination. Nothing of the
+sort was done. No Sanitary or Christian Commission agents frequented the
+battle-field. All wounded were brought from the field by soldiers,
+placed in ambulances of the government and taken to the field hospitals,
+where all the wounds were dressed by surgeons or their nurses, and where
+all were fed by officers selected for this special duty. The Sanitary
+and Christian Commissions had a great mission. They were the
+representatives of the lively interest felt by the people of the north,
+for the army it had sent forth to maintain the institutions of their
+country. They found abundant opportunity for accomplishing their mission
+at the large hospitals after the roar of battles had passed away; but
+they had nothing to do with the care of the wounded on the battle-field.
+
+Just before leaving camp for the campaign just closed, General Hooker
+had issued an order assigning to each corps and division its badge,
+which was to be worn by every officer and soldier connected with either
+of the corps. The men of the Sixth corps now regarded their cross with
+greater pride than had ever ancient knight looked upon the heraldry
+which emblazoned his arms. It had been baptized in blood, and amid
+wonderful achievements of heroism. Every member of the noble corps felt
+an exulting pride in his relation to it, and regarded his badge as a
+mark of great honor.
+
+The introduction of these badges became of great service to the army.
+Every man could easily recognize the corps and division of any other one
+in the army; and each corps learned to feel a pride in its own badge.
+
+We had seven corps in the army; First, Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth,
+Eleventh and Twelfth. The badge of the First corps was a lozenge, that
+of the Second a shamrock, of the Third a diamond, of the Fifth a Maltese
+cross, of the Sixth a Greek cross, the Eleventh a lunette, and of the
+Twelfth a star. The badge of the First division of each corps was red,
+that of the Second white, and of the Third blue. All wagons and
+ambulances were marked with their appropriate badge, and the sick
+soldier who fell to the rear with a pass to the ambulances, had no
+difficulty in finding his own train; and quartermasters and others
+connected with the trains were greatly assisted in their duties by this
+ingenious device.
+
+The camps of all the regiments of our divisions were pleasantly located,
+and great pains were taken in laying them out and in decorating them.
+When regiments were not sheltered in groves, pines were transplanted in
+the company streets in great profusion; and arches and bowers of the
+most elaborate and elegant designs, formed of the boughs of the red
+cedar and pine, exquisitely entwined with the bright green holly, formed
+a most attractive and beautiful feature of our second camp at White Oak
+Church. At division head-quarters, General Howe had caused to be erected
+a most elegant hall of these rural materials, which was a wonder of
+architectural beauty as well as exquisite taste and ingenuity. Its
+alcoves, its vestibules and its arches, were marvels of elegance. Here
+came officers, high in command, and brilliant dames, and passed a night
+in the service of Terpsichore, while bands discoursed stirring music.
+
+In the camp of the Seventy-seventh, the adornments were profuse and
+beautiful. At head-quarters, a palace of green arose among the trees
+near our tents. For days, mule teams hauled huge loads of cedar boughs,
+which were woven into massive pillars or elegantly turned arches, and
+the structure rose like one of those fair bowers we read of in fairy
+tales. Our surgeon and quartermaster were preparing the elegant
+structure for the reception of their wives. It was almost complete,
+needing only a few finishing touches, and the anxiously awaited guests
+were expected on the following day; when, alas for the expectations of
+men, an order came to be ready to march at daylight next morning! The
+ladies, although too late to enjoy this rustic palace, arrived in time
+to find the corps in line of battle, and witness fierce artillery duels
+between the opposing armies. In their eagerness to watch the flight of
+the shells, they sometimes manifested greater bravery than their
+companions, whose experience had taught them to regard with suspicion
+the shrieking missiles.
+
+We had passed a pleasant month at this camp, and the men were eager,
+notwithstanding their comfortable quarters, for active campaigning. The
+health and spirits of the soldiers of the corps had never been better,
+and in spite of the failure at Chancellorsville, they felt a great deal
+of confidence. So the order to move was received with pleasure, and we
+turned away from our pleasant camps willingly.
+
+We left camp on the morning of June 5th, one of the loveliest of days,
+and, taking the road we had already trod on two occasions, halted in the
+valley of the Rappahannock, on the very spot where we had rested at the
+first and second battles of Fredericksburgh, and prepared, for a third
+time within six months, to cross the river. A correspondent of one of
+the daily journals, writing from head-quarters of the army, says:
+"Howe's splendid division of the fighting Sixth corps was selected for
+the work of crossing, and the point for laying the bridges was just
+below the mouth of Deep Run, at the identical spot where we had crossed
+twice before."
+
+Pontoons and batteries of artillery formed long lines behind the little
+ridge which runs parallel with the river, and the infantry marched and
+countermarched to get in right positions. Here, behind the little ridge,
+we rested, until about five o'clock in the afternoon, our men mounting
+the ridge, and gazing across the river, where the enemy had turned the
+rifle pits thrown up by our First division, to their own use; and, in
+return, the rebels raised their heads above the breastworks, or ventured
+to the river side, wondering what could be the intention of the army, so
+recently driven from these grounds, in making such preparations for
+another crossing. There seemed but a small force opposed to us; a strong
+picket on the bank, and the reserve posted behind the breastworks, were
+all that could be seen, though we well knew that the heights beyond
+swarmed with opposing hosts, as they had twice before. At length the
+engineers drew the pontoons to the edge of the river, the
+Seventy-seventh being detailed to assist in unloading. The rebels betook
+themselves to the rifle pits, and opened a brisk fire; but presently
+they were glad to draw their heads behind the earthworks, for five of
+our batteries, Williston's, McCartney's, Cowen's, Haines' and
+McCarthey's, were run out upon the plain, and opened a fierce fire,
+whole batteries firing by volleys, until the whole plain, on the further
+side, was a sheet of flame from the bursting shells, and huge clouds of
+dust, plowed up by the shrieking missiles, rose so as to obscure the
+heights. The rebels could only load, and thrust their guns above the
+earthworks, firing at random, for no man could raise his head without
+coming in the way of the fiery messengers of death, which filled the
+air. Still their fire, although at random, was annoying, and it was
+evident that the safest method was to cross men in boats, enough to
+drive the rebels from their pits, or capture them, and then build the
+bridge without opposition.
+
+The Twenty-sixth New Jersey and Fifth Vermont regiments leaped into the
+boats, quickly crossed, and, rushing from the bank, charged upon the
+pits. The rebels were now, for the first time offered an opportunity for
+flight; for while the artillery was filling the whole plain with
+bursting shells, there remained no alternative but to hug the earth
+behind the rifle pits; now that the artillery ceased, they scattered
+across the plain in hot haste, before the rapid charge of our boys. The
+two regiments pursued the fugitives, and many of them threw down their
+arms; we captured about seventy-five prisoners; of these, thirty-six
+were captured by Captain Davenport, who, with eighteen of his men, was
+marching up the ravine through which passes the Deep Run, when they came
+upon the rebels, whom they obliged to surrender, their captain
+delivering his sword to Captain Davenport. Five or six men of the
+engineers were killed, and some wounded. The Vermonters and New
+Jerseymen, also, had a few men wounded.
+
+The Seventy-seventh had one man killed. Sergeant Rex Haines was shot
+through the head. He was a brave man, and one of the best soldiers in
+the regiment. He had, until that very day, been confined to the hospital
+with severe illness. A few of our men, also, received slight wounds.
+
+The engineers proceeded at once to lay the bridges, and on the following
+morning the whole division crossed. Our picket reserve made their
+rendezvous at the ruins of the fine mansion which we had used for our
+Second division hospital at the first battle. Now nothing but the bare
+walls and heaps of rubbish marked the place where the beautiful
+residence had stood. A regiment of Mississippians had occupied the
+place, and had ruthlessly and willfully burned it. Yet the fine
+chestnuts and broad-spreading oaks afforded as luxurious a shade as in
+the palmy days when the old bachelor proprietor lounged beneath their
+shadow.
+
+The picket line extended nearly to the railroad, and, as before, formed
+a semi-circle, radiating from the pontoon bridge. The enemy had also
+formed a strong picket to oppose us, and the two lines of skirmishers
+were within a few yards of each other.
+
+It was a beautiful Sabbath, and all day long the troops lay upon the
+plain, wondering what was to be done. There were the frowning batteries
+of the enemy on the hills in front, apparently able to blow the whole
+division into the air, and we could, with our glasses, discover great
+numbers of infantry at the base of the hills, half hidden by the low
+growth of pines. The main body of our army still remained in camp; only
+our Sixth corps had moved. Evidently the enemy concluded that the
+advance was rather one of observation than attack, and quietly awaited
+our movements. Some firing was for a time kept up on the skirmish line,
+and now and then a shell would come crashing through some of the houses
+at the right, where our pickets were concealed; but at length, by mutual
+consent, the pickets of each army watched the movements of their
+opponents without molesting them. During this quasi-truce, a spirit of
+sociability manifested itself, and our boys soon struck up an
+acquaintance with their dangerous neighbors. At length an exchange of
+papers was proposed, and upon mutual agreement of temporary amity, a
+Yankee and a Johnnie would step into the open space between the two
+lines, shake hands, inquire each other's regiment, trade papers and
+retire.
+
+There came at this time, to each company of one regiment, a copy of the
+New York Observer, Independent, Christian Examiner, Evangelist and other
+papers, and Mr. Alvord, the agent of the Tract Society, had just been
+among the men, distributing copies of the American Messenger. These were
+soon collected and carried over to be exchanged for copies of the
+Richmond Enquirer, Sentinel, and Examiner. The trade was not kept wholly
+within the limits of literary exchange, but sugar and coffee passed into
+the rebels' hands in return for plugs of tobacco. At length an order
+came from division head-quarters, stopping this illicit practice. Our
+boys declared that they were acting the part of colporteurs to the
+barbarian rebels, and, if they had been allowed to continue the
+distribution of religious papers among them, they would soon be
+convinced of the error of their ways, and desist from further fighting.
+
+During the night of the 8th, our division was withdrawn to the north
+side of the river, our place being taken by the Third division. We
+retired to Stafford Heights and bivouacked. Our bivouac became our
+encampment for a week. There we lay, wondering what was next to be done,
+while the artillery on either side exchanged shots. The 32-pounders on
+our hills sending their huge shot across to the opposite heights, and
+the rebel guns replying, sometimes with shells of most improved pattern,
+and at other times throwing over huge pieces of railroad iron.
+
+An incident of much interest to Neill's brigade occurred while we were
+here. A lieutenant, belonging to the Twenty-first New Jersey regiment,
+had been tried by a court-martial, and convicted of cowardice at the
+battle on May 3d. The whole brigade was brought out at the hour for
+evening parade, and formed in a hollow square. To the center of the
+inclosure the culprit was brought. His sentence was then read to him,
+which was that he be dismissed the service in disgrace. The
+adjutant-general of the brigade then proceeded to execute the details of
+the sentence. The sword of the cowardly officer was taken from him and
+broken over his head; his shoulder-straps and buttons were then cut off,
+and his pistol broken and thrown away. The sentence, and the manner of
+its execution, were ordered to be published in the newspapers of the
+county where the regiment was raised. A similar sentence was executed in
+the Seventy-seventh regiment on the same evening. Lewis Burke, of
+Company F, was convicted of cowardice at the same battle. He was brought
+before the regiment, which stood in line; his sentence read, his buttons
+and the blue cord on his coat cut off, and a placard marked "Coward"
+hung to his back. A guard, with fixed bayonets pointing at his back,
+then marched him off, the band playing "The Rogues' March." Burke went
+to serve out his time at the Dry Tortugas at hard labor, without pay or
+allowance.
+
+As we looked upon the execution of these humiliating sentences, we could
+not help feeling how much better it would have been to have fallen nobly
+on that field of battle, honored and lamented, than to live to be thus
+degraded and despised. It had never been so forcibly impressed upon our
+minds, how much better it was to die nobly than to live in disgrace.
+When we thought of the noble Wheeler and his brave companions, who had
+given their lives for their country on yonder heights, and then turned
+to the sickening scene before us, we could but exclaim, "How are the
+dead to be envied!"
+
+At length, on Saturday night, June 13th, we withdrew from
+Fredericksburgh, and commenced the memorable Pennsylvania campaign.
+There had been, for several days, indications that General Lee was
+throwing his army to our right, and was crossing the Rappahannock in the
+vicinity of Culpepper. At length this had become a certainty; and the
+whole army was quickly moved to come up with him. All day long the
+hurrying of trains, the movements of troops, the intense activity at the
+railroad station, where everything was being hastily thrown into cars,
+had indicated a sudden leave-taking.
+
+At length the trains were off, and the whole army in motion. Our own
+corps being rear-guard, started at ten o'clock at night. The darkness
+was intense, and a thunder shower prevailed. Our route for a long time
+lay through a thick woods, where the branches of the trees, meeting over
+our heads, shut out the little light that might have penetrated the
+thunder clouds, and the column was shut in perfect darkness. The road
+was terribly muddy, and the batteries which were trying to pass over the
+same route, were frequently stuck in the mire. Our men stumbled over
+stones and fallen trees, often falling beneath the feet of the horses.
+Men fell over logs and stones, breaking their legs and arms. Thus we
+continued the hasty and difficult march, while the rain poured in
+torrents upon us. Later in the night the road became more open, and the
+rain ceased. The darkness was not so black, still it was difficult to
+see the road. We were passing over corduroy; some of the logs were a
+foot, and others a foot and a half through. They were slippery from the
+rain, and the men, heavily laden with knapsacks, guns and cartridges,
+tumbled headlong, many of them going off at the side, and rolling far
+down the steep embankments. A laugh from the comrades of the luckless
+ones, while some one would call out, "Have you a pass to go down there?"
+was the only notice taken of such accidents; and the dark column hurried
+on, until at three o'clock in the morning, we halted at Potomac creek,
+where we slept soundly upon the ground until morning.
+
+The following day was Sunday. Our corps did not march until evening; we
+lay resting from the fatigues of the night before, and watching the
+immense army trains hurrying by, the horses and mules lashed to their
+full speed, or viewing the destruction of the great hospitals which had
+been established here.
+
+There were here immense quantities of stores; bedding, glass and
+earthenware, instruments and medicines, with cooking and other utensils
+which could not, in the haste of breaking up, be transported; so they
+were thrown in great heaps and burned.
+
+All day long the trains crowded by, four and five wagons abreast; the
+drivers shouting and lashing their beasts to their greatest speed. No
+one who has not seen the train of an army in motion, can form any just
+conception of its magnitude, and of the difficulties attending its
+movements. It was said that the train of the Army of the Potomac,
+including artillery, at the time of which we speak, if placed in a
+single line, the teams at the distance necessary for the march, would
+extend over seventy miles.
+
+At Fairfax Court House, soon after this, the trains were greatly
+reduced, and again at Fairfax Station; and after General Meade took
+command of the army they were still further reduced. Yet,
+notwithstanding all these curtailments, our trains were said to be
+between thirty and forty miles long.
+
+How little did the impatient people, who clamored at all times, in
+winter as well as summer, for an immediate "advance" of the army,
+consider that this immense body must always advance with the army; that
+it must always be protected; that the army on every march and at every
+halt must be so disposed as to prevent the enemy from reaching it from
+front, flank or rear; and that when an advance was commenced, if the
+trains were to become blocked up, or stuck fast in mud, the whole army
+must wait for them, no matter whether it had reached a favorable
+position for a halt or not. It was no small undertaking to move an army
+with such a train; yet there were many at home who thought the army
+could move from one place to another with the greatest ease.
+
+It is true that the enemy got along with smaller trains than ours, and
+it is true that the rebel army on that account was more easily moved
+than our own. It was one of the disadvantages of too liberal a
+government that our movements for two years were weighed down with these
+cumbersome trains; and even after so long an experience of their evil it
+was with strong feelings of opposition that the reduction was acquiesced
+in.
+
+A captain or lieutenant of the line was allowed a small valise, in which
+to carry his company books and his clothing; and a staff officer was but
+little better off. Must this little be reduced? Surely the ammunition
+and the commissary trains could suffer no diminution. The amount of
+hospital supplies carried in the wagons was already limited; could it be
+reduced? The people were clamoring to have wagons of the Sanitary and
+Christian Commissions admitted to the hospital trains, to carry articles
+which, although they were gratefully received by the soldiers, yet were
+not absolutely necessary. The ambulance train was surely not too large,
+and we could spare no artillery.
+
+Yet the train was reduced. Small as was the valise of the line officers,
+it must be still smaller; little as was the baggage of the staff
+officer, it must be less; and inconveniently contracted as was the size
+of the mess chests, they must be still further reduced.
+
+Thus, through the day, we watched the hurrying trains as they swept by
+with immense clatter and tumult; and the files of troops, guards to the
+trains, pressing forward, amid the clouds of dust and the rattle and
+noise of the wagons. As the sun sunk in the west, we gathered about a
+green knoll, in the shade of a pine grove, and sung old familiar hymns;
+then the chaplain made a prayer; thus was offered the evening sacrifice
+for the Sabbath. Few who gathered--
+
+  "Where through the long drawn aisle or fretted vault,
+  The pealing anthem swells the note of praise,"
+
+offered more heartfelt thanksgiving, or more earnest supplications for
+future protection, than the band of veterans seated on that mossy bank,
+while about them was the confusion of a great army, pressing to meet its
+foe.
+
+At length, at nine o'clock at night, we took the road, and, joining the
+mighty column, marched rapidly forward. The night was dark, and the
+roads uneven, yet the men pressed forward with wonderful spirit. They
+had heard during the day that Lee with his army, avoiding us on the
+right, and moving with secrecy, had already eluded us, and was rapidly
+making his way into Maryland, taking his route through the Shenandoah
+Valley. This was enough to stimulate men whose greatest desire was to
+meet their opponents in open fight, even on rebel ground. But now the
+rebels were invading northern soil; Maryland, Pennsylvania, and even New
+York, were threatened, and the men knew no limit to their enthusiasm.
+"We can whip them on our own soil," said they. "There is no man who
+cannot fight the better when it is for his own home." Such expressions
+passed from lip to lip as the dark column pushed on during the whole
+night. At times there would be a halt; not for rest, for the men,
+expecting momentarily to move on, would stand in the ranks; then, on
+again. Here and there were the camps of troops who had occupied the
+extreme right of the army. Fine arbors and avenues had been erected from
+the cedar boughs; these were set on fire, and the whole heavens were
+aglow with the flames. Morning dawned, the march was becoming tedious.
+The men were faint, and wanted rest and coffee; but there was no halt.
+
+Faint and weary, yet with determination, the masses of men toiled along.
+At length, as the morning advanced, the heat of the sun was almost
+intolerable, and the dust suffocating. Not a leaf stirred on the trees.
+Vegetation drooped under the scorching rays, and the clouds of dust was
+so dense, that one could not see half the length of a regiment.
+
+The men at length began to fall from exhaustion. One after another, with
+faces burning with a glow of crimson, and panting for breath, would turn
+to the surgeons of their regiments, and receive passes to the ambulances
+and a draught from the surgeon's flask; but at length no more passes
+could be given; the ambulances were crowded, and so many were falling on
+every side, that it became useless to require or attempt to give passes,
+or even for the surgeons to attempt to relieve the sufferers.
+
+In every corner of the rail fences, and under every tree and bush,
+groups of men, with faces glowing with redness, some with streams of
+perspiration rolling down their cheeks, and others with their red faces
+dry and feverish, strewed the wayside and lined the hedges. Here the
+color-bearer of a regiment, his color lying beside him, lay gasping for
+breath; there a colonel, his horse tied to the fence, strove to fan the
+air into a little life with his broad-brimmed hat. Under one little
+clump of cedars might be seen an exhausted group of line officers,
+captains and lieutenants, and under the next, a number of enlisted men
+who could no longer keep the road. The spectacle along the roadside
+became appalling. Regiments became like companies, and companies lost
+their identity; men were dying with sunstroke; and still the march was
+continued. This could not last much longer, for the brave men who still
+held out were fast losing strength, and soon there would be no troops
+able to move. At length, at nearly three o'clock, we came in sight of
+the little, old, depopulated town of Dumfries. Here, to the joy of all,
+we saw men filing into the fields for a halt. There was no cheer, no
+expression of gladness; for the tired men, with feet blistered and raw,
+worn out by seventeen hours' constant march, almost melted and
+smothered, cared little for demonstrations. Throwing themselves upon the
+ground, they rested for half an hour, and then, rousing long enough to
+cook their coffee, they refreshed themselves with their hard tack, pork
+and coffee, and were ready to sleep. Here the Vermont brigade was drawn
+up in line, and some half a dozen men, skulkers, principally from the
+Twenty-sixth New Jersey, were drummed out of camp, the bands of the
+brigade playing "The Rogues' March." All who were participants of that
+day's work, remember it as the most trying march of the Army of the
+Potomac. Very grateful to the weary army was sleep that night, but, at
+two o'clock in the morning, the shout passed along the line, "fall in!
+fall in!" And so, without coffee, we rolled our blankets and fell into
+line. But, as often happens, when the whole army is to move, some parts
+must wait long before the others are out of the way. So we of the Sixth
+corps waited until four o'clock, and got our coffee finally before the
+rest of the column had made way for us. It was another hot, dusty day,
+but not so intolerable as the day before, and about two or three o'clock
+we arrived at Occoquan creek, crossing at Wolf Run Shoals. Here we had
+two or three hours' rest. The men had no sooner halted than they plunged
+into the stream, and the wide creek was soon alive with swarms of men
+splashing and diving in the cooling element.
+
+It was a novel sight. An army bathing. A brigade of nine months Vermont
+troops, had been stationed here during the winter. They were full
+regiments, never thinned by exhausting labors, hard campaigns or the
+trying ordeal of battle. They now bade farewell to their comfortable
+quarters and picket duty, and joined the Grand Army on a real campaign.
+Although we had already made a long march, at four o'clock we were again
+on the road, and before dark we reached Fairfax Station, six miles from
+Wolf Run Shoals. This was a more cheerful march than the others. The
+men, refreshed by their bath, and strengthened by a good dinner and two
+hours' rest, now went shouting, singing and laughing, as though marching
+was but play.
+
+This day we heard that some part of Lee's army was in Pennsylvania! The
+men were as anxious to go forward as were their commanders. The corps
+bivouacked in groves on the turnpike, which led from Fairfax to
+Manassas, resting for the night and the following day. Here our train
+underwent a process of purging. Needless articles, and many useful ones,
+which could be disposed of, were sent to the rear. The trains were to go
+with smaller loads, and many teams were to be taken from them.
+
+We had marched, since setting out from before Fredericksburgh, through a
+country, well enough by nature, but neglected, barren and depopulated.
+How large a portion of this great State was in this sad condition? Its
+naturally rich fields were grown up to scrub pines, mugworts and
+wormwood. Its fair valleys desolate of inhabitants, or inhabited by low
+white trash, as idle as ignorant. The groves and fields where we now
+rested were pleasant for a bivouac, but the fields were waste land, and
+the oak timber was all that seemed of any value, as far as we could see.
+Yet we were now within a few miles of Washington, where articles of food
+brought fabulous prices, and wood could scarcely be procured. Why were
+these fine lands desolate? Was it because agriculture was unprofitable?
+Surely, with Washington and Alexandria so near, and Baltimore at a short
+distance farther, there should be a good market for produce. Was it
+because the war had put a stop to agricultural pursuits? The scrub pines
+and dwarf oaks growing upon deserted tobacco fields, where the ridges
+were still plainly visible, showed that before the war indolence
+prevailed.
+
+At five o'clock on the morning of June 19th, we were again on the march,
+reaching Fairfax Court House before noon. Again our train was
+overhauled, baggage reduced, and teams sent to the rear. By this time
+the train began to assume more reasonable dimensions. General officers
+were strictly forbidden the use of ambulances, henceforth all ambulances
+were to be used for their legitimate purposes, and general officers and
+their staffs were to get along with a more reasonable amount of baggage,
+while regimental officers were to be allowed only the most limited
+amount of transportation. A single small valise only was the extent of
+baggage for each regimental officer, and a mess chest of the size of a
+cracker box, was to be the allowance for all officers of a single
+company.
+
+About Fairfax Court House was stationed a division of cavalry and some
+infantry, under the command of General Stahl. These troops, like the
+brigade of Vermont troops, had been employed in guarding the country
+against the inroads of guerilla bands. These were now also to join the
+Army of the Potomac, and their gallant conduct at Falling Waters, a few
+days after, showed them to be composed of the best material.
+
+General Hooker, unwilling to favor General Lee, by uncovering the
+capital, and wisely judging of his wary enemy's motives, instead of
+pushing rapidly forward to Maryland, as Lee desired, threw the different
+corps into positions, which should at once be favorable for watching his
+movements, and resisting any attack. Accordingly, our own corps, turning
+partly back from our line of march, on the 20th, marched towards Bristow
+Station.
+
+We passed through Centreville, its powerful forts and redoubts
+garrisoned by large regiments of men, who wore bright new uniforms, and
+whose officers had red tufts upon their caps. These new uniforms were
+soon to be as grimy and dusty as those of the veterans, at whom they now
+gazed with so much interest, and the full regiments were soon to find
+their ranks thinned by the same terrible process which had made those
+passing by them only fragments of regiments.
+
+The works about Centreville were of most powerful character, having been
+made even stronger than at the last battle of Bull Run. In the forts and
+redoubts upon the commanding positions, was mounted heavy artillery, and
+the long lines of trenches and breastworks, stretching far to the
+flanks, and commanding declivities where musketry and artillery could
+sweep an advancing force with terrible effect, rendered the position
+impregnable from any direct assault. The few dilapidated houses still
+remaining to mark the site of the village, presented a forlorn and
+pitiful appearance. Deserted by their owners, occupied as stables and
+storehouses some of them falling in ruins, and all dirty and
+dilapidated, they were a mournful commentary on the ruthless destruction
+which follows in the footsteps of war. Still further on, our route led
+us along the Manassas Gap railroad. Here were more sad pictures of the
+havoc of war. The track was torn up, the ties burnt. Every now and then,
+numbers of car wheels and axles, iron bands and braces, couplings and
+reaches, showed where whole trains had been burned.
+
+Here and there, the incombustible materials among the debris showed the
+lading of particular cars. The remains of fruit cans, tin plates,
+blacking boxes and glassware, told of sutlers who had disposed of their
+wares at less than the usual exorbitant prices. Heaps of spikes and
+handleless hammers, and iron bars, reminded us of disconcerted plans in
+railroad extension, while numberless solid shot, bullets and fragments
+of shells, showed where car loads of ammunition had been consumed in
+harmless explosions.
+
+At length, after a hard day's march, we arrived at Bristow Station,
+where the corps turned into the fields and bivouacked.
+
+The tower and wind-mill which had been used for raising water to the
+tank, remained alone to show where the station had been; all the other
+buildings being destroyed, except where still remained the dismantled
+ruins of what had once been a hotel.
+
+Here, as for miles back on the road, were the remains of ruined cars and
+their contents.
+
+The surrounding country was delightful. A mile or two south of us was a
+little church in the midst of an oak grove. It is an agreeable
+peculiarity with the southern people, that they are accustomed to locate
+their country churches in the midst of pleasant groves, sometimes at a
+distance from any residence. In this respect, they certainly exhibit
+better taste than the people of most of our northern States, who have
+such a propensity for setting the church on the summit of some high hill
+where not a tree or shrub adorns the grounds, and the aspiring steeple
+seems, like Babel, to be striving vainly to reach the heavens.
+
+On the morning after our arrival here, we heard the sounds of
+cannonading not far off, and learned that the cavalry under General
+Pleasanton were hotly engaged at Aldee and Upperville, with Stuart's
+rebel cavalry, and that our forces were getting the best of the
+desperate encounter, winning laurels for themselves and gaining another
+of that series of victories which was destined to remove the derision in
+which that arm of the service had been held, not from any previous want
+of good fighting qualities on the part of our cavalry. General
+Pleasanton had attacked Stuart's forces near Middleburgh, driving the
+rebels in confusion through Upperville to Ashby's Gap, taking some
+pieces of artillery and a large number of prisoners. General Kilpatrick,
+in this engagement, had exhibited fighting qualities of the first order,
+riding in front of the men and leading the way when they hesitated. His
+gallant conduct inspired for him the confidence and admiration of his
+men. It was the commencement of a brilliant career which made him one of
+the first cavalry commanders in the army. His dashing ride from the
+Peninsula to Fredericksburgh, with but a handful of men, eluding the
+watchfulness of the wily Stuart, had already established his talent for
+bold adventure, and his conduct on this occasion proved his personal
+bravery. These are the two great qualities needed for a cavalry officer,
+and Kilpatrick's name at once became a tower of strength among his men.
+
+In this pleasant locality the corps remained, an outpost for the army,
+guarding the passes from the Shenandoah, for five days. The weather was
+delightful, and the men enjoyed, to the utmost, the needed rest. They
+lounged in the shade of their tents or in the neighboring groves, or
+strolled along the railroad track, examining curiously the ruined
+remains of the trains. In a delightful spot at a distance from the
+camps, almost surrounded by a grove of oak trees, the hospital tents of
+our Second division were erected. To this quiet and lovely spot, where
+cool breezes always played, were brought the sick and weary, and
+carefully nursed.
+
+But General Lee despaired of inducing General Hooker to uncover the
+capital, so, leaving Virginia with his whole army, he pushed toward
+Pennsylvania, determined at least to draw our army as far away from
+Washington as possible, and to reap rich harvests of spoils among the
+overflowing granaries of the Keystone State. No sooner had the movement
+of the main body of Lee's army into Maryland commenced, than General
+Hooker, with his forces, commenced the pursuit.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE GETTYSBURGH CAMPAIGN.
+
+    The rebels in Pennsylvania--Panic at Harrisburgh--Alarm at
+    Baltimore and Washington--Sixth corps leaves Bristow Station--A
+    surprise--General Meade takes command--Position of the
+    army--Marching through Pennsylvania--An unprecedented
+    march--Exciting news--Battle of Gettysburgh--Death of
+    Reynolds--First and Eleventh corps fall back--Second day's
+    battle--The battle-field--Fighting at Round Top--On the
+    right--The grand onset--The battle decided--Rebel and Union
+    wounded.
+
+
+Meanwhile, great excitement prevailed at the north, especially in
+Maryland and Pennsylvania, on account of the invasion of the rebel army.
+As early as the 15th of the month, more than a thousand rebel cavalry
+had reached Chambersburgh, which they had sacked. Two days before, the
+battle of Winchester was closed. Ewell, with overwhelming numbers had
+fallen upon General Milroy's force, which had unwisely been, by order of
+somebody, thrust far away from its base, and out of the reach of
+reinforcements, routing the division, and in its flight capturing its
+artillery and a large portion of the infantry.
+
+Nothing now opposed the march of the invaders through the Shenandoah
+Valley. In Harrisburgh, the excitement rose almost to a panic. All the
+paintings, books, papers, and other valuable articles, were removed from
+the capitol, packed in boxes and loaded into cars, ready to be sent off
+at the first sign of immediate danger. The citizens formed themselves
+into military companies, and worked day and night throwing up redoubts
+and rifle pits about the city. Men unaccustomed to manual labor
+vigorously plied the pick and the spade, and kept up their unwonted toil
+with an earnestness worthy of veteran soldiers. To add to this confusion
+and alarm, the trains of Milroy's division that had escaped capture were
+rattling through the streets in search of a resting place. Throughout
+the State of Pennsylvania business was suspended. The governor was
+calling loudly for men to rush to arms in defense of their homes; and
+General Couch was striving to organize the militia which presented
+itself.
+
+Baltimore and Washington were like besieged cities. Stuart was
+threatening the Baltimore and Ohio road, and bodies of rebel cavalry had
+penetrated within half a dozen miles of Washington. Bells rung out the
+alarm, and the affrighted citizens rushed to arms. Loyal leagues were
+now of service, forming the nucleus of many an improvised company of
+defenders. All these facts we learned from the newspapers, a few stray
+copies of which fell within the path of the army, and from the highly
+colored accounts of citizens, who, with expressions of the utmost alarm
+and anxiety, related what they had heard or seen.
+
+On the night of the 26th of June, the Sixth corps left Bristow Station.
+The darkness was intense, and a drizzling rain rendered marching
+disagreeable. The march was rapid, and some of the men fell behind, and
+were next day collected and marched off to Richmond, by the guerilla
+parties that constantly hung upon our flanks and rear. Before daylight
+we halted at Centreville. The men threw themselves upon the wet ground,
+and slept for two hours, while the rain beat upon them. Then, at six
+o'clock, they were again roused, by the order to be ready to move at
+once. While taking our coffee, and waiting for the final order to march,
+some villain, belonging to the troops stationed at Centreville, set fire
+to the little Episcopal chapel that stood not far from us, and was the
+only building remaining in the little village which pretended to any
+appearance of modern architecture. Those vandals who follow an army,
+bent on nothing but destruction, are among the unavoidable evils of war,
+and even the most severe discipline is insufficient to effectually
+arrest all mischief of the kind.
+
+Our march was a severe one for men who had been on the road all night,
+and the men were glad when we bivouacked a little before dark, in a
+beautiful oak grove near Drainsville. Very early next morning,
+descending into the lovely valley of the Potomac, we reached Edwards'
+Ferry, where troops were crossing; after a delay of one or two hours,
+waiting for troops of another corps to cross the pontoon bridge, we
+followed, and were in Maryland again. All day long troops were passing
+over the bridges and taking their positions upon the neighboring hills,
+ready for starting anew in the morning; for nearly the whole army was
+crossing at this point, and as the process was necessarily slow, those
+who went over first waited for those behind.
+
+On Sunday, we left Edwards' Ferry; marched through Poolesville and
+Barnstown to Hyattstown. A halt was made at Barnstown for dinner, and
+the Sixth corps left the road and occupied a pleasant valley, where the
+chestnut trees afforded a grateful shade for the men. They had just
+unslung knapsacks, when we were all startled by the sound of a church
+bell, which seemed in our midst. The boys gazed for a moment in mute
+astonishment in the direction from which the sound came, when they
+discovered at a short distance from them, a little church half hidden
+among the trees, and the parishioners gathering for service. When the
+first surprise was over, the word passed from one to another, "It is
+Sunday!" "It is Sunday!" and they set up a shout that demonstrated that
+they had not forgotten to love the institutions of civilization, even
+after so long an absence from a civilized country. Few who were present
+at this time, will ever forget the thrill of pleasurable surprise which
+we all experienced at hearing once more the sounds which so forcibly
+reminded us of home.
+
+Some of the men attended the service. It was a Catholic church, a small
+edifice which had once been white, but, by the action of the weather for
+many years, it had now become brown. The seats and altar had never been
+painted, and the plaster of the inner wall had, in places, fallen from
+the lath. The parishioners seemed quite devout people, and the pastor a
+sincere man. In his prayers he remembered the President and the
+government, and he supplicated for peace. The reverend father said that,
+owing to the confusion in town, there would be no sermon, but he wished
+the good people to pray for sister A., who was at the point of death,
+and for the repose of the soul of brother B., who was already dead. Some
+of our officers engaged in a pleasant conversation with the pastor after
+service. He was an agreeable, shrewd man, and professed to be a good
+Unionist.
+
+It was at Hyattstown that we first learned that General Hooker had been
+superseded, in the command of the army, by General George B. Meade. The
+announcement of this unexpected change at such a time, was received with
+astonishment, and by many with indignation. To deprive the leader of a
+great army of his command just upon the eve of a great battle, when, by
+the most brilliant marches and masterly strategy, he had thrown this
+army face to face with his enemy, thwarting his designs of moving upon
+the capital, without some offense of a grave character, was an act
+unheard of before in the history of warfare. It seemed, from later
+information regarding this extraordinary measure, that a difference had
+arisen between General Hooker and his superior at Washington in regard
+to the disposition of troops at Harper's Ferry, and that, each refusing
+to surrender his opinion, General Hooker was relieved. His successor
+demanded the same disposition on the very next day, and it was granted!
+
+The army was not dissatisfied with the appointment of General Meade; the
+soldiers would as readily fight under Meade as under Hooker. They were
+anxious to retrieve what had been lost at Chancellorsville, and would
+have been glad could General Hooker have shared in the victory which
+they believed they were about to achieve; but the men of the Union army
+fought for their country and not for their leaders. So they at once
+transferred their hopes and their obedience to the new commander.
+General Meade was well known to the army as a good soldier, the brave
+general who had, with his single division, dashed upon the rebels at the
+first Fredericksburgh, and as the leader of a corps which behaved
+gallantly at Chancellorsville. All were willing to try him, and hoped
+for the best.
+
+The movement from Fredericksburgh had been conducted with consummate
+skill and energy, and now the army was moving in several columns by
+roads nearly parallel, with the twofold object of greater rapidity of
+movement, and of sweeping a greater extent of country.
+
+The Sixth corps was now upon the extreme right, marching toward
+Manchester; next, on our left, was the Twelfth corps, at Taneytown, a
+little hamlet named in honor of the chief justice of the United States,
+whose residence was there. At a point a dozen miles north and west of
+us, was the head-quarters of the army, and the Second and Third Corps.
+Further to the left, at Emmitsburgh, were the First, Fifth and Eleventh
+corps. Upon either flank of this line, extending twenty miles, was
+cavalry. Thus the army was guarding a great extent of country, at the
+same time that the different corps were within supporting distance of
+each other.
+
+The rebel army under General Lee, one hundred thousand strong, occupied
+an equally extended line to the north and west of us, stretching from
+Harrisburgh through Chambersburgh and Cashtown.
+
+At five o'clock, Monday morning, 28th, the corps marched again, passing
+through Monroville, New Market, Ridgeville and Mount Airy Station,
+halting for the night at Sam's creek. As the corps passed through
+Westminster on the following day, the people welcomed us with
+demonstrations of joy, which were all the more earnest, as the rebel
+cavalry had, but two hours before, taken a hasty leave of them. At night
+we were at Manchester, at least twenty miles from the left of the army,
+and between the line of march of the enemy and Baltimore. We rested here
+until evening of the next day. The plot was thickening, and the hostile
+forces were moving cautiously, each watching the movements of the other,
+and each ready to seize any opportunity for rushing upon its enemy to
+destroy it. Thus far our marches had been of most fatiguing character.
+We had, in the last four days, passed over one hundred miles of road. It
+is to be remembered that these marches were made under burning suns, and
+that each soldier carried with him his gun, knapsack, haversack,
+containing five days' provisions, and forty rounds of cartridges. The
+men had kept up wonderfully during this trying campaign, but the great
+march of all, in which this magnificent corps was to outdo all that was
+ever recorded of wonderful marches, was yet in store for it.
+
+We waited at Manchester until evening. The inhabitants were well
+supplied with rye whisky, and it must be confessed that soldiers have a
+way of finding out the existence of that luxury, and of supplying
+themselves with it; and as the men of the old Sixth corps were in no
+respect behind their comrades of the other corps, many of our brave
+fellows became, long before dark, considerably inebriated.
+
+At nine o'clock in the evening of the 1st of July, we were on the road,
+but it was eleven before we were fairly under headway. Those who during
+the day had indulged so freely in the rye whisky of the farmers, as to
+disable them from marching or even standing in line, were quietly thrown
+into the clumps of bushes by the roadside, and left to be gathered up by
+cavalry squads that were scouring the country for stragglers. Those that
+were left by our own provost-guards were picked up by rebel scouts.
+
+The column now pushed rapidly on; all night the weary march was kept up.
+A halt of ten minutes for breakfast, and then on again. Now we heard
+that a part of the army, the First corps, had already engaged the enemy
+at Gettysburgh, with doubtful issue, and that its commander, General
+Reynolds, was killed.
+
+New ardor was now kindled in the breasts of the men of the Sixth corps
+at these tidings, and they pressed forward at a pace unusual, even for
+them. The day was bright, the sun pouring scalding rays from a cloudless
+sky. The men strove hard to keep in the ranks, for few in that corps
+were willing to be left behind in a fight.
+
+Yet some gave out from exhaustion, but even these, at a slower pace,
+followed the rapidly moving column.
+
+At the houses on the roadsides, the citizens, their wives and daughters,
+were bringing water, from which the soldiers filled their canteens as
+they passed. At Littletown we saw citizens bringing the wounded from the
+field in their carriages, and many wounded soldiers who could walk were
+making their way to the village. The marching was more rapid. Our
+friends were waiting for us. Soon we saw above the valley that lay
+before us, clouds of smoke and the white puffs of bursting shells. As
+yet we could distinguish little of the sound of battle, but those small
+fleecy clouds which appeared so suddenly, flashing forked lightning,
+told us of work ahead. It was five o'clock when the Sixth corps arrived
+on the battle-field, having made an unprecedented march of thirty-four
+miles! We halted in reserve, not to rest, but to wait a few moments
+until our place should be assigned us in front. We had more marching to
+do! Four miles more of marching and countermarching that night, made
+thirty-eight miles in a single day. Such marching as had been done by
+the Sixth corps since leaving Bristow Station, is unparalleled in the
+history of armies.
+
+The roar of battle was terrific. On our left, where rose a hill covered
+with timber on the top and side, a fearful struggle seemed in progress,
+and the roll of musketry and the rapid discharge of artillery was almost
+deafening.
+
+Let us now turn back and review the operations of the First and the
+Eleventh corps since yesterday morning. We give it as it was related to
+us by members of the First and Eleventh corps. General Buford,
+commanding the cavalry on the left flank of the army, had advanced north
+of the town of Gettysburgh, and had fallen in with large bodies of
+cavalry, supported by infantry. He became hotly engaged with this force,
+and at once reported the information to General Meade that he had found
+the enemy in large force. General Reynolds, who, with the First corps
+had by this time reached Marsh creek, within easy striking distance of
+Gettysburgh, was directed to urge his troops forward to Gettysburgh as
+rapidly as possible. The corps pushed on, and reaching Gettysburgh,
+filed through the town, leaving it to the rear. General Buford was found
+fiercely struggling to maintain his position against the infantry of the
+enemy. At once, General Reynolds proceeded to select a position for his
+line of battle. Without a moment's hesitation, the corps was deployed;
+the division of Wadsworth, leading the van, was in position; a battery
+which had been brought to the front was slowly forced back, but the
+gallant Wadsworth, bringing more infantry into line, arrested the
+retreat, and in turn forced back the hostile forces, who were now found
+to be in large numbers. It was at this time that General Reynolds,
+riding forward with a few members of his staff, to inspect the field
+with the view of bringing the rest of his troops into favorable
+position, was shot through the neck, the enemy having, at the moment,
+opened a full volley of musketry. The noble commander, feeling the
+wound, turned to his soldiers and shouted, "Forward men! for God's sake,
+forward!" and fell, dying, into the arms of one of his companions.
+
+This sad loss only fired the hearts of the soldiers to more desperate
+determination, and they rushed into line upon the run, burning to avenge
+their beloved leader. General Doubleday, of the Second division of the
+corps, was next in rank, and took command. The encounter was sharp, and
+the rebels were giving way. Three hundred prisoners were brought in, and
+the corps was put into position to hold its ground. The force of the
+enemy now engaged, proved to be the corps of General A. P. Hill, and the
+prisoners declared that the rest of the confederate army was close at
+hand. A column of the enemy now moved toward the left of our line,
+debouching from a piece of woods, and occupying a close proximity to our
+forces. Volley after volley was poured into the advancing column,
+without avail, except to stretch many of its men upon the ground,
+wounded and dying.
+
+At length the brigades of Doubleday's own division were ordered to
+charge upon the obstinate line. They obeyed with alacrity, their cheers
+and shouts ringing above the roar of musketry. The rebels gave way
+before this impetuous charge, and several hundred more prisoners were
+brought in.
+
+Thus far the First corps was victorious, but its ranks were becoming
+terribly thinned.
+
+In the meantime, General Howard, with the Eleventh corps, was hastening
+to the assistance of the First. Just before receiving his fatal wound,
+General Reynolds had sent a messenger to Howard, who, with his corps,
+was ten miles behind, to hasten forward as rapidly as possible.
+
+The men of that corps were burning to wipe out the unfortunate record of
+Chancellorsville, and the roar of artillery before them, inspired vigor
+in their movements and urged them forward; but the noise of the battle
+was heard by others.
+
+Ewell, with his confederates, was but three miles off; and while the
+Unionists looked for the coming of help, a fresh corps reinforced the
+rebels. But the opposing forces were, for the time, willing to allow a
+lull in the battle. So, from ten o'clock until half-past two the First
+corps held the enemy at bay. By this time a division of the Eleventh
+corps was on the ground and another on the other side of Gettysburgh.
+General Howard took command. The Union reinforcements were just
+arriving; those of the rebels had already taken their position, and were
+ready for a desperate charge.
+
+Suddenly, rushing from the cover of the woods in which they had
+debouched from the York road, the old corps of Stonewall Jackson, now
+under Ewell, charged, with yells, down upon the Eleventh. The Germans,
+this time stood their ground, returning with spirit, the volleys of
+their old antagonists.
+
+On the left, Hill was also charging fiercely upon the First corps, and
+the sturdy divisions of Wadsworth and Cutler were almost destroyed.
+
+The rebel line now overlapped that of the Union forces on either flank,
+and the two corps under Howard were in danger of being surrounded by the
+greater numbers of their adversaries. The lines began to waver under the
+fearful storm of lead and iron, and the order was given to fall back.
+The lines retired in good order until they reached the town. There, in
+passing through the streets, the Germans became confused and alarmed,
+and the retreat of the corps became a rout. Twelve hundred were taken
+prisoners in the streets. The First corps maintained its line of battle
+and held its foe at a distance in spite of the deadly fire which was
+decimating its ranks. The heroic Wadsworth cheered and encouraged his
+men by his own noble example, while the messengers of death shrieked
+thickly about him. On the right of the corps, Hill had already forced
+back the line, and now the Eleventh corps having left him, both flanks
+of his division were exposed. It was useless to protract the hopeless
+struggle, and these sturdy troops also fell back, retiring slowly and
+firmly, while the rebels, flushed with victory, were pouring into front
+and flank the most deadly fire. It was a moment of vital importance to
+our army and our cause. A rout of these two corps, while the remaining
+two-thirds of the army was separated in columns far distant from each
+other, must insure the destruction of each column in detail, and give to
+the rebels undisputed sway throughout the north. But the christian hero,
+whose empty sleeve testified of hard fought fields before, was still
+sufficient for the crisis. Halting the retreating divisions as they
+reached the line of hills upon the south side of the town, and selecting
+a ridge called Cemetery Hill for his second line of battle, he reformed
+his disordered ranks, and planting batteries so as to sweep the
+declivity in front and on right and left, awaited the onset of the
+victorious hosts. On they came, until half through the town, when, from
+the whole line of guns on the crest, burst a murderous fire, from which
+the assailants staggered in consternation.
+
+The tide was turned; for now a part of Hancock's Second corps was coming
+up, and in half an hour the rebels retired, and the one-armed general
+was master of the situation. But the day had been a fearful one for the
+two corps.
+
+The First corps had lost its general, loved and admired for his bravery.
+Hundreds from the ranks of the corps, lay beyond the village stretched
+in death. Of those who went into the fight in the morning, but one-half
+remained.
+
+The havoc was almost as fearful in the Eleventh corps. Hundreds had been
+killed and a greater number captured. Yet there was no faltering among
+those veterans, and when, toward evening, the Third and Twelfth corps
+arrived upon the field, their confidence and hope rose, and all now
+believed that our army was yet destined to achieve a grand victory.
+
+No further demonstrations were made on either side that night. Each
+party was gathering its strength for the grand conflict. Late in the
+evening General Meade arrived on the field, and with General Howard
+proceeded to inspect the ground, and make arrangements for posting the
+troops of the army.
+
+The Eleventh corps was still to occupy Cemetery Hill, just opposite the
+town. Upon a knoll to the right of the Eleventh corps was the First
+corps, and still farther, and forming the extreme right of the army, was
+the Twelfth corps, General Slocum. On the left of Cemetery Hill,
+occupying the extension of the ridge and a prominent hill, Round Top,
+the Third corps, General Sickles, was posted, and the Second corps,
+General Hancock. The Fifth corps was to be held in reserve until the
+arrival of the Sixth corps. Thus through the night, the two armies lay
+upon their arms, each watching the other, to wake to a contest more
+fearful than the last.
+
+At daylight Thursday morning, July 2d, the rebel skirmishers opened fire
+upon parts of our lines of pickets, but there was little betokening any
+general engagement. Occasionally a few of the skirmishers of the enemy,
+would make a charge upon parts of our line forcing back the pickets, but
+a gun from some one of our batteries would hastily send them to the rear
+again. Doubtless it was for the purpose of disclosing the positions of
+our batteries, that their dashes were made. Thus the day wore on until
+four o'clock.
+
+General Sickles, with the Third corps, had moved out beyond the general
+line of battle nearly a mile, and had come upon the advance of the
+enemy, where Longstreet, with one-third of the rebel army, was
+concentrating his forces against the left flank, with the hope of
+turning it and seizing the ridge.
+
+The battle opened at once. Seven batteries of artillery opened upon
+front and flank of the exposed corps, and large bodies of infantry in
+column by division. The corps withstood the shock heroically, and was
+soon strengthened by troops from the Second corps. Our artillery now
+opened upon the rebels from the ridge, and hurled destruction upon them.
+The valley was filled with bursting missiles, and the smoke rolled up in
+huge columns. It was at this stage of the great battle that the Sixth
+corps arrived on the ground, after its unparalleled march, and the Fifth
+corps was at once ordered into the fight. For an hour the Sixth corps
+was the reserve of the army, but even this reserve was soon called into
+action.
+
+The writer, while our corps waited for orders, rode along the front,
+from where the Second and Third corps were engaged in their deadly
+struggle with the enemy, across Cemetery Ridge and to the hill where, on
+the right of the line, Slocum had established his head-quarters, and he
+will attempt to describe the field as he saw it.
+
+To form a correct idea of the position of the armies, one should imagine
+two ranges of hills, between which was the valley and the village of
+Gettysburgh.
+
+These ridges are nearly parallel, and are from a mile to a mile and a
+half asunder. Their course is not a direct line but curving. The ridge
+on which our forces are posted, bend outward and backward, so that the
+line is in the form of a half circle, fronting from the center, while
+the rebels were forced to occupy an exterior line facing towards the
+center.
+
+At Gettysburgh several roads converge, first, on the right is the
+Baltimore turnpike, next is the road to Taneytown, and further to the
+left is the Emmitsburgh road. These all meet at Cemetery Hill, which is
+the key to the whole situation.
+
+Cemetery Hill is in the center of a range of hills running south and
+west from Gettysburgh, and considerably in front of the others. Standing
+upon its summit, the spectator looks down upon the village, a little to
+his right and upon the long declivity stretching between the crest and
+the town.
+
+The crest of this ridge is bristling with batteries, which are so
+arranged as to sweep the declivity, the valley below, and the opposite
+range of hills. Here, by the side of the Baltimore pike, General Howard
+has his head-quarters, and just in front lie long lines of infantry, who
+wear the crescent badge, which distinguishes the Eleventh corps.
+
+Stretching to the left and rear, Cemetery Ridge gradually diminishes in
+elevation, until it reaches an abrupt peak which rises considerably
+above the other hills of the range. This is Round Top. It is covered
+with timber at its summit, its sides are rugged, and, toward the enemy,
+quite steep. On the north slope of Round Top, the Second and Third corps
+are maintaining the unequal struggle with one-third of the rebel army.
+The roar of musketry is awful beyond description, and the whole valley
+trembles with the thunder of the artillery. On the right of Cemetery
+Ridge is another elevation, Slocum's Hill, where the commander of the
+Twelfth corps sits among the huge fragments of rock, watching his own
+and the enemy's line in his front, and where is another battery, which
+from time to time is sending its screaming messengers to the hills
+beyond or across a little stream which winds along the right of his
+position.
+
+In rear of Slocum's Hill is a little whitewashed cottage, surrounded by
+a picket fence. There are two or three wall tents in the yard, and many
+horses are tied to the fence. This is the head-quarters of the army.
+From this point General Meade is directing all the movements of the
+Union forces.
+
+It will be seen that our troops could be sent from one point to another
+of the line, easily and quickly, while the rebels, who occupied the
+exterior of the circle, must make long circuits in order to reinforce
+one part of the field with troops from another. For the first time since
+Malvern Hill, our forces had the advantage of position.
+
+The rebel lines which had so fiercely attacked the Third corps, steadily
+advanced, pouring destruction before them, while the two corps, unable
+to resist the weight of the advancing columns, steadily fell back. At
+the moment that the Sixth corps reached the field, the Fifth were
+rushing to the assistance of the wavering lines on Round Top.
+
+It was a glorious spectacle, as the veteran wearers of the St. Andrew's
+cross rushed along the rear of the peak and among the rocks, at
+double-quick, and then suddenly moving by the flank, formed in line of
+battle. Through the woods and down the slope they rush, fall upon the
+advancing columns, and check their progress. The Union line now advance
+upon the rebels, who fall back more. Shot and shells pour in a fearful
+storm from the rebel batteries, sweeping the slope of Round Top and the
+crest of Cemetery Hill. Here, near Howard's quarters, a train of
+ambulances and army wagons attract the fire of the enemy, and the
+bursting shells soon send them hurrying through the narrow defile in the
+rocks through which the road passes, panic stricken. For more than two
+hours the desperate battle rages on the left, while the right, except
+that on either side artillery belches forth its thunders, is quiet. The
+Sixth corps, the only reserve of the army, is also put into the line on
+the left; only one brigade, Neill's, is sent to the right to reinforce
+Slocum, who has also sent a great portion of his corps to the left, and
+against whom the rebels are now charging. The doubtful contest ceases as
+darkness gathers over the battle-field, leaving the rebels still in
+possession of some of the ground occupied by Sickles' corps at four
+o'clock.
+
+Both armies again lay upon their arms, waiting for daylight, by which to
+renew the contest. The losses in the Second and Third corps had been
+fearful, and scarcely less were those of the Fifth. From our own Sixth
+corps, there were many killed and wounded, but compared with these
+others, the loss was slight. General Sickles had been wounded early in
+the fight, and suffered amputation of a leg. The morning of July 3d
+dawned brightly, and at once the rattle of musketry told of the renewal
+of strife. On the right, where Slocum with a single division of his own
+troops and our Third brigade of Howe's division, Sixth corps, held the
+long line, an attempt was made to retake the rifle pits which the rebels
+had captured yesterday. The rebels in turn charged furiously. They had
+possession of some of our pits, and now they hoped to turn our flank and
+rout the army; but the small force replied to the desperate charge of
+the whole of Ewell's corps with the most stubborn resistance. Charge
+after charge was made, but to no avail. At length Neill's brigade passed
+far to the right of the rebel line, and poured an enfilading volley into
+the gray-coats. They, supposing that a heavy force had got on their
+flank withdrew, when our forces charging in turn, drove them with great
+loss from the rifle pits, which were held during the remainder of the
+engagement in spite of repeated efforts to dislodge our forces. By noon
+quiet prevailed along the whole line, except that now and then a shot
+from some of our batteries screamed across the valley, but eliciting no
+reply. The rebel lines could be seen moving here and there as if
+preparing for a desperate struggle. The men at our batteries declared
+that so completely had they got the range of the other crests that the
+rebels dare not open a piece. Little did they imagine that more than a
+hundred guns were concentrating just behind the little strip of woods
+below them.
+
+This unwonted silence continued until about one o'clock, when suddenly,
+as though pandemonium had broken loose, the air was filled with the
+shrieks, screams, howls and clangor of bursting shells. The sky was
+filled with smoke, amid which flames darted in every direction, and the
+valley and hills quaked with the thunders of artillery. Never on this
+continent had been heard such cannonading as this. For two hours this
+storm of shell and shot raged in all its fury. At the first opening of
+the storm, parts of our line were forced back, but they quickly advanced
+again. Horses and men fell together, mangled and torn by the screaming
+missiles. In some of our batteries every horse was destroyed, and the
+men drew back the pieces by hand to save them from capture. One hundred
+and twenty-five guns were concentrated against our left center, which
+continued for two hours to belch forth death and destruction. At length,
+when it was supposed that our guns were silenced, and our infantry
+confused by the fearful cannonade, came the expected charge of infantry.
+Longstreet's corps, massed, with Picket's division in front, rushed
+forward with the well known yells, which rang above the clangor of
+musketry and artillery, and threw themselves with utmost fury upon the
+Union lines. Our men had waited the onset with unflinching courage, and
+now poured into the assailants a most murderous fire, which hurled them
+back and strewed the ground with their dead and dying. Again, with the
+fierceness of desperation, they rush forward, and again are met with the
+same deadly reception. Hundreds from the attacking columns, in order to
+escape the certain doom, threw down their arms and came in as prisoners.
+The tide of battle lulled for a time.
+
+Again artillery did its work alone, until about four o'clock, when the
+last desperate charge was made, the grand effort which was to sweep the
+Union lines in confusion, or result in the total defeat of the rebel
+army.
+
+The heavy masses swept up as before, with the desperation of madness.
+They advanced until they were fairly on our lines, and, at some points,
+actually pushed them back. Then they were met with enfilading fires,
+from which the carnage exceeded all that had been before. Nearly the
+whole of Picket's division, finding itself unable to retreat through the
+fiery storm, was captured, and the remaining divisions reeled back in
+confusion, leaving the ground literally covered with dead.
+
+This decided the fate of the battle. The enemy had staked all upon this
+last desperate charge, and had been hurled back in confusion and with
+enormous losses.
+
+No pursuit was attempted, but, although the rebels were not at once
+driven from their position, they had suffered a terrible defeat, and
+they must retreat with all speed to their defenses in Virginia, or
+submit to the destruction of their army. Our wounded were collected in
+great numbers in and about the field hospitals, which were composed
+chiefly of hospital tents, some farm house with its large barns, serving
+as a nucleus for each. To these, thousands of our brave comrades were
+brought with mangled limbs, torn bodies or bleeding heads, yet,
+notwithstanding their terrible wounds, exhibiting their accustomed
+heroism. Long trains of ambulances were bringing in crowds of poor
+fellows with arms or legs torn to shreds, yet who never uttered a word
+of complaint, and who, indeed, appeared cheerful, and some even gay.
+
+In this respect there was the greatest contrast between the wounded of
+the Union and the rebel armies. A Union soldier, if so severely wounded
+that he could by no possibility assume a cheerful countenance, would
+shut his teeth close together and say nothing. While a rebel, if he
+could boast of only a flesh wound, would whine and cry like a sick
+child. One unaccustomed to such scenes as can only be witnessed about a
+field hospital in time of battle, would be filled with astonishment at
+the stoical bravery manifested by the northern troops. If one had passed
+along where our men were lying in rows, he would only now and then have
+heard a groan escape from some poor fellow who had received a bullet
+through the abdomen or some such fatal and painful wound. But let a
+group of wounded rebels be placed in some part of the hospital, and
+their groans were heart-rending. This contrast is not overdrawn. Every
+surgeon who has had opportunities to observe the difference in the
+bearing of wounded men of the two armies, can testify to the greater
+heroism of the northern soldier at such times.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+PURSUIT OF LEE'S ARMY.
+
+    Scenes of the field of Gettysburgh--The rebel hospitals--The
+    sightless rebel soldier boy--The Sixth corps at
+    Fairfield--"Hurrah for the Union"--Kilpatrick's handiwork--At
+    Waynesboro'--On picket--A division of militia--The Vermonters at
+    Funkstown--The army at Funkstown--Meade's failure to attack--New
+    York riots--Return to Virginia.
+
+
+The battle was over and the invading army which had suffered such a
+crushing defeat, had only to gather up its shattered remnants and
+hastily retrace its steps southward. We were in no condition to renew
+immediate hostilities. Every man and every gun had been brought into
+service. Never before had all of our army been fought at once. At
+Gettysburgh, every man of the infantry reserve, and every gun of the
+reserve artillery had been brought into action. The men were exhausted
+by their tedious marches and hard fighting, while our ammunition was
+well nigh spent.
+
+During the night of the 4th of July, Lee's army retreated, and on the
+morning of the 5th, our Sixth corps, Sedgwick's cavalry as the corps was
+called, was sent in pursuit on the Fairfield road. The battle-field was
+horrible. Dead men were thickly strewed over the fields with their faces
+blackened, and eyes starting from their sockets; and upturned, swollen
+horses lay, sometimes in groups of six or eight, showing where some
+battery had suffered fearfully. As we passed the scene of the conflict
+on the left, at the foot of Round Top, was a scene more than usually
+hideous. Blackened ruins marked the spot where, on the morning of the
+third, stood a large barn. It had been used as a hospital. It had taken
+fire from the shells of the hostile batteries, and had quickly burned to
+the ground. Those of the wounded not able to help themselves were
+destroyed by the flames, which in a moment spread through the straw and
+dry material of the building. The crisped and blackened limbs, heads and
+other portions of bodies lying half consumed among the heaps of ruins
+and ashes, made up one of the most ghastly pictures ever witnessed, even
+on the field of battle. But we passed these direful scenes to meet with
+others of less shocking but still sad character. Every house and barn
+from Gettysburgh to Fairfield was a hospital; and about most of the
+large barns, numbers of dilapidated hospital tents served to increase
+the accommodations for the wounded.
+
+All of the worst cases were left in these hospitals, the number being
+estimated, by the rebel surgeons in charge, at no less than fifteen
+thousand. Never had we witnessed such sad scenes as we were passing
+through to-day. The confederate surgeons were doing what they could for
+their wounded, but they were destitute of medicines and surgical
+appliances, and even food sufficient to supply those in their charge. At
+one of these barns some of our officers stopped, and as they passed
+among the gray-clad sufferers who were lying in rows upon the barn
+floors, one, a boy apparently not more than sixteen years of age,
+attracted the notice of one of the company, a surgeon. The lad looked
+more like a delicate girl than a soldier; his hair fell from his fair
+forehead in long flaxen curls upon his pillow of straw, some of them
+matted with blood; his cheek was rosy, and his soft white hand told of a
+youth spent amid more tender scenes than those of the camp. A piece of
+linen laid across his face covered a ghastly wound where a ball had
+passed through his face, and had torn both his eyes from their sockets.
+
+The surgeon spoke a kind word to the youth, who stretched out his hand,
+saying, "Come near me, I want to touch you." The doctor stooped over
+him, and the boy, pressing his hand in his own, said, "You are a friend,
+are you not?" "Yes, I am a friend to all the unfortunate." "But are you
+not a confederate?" "No." The boy clung to the hand of the surgeon in
+silence for a moment, and then said slowly, "I did not think a federal
+would speak so kindly to me; your voice sounds like that of a friend,
+and your hand feels like one; will you not stay with me?" When the other
+told him that he must follow his command, he replied: "Oh! I shall never
+hear any one speak so kindly to me again; my mother lives in North
+Carolina, but she will not see me. Can you not stay?" The doctor was far
+from being a rebel sympathizer, yet he turned away from the poor boy,
+with a sad face and a deep drawn sigh, to join the moving column.
+
+Early next morning we passed through the somewhat dilapidated village of
+Fairfield. Our advance threw a few shells down the street, scattering a
+body of cavalry, which had been left in town, and killing some of the
+horses attached to their battery. A mile beyond the town the South
+Mountain range rose in our front, the road running through a narrow
+pass. Here the rear guard of the rebel army was strongly posted. Neill's
+and the Jersey brigade advanced against the rebel skirmishers, but after
+losing some six or eight men they were ordered to halt. General Sedgwick
+deeming the position too strong to assault with his corps from the
+front, reported to General Meade that the pass was very strong, and one
+in which a small force of the enemy could hold in check for a
+considerable time, a force much larger than its own. The main body of
+the army, therefore, was moved around their flank by way of Frederick;
+while Neill's brigade, with Colonel McIntosh's brigade of cavalry and
+two light batteries, all under command of General Neill, were made to
+form a flying division to harass the enemy in the rear.
+
+Our march over the mountain that day was by a wild, romantic route, than
+which none more charming could be asked by tourist in search of nature's
+wildest moods. Before each little log house by the roadside would stand
+a wondering group, astonished at seeing such multitudes of men in those
+secluded regions, where scarcely a dozen travelers usually passed in a
+week. At one place, as the column was passing a cottage half hidden by
+sunflowers and flowering beans, those at the head of the column were
+heard cheering heartily; and, as we advanced, other voices took up the
+cheer, exciting the curiosity of those behind. In the midst of the
+noise, sounded a shrill voice; and as we approached, we saw, sitting
+upon the fence in front of the cottage, a little boy, about four years
+old, his face flushed with excitement, his flaxen hair flying in the
+wind, as he was waving his little hat, and with childlike indistinctness
+shouting in his shrill tones, "Hurrah for 'e Union! Hurrah for 'e
+Union!"
+
+Soon those in the rear of the line heard those ahead shouting again, and
+another shrill voice was heard between the cheers of the men. There by
+the roadside stood an old man, over whom more than eighty years had
+passed, with voice indistinct with the tremor of age, all excited as the
+little boy had been, his hair tossed about by the breeze, as with hat
+swinging he too was shouting, "Hurrah for the Union! Hurrah for the
+Union!" And the cheers of the multitude again rang in response to the
+old man's shout. We could but note the similarity and the disparity. One
+vaguely dreamed of those blessings which the other had fully realized,
+and for which he had struggled; and the same shout was lifted up by
+those two children--the one of four, and the other of fourscore--the one
+with the flaxen curls of childhood, and the other with the white locks
+of age--the one voice with the shrill treble of infancy, and the other
+with the high-keyed tones of decrepitude. Those people, who had seen the
+rebel army pass a few hours before, now felt the value of the Union.
+
+On the summit of the mountain we passed Monterey Springs, a charming
+summer retreat, where the Pennsylvanians resort to indulge in the sports
+of trout-fishing and deer-hunting. Passing down the western slope of the
+mountain, the handiwork of Kilpatrick was strewed along the roadside for
+miles. As the battle of Gettysburgh drew to a close, and General Meade
+knew that Lee must retreat toward Virginia, he had sent the dashing
+Kilpatrick with his brigade of cavalry to harass the rebels in their
+flight. Reaching these mountains, the cavalry had come upon a long rebel
+train of wagons and ambulances, hastening with all speed, with their
+lading of stolen goods and provisions and their wounded men, towards the
+Potomac. With shouts and cheers the horsemen dashed from the cover of
+the woods, upon the flying train, shot the leading horses and mules,
+captured the drivers and remaining animals, appropriated the stolen
+goods to their own use, and burned the wagons. Now, as we marched down
+the forest road, the wildness of the scene was heightened by the remains
+of the ruined wagons which lined the wayside, some burned, some with the
+wheels disabled by cutting the spokes, others tumbled off the steep
+embankment. For more than three miles, these remnants of the rebel
+trains met our view.
+
+It was near the middle of the afternoon when the column, the army under
+General Neill, descended into the beautiful Cumberland valley, and
+arrived at the village of Waynesboro. The people gave our little army a
+joyous reception, and we encamped at a little distance from the village.
+One regiment, the Seventy-seventh, was sent on picket on the banks of
+the Antietam creek, and so pleasant was the duty that the regiment
+petitioned to be allowed to remain until the army moved, to which
+request General Neill very graciously assented. Our picketing on the
+Antietam became one of the bright sports in the history of our
+campaigning. We were a mile in advance of the other troops, and the
+picket line was two miles long, so that we were not at all crowded. The
+weather was fine, the country delightful, and the people kind and
+hospitable. The most friendly relations sprang up at once between the
+people and the soldiers, the inhabitants supplying the boys with
+luxuries, and taking them into their houses as welcome guests, the
+soldiers on their part guarding the people against the depredations of
+stragglers and militia.
+
+The grain was ripe for the harvest, and the farmers were short of help;
+but the boys laid aside their guns, and swung the cradle and the scythe
+with a zest that showed that they worked with a good will. Day after day
+the boys of the Seventy-seventh reaped and bound in the fields, while
+the good ladies worked day and night to make bread and cakes for the
+veterans, who had so long been accustomed to diet on pork and hard tack.
+Soft bread, milk, poultry and the staple luxury of Pennsylvania, apple
+butter, was a glorious improvement on the usual bill of camp fare, and
+kind sympathizing Union people were much better calculated to render our
+stay among them agreeable, than the bitter rebels among whom we had so
+long been.
+
+The left wing of our extended picket line was under command of Major
+Babcock, who, with the line officers of his part of the picket,
+established head-quarters at the house of a miller, whose comfortable
+rooms and well filled larder afforded substantial inducements to our
+friends; but the great attractions at the miller's house were doubtless
+the three charming daughters, whose merry faces and bewitching eyes
+rejoiced the hearts of our gay major and his associates. Word came to
+the right of the line that our friends on the left were in the enjoyment
+of far more than the usual allowance of pleasure for men on picket, and
+thither started the colonel and the doctor, and our friend, Colonel
+Connor, of the Seventh Maine, to investigate the matter. Riding through
+a lovely region, now rising to the summit of some gentle eminence, from
+whence they could look away upon the surrounding country, its rich
+fields of grain ready for the harvest, its charming groves of oak, and
+its neat farm houses, making up a most delightful landscape, now
+descending into some green valley where babbling brooks danced over
+pebbly beds, and now reining up to listen to the complaint of some
+cottagers, who said that "the militia were robbing them of their pigs
+and their poultry, and but for the old soldiers, who were perfect
+gentlemen, they would be stripped of everything they had;" now fording
+the bright waters of the Antietam, and anon halting to converse with
+some group of men who were reclining beneath the shadow of some clump of
+chestnuts or oaks, doing picket duty as amateurs, the party at length
+arrived at the miller's house, nestled in a pleasant grove by the side
+of the beautiful river. Here was the major, and here were the happy line
+officers, and here was the main reserve of the left wing of the picket,
+all exhibiting the most abundant good humor. Here, also, they found our
+chaplain, and Chaplain Osborn, of the Forty-third New York. It was
+evident, at a glance, that the reports of gay soldiering which had
+reached the right of the line were in no way exaggerated. The miller
+took the horses, and the party was ushered into the house, when the good
+lady and her merry daughters welcomed them heartily. The miller brought
+out his best wines and his biggest apples. The ladies were smiling, the
+wines were good, and the apples delicious, and the hearts of the
+soldiers were gladdened. The ladies retired, leaving the gentlemen in
+possession of the airy sitting-room. They sung Old Hundred, and
+Coronation, and Lenox, and Cambridge. Now our friend, Colonel Connor,
+would lead off in a rollicking soldiers' song; then our chaplain would
+follow with "Benny Havens, Oh!" and all would join in the chorus.
+Chaplain Osborn, of the Forty-third, could tell a good story, and relish
+a glass of wine; and so they passed a happy hour, singing and chatting,
+till called to dinner, where the long table was loaded from the
+abundance of the miller's stores. Dinner over, the company strolled
+among the fruit trees and along the banks of the river; but at length,
+as an end must come to all pleasures, our party, who had left the right
+of the line in the morning, galloped back to their quarters, satisfied
+that picket duty was not necessarily the most vexatious in the service.
+
+The Forty-ninth was provost guard for the town, and a merry time the men
+had of it. Here in the principal hotel, General Neill established his
+head-quarters, and in regal style amid flowers and fruits he received
+the homage of the citizens and soldiers. The remaining regiments of the
+brigade were stationed in a lovely grove half way between the town and
+the picket line. They lounged in the shade of their beautiful camp, or
+strolled to the village or to the picket line on the Antietam. They
+purchased from the people fruit and bread, apple butter and other
+luxuries, enjoying a pleasant respite from labors, while the Forty-ninth
+guarded the town and the Seventy-seventh the river. But notwithstanding
+all the pleasures of this bright episode in our campaign, the boys were
+not without a source of annoyance.
+
+Soon after our arrival at Waynesboro, we were joined by a large division
+of New York and Pennsylvania militia, under our old commander General W.
+F. Smith, who still held a prominent place in the affections of the
+boys. The militia was composed mostly of young gentlemen who had left
+their places behind the counter or at the desk, for the double purpose
+of lending their aid to their country in its hour of need, and of
+enjoying a month of what they hoped would be amateur soldiering.
+
+On the evening of their arrival, they were all complaining bitterly of
+the terrible marches they had endured, and swore they would shoot the
+general if they ever got into a fight. They had marched all the way from
+Harrisburgh, to which point they had been brought in cars, at the rate
+of from eight to fifteen miles a day! In addition to the severe marches,
+they had been subjected to great privations; many of them had not tasted
+any _butter_ for more than a week, and nearly all declared that they had
+absolutely nothing to eat for several days. The writer, who listened to
+these grievous complaints from some who had been his friends in civil
+life, pointed to their trains of wagons loaded with boxes of hard bread.
+"What," replied the militia-men, "You don't expect us to eat that hard
+tack do you?"
+
+These regiments of militia were undisciplined and unaccustomed to the
+hard fare of the soldier's life, and the majority of the men took to
+plundering the inhabitants of the neighboring country, and perpetrating
+other depredations equally dishonorable in the eyes of the old soldiers.
+As the veterans constituted the picket and the guard of the town, and
+were intrusted to guard many of the houses of the citizens outside of
+the village, they found great annoyance in attempting to resist the
+incursions of the militia, and rather frequent collisions resulted, in
+which the old soldiers usually got the best of the encounter.
+
+The citizens very soon learned to look upon the veterans as their
+friends and their protectors, while they regarded with dread any squad
+of soldiers that might approach, if they were clad in new uniforms.
+
+But, on the 11th of July, we drew in our picket line, the brigade
+assembled, and at dark the troops, veterans and militia, were fording
+the Antietam, the water nearly to their waists. We marched rapidly all
+night, halting at a place called Leytirsburgh. At daylight next morning,
+we were again marching. The day was extremely hot, and large numbers of
+the men fell by the wayside from sun-stroke. At Smithville we fell in
+with the First corps, which was moving towards Hagerstown, and the
+hearts of the men were gladdened by the sight of the old familiar flags
+of the Army of the Potomac. We had been absent from the main body of the
+army for a week, and it seemed now as though we had fallen in with old
+friends from whom we had been long separated. Falling in the rear of the
+First corps, we marched toward Hagerstown. At 2 o'clock a most terrific
+thunder-storm arose, such as had never overtaken our army, even in
+Virginia. Huge black clouds rose from the north and from the west and
+south, and meeting overhead poured down great volumes of water, until
+the road through which we were marching, and which was bordered by high
+banks on either side, was filled with a mad torrent which reached to the
+knees, and in places to the waists of the men. At sunset we reached
+Funkstown, where the main body of our corps was in line of battle,
+having yesterday met the rebels and driven them more than a mile. Our
+friends of the Vermont brigade had, as usual, given a good account of
+themselves; and the head-boards of pine, here and there among the trees,
+showed that the victory had not been gained without a struggle.
+
+In marching from Boonsboro towards Funkstown, the Vermont brigade in
+advance of the corps, the little stream, Beaver Creek, was passed, and
+General Howe found Buford's cavalry in his advance holding a strong
+position against the skirmishers of the rebel infantry. At General
+Buford's request, General Howe sought and obtained permission to send
+the Vermont brigade to relieve the cavalry. Colonel Lewis with his Fifth
+Vermont and part of the Second, and Colonel Barney with the Sixth
+regiment, at once deployed as skirmishers, forming their line two miles
+long. The Third and Fourth regiments were supporting a battery, and the
+balance of the Second was held in reserve. They saw the rebel infantry
+approach a strip of woods in front, and at once advanced and occupied it
+themselves. Against this long thin line of skirmishers, the rebels
+opened a severe fire of artillery and musketry, and advanced to drive
+the skirmishers from their position; but the brave mountaineers never
+dreaming that a Sixth corps skirmish line could not hold a rebel line of
+battle, resolutely refused to leave and sent the presumptious rebel line
+of battle to the rear in confusion; not, however, until Colonel
+Stoughton with the Fourth and Colonel Seaver with the Third, came
+forward to the support of the Fifth and Sixth. Again, the rebels,
+disgusted at being repulsed by a skirmish line, came up in several lines
+of battle and charged upon the Vermonters and they again went to the
+rear in confusion. A third charge was made against the obstinate
+skirmish line, and a third time the attack was broken. Meanwhile a
+strong force attempting to cross the Antietam and come in on the flank,
+was repelled by the Second Vermont.
+
+The gallant brigade had repelled Anderson's brigade, of seven large
+regiments, from its front, and another from its flank.
+
+An instance of a skirmish line, a mile and a half from any support,
+resisting repeated attacks of troops in line of battle, is rarely found
+in the history of armies.
+
+The men used from sixty to eighty rounds of cartridge, and when the
+first supply was exhausted, a fresh one was brought to the front on
+stretchers.
+
+The victory cost the brigade a loss of nine men killed and fifty-nine
+wounded, while the enemy lost more than two hundred men.
+
+The men of Neill's brigade were rejoiced to find themselves once more
+with the glorious old corps, and when their brigade flag, bearing the
+insignia of the Greek cross, was once more thrown to the breeze, it was
+greeted with vociferous cheers. Brisk skirmishing was going on along the
+line, and frequent charges were made by our Union pickets upon the rebel
+line, which usually resulted in the capture of a greater or less number
+of the enemy's pickets. All things indicated a great battle on the
+morrow. The two armies were facing each other in a line in front of
+Hagerstown, near a hamlet called Funkstown, the line of battle extending
+several miles. The rebels had occupied the higher grounds, and had
+thrown up strong earthworks to dispute our progress. Night came on with
+rain, and all expected to be roused early by the sound of battle. But
+morning came and passed, and the day wore on with little activity on our
+part. Here and there skirmishers kept up a rattle of musketry, but no
+general engagement came on. Much as the veterans, who knew too well the
+risks of battle, usually dreaded a general engagement, this time there
+seemed a universal desire, on the part of the men, now to strike a blow
+which should destroy their adversaries before they should be able to
+cross the river again.
+
+Deserters and prisoners from the rebel army represented it in a
+deplorable condition; and the men of the ranks in our army believed that
+this was the grand opportunity for striking a final blow. And
+notwithstanding the assertion of general officers that the Potomac was
+so swollen as to prevent the crossing of the rebel army, there were few
+privates in our ranks who were not ready to declare that, unless we gave
+battle at once, the prey would surely escape. Thus, as the day wore on,
+great dissatisfaction was expressed all along the ranks--men openly and
+freely cursing the hesitancy which held them back, as they believed,
+from a certain victory. So, when they arose on the morning of the 14th,
+to find that there was no enemy in our front, they were more incensed
+than surprised. There was certainly a very general ill-feeling pervading
+our army at this easy escape of the rebel army, which even the glorious
+news of Vicksburg and Port Hudson failed to pacify.
+
+Brisk firing in the vicinity of the Potomac, however, warned us that
+there were still rebels enough left on the north side of the river to
+offer some resistance. We learned, late in the day, that the firing was
+caused by a brilliant charge of Kilpatrick's cavalry upon the rear guard
+of the rebels at Falling Waters, where they captured several hundreds of
+prisoners; thus adding one more brilliant success to their many daring
+achievements during this campaign. Marching until nightfall, we reached
+Williamsport, and encamped very near the spot that had been our
+resting-place on a former occasion, nearly a year before.
+
+Why General Lee and his army were allowed to cross the Potomac
+unmolested, we do not attempt to explain; nor do we condemn the
+determination of General Meade not to give battle. When men of such
+well-known military ability and bravery as General Sedgwick advise
+against a movement, it may be well to hesitate; yet it will doubtless be
+the verdict of history, that the hesitancy of General Meade at this time
+was his great mistake.
+
+A hard march on the 15th brought the Sixth corps to Boonsboro, where our
+Second division encamped on precisely the same ground that we had
+occupied on the 31st of October last. Neill's brigade made the march at
+a breakneck pace, leaving the Vermonters far to the rear, who declared
+that the recent associations of the former with the cavalry had
+transformed them into a flying brigade. While resting here, a large body
+of rebel prisoners was marched past. They were mostly those who had been
+captured by Kilpatrick's men at Falling Waters. The rebels were hungry
+and destitute of rations. Our men at once divided their rations of hard
+bread and coffee with them, who, officers and all, declared that it was
+the best meal they had enjoyed for several days, and expressed
+themselves greatly pleased with the generosity of their guardians.
+
+Notwithstanding our glorious success at Gettysburgh, and the good news
+from the west, we were now hearing news that made our hearts sick, and
+caused the cheeks of the New York soldiers to burn for the disgrace of
+their native State. It was a source of the deepest mortification to the
+brave New Yorkers, to feel that their own State and the great metropolis
+had been outraged by the most disgraceful riot that had ever stained the
+annals of any State or city in the Union, all for the purpose of
+overawing the government in its efforts to subdue the rebellion. Our
+companions from other States, with the generosity that characterizes
+soldiers, never derided us with this disgrace, but alluded to the riot
+as an uprising of foreigners, who had for the moment overpowered the
+native element. Even the fact that the governor of that great State had,
+in the midst of these terrible scenes, addressed the miscreants as his
+"friends," was alluded to with a delicacy that won our hearts.
+
+It was one of the pleasant indications of a union of hearts as well as
+of States, that the soldiers of our sister States looked upon these
+riots in the light of a general calamity, rather than a disgrace to a
+particular State.
+
+Crossing the South Mountain range, from Boonsboro to Middletown, the
+Sixth corps reached Petersville, three or four miles north of Berlin,
+where the army was to cross the Potomac. Here, nearly the whole army was
+crowded into a space of not more than three miles, all waiting for the
+orders to cross. The men were universally eager to push forward, and the
+necessary delay caused by crossing the men and material of so large an
+army seemed to them a wearisome expenditure of time. While waiting here,
+the Second division was honored by the presence of several ladies, wives
+of officers of different regiments, who had been waiting in Washington
+an opportunity of visiting their husbands, and had met them here. As a
+memento of this brief visit, the Seventy-seventh New York received from
+the wife of the surgeon the gift of a pair of beautiful guidons, which
+the regiment boasted were unequaled in the army. The design was a white
+cross, the badge of our division, upon a ground of deep blue silk. In
+the center of the cross were wrought the figures "77." These beautiful
+guidons were carried by the regiment until its final discharge from the
+service, when, with the old banner, the tattered national flag, and the
+magnificent new flag which was presented afterward by the ladies of
+Saratoga, they were presented to the State of New York, on the Fourth of
+July, 1865, in the presence of General Grant and a great concourse of
+illustrious men.
+
+On Sunday, the 19th, the Sixth corps crossed the pontoon bridge to
+Virginia, the bands playing "O carry me back." As usual, while the corps
+was crossing a bridge or passing a difficult place, General Sedgwick
+stood at the farther end of the bridge preventing confusion and hurrying
+up teams which might obstruct the way. We climbed the rocky defile, and,
+at four o'clock, found ourselves well on the Virginia side of the
+Potomac. On our march we passed through the little village of
+Lovettsville, and, much to the surprise of all, the doors and windows of
+the dwellings were filled with ladies, whose hair and dresses were
+decked with ribbons of red, white and blue, and scores of Union flags
+waved a welcome to our soldiers. Such a sight had not greeted us before
+in Dixie, and it was most refreshing to witness such a demonstration of
+loyalty in Virginia.
+
+The corps encamped about ten miles from the river, near a beautiful
+clear stream of water, which was very soon filled with bathers. Here
+orders came for each regiment in the army to send, to the State in which
+the regiment was raised, a certain number of commissioned officers and
+enlisted men for recruiting duty.
+
+The march on the 20th was slow and through groves and pleasant meadows.
+Twelve miles were made, and we halted for the night and the next day.
+Wednesday we passed through Union town and Snickersville, reaching the
+base of Cobbler's mountain, a high spur from the Blue Ridge, not far
+from Ashby's Gap. Thursday the Sixth corps proceeded to Ashby's Gap,
+and, halting there for a few hours in a most delightful valley, again
+started southward. Vines of the trailing blackberry covered the ground,
+and the delicious fruit grew in such profusion that the men enjoyed a
+continual feast. Never had we, in our wanderings in the south, found
+such an abundance of fruit, and the effect upon the health of the men
+was marvelous. By the time that we reached Warrenton the occupation of
+the surgeons was almost gone. At no time, perhaps, in the history of the
+Army of the Potomac, did the medical reports exhibit a more general
+state of health than during our stay in the vicinity of Warrenton.
+
+Thus, marching along at the foot of Blue Ridge, now turning aside to
+enter some mountain pass, and again proceeding on the general course,
+the army, on the 25th of July, reached the vicinity of Warrenton, our
+Sixth corps occupying a line from Warrenton to Waterloo, the scene of
+some of the early engagements of General Pope's army at the first rebel
+invasion. The First division was stationed in and about Warrenton; the
+Jersey brigade being provost guard of the town, where the gentlemanly
+conduct of the men, and the strict order preserved in the town, won for
+them the good opinions of the town's people, as well as of army
+officers. The Third division was in the rear of the other two divisions,
+and guarding the flank. The Second division encamped about an old
+Baptist church, which, inclosed by a thick growth of trees, large and
+small, had been, before the war, the only house of worship for miles
+around. No paint had ever stained its seats or casings, and no steeple
+from its roof had ever pointed toward heaven. The pulpit, the white
+folks' seats and the black folks' seats, were all in ruins now. The
+Rappahannock river was but a half a mile distant, and the
+Seventy-seventh and Fifth Vermont were sent to perform picket duty along
+its banks. On the following day the camps of the two regiments were
+moved to the vicinity of the river, in front of the remainder of the
+division, and we were ordered to perform picket duty while the division
+remained in its present camp. The camp of the Fifth Vermont was
+established a fourth of a mile from that of the Seventy-seventh, its
+lines joining ours on the left. On the bank of the river just below our
+camp, was the residence of Mr. Hart and a grist-mill; hence the place
+was called "Hart's Mills."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+CAMPS AT WARRENTON, THE CENTREVILLE CAMPAIGN AND THE BATTLE OF
+RAPPAHANNOCK STATION.
+
+    Camp at Hart's Mills--A ride to the Sulphur Springs--Contrabands
+    going north--The Vermonters go to New York--Jersey Brigade at
+    Warrenton--The Sixth corps at Cedar Mountain--Retreat to
+    Centreville--Battle of Bristoe Station--Advance to
+    Warrenton--Battle of Rappahannock Station--Flight of Lee's army.
+
+
+
+The camp at Hart's Mills was truly a pleasant one. It was situated in
+the midst of a most delightful oak grove, on a projecting hill, around
+whose base the Rappahannock coursed in a beautiful curve. Along its
+banks was our picket line. Westward the view extended over a charming
+valley to the Blue Ridge, some ten miles away; and at evening, when the
+sun sank behind those fine hills, tinging them and the clouds with
+gorgeous colors, the prospect was truly delightful. The village of
+Warrenton was some four miles distant, and the celebrated Warrenton
+Sulphur Springs about three miles down the river.
+
+Under the direction of Chaplain Fox, a place in the grove was selected,
+a speaker's stand was erected, surrounded by rows of log seats, and here
+services were held on the Sabbath; and on other days of the week there
+were other regimental gatherings, which the men greatly enjoyed. At
+evening, the place would be lighted by Chinese lanterns of various
+colors, hung among the boughs of the oak trees, giving to the grove a
+most romantic appearance.
+
+On one evening the regiment, with many invited guests from the division,
+assembled in this lovely spot and listened to speeches from several
+gentlemen of eloquence, the brigade band lending the aid of fine music
+to the evening's entertainment.
+
+Thus pleasantly passed the time of the two regiments--the
+Seventy-seventh and Fifth Vermont--in doing picket duty for the Second
+division, along the banks of the Rappahannock. Our friends of the Fifth
+Vermont were, in addition to the pleasant location of their camp and
+their easy picket duty, favored with the presence of the wives of some
+of their officers. A ride to the Sulphur Springs was always a pleasant
+pastime; and we recall with pleasure one of these excursions. A small
+party, including one of these ladies, enjoying a morning's drive, turned
+their horses' heads towards the Springs. A merry gallop across three
+miles of delightful country, through pleasant groves and over rolling
+meadows, fording clear sparkling streams and leaping fences, brought the
+party to the former Saratoga of the south.
+
+The morning had been cool and cloudy, but as our friends reached the
+little settlement the clouds were breaking away, and the sun began to
+pour blazing rays upon them. They secured their horses and walked into
+the grounds, in the midst of which General Birney, commanding a division
+of the Third corps, had established his head-quarters; and as it was
+then the dinner hour, the general and his staff were gathered around the
+board under the shade of the chestnut trees, while a band discoursed
+sweet music for the benefit of those at table.
+
+Oak, chestnut and ailanthus trees form a rich and grateful shade for the
+grounds, which dip so as to form a kind of basin, in the center of which
+rises the cupola which covers the spring. As we step down into the
+inclosure of the cupola, indeed as we approach it at a distance, a
+strong sulphurous odor is perceived; but there is a delightful coolness
+as we sit down upon the benches which are placed around the area of the
+cupola. Several Vermont officers greeted our friends as they approached,
+offering the odorous drink to the lady. There are two springs or vats
+within the cupola, each inclosed by marble sides; and the water stands
+so high that we may dip it ourselves, thus dispensing with the necessity
+of the "dippers," such as take our dimes at Saratoga.
+
+A glass of the sparkling fluid was presented to our lady friend, who
+raised it to her lips, and then turning her face away, with an
+expression of infinite disgust, and saying, with a good deal of energy,
+"I don't want any," handed back the glass. The gentlemen endeavored to
+convince her that the water was good; but even after adding a little
+fine brandy, she could not be induced to quaff the liquid, which she
+declared carried with it such powerful suggestions of unserviceable
+eggs.
+
+Our friends lingered about the grounds for some hours, enjoying the cool
+shade and examining the old buildings, the principal one of which was
+originally a fine structure, but it had been burned the year before by
+our soldiers. The massive columns and high walls were still suggestive
+of the hilarious old times when the chivalry used to congregate here in
+all its glory. Encircling the grounds was a row of long one and two
+story buildings, most of them painted yellow. These were divided into
+small apartments which had been used as lodging rooms. There were a
+dozen or more of these buildings, all dilapidated by age rather than
+suffering from the ruthless usage of war. They inclosed the grove which
+occupied ten or twelve acres of land.
+
+Except the circle of buildings immediately surrounding the grove and
+springs, there were but very few dwellings in the neighborhood, those
+evidently intended for the purpose of receiving summer boarders. It was
+said that about five hundred boarders used to spend the summer here
+every year, and double that number of visitors took rooms at Warrenton,
+a mile and a half distant, from which place they rode to the springs
+morning and evening to quaff the odorous fluid, or to stroll about the
+groves. The new White Sulphur Springs in the Shenandoah Valley had, for
+some years past, diverted the patronage from the Warrenton springs, and
+thither, at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains, great numbers of
+fashionable southerners had resorted.
+
+It was evidently a blessing that this resort had been despoiled by war.
+It sadly needed renovating and modernizing, and so long as the old
+buildings stood, no southerner had the enterprise to pull them down and
+replace them with better ones. A few thousands of dollars in the hands
+of an enterprising Yankee would soon make this one of the most
+delightful resorts in the southern states.
+
+One of the characteristic features of our picket duty on the
+Rappahannock, was the great number of contrabands who came through our
+lines.
+
+Squads of gray-headed old negroes, young negro women and children,
+carrying in bundles all their worldly store, constantly applied for
+permission to enter the lines on their way to the north. The cavalry who
+scouted in front on the south side of the river, returned with wagons
+loaded with little darkies, whose mothers and elder sisters and
+grandsires trudged along on foot. All wagons going to Warrenton without
+other lading were filled with these refugees from slavery, old and
+young, some black, some olive and some white; some with black curly
+wool, some with wavy black hair, and some with brown ringlets.
+
+Our northern soldiers had, by this time, begun to look upon slavery in
+its true light. They had also learned that the negroes were their
+friends. It required a long schooling to teach them this lesson, but it
+was thoroughly learned at last. We heard now no jeering and hooting when
+a negro or wagon load of negroes went by. The soldiers treated them with
+the greatest kindness, and aided them in every way to get off to the
+north.
+
+While our boys did not hesitate long to take from the white inhabitants
+any articles that they thought they were in need of, it was considered
+an act of outrageous meanness to take a chicken or any other property
+from the negro people.
+
+While passing through Orleans, on our way to the present camp, a great
+many slave children were standing along the streets watching us. Many of
+these children were nearly white. The attention of one our captains, who
+was one of the last relics among us of that class of men who were loyal
+to their country but despised the negro, was fixed upon a beautiful
+child of olive complexion and wavy hair, who stood gazing in innocent
+wonder at the passing column. The child was indeed a picture of
+unadorned beauty, in her long coarse garment of "negro cloth." The
+captain turned to a staff officer and as a tear stole down his rough
+cheek at the thought of the degradation of the beautiful child, he
+exclaimed, "Isn't it horrible."
+
+It is hardly necessary to say that the captain's sentiments from that
+moment underwent a radical change, and ever after there were none more
+ready to afford assistance to the needy refugees, than our generous but
+hitherto prejudiced captain.
+
+Many of these colored refugees had the greatest faith in what they
+deemed the promises of the Bible. There was an almost universal faith in
+the ultimate overthrow of the south by the north, and this belief was
+founded in most cases upon their supposed Bible promises.
+
+[Illustration: "WHAT'LL OLE MISSUS DO NOW?"]
+
+One of these people, a gray-haired negro, bent with age and leaning
+heavily upon his staff, who hoped to spend the evening of his life in
+freedom, said to the writer: "Our massas tell us dat dey goin to whip de
+Yankees and dat Jeff. Davis will rule de norf. But we knowd it warnt so
+cause de Bible don't say so. De Bible says that de souf shall prevail
+for a time and den de norf shall rise up and obertrow dem."
+
+Where the old man found this strange prophecy he did not say, but many
+of the slaves declared this to be Bible truth and all asserted it in the
+same way.[5]
+
+    [5] Since the above paragraph was in print, a friend has called
+    my attention to the passage in Daniel, chap. xi, verses 13-15,
+    as the probable origin of this belief among the negroes. He
+    further assures me that he is informed that the negroes in North
+    Carolina entertained the same belief.
+
+Among those who were thus fleeing from bondage, were two fine boys, each
+about twelve years of age and from the same plantation. Each gave his
+name as John, and as they were both remarkably bright little fellows,
+they were at once adopted into our head-quarters family. Their sprightly
+manners, their ready wit and their kindly good nature soon brought them
+into general favor. We were very early one morning startled by an
+extraordinary commotion in front of head-quarters, where the two Johns
+stood swinging their hats, leaping and dancing in most fantastic manner,
+and screaming at the top of their voices the wildest exclamations of
+delight. Looking in the direction to which their attention was turned,
+we saw a group of eight or ten negro women and small children
+accompanied by an aged colored patriarch. One of the Johns suddenly
+forgetting his ecstacy of delight, rolling up the whites of his eyes and
+holding his hands above his head, exclaimed with impressive gravity, "Oh
+my Lor a massa! What'l ole missus do now?"
+
+The party consisted of the mothers and younger brothers and sisters of
+the two boys with their grandfather. Forgetting for a moment their joy
+at the escape of their friends from slavery, the boys were overpowered
+with the vision of "ole missus" left desolate, without a slave to
+minister to her many wants.
+
+On the morning of the 6th of August, we were astonished to find the camp
+of our neighbors of the Fifth Vermont deserted, and their picket line
+occupied by a regiment from the Third division. The surprise was still
+greater when we learned that the whole of the Second brigade had been
+ordered to New York city to guard against any resistance which might be
+offered to the enforcement of the draft. The order had reached the
+brigade after midnight, and at three o'clock it was on its way to the
+north. Thus the Third brigade was now all that was left of the Second
+division of the Sixth corps. Up to this time General Howe had kept the
+division, except the two regiments on picket, hard at work at division
+drills. It is safe to say that no division in the army performed more
+labor in drills than Howe's during the time that it was under command of
+that officer. The whole division was encamped in one of those charming
+localities which make this part of Virginia more beautiful than almost
+any other, and aside from the continual round of drills, the time passed
+most agreeably. The Jersey boys here spent the time in pleasant
+alternation of guard duties and social enjoyments; a part of the time
+being devoted to military affairs, and a much greater part spent in
+agreeable attentions to the winning young ladies of Warrenton.
+
+But, like every other brief respite for the army of the Potomac, this
+was destined to come to an end. On the 15th of September the army moved
+toward Culpepper, which was reached on the 16th; the Sixth corps taking
+position at a place called Stonehouse Mountain, three miles west of
+Culpepper.
+
+Here we remained three weeks; the camps were by no means so delightful
+as those about Warrenton and Waterloo, and the weather was becoming
+quite cold, so that our three weeks stay at Stonehouse Mountain had
+little about it to make us desire to make it longer. Some pleasing
+incidents, however, relieved the monotony of our stay at this place, the
+presentation of an elegant sword to Colonel French, by the line officers
+of the Seventy-seventh, was the first. The presentation was followed by
+festivity and merriment, and in the evening our friends of the Seventh
+Maine, forming a torchlight procession, marched to the camp of the
+Seventy-seventh to congratulate the colonel and line officers upon the
+mutual trust and confidence existing between them. The next was the
+return of the Vermont brigade from New York. The Third brigade was drawn
+up in line to receive our returning comrades, and with much ceremony
+welcomed them back to the division. It must be acknowledged that both
+brigades would have been better pleased with the unrestrained welcome
+which would have been expressed in cheers than by the formal military
+salute.
+
+On Monday, October 5th, the Sixth corps marched to Cedar Mountain on the
+Rapidan, the scene of General Banks' conflict with Jackson. The First
+corps was already stationed in the vicinity of Raccoon Ford, and the two
+corps now occupied a line of five or six miles along the bend of the
+river, holding the roads to Culpepper and Stevensburgh. The two corps
+were thus thrown out ten miles in front of the main army, having little
+communication with the rear. Few wagons were allowed to follow us, and
+those were ordered to the rear under a strong escort. On Friday, the
+11th, the signal officers stationed on the summit of Cedar Mountain,
+while watching the rebel signals, read the message sent by their flags:
+"I am at James City. J. E. B. S." Thus it was known that Stuart was
+making for our rear, and as long trains of wagons had also been
+discovered moving in the direction of James City, it became evident that
+Lee was endeavoring to throw his whole army in the rear of our own.
+General Meade determined to draw the rebel army back if possible;
+accordingly the Sixth and First corps were ordered to build extensive
+fires and be in readiness to march at a moment's notice. On the
+following morning, Buford, with a division of cavalry, appeared at
+Germania Ford, some twelve miles below us, while our infantry advanced
+as though about to cross at Raccoon Ford and the fords in front of the
+Sixth corps. The ruse of threatening to cross the river by the two
+corps, succeeded in calling the rebel infantry back to check our
+advance; and at night, after building large fires, the two corps hastily
+withdrew toward Culpepper, which we reached at daylight, after a severe
+march. After a brief halt for breakfast, the corps, with the whole of
+the infantry, was on its way toward Brandy Station, leaving the cavalry
+force under Pleasanton to cover the retreat. A rapid march, in which the
+army moved in several parallel columns, brought the infantry all safe
+across the Rappahannock at Rappahannock Station. But the cavalry were
+not allowed to retreat without some hard fighting. Their guns could be
+heard by us during the afternoon, and toward evening the firing became
+more rapid and nearer. Indeed, the rebels advanced almost to the banks
+of the river.
+
+Gregg, with a brigade of cavalry, was overtaken by a considerable force
+of the enemy, near Jefferson, early in the day, and after a severe
+engagement of two hours, fell back, crossing the river at Sulphur
+Springs.
+
+Kilpatrick with his brigade, following the trail of the infantry, and
+designing to form a union with Gregg, found, on passing Brandy Station,
+that his way was blocked by a whole division of rebel cavalry, which had
+slipped in between him and the rear of the infantry. Halting for a
+moment to take a single glance at the situation of affairs, the dashing
+general shouted to his men, "Boys, there are the cusses!" Then,
+springing to the head of the column, he led his men to such a charge as
+has rarely been witnessed even in our cavalry service.
+
+The road was strongly guarded by three regiments of cavalry in solid
+column, flanked on either side by a regiment in line. Directly upon this
+strongly posted force, the gallant general and his brave fellows rushed
+with shouts and oaths, and sabre thrusts, trampling down everything in
+their way. Unable to withstand this impetuous and unexpected onset, the
+rebels gave way, allowing the Union brigade to pass between their broken
+ranks. Dead men and horses lay thickly scattered upon the ground when
+the victorious brigade left the field to join the infantry at the river.
+
+Thus, hotly pursued, General Meade determined to offer battle to the
+pursuing army, making the Rappahannock his immediate base of operations.
+Accordingly, early the following morning, a large portion of the
+infantry and artillery was countermarched across the river, where,
+within a mile of the stream, the line of battle was formed, and we
+waited the onset of the enemy until past noon. Then, Buford's cavalry
+having engaged the enemy in front, three corps, the Second, Fifth and
+Sixth, commenced to advance in line of battle. It was a grand spectacle.
+During two years of service we had not seen its like. Our line of battle
+stretched across the vast plain, nearly three miles in length, straight
+as the flight of an arrow. At each flank were several battalions _in
+echelon_. In the rear of the center of each wing of the line, was a
+heavy reserve in solid square, and, following in the rear of each
+square, a large column, stretching back to the river and across the
+pontoon bridges to the farther side of the stream.
+
+Thus the line of battle moved forward across the plain, never for a
+moment losing its perfect form. Brisk cannonading and musketry were kept
+up by the cavalry in front, and the army earnestly hoped that General
+Lee might accept our challenge to an open field fight, but the rebel
+general was too wary to accept battle on such equal terms, and pushed on
+toward Sulphur Springs, hoping to reach Centreville before us.
+
+Our line of battle halted at dark, at Brandy Station. But there was no
+time to be lost; resting there until eleven o'clock, we were ordered to
+retrace our steps to the river; this time not in line of battle, but in
+all haste. The night was dark, and the troops had already made long
+marches; so when they reached and crossed the river at daylight, they
+were fairly worn out. An hour for sleep and breakfast was allowed, the
+railroad bridge was blown up, and again we were on a grand race
+northward.
+
+It was a great medley; baggage wagons, pontoons, ambulances, artillery
+and troops, all thrown together in splendid confusion. Drivers cursing,
+cannon rattling, soldiers singing and shouting, horses racing, and all
+that sublime confusion which can never be seen except in a hasty but
+well directed retreat of a vast army.
+
+We passed Warrenton Junction and Bealton Station, and at eight o'clock
+halted near Kettle Run, having marched more than thirty miles within
+twenty-four hours.
+
+We had not long to rest, for at daylight, October 14th, we were again on
+the road, making quick time. We passed our old camp at Bristoe, and the
+familiar scenes at Manassas Junction, and crossed Bull Run at Blackman's
+Ford. We reached Centreville at three P.M. The booming of cannon in the
+rear, the huge clouds of smoke, and the heavy rattle of musketry, told
+us there was hot work on the ground we had lately passed over; and as we
+formed in line of battle in front of Centreville, the soldiers said,
+"Here is the third Bull Run, but this time the run will be on the other
+side."
+
+To the Second corps had been assigned the duty of guarding the rear of
+the army. About twelve o'clock, as the rear of that corps was crossing
+Broad Run, a wide and muddy stream at Bristoe Station, the rebel corps
+of A. P. Hill suddenly appeared from the cover of the woods in the
+vicinity, and, running out a battery, opened a severe fire of artillery
+and musketry upon the column, which was in a degree of confusion, owing
+to the difficult crossing of the stream.
+
+In a moment order was restored, and the troops so placed as to defy the
+advance of the enemy.
+
+The rebels, finding that their attack upon the advance was fruitless,
+now turned their attention to the rear division, which was advancing
+toward the run. Opening upon the column a fierce cannonade and a storm
+of bullets, they hoped to throw the division into confusion, but again
+they were disappointed. After a severe fight, the rebels were forced to
+flee across the run in great disorder, leaving in the hands of the
+Second corps five pieces of artillery, two stands of colors, and four
+hundred and fifty prisoners. Such was the battle of Bristoe Station.
+
+At dark that evening the Sixth corps moved to Chantilly, where we rested
+for the night. Next morning we took a new and stronger position, where
+we waited, listening to the roar of cannon where the cavalry was
+contending with the advance of the enemy, and wondering how soon our own
+turn would come. Suddenly, at three o'clock, the doubts seemed to be
+removed. An officer came dashing along the line, with the order to
+"Strip for the fray! the enemy are coming down upon us!" The men stood
+to arms, and again we waited for the attack, but none was made: our
+cavalry had arrested the advance of the enemy. At night the firing died
+away, and we pitched our tents and slept undisturbed.
+
+In the afternoon of the 16th, the Seventy-seventh being on picket, a
+horseman suddenly rushed in front of the head-quarter tents, saying that
+the left of our picket line was attacked. It proved that a body of rebel
+cavalry had discovered some wagons outside the picket line, and had made
+a dash upon them. Our boys drove them back in haste, but the line was
+strengthened in the expectation of a more important demonstration. This,
+however, was the last we saw of the rebels on our part of the line.
+
+Lee, finding himself too late to occupy the works around Centreville
+before us, and hopeless of the success of any flank movement, turned his
+army again towards the Rappahannock.
+
+On the following morning, October 17th, our army started in pursuit, the
+rain falling upon us in torrents, rendering the mud deep and the
+marching hard. We halted that night at Gainesville, marched the next day
+through New Baltimore, and reached Warrenton at night. On our march we
+had passed the bodies of many of our cavalrymen, who had been killed in
+the constant skirmishes which had been going on since our advance. Near
+New Baltimore, where Kilpatrick's brigade had been forced back, the
+bodies of his men lay scattered along the roadside, nearly all of them
+stripped of their clothing by the rebels.
+
+The army encamped in the vicinity of Warrenton; the Sixth corps
+occupying a pleasant ridge just in front of the town. Here we remained a
+fortnight.
+
+Our first week at Warrenton was anything but agreeable. The cold
+northwest winds swept through our camps, carrying chilly discomfort
+everywhere. The men shivered over their log fires; but while the fitful
+wind drove the smoke and fire into their faces, it froze their backs. At
+our head-quarters, as we drew closely about our fire, dreading equally
+the chilly winds and the provoking clouds of smoke, one of the party,
+perhaps reading for the amusement of the others from a volume of Saxe's
+poems, a stranger, had one chanced to drop in among us, would have
+imagined that Saxe must have written most grievous tales of woe, and
+that our hearts and eyes were all melted by the sad stories. At length,
+having suffered these disagreeable exposures for a week, the men of the
+corps fell to work to erect comfortable quarters, and thinking that the
+present camp might possibly become winter quarters, they made for
+themselves much more comfortable huts than had served them in their
+winter's camp at White Oak Church. Generals Neill and Grant reviewed
+their brigades, and then Generals Howe and Wright reviewed their
+divisions, and last of all, General Sedgwick had a grand review of the
+whole corps, which was a very splendid affair.
+
+The weather became again mild and agreeable. Pontoons were arriving and
+there were many indications that we must soon leave our comfortable
+quarters. At length, at ten o'clock at night, November 6th, came the
+order, "Reveille at half-past four; move at daylight." So good-bye, fine
+quarters and comfortable fire-places, we must be off.
+
+We were in line and commenced moving from camp at daylight, November
+7th. We marched rapidly, taking the road to Rappahannock Station. The
+Sixth and Fifth corps only had taken this road, the remaining corps
+were, however, either on the move or under orders to move, the Third
+corps having taken the road to Ely's Ford, and the others following.
+General Sedgwick was placed in command of the Fifth and Sixth corps,
+while General Meade accompanied the left wing.
+
+At noon we halted within a mile of the Station, and the corps was
+immediately thrown into line of battle. The men were allowed to rest on
+their arms for an hour or two, wondering what was to come.
+
+In front of us was a line of low hills, stretching parallel with our
+line of battle, and on the slope toward us, and within pistol shot of
+us, were rebel cavalry pickets, sitting upon their horses and facing us
+with the coolest impudence; but not a shot was fired at them. We had not
+rested here long before we heard the booming of cannon on our left,
+where, three miles down the river, the Third corps had already engaged
+the enemy. At length the order came to move forward. The Second
+division, under General Howe, held the right, the Third brigade
+constituting its front line, the Vermont brigade its second, the
+Forty-third New York as skirmishers. On the left, was the First
+division, the Sixth Maine on the skirmish line, the Second and Third
+brigades in the advance, the New Jersey brigade in the reserve; and in
+the center the Third division, under General Terry.
+
+In this order the corps pushed forward up the hills, the rebel horsemen
+whirling and flying before our advance. As our skirmishers gained the
+summit of the hills, the rebel infantry delivered their fire upon them,
+but the brave boys of the Forty-third and of the Sixth Maine pushed on,
+never halting or wavering for a moment, driving the enemy before them
+until they had pushed the rebel skirmishers close upon their line of
+battle.
+
+The First division at once became hotly engaged, the rebels disputing
+the advance with unavailing obstinacy. That noble division bore the
+brunt of the battle. While the Second and Third divisions behaved with
+great gallantry, doing all that was required of them, and doing it with
+that fighting joy so characteristic of the whole corps, the First
+division, from its position, was called upon to perform unusual feats of
+valor. As General Sedgwick was that day in command of the right wing of
+the army, General Wright, of the First division, commanded the corps,
+and General Russell, the brave, unassuming and beloved commander of the
+Third brigade, commanded the division.
+
+The skirmishers of our Second division, the Forty-third New York, pushed
+gallantly forward, their brave Colonel Baker riding rapidly from one end
+of the line to the other, his white horse making a prominent mark for
+the rebels. The line of battle of the whole corps followed closely upon
+the skirmishers. As we reached the summit of the hills, a grand panorama
+of the battle opened before us. The whole battle-field could be seen at
+a single glance; a rare occurrence. On one side were the eminences
+occupied by our own line of battle, and on the other, a line of hills of
+equal elevation, covered with swarms of rebels. Between the two ranges
+of hills, stretched a plain one-fourth of a mile wide and from one to
+two miles long, which was occupied by the skirmishers of the opposing
+forces.
+
+The rebels were posted in strong positions behind extensive earthworks,
+forts, redoubts and rifle pits; and their artillery was posted so as to
+sweep the plain and the sloping grounds confronting them. Their gray
+lines of infantry were pouring out from behind the earthworks to meet us
+at the edge of the plain.
+
+As our line of battle appeared on the crest of the hills, the rebel
+batteries opened a terrific fire upon us. The air was filled with the
+shriekings of these fearful projectiles, which exploded with startling
+frequency above our heads and just behind us; but, fortunately, the
+rebels aimed high, and many of the shells ploughed the ground in our
+rear or burst about our hospitals. The First division was pressing
+toward the rebel works at double quick, under a terrible fire of
+musketry and artillery, the boys with the red crosses pushing everything
+before them. They neared the rebel works, and the skirmishers along the
+whole line threw themselves upon the ground waiting for the line of
+battle to come up. The rebel skirmishers did the same. Each moment the
+scene became more exciting. Rebel infantry crowded the opposite side of
+the plain, the slopes of the hills and the rifle pits. The whole line
+was ablaze with the fire of musketry, and the roar of battle constantly
+increased.
+
+At length, toward evening, the rebels having been driven back to the
+cover of their rifle pits, the Third brigade of the First division,
+consisting of the Sixth Maine, the Fifth Wisconsin, the Forty-ninth and
+One Hundred and Nineteenth Pennsylvania, regiments whose fame already
+stood high in the army, was ordered forward.
+
+First the Maine and Wisconsin regiments rushed forward, the intrepid
+Russell riding at the very front. At his order to "charge," the two
+regiments quickened their pace to a run, and, with bayonets fixed,
+without ever stopping to fire a gun, the gallant fellows ran forward.
+They seized the fort, but the rebels rallied and drove them out. Again
+they charged; a hand to hand encounter followed. The boys leaped over
+into the fort, using their muskets for clubs, and, when the work was too
+close for that, dropping their guns and pommeling their adversaries with
+their fists. The general had sent back for the remaining regiments of
+the brigade, but, in the ten minutes that elapsed before the
+Pennsylvanians could come up on a run, half the men of the Sixth Maine,
+and nearly as many of the Wisconsin regiment, had fallen. The whole
+brigade leaped over the embankments, capturing hundreds of the rebels.
+
+Not less gallant was the charge of the Second brigade, led by the young,
+ambitious Colonel Upton. His regiments were the One Hundred and
+Twenty-first New York, his own, the Fifth Maine, and the Ninety-fifth
+and Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania. The brigade occupied the left of the
+Sixth corps, joining the Fifth corps. Under cover of the growing
+darkness, the courageous Upton led the One Hundred and Twenty-first New
+York and Fifth Maine within a few yards of the rebel rifle pits, when
+the order to charge was given. Instantly the rifle pits were ablaze, and
+a destructive volley was poured into the two regiments. Another moment
+and the Union boys were leaping into the rifle pits, sweeping everything
+before them. All this while not a shot had been fired by Upton's men,
+but, charging with the bayonet, they carried all before them.
+
+The confederates took to their heels, and attempted to flee to the other
+side of the river, but their pontoon bridge was in possession of our
+troops, and hundreds of panic-stricken rebels leaped into the rapid
+stream and attempted to swim across. Some succeeded, but many were
+drowned in the attempt. Sixteen hundred prisoners, eight pieces of
+artillery, four battle-flags, and more than two thousand stand of small
+arms, were the trophies of this splendid victory.
+
+The credit of this brilliant success belongs mainly to the First
+division; yet the Second and Third divisions, while less actively
+engaged, performed their part with alacrity and bravery, and the many
+dead and wounded from these two divisions attested the severity of the
+fight along their portions of the line. The loss to the corps, in killed
+and wounded, was about three hundred, among whom were many choice
+spirits. The commander of the Fifth Wisconsin, Captain Walker, was
+killed. Captain Ordway succeeded to the command. He leaped upon the
+parapet, and fell dead inside the rebel fort.
+
+All this time the Third corps was actively engaged at Kelly's Ford,
+three miles to our left. It had found the rebels strongly posted on the
+opposite side of the river, well protected by forts and rifle pits. The
+artillery of the corps was taken to the river side and brought to bear
+upon the rebel works. At length a storming party was selected and massed
+on the banks. At the word, the brave fellows plunged into the stream,
+and rushing across, charged the strong works of the rebels with great
+fury. The occupants were obliged to flee, but five hundred of them were
+left as prisoners.
+
+Owing to the depth and force of the stream between the works the Sixth
+corps had taken, and those still occupied by the rebels on the other
+side, it was impossible to push our victory further that night. The
+confederates, finding our troops in possession of their pontoon bridge,
+had set it on fire at the end still held by them; thus all pursuit was
+for the time cut off. But on the following morning the rebels had
+retreated, leaving us to rebuild the bridge and cross at our leisure.
+
+Without further delay we pushed on toward Brandy Station, which we
+reached toward evening, the cavalry having preceded us.
+
+The whole of Lee's army, except the forces stationed at Rappahannock
+Station and Kelly's Ford, had been encamped in the vicinity of Brandy
+Station, and their recently deserted camps, where they had erected
+comfortable huts and made many other preparations for a winter's stay,
+showed that their hasty leave was entirely unexpected to them. In many
+instances officers had forgotten to take their valises and trunks with
+them, and Union soldiers strutted about in the garb of rebel brigadiers
+and colonels.
+
+It was said, by the rebel prisoners taken by the cavalry, that while the
+fights were in progress on the Rappahannock, General Lee was holding a
+grand review of his army, when suddenly the information reached him that
+the Yankees were coming. The review was broken off, and there was
+hurrying of regiments to their respective camps, each regiment,
+independently of its division or brigade, making hot haste for its own
+quarters. Baggage was quickly thrown into wagons, and a general stampede
+toward the Rapidan commenced at once.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE ARMY AT BRANDY STATION.
+
+    Encampment at Brandy Station--The Mine Run campaign--Crossing
+    the Rapidan--Battle of Locust Grove--The army on Mine Run--The
+    order of battle--The army withdraws--Back at Brandy
+    Station--Reconnoissance to Madison Court House--Ladies in
+    camp--Chapel tents.
+
+
+The Sixth corps went into camp on the right of the army, two miles from
+Brandy Station. We occupied land belonging to John Minor Botts. Mr.
+Botts boasted that he owned six hundred miles of fence when we came upon
+his possessions. He could not say that when we had been there a week!
+His fences were burned, and his forests cut down; and it was generally
+known that our chief quarter-master was paying him immense sums of money
+for the wood used by our army.
+
+At the end of a week it became pretty evident that our stay at Brandy
+Station might be of considerable duration, possibly for the winter.
+Accordingly, the men proceeded once more to build houses for the winter;
+and never, since we had been in service, had they constructed so
+comfortable quarters as they now built. All about us were the rebel
+camps, in which they had vainly hoped to spend the winter; and these
+furnished timbers already hewn, fine stones ready for use in making
+chimneys, and hewn saplings ready prepared for bunks. The Sixth corps
+was encamped in a fine forest, which should have furnished not only
+great abundance of timber for use about the quarters, but for fuel for
+the winter; but owing to the wasteful manner in which the wood was at
+first used in building log fires in the open air, the forest melted away
+before the men had fairly concluded that there was any necessity for
+using it economically.
+
+Preparations were hurried forward for another advance. The railroad,
+which had been destroyed by the rebels at the time of the raid to
+Centreville, from the Rappahannock to Bristoe Station, was to be
+rebuilt, and the bridge across the Rappahannock, which we had ourselves
+destroyed, was to be replaced, before the army could safely undertake
+another advance. It is one of the mysteries which people who have never
+been connected with a great army have greatest difficulty in
+comprehending, that an army advancing into such a country as we were now
+threatening, must have ample and easy communications with its base of
+supplies. Could such people for a moment realize the vast amount of
+material consumed by such an army as ours, the mystery might be solved.
+To attempt to advance into a desert country without first either
+providing a supply for many days, or opening ready communications with
+our base of supplies, would have been suicidal. General Sherman might
+lead his army through a fertile country, where the ravages of war had
+not appeared, and, by sweeping across a territory forty miles wide,
+collect abundant supplies for his men; but our army was now to march
+into a wilderness where even a regiment could not find subsistence. The
+newspapers at the north that condemned the delay at Brandy Station, and
+sneered at the idea that the army needed a base of supplies, simply
+exhibited their profound ignorance of the first principles of
+campaigning.
+
+By the 25th the road was completed as far as Brandy Station, the bridge
+rebuilt, and a large amount of supplies brought up; and the army was
+ordered to move at an early hour on the 26th.
+
+The hour for moving was assigned each corps, and the order in which it
+was to march, that no delay or confusion might occur. The Third corps
+was to start as soon as daylight, and the Sixth was to follow it.
+
+Our Sixth corps was moving at sunrise, the hour designated, toward
+Brandy Station. Presently the head of the column halted in the midst of
+the camps of the Third corps, which were yet undisturbed. According to
+the order for marching, the Third corps was to precede the Sixth, and
+should have been out of camp before we arrived, but as yet not a tent
+was struck nor a wagon loaded, and most of the men were asleep in their
+quarters. The Sixth corps was obliged to halt and stand in the mud for
+hours, waiting for the delinquent corps to get out of the way. Here was
+the first blunder of the new campaign.
+
+At length at eleven o'clock we moved again, taking the road to the
+Rapidan. Our march was slow and tedious, and instead of reaching the
+river at noon as was expected, and as General Meade's orders
+contemplated, the head of the Third corps only reached the river at
+Jacobs' Ford long after dark, and here again a delay was occasioned by a
+mistake of the engineers, who had not brought a sufficient number of
+boats to this point to complete the pontoon bridge; a part of the bridge
+had therefore to be extemporized out of poles.
+
+The road for several miles was merely a narrow passage cut through the
+forest; a dense growth of stunted pines and tangled bushes, filling up
+the space between the trees of larger growth. Our corps moved along very
+slowly, halting for a moment, then advancing one or two rods, then
+standing still again for perhaps several minutes, and again moving
+forward for a few steps. This became very tedious. The men were faint
+and weary, and withal discouraged. They were neither advancing nor
+resting.
+
+From one end of the column of the Sixth corps to the other, through the
+miles of forest the shout, coffee! coffee! passed from one regiment to
+another, until there could be heard nothing but the vociferous demand
+for coffee. At eleven o'clock at night the order "ten minutes rest for
+coffee," passed down the line and was received with shouts of approval.
+Instantly the roadside was illuminated with thousands of little fires,
+over which the soldiers were cooking their favorite beverage.
+
+We crossed the Rapidan at Jacobs' Ford at midnight, leaving Upton's
+brigade on the north side as rear-guard, and in another hour the men had
+thrown themselves upon the ground without waiting to erect shelter
+tents, and were sleeping soundly notwithstanding the severity of the
+cold. The Fifth and First corps had crossed at Culpepper Ford and the
+Second corps at Germania Ford about noon, and were in the positions
+assigned them.
+
+The position assigned to the Third and Sixth corps was not reached.
+These corps were ordered to proceed to Robertson's Tavern, a point some
+seven miles beyond the ford, but the night was far advanced, the men
+exhausted and the country little known, so these two corps did not seize
+this very important point as directed. Of course the responsibility for
+this delay was not with the Sixth corps or its commander, who was
+directed to follow the Third.
+
+Next morning the Third corps commenced the advance, and we of the Sixth
+were drawn out in line of march to follow; but it became evident that
+the advance was not unobstructed. Sharp picket firing and the occasional
+booming of cannon revealed to us the fact that that corps had fallen in
+with the enemy. Thus the day passed; the Sixth corps resting quietly,
+while the Third was skirmishing with the enemy in front, until about
+three o'clock, when the firing increased and there was evidently a
+severe engagement in front.
+
+The First and Second divisions of the Sixth corps were now hurried along
+the narrow and winding path to the support of the Third corps--our Third
+division being left near the river to cover the bridges and trains. That
+corps was now fiercely engaged. The sulphurous smoke filled the woods,
+and the roar of musketry became so general, and the forest echoed and
+reëchoed the sound, so that it lost the rattling usually heard, and
+became a smooth, uniform roll. Our corps at once took its position in
+line of battle, so as to support the Third corps and protect the
+interval between the Third and Second corps, with Ellmaker's brigade on
+the right, and Neill's and Upton's on the left, while the Vermonters and
+Torbert's Jersey brigade were held in reserve; but the corps was not
+called into action. The dense growth of young timber completely obscured
+all view of the operations at a little distance, and, indeed, rebel
+scouting parties were able to hang close upon our flanks, and even
+penetrate our lines, protected from view and from pursuit by the tangled
+forest.
+
+On our right, the Second corps also encountered a force of the enemy,
+and became engaged in the vicinity of Robertson's Tavern. They succeeded
+in driving the rebel force, which was small, back to the cover of the
+wilderness. Gregg, also, with his cavalry, became engaged, but drove the
+rebels back.
+
+It now appeared that the fight of the Third corps was brought on by a
+blunder. General French, in attempting to lead his corps to Robertson's
+Tavern, had mistaken the road, and, by bearing too far to the west, had
+encountered Ewell's corps, which was hastening to intercept our
+progress. The rebels made repeated charges upon the corps, but were each
+time repulsed, and under cover of the night they fell back, leaving
+their dead on the ground. The loss to the Third corps was between three
+and four hundred; that of the rebels, judging from the dead left upon
+the ground, must have been greater.
+
+While the fight was in progress, General Sedgwick and his staff
+dismounted and were reclining about a large tree, when the attention of
+all was directed to two soldiers who were approaching, bearing between
+them a stretcher on which lay a wounded man. As the men approached
+within a few rods of the place where the general and his staff were, a
+solid cannon shot came shrieking along, striking both of the stretcher
+bearers. Both fell to the ground--the one behind fatally wounded, the
+other dead. But the man upon the stretcher leaped up and ran away as
+fast as his legs could carry him, never stopping to look behind at his
+unfortunate companions. Shocking as was the occurrence, neither the
+general nor the members of his staff could suppress a laugh at the
+speedy restoration of the man who was being borne disabled from the
+field.
+
+The two corps moved during the night to Robertson's Tavern, the
+destination which they should have reached twenty-four hours before.
+
+The unexpected encounter with the rebels in the Wilderness had hindered
+the two corps thus long, and as might have been expected the time was
+not left unimproved by General Lee. On moving in the morning on the road
+to Orange Court House, Lee's whole army was found strongly posted along
+the banks of a muddy stream called Mine Run. Our army was brought into
+position on the north side of the stream, and arrangements commenced for
+a general assault. Sharp picket firing and the occasional roar of
+artillery, warned us that we were on the eve of a great battle. A cold
+storm of rain rendered the situation cheerless and uncomfortable, but
+the excitement of getting into position, regiments and brigades marching
+from one part of the line to another, now approaching where the bullets
+of the rebel skirmishers whistled about them, and then withdrawing a
+little to the rear, kept up the spirits of the men notwithstanding the
+tedious storm.
+
+The greater part of the lines of both armies were in the midst of
+forests. Between the two lines and in the midst of a deep valley, was
+the little stream Mine Run, bordered on each side by marshes in which
+were luxuriant growths of reed grasses. The marshes and slopes on either
+side were thickly set with low pines and scrub oaks, offering
+concealment to both parties.
+
+Darkness closed over the two armies, neither of which was yet prepared
+for battle. The night was spent by both parties in throwing up
+earthworks, and the morning revealed several strong lines of rifle pits
+on the rebel side of the stream, one commanding another so that in case
+they should be driven from one the next would afford an equally strong
+or even stronger position.
+
+Thus the two armies remained during Sunday. General Meade still waiting
+to perfect his arrangements.
+
+During the day the disposition of the line was completed. General Warren
+with his Second corps occupied the extreme left of the line. His
+position fronted a very strong position of the enemy, where the hills
+rose abruptly to the rear. This being considered by far the strongest
+portion of the enemy's line. Warren was supported by the Fifth corps,
+two divisions of the Third corps, and the Third division of the Sixth
+corps, under General Terry. In the center was the First and Fifth corps,
+and, forming the right, were the two remaining divisions of the Sixth
+corps and what was left of the Third. Our Second division constituted
+the extreme right of the line; the Third brigade the right of the
+division; and the Seventy-seventh New York the right of the brigade.
+
+At two A.M., the Sixth corps and the division of the Third, covered by
+the woods, moved about two miles to a position on the left flank of the
+enemy. The dense thicket and a gentle eminence concealed the corps from
+the view of the rebels, who were but a few yards distant; and in order
+to insure secresy, orders were issued that the men should avoid all
+noise, as far as possible, and refrain from lighting fires.
+
+It was arranged that the grand attack should be made on Monday; and
+early in the evening the commanders of corps were summoned to General
+Meade's head-quarters, where the plan of the battle was laid before
+them.
+
+At a given signal, very early in the morning, General Warren with his
+strong force was to press forward on the right of the rebel line. At the
+same time forces in the center were to open a fierce fire upon the
+enemy, while the Sixth corps, at the same moment, was to rush from its
+concealed position and turn the left flank of Lee's army.
+
+The commanders of the divisions of the Sixth corps summoned the
+commanders of brigades and regiments, and communicated to them also the
+plan of the battle, and assigned to each his part.
+
+The night was bitter cold, and the men of our corps were without fires.
+It was vain to attempt to sleep, and the men spent the night in leaping
+and running in efforts to keep warm.
+
+No one doubted that the morning was to bring on one of the most terrific
+struggles in the history of warfare. No man knew what was to be his own
+fate, but each seemed braced for the conflict. It was a glorious
+moonlight, and the stars looked down in beauty from the cold skies upon
+the strange scene. Thus all waited for the day.
+
+The morning dawned; and soon after daylight the signal gun for the grand
+attack was heard near the center of the line, and an active cannonade
+commenced there.
+
+In a short time the order came for the commencement of the movement on
+the right. The men were ordered to fall in; they were faced to the
+right, to move a little farther in that direction before making the
+direct assault; they stood, with their muskets on their shoulders, their
+hearts beating violently in anticipation of the onset to be made in
+another moment, when an aide rode hastily to General Howe with
+directions to suspend the movement!
+
+Warren, on advancing his line of skirmishers, and viewing the strong
+works thrown up by the enemy during the night, had sent word that he
+could not carry the position before him. And General Meade had ordered
+the whole movement to be discontinued for the time.
+
+Never before, in the history of our army, had such elaborate
+preparations been made for an attack. Every commander and every man knew
+exactly the part he was expected to take in the great encounter, and
+each had prepared himself for it. At the hospitals everything was in a
+state of perfect readiness. Hospital tents were all up, beds for the
+wounded prepared, operating tables were in readiness, basins and pails
+stood filled with water, lint and dressings were laid out upon the
+tables, and surgical instruments spread out ready for the grasp of the
+surgeon.
+
+All day the men remained suffering with cold, their hunger but partially
+satisfied with hard bread without coffee. It was a day of discomfort and
+suffering long to be remembered. It chanced that the hard bread issued
+to our division was old and very wormy. It was, in some cases, difficult
+for a man to know whether his diet was to be considered principally
+animal or vegetable. Our General, Neill, sat with his staff munching
+some of these crackers of doubtful character, when he was handed one
+unusually animated. The general broke the cracker, examined it for a
+moment, and, handing it back to the servant, said, "Jim, give us one
+that hasn't so many worms in it." Many of the men who were on the picket
+line that day and the night before, were found, when the relief came
+around, dead at their posts, frozen.
+
+During the night of December 1st and 2d, the army withdrew from Mine
+Run. The pickets were directed to build fires and keep up a show of
+force. Our Seventy-seventh being that night on the picket line, formed
+the rear of the rear-guard of the army on its retreat. It was three
+o'clock in the morning of December 2d when the picket line was silently
+withdrawn. After a rapid march, it crossed the pontoon bridge at
+Germania Ford at ten o'clock. Scarcely had the troops crossed the
+bridge, when the cavalry of the enemy made its appearance on the south
+side of the river. The Seventy-seventh New York, the Third Vermont and a
+battery of artillery were directed to remain and guard the ford, while
+the remainder of the army continued the march to the old camps. Next
+morning the two regiments and the battery started for Brandy Station,
+and that night slept in their old quarters.
+
+It was now evident that we were in permanent winter quarters. It is not
+our purpose to discuss the merits of this fruitless campaign, but it may
+not be out of place to recall some of the facts relating to it. The
+orders for marching on the 26th, were issued to all the corps commanders
+on the evening previous, indicating the time for leaving camp. The Sixth
+corps was to follow the Third, yet when the Sixth corps reached the camp
+of that corps, there were no signs of moving. Several hours were thus
+lost on the start. General French declared that the order to move did
+not reach him on the previous evening, yet he knew that the movement was
+expected that day. As the result of this and other delays, two corps did
+not reach the position assigned them on the 26th.
+
+When, on the morning of the 27th, General French moved his corps again,
+he took the wrong road, and thus brought on a premature engagement,
+which caused another delay of twenty-four hours. By this time Lee had
+ample opportunity to concentrate his whole army in a strong position on
+Mine Run. Had General Meade's orders been promptly obeyed, Lee could
+have offered no opposition to us at that point, and must have accepted
+battle much nearer Richmond.
+
+Our campaigns for 1863 were now finished; the last two of these had
+certainly been remarkable episodes in the fortunes of our stout-hearted
+army. In October, the rebel army had followed us from the Rapidan to the
+defenses of Washington, and in turn we had pursued the confederates back
+to the Rapidan, all without a battle of any magnitude. Now, in November,
+our whole army had crossed the river and confronted the rebel army face
+to face for days, and again we were back in our old camps without an
+engagement, except the fight of the Third corps, and some skirmishing on
+the part of others.
+
+During the month of December, general orders were issued from the war
+department offering to soldiers of the army, who had already served two
+years, and who had still a year or less to serve, large bounties, a
+release from the term of their former enlistment and thirty-five days'
+furlough, as inducements for them to reënlist for three years from that
+time. Much excitement was created by the order throughout the army, and
+thousands accepted it, nearly all claiming that they cared little for
+the large bounties, but that the thirty-five days' furlough was the
+great inducement.
+
+The only military movement of the winter was Kilpatrick's great raid
+upon Richmond, in which the lamented Dahlgren lost his life.
+
+Simultaneous with this great raid, General Custer, with a division of
+cavalry, made a movement on Charlottesville, and the Sixth corps was
+ordered to move in that direction as support to the cavalry. On
+Saturday, February 27th, the corps, leaving its camp and sick in charge
+of a small guard, marched through Culpepper and proceeded to James City,
+a Virginia city of two or three houses, where the bivouac for the night
+was made. Next morning the corps marched slowly to Robertson's River,
+within three miles of Madison Court House, the New Jersey brigade alone
+crossing the river and proceeding as far as the latter village. Here the
+corps lay all the following day, and as the weather was pleasant, the
+men passed the time in sports and games, but at evening a cold storm of
+rain set in, continuing all night and the next day, to the great
+discomfort of all. Custer's cavalry returned at evening of the 1st of
+March, looking in a sorry plight from their long ride in the mud.
+Reveille sounded at five o'clock on the morning of March 2d, and at
+seven the corps turned toward the old camp, at which it arrived, after a
+severe march through the mud, at sunset the same day.
+
+There were, connected with our camp near Brandy Station, many pleasant
+remembrances; and notwithstanding a few severe experiences, this was the
+most cheerful winter we had passed in camp. One agreeable feature of
+this encampment was the great number of ladies, wives of officers, who
+spent the winter with their husbands. On every fine day great numbers of
+ladies might be seen riding about the camps and over the desolate
+fields, and their presence added greatly to the brilliancy of the
+frequent reviews.
+
+Great taste was displayed by many officers in fitting up their tents and
+quarters for the reception of their wives. The tents were usually
+inclosed by high walls of evergreens, woven with much skill, and fine
+arches and exquisite designs beautified the entrances to these happy
+retreats. The Christian Commission, among other good things which it did
+for the soldiers, and, indeed, this was among the best, made
+arrangements by which it loaned to nearly every brigade in the army, a
+large canvas, to be used as a roof for a brigade chapel. These chapels
+were built of logs and covered with the canvas, and were in many cases
+large enough to hold three hundred people. Here religious services were
+held, not only on Sunday, but also on week day evenings. A deep
+religious interest prevailed in many of the brigades, and great numbers
+of soldiers professed to have met with a change of heart. In our Third
+brigade, this religious interest was unusually great; a religious
+organization was formed within the Seventy-seventh, and Chaplain Fox
+baptized eleven members of the regiment in Hazel river. A course of
+literary lectures was also delivered in the chapel of our Third brigade,
+and Washington's birthday was celebrated in it with appropriate
+ceremonies and addresses. The chapel tent was also a reading room,
+where, owing to the energy of Chaplain Fox, all the principal papers,
+secular and religious, literary, military, pictorial, agricultural and
+scientific, were furnished; and these were a great source both of
+pleasure and profit to the men.
+
+[Illustration: CHURCH CALL.]
+
+Our corps was reviewed by General Grant; by the Russian admiral and
+suite, who for the amusement of the soldiers, performed some most
+ludicrous feats in horsemanship; and by a body of English officers.
+Never had such general good health prevailed among our camps, and never
+were the men so well contented or in so good spirits.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN.
+
+    Preparing to leave camp--General Grant in command--The last
+    advance across the Rapidan--The battle-ground--Battle of the
+    Wilderness--Noble fight of Getty's division--Hancock's fight on
+    the left--Rickett's division driven back--The ground
+    retaken--The wounded--Duties of the surgeons--The noble dead.
+
+
+Many pleasant recollections cluster around the old camp at Brandy
+Station, which will never be effaced from the memory of the soldiers of
+the Army of the Potomac.
+
+But at length preparations were commenced for opening the spring
+campaign, and one of the first orders, looking toward the breaking up of
+our camps, was one directing that our lady friends should take their
+departure, then another to send all superfluous camp equipage to the
+rear.
+
+Our army had been reorganized, its five corps being consolidated into
+three. The three divisions of the First corps were transferred to the
+Fifth, retaining their corps badges. Two divisions of the Third were
+assigned to the Second, preserving their badges, while the Third
+division, Third corps, was transferred permanently to the Sixth corps,
+and became the Third division of that corps. Our old Third division was
+broken up, the brigades of Wheaton and Eustis being transferred to the
+Second division, and Shaler's brigade to the First. Our corps, as
+reorganized, consisted of three divisions, comprising eleven
+brigades.[6]
+
+    [6] The corps, as reorganized, was commanded as follows:
+
+    Major-General John Sedgwick commanding the corps.
+
+    First division, Brigadier-General H. G. Wright, commanding.
+    First brigade, Colonel W. H. Penrose; Second brigade, Colonel E.
+    Upton; Third brigade, Brigadier-General D. A. Russell; Fourth
+    brigade, Brigadier-General A. Shaler.
+
+    Second division, Brigadier-General George W. Getty, commanding.
+    First brigade, Brigadier-General Frank Wheaton; Second brigade,
+    Colonel L. A. Grant; Third brigade, Brigadier-General Thomas H.
+    Neill; Fourth brigade, Brigadier-General L. A. Eustis.
+
+    Third division, Brigadier-General James B. Ricketts, commanding.
+    First brigade, Brigadier-General W. H. Morris; Second brigade,
+    Brigadier-General Truman Seymour; Third brigade, Colonel
+    Keiffer.
+
+During the winter, congress, recognizing the great ability of General
+Grant, had conferred upon that officer the rank of Lieutenant-General,
+giving him, under the President, command of all the armies of the United
+States. General Grant at once proceeded to adopt a plan for harmonious
+movements of all the armies. General Sherman, in the west, was directed
+to push vigorously southward, penetrating the enemy's country as far as
+possible, and prevent reinforcements being sent to Lee's army in the
+east. General Butler, on the Peninsula, was to advance on Richmond,
+taking Petersburgh, and, if possible, Richmond itself, while the Army of
+the Potomac was to attack Lee's army in the front, and force it back
+upon Richmond or destroy it.
+
+These coöperative movements having been all arranged, each commander of
+an army or department informed not only of the part which he was
+expected to perform himself, but what all were expected to do, the Army
+of the Potomac was ready to move. General Grant had established his
+head-quarters with that army.
+
+At length the order for moving came. On the morning of the 4th of May,
+reveille was sounded at half-past two o'clock, and at half-past four the
+Sixth corps moved, taking the road to Germania Ford.
+
+It was a lovely day, and all nature seemed rejoicing at the advent of
+spring. Flowers strewed the wayside, and the warble of the blue bird,
+and the lively song of the sparrow, were heard in the groves and hedges.
+
+The distance from our camps to Germania Ford was sixteen miles. This
+distance we marched rapidly, and long before sunset we had crossed the
+ford on pontoon bridges and marched to a point three miles south of the
+river, where we bivouacked for the night.
+
+The Second corps, at an earlier hour, had crossed at Ely's Ford, and had
+reached a position near the old Chancellorsville battle-field, and the
+Fifth corps had led the way across Germania Ford.
+
+The infantry had been preceded by the cavalry divisions of Gregg and
+Wilson, under Sheridan. They had fallen in with a small picket force
+which, after exchanging a few shots, had beat a hasty retreat.
+
+Before night the army and the greater part of our trains had effected a
+crossing without opposition; and, doubtless, much to the surprise and
+chagrin of General Lee, we were holding strong positions, from which it
+would hardly be possible to force us.
+
+Except slight skirmishes in front of Hancock's Second corps, there was
+no fighting on the fourth of May. At seven o'clock on the morning of the
+fifth, the Sixth corps moved southward about two miles on the Wilderness
+plank road. Here the corps rested until eleven o'clock, while artillery
+and cavalry passed along the road in a continuous column. At eleven
+o'clock the corps faced to the front, and advanced into the woods which
+skirted the road.
+
+The Sixth corps now occupied the extreme right of the line, General
+Warren's Fifth corps the center, and Hancock's Second corps was on the
+left, near Chancellorsville. Between Warren and Hancock was an
+unoccupied space--a point of vital importance to our line. Thither
+General Getty, with the First, Second and Fourth brigades of our Second
+division, was sent to hold the ground till Hancock, who was ordered to
+come up, should arrive. Our Third brigade being all that was left of the
+Second division, it was assigned to the First division. General Meade's
+head-quarters were just in rear of the Fifth corps. The wood through
+which our line was now moving was a thick growth of oak and walnut,
+densely filled with a smaller growth of pines and other brushwood; and
+in many places so thickly was this undergrowth interwoven among the
+large trees, that one could not see five yards in front of the line.
+Yet, as we pushed on, with as good a line as possible, the thick tangle
+in a measure disappeared, and the woods were more open. Still, in the
+most favorable places, the thicket was so close as to make it impossible
+to manage artillery or cavalry, and, indeed, infantry found great
+difficulty in advancing, and at length we were again in the midst of the
+thick undergrowth.
+
+Warren's corps, on our left, was already fighting, and forcing the enemy
+to retire from his front, when our own corps struck the rebel
+skirmishers, who steadily fell back, disputing the ground. As our line
+advanced, it would suddenly come upon a line of gray-coated rebels,
+lying upon the ground, covered with dried leaves, and concealed by the
+chapparal, when the rebels would rise, deliver a murderous fire, and
+retire.
+
+We thus advanced through this interminable forest more than a mile and a
+half, driving the rebel skirmishers before us, when we came upon their
+line of battle, which refused to retire.
+
+Neill's brigade and the New Jersey brigade were in the first line of
+battle, at the foot of a slope, and in the rear of these two brigades
+were Russell's, Upton's and Shaler's. On the left of the First division
+were Seymour's and Keiffer's brigades, General Morris with his brigade
+remaining on the right.
+
+The enemy now charged upon our lines, making a desperate effort to turn
+our right flank, but without avail. Again and again the rebels in
+columns rushed with the greatest fury upon the two brigades in front,
+without being able to move them from their position. At half-past three
+o'clock our sufferings had been so great that General Sedgwick sent a
+messenger to General Burnside, who had now crossed his corps at Germania
+Ford, with a request that he would send a division to our assistance.
+
+The assistance was promised, but an order from General Grant made other
+disposition of the division, and what remained of the noble old Sixth
+corps was left to hold its position alone. At four, or a little later,
+the rebels retired, leaving many of their dead upon the ground, whom
+they were unable to remove. In these encounters the Seventh Maine and
+Sixty-first Pennsylvania regiments of Neill's brigade, who were on the
+right flank, received the heaviest onsets, and suffered most severely.
+At one time the Maine regiment found itself flanked by a brigade of
+rebels. Changing front the gallant regiment charged to the rear and
+scattered its opponents in confusion. The opposing lines were upon the
+two slopes of a ravine, through which ran a strip of level marshy
+ground, densely wooded like the rest of the wilderness. The confederates
+now commenced to strengthen the position on their side of the ravine,
+felling timber and covering it with earth. The woods resounded with the
+strokes of their axes, as the busy workmen plied their labor within
+three hundred yards, and in some places less than one hundred yards of
+our line, yet so dense was the thicket that they were entirely concealed
+from our view.
+
+Meanwhile the battle had raged furiously along the whole line. The
+rattle of musketry would swell into a full continuous roar as the
+simultaneous discharge of ten thousand guns mingled in one grand
+concert, and then after a few minutes, become more interrupted,
+resembling the crash of some huge king of the forest when felled by the
+stroke of the woodman's axe. Then would be heard the wild yells which
+always told of a rebel charge, and again the volleys would become more
+terrible and the broken, crashing tones would swell into one continuous
+roll of sound, which presently would be interrupted by the vigorous
+manly cheers of the northern soldiers, so different from the shrill yell
+of the rebels, and which indicated a repulse of their enemies. Now and
+then the monotony of the muskets was broken by a few discharges of
+artillery, which seemed to come in as a double bass in this concert of
+death, but so impenetrable was the forest that little use was made of
+artillery, and the work of destruction was carried on with the rifles.
+
+Warren's corps, first engaged, had nobly withstood the fierce assaults
+upon the center of the line, and had even advanced considerably.
+Hancock's command was also hotly engaged. In the commencement of the
+battle, three brigades of the Second division, the First, Second and
+Fourth, with our commander, General Getty, were taken from the Sixth
+corps and sent to the right of Warren's corps, to seize and hold the
+intersection of the Brock road and the Orange county turnpike, a point
+of vital importance, and which, as Hancock's corps was still far to the
+left near Chancellorsville, was entirely exposed. Toward this point Hill
+was hastening his rebel corps down the turnpike, with the design of
+interposing between Hancock and the main army. No sooner had the
+division reached the crossing of the two roads than the First brigade,
+General Wheaton's, became hotly engaged with Hill's corps, which was
+coming down the road driving some of our cavalry before it. The Vermont
+brigade quickly formed on the left of the plank road, and the Fourth
+brigade on the right of the First. The engagement became general at
+once, and each brigade was suffering heavy losses. The men hugged the
+ground closely, firing as rapidly as possible.
+
+Hancock's corps was advancing from the left, but thus far the division
+was holding the ground alone. An attack by the three brigades was
+ordered, and the line was considerably advanced. Again the men hugged
+the ground, the rebels doing the same.
+
+Thus, holding the ground against vastly superior numbers, the division
+sustained the weight of the rebel attacks until long after noon, when
+some of Hancock's regiments came to its support. With the heroic valor
+for which the division was so well known throughout the army, it
+withstood the force of the rebels until its lines were terribly thinned.
+The First brigade had held the ground with desperate valor, and our
+friends, the Vermonters, fought with that gallantry which always
+characterized the sons of the Green Mountain State. Their noblest men
+were falling thickly, yet they held the road.
+
+As Hancock joined his corps on the left of Getty's division, he ordered
+a charge along the whole line, and again the carnage became fearful. For
+two hours the struggle continued, and when the sounds of battle became
+less, and as darkness finally came over the wilderness, it brought a
+season of respite to the hard fought divisions.
+
+A thousand brave men of the Vermont brigade, and nearly as many of
+Wheaton's brigade, with hundreds from the Fourth brigade, had fallen
+upon that bloody field.
+
+In the evening the contest was renewed, especially along the line of the
+Sixth corps, and the dark woods were lighted with the flame from the
+mouths of tens of thousands of muskets.
+
+Charges and counter-charges followed each other in quick succession, and
+the rebel yell and northern cheer were heard alternately, but no decided
+advantage was gained by either party. At two o'clock at night the battle
+died away, but there was no rest for the weary soldiers after the
+fatiguing duties of the day. Each man sat with musket in hand during the
+wearisome hours of the night, prepared for an onset of the enemy.
+Skirmishing was kept up during the entire night, and at times the
+musketry would break out in full volleys, which rolled along the
+opposing lines until they seemed vast sheets of flame.
+
+The position of the two armies on the morning of the 6th was
+substantially that of the day before; the Sixth corps on the right, its
+rear on Wilderness Run near the old Wilderness Tavern, the Fifth corps
+next on its left, and the Second corps with three brigades of the Second
+division Sixth corps, on the left; the line extending about five miles.
+Besides these corps, General Burnside was bringing his troops into the
+line.
+
+Between the two armies lay hundreds of dead and dying men whom neither
+army could remove, and over whose bodies the fight must be renewed.
+
+The battle was opened at daylight by a fierce charge of the enemy on the
+Sixth corps, and soon it raged along the whole line. The volleys of
+musketry echoed and reëchoed through the forests like peals of thunder,
+and the battle surged to and fro, now one party charging, and now the
+other, the interval between the two armies being fought over in many
+places as many as five times, leaving the ground covered with dead and
+wounded. Those of the wounded able to crawl, reached one or the other
+line, but the groans of others, who could not move, lent an additional
+horror to the terrible scene whenever there was a lull in the battle. At
+ten o'clock the roar of battle ceased, and from that time until five
+P.M., it was comparatively quiet in front of the Sixth corps, but from
+the left where Hancock's corps and Getty's braves were nobly battling,
+the war of musketry was incessant. There, Hancock had formed his troops
+in several lines of battle, and advanced them upon the plank road.
+Getty's troops, their ranks having been so terribly shattered the day
+before, were allowed to form in the rear. The attack was commenced, but
+presently the enemy came down in terrible fury upon Hancock's lines. One
+after another was swept away, leaving no Union troops in front of Getty.
+Now the exulting rebels came with stunning force against the Sixth corps
+men. They had prepared breastworks of logs and decayed wood, and against
+these light defenses the rebels charged, but only to meet with a deadly
+repulse. Again and again the charge was renewed, and as often the brave
+men who had seen nearly three thousand of their comrades fall on the day
+before, sent the confederates back from the road. At length, the
+divisions on the right and left of Getty having fallen back to the Brock
+road, the division was forced to fall back to the road also, but only
+after exhibiting a steadiness and valor rarely equaled by any troops.
+
+The road was held, in spite of every effort of the enemy to take it; but
+the noble soldier and patriotic gentleman, General Wadsworth, lost his
+life while striving to rally his division to hold the ground against the
+confederates.
+
+Although the storm of battle had abated in our front, the rebels had
+stationed sharpshooters in the trees and other advantageous positions,
+who kept up an incessant and annoying fire, and now and then a shell
+from a rebel battery would drop into our ranks. By these, the corps lost
+many men.
+
+Until the evening of the 6th, our Third brigade of the Second division,
+and the New Jersey brigade of the First division of the Sixth corps, had
+occupied the right of the line of battle along the base of our slope of
+the ravine. Other portions of the First division, and the Third
+division, occupying a position in our rear, on the summit of the slope,
+had been engaged during the day in throwing up earthworks. At 5 P.M.,
+the two advance brigades received orders to fall back to the cover of
+these breastworks.
+
+For thirty hours the Sixth corps, stripped of three brigades of its
+veteran troops, weary from fighting and fasting, had been patiently
+waiting for the relief promised it long ago, and steadily holding its
+ground until half of the advance brigades and almost half of the corps
+was destroyed.
+
+Thirty hours before, General Sedgwick had sent word that the rebels were
+trying to turn our flank, and begged that support might be sent; but no
+support had come. These breastworks had been prepared to give the
+exhausted corps a little protection, that they might, by falling back to
+their cover, occupy a stronger and less exposed position.
+
+Soon after five o'clock, the brigades commenced falling back to these
+works. The rebels discovered the movement, and thought it was a retreat.
+They were evidently already prepared for a desperate assault upon our
+flank; and now that there seemed a retreat, there was no longer any
+hesitation. Cheer after cheer arose from the rebel ranks, and, in
+fifteen minutes after, their yells were mingled with terrific volleys of
+musketry, as they poured in overwhelming numbers upon our flanks.
+
+A brief description of the position will explain the nature of the
+movement, which lost to the Sixth corps the position it had held for a
+day and a half.
+
+When the brigades which had occupied the base of the slope fell back to
+the breastworks, the line of battle was arranged thus: on the extreme
+right was the Third division--a division but a few days before joined to
+the corps--a division composed mostly of new troops who had never before
+faced an enemy, and none of them had ever had any connection with the
+already historic fame of that glorious corps. Next on the left was the
+First division, and joining this division on the left was our own Third
+brigade of the Second division.
+
+The assault of the rebels fell upon the green troops of the Third
+division, who, seized with consternation, fled in confusion without
+attempting resistance. General Seymour whose gallant conduct up to this
+time had won for him the admiration of all, made desperate attempts to
+rally his panic-stricken brigade and refused to go to the rear with
+them. While thus striving vainly to restore order to his shattered
+command, rushing to the front and attempting by his own manner to
+inspire courage in his men, he was surrounded by the enemy and captured.
+He had but just returned from the rebel prisons where he had been since
+the unfortunate battle of Olustee.
+
+The hasty flight of the Third division opened the flank and rear of the
+First division to the charge of the rebels, who now rushed on with
+redoubled fury and with demoniac yells, carrying everything before them.
+The First division fell back, but not in the disorder and confusion of
+the other. General Shaler, with a large part of his brigade, which held
+that part of the line joining the Third division, was captured while
+vainly striving to resist the onset of the rebel forces.
+
+The regiments of our Third brigade were forced from the rifle pits,
+leaving the Seventy-seventh regiment and a part of the Forty-third alone
+contending the ground, exposed to a galling fire on front, flank and
+rear. The gallant regiments remained in the breastworks, pouring their
+fire into the enemy's ranks until ordered to withdraw, to save
+themselves from capture.
+
+The right wing, if not the whole army, was now in danger. It was at such
+times that the great spirit of the noble Sedgwick rose to the control of
+events. It seemed to require adversity to bring out all the grand
+qualities of his nature. We had witnessed his imperturbable bravery and
+determination on the retreat to Banks' Ford, his unsurpassed heroism at
+Antietam, when he kept the field after he was thrice wounded, was
+familiar to the nation, and now we were to see another manifestation of
+his indomitable courage.
+
+Rushing here and there, regardless of personal safety, he faced the
+disordered mass of fugitives of the Third division, and with threats and
+entreaties prevailed upon them to halt; then turning to the veterans of
+the First division, he shouted to them to remember the honor of the old
+Sixth corps. That was an irresistible appeal, and the ranks of the First
+division and of our Third brigade were formed along the turnpike, which
+was at right angles to our former position. The corps now charged upon
+the exultant foe, and forced them back until our breastworks were
+recaptured; but our flank was too much exposed, and again the enemy
+charged upon our front and flank, forcing the corps to wheel back to the
+turnpike, where it had first rallied.
+
+General Sedgwick now ordered another charge, and bravely the men rushed
+forward, ready to obey any order from the revered lips of "_Uncle
+John_." The enemy was again forced back, and again the corps occupied
+the breastworks. It was now dark, but the roar of musketry mingled with
+the deep toned artillery shook the ground, and the dense forest was
+lighted by the scores of thousands of flashing rifles which sent death
+to unseen foes.
+
+The corps had not recovered its line of works without sacrifice, for the
+ground in our rear was covered with our fallen comrades, while many more
+had been captured by the enemy. But we were now able to hold the ground.
+The temporary disorder had arisen, and had been mostly confined to the
+new troops, and even these, when rallied from their momentary confusion,
+had fought with heroic valor. Although, for a time, forced back by the
+surprise of the rebel onset, the old troops of the corps had shown no
+want of courage. _The Sixth corps proper had not lost its pristine
+glory._ Something of a panic had been created among the teamsters in the
+rear, and before dark the trains were hurrying toward Chancellorsville.
+
+Leaving the excitement of the battle, let us now turn where the results
+of this carnage are seen in their sober reality. While we stand in line
+of battle we see little of the frightful havoc of war. The wounded drop
+about us, but, except those left on disputed ground and unable to crawl
+away, they are carried instantly to the rear. The groans and cries of
+the wounded and dying, of which we so often read as filling up the grand
+discord of sounds on the battle-field, are things scarcely known in
+actual war. Rarely, as in the present battles, wounded men, unable to
+get away, are left between the lines in such numbers that, when the
+musketry dies away, their groans become heart-rending. But this is not
+usual.
+
+But at the field hospitals, the work of destruction is seen in all its
+horrors. There, wounded men by thousands are brought together, filling
+the tents and stretched upon every available spot of ground for many
+rods around. Surgeons, with never tiring energy, are ministering to
+their wants, giving them food, dressing their wounds or standing at the
+operating table removing the shattered fragments of limbs. Men wounded
+in every conceivable way, men with mutilated bodies, with shattered
+limbs and broken heads, men enduring their injuries with heroic
+patience, and men giving way to violent grief, men stoically
+indifferent, and men bravely rejoicing that it is _only a leg_. To all
+these the surgeons are to give such relief as lies in their power, a
+task the very thoughts of which would overcome physicians at home, but
+upon which the army surgeon enters with as much coolness and confidence
+as though he could do it all at once. He has learned to do what he can.
+Contenting himself with working day and night without respite, and often
+without food, until, by unremitting but quiet toil, the wants of all are
+relieved. No class of men in the army perform so great labors with so
+little credit as the surgeons.
+
+Lest the author should be accused of undue partiality for his own staff,
+he will quote the words of an unprejudiced witness, who, in speaking of
+the labor, the anxiety and the responsibility imposed upon the surgeons
+after a great battle, says:
+
+"The devotion, the solicitude, the unceasing efforts to remedy the
+defects of the situation, the untiring attentions to the wounded, upon
+their part, were so marked as to be apparent to all who visited the
+hospitals. It must be remembered that these same officers had endured
+the privations and fatigues of the long forced marches with the rest of
+the army; they had shared its dangers, for one medical officer from each
+regiment follows it into battle, and is liable to the accidents of war,
+as has been repeatedly and fatally the case; that its field hospitals
+are often, from the changes of the line of battle, brought under fire of
+the enemy, and that while in this situation these surgeons are called
+upon to exercise the calmest judgment, to perform the most critical and
+serious operations, and this quickly and continuously. The battle
+ceasing, their labors continue. While other officers are sleeping,
+renewing their strength for further efforts, the medical are still
+toiling. They have to improvise hospitals from the rudest materials, are
+obliged to 'make bricks without straw,' to surmount seeming
+impossibilities. The work is unending both by day and night, the anxiety
+is constant, and the strain upon both the physical and mental faculties
+unceasing. Thus, after this battle, operators had to be held up while
+performing the operations, and fainted from exhaustion the operation
+finished. One completed his labors to be seized with partial paralysis,
+the penalty of his over exertion.
+
+"While his duties are as arduous, his exposure as great, and the
+mortality from disease and injury as large as among other staff officers
+of similar rank, the surgeon has no prospect of promotion, of a brevet
+or an honorable mention, to stimulate him. His duties are performed
+quietly, unostentatiously. He does his duty for his country's sake, for
+the sake of humanity."[7]
+
+    [7] J. H. Douglass, Assistant Secretary Sanitary Commission.
+
+The labors of the medical officers had never been so great as at these
+battles. Thousands of wounded men were stretched in and about the
+several field hospitals, and long trains of ambulances, loaded with more
+bleeding victims, were constantly bringing in new subjects of care.
+
+The hospitals of the Sixth corps were located, that of the First
+division about a large house near the turnpike, in rear of the position
+of the division; that of the Third division was near by, and the
+hospital of our Second division was placed on the banks of Wilderness
+Run, near the old gold mine, and within a few rods of General Meade's
+head-quarters. The hospitals of the Fifth corps were also within a short
+distance, on the left.
+
+At the hospital of our Second division, the scene was one of activity
+and sadness. Never had so many of our choice spirits been brought to the
+rear, and never had the division been bereft of so many of its brightest
+ornaments by death.
+
+All the hospital tents belonging to the division were filled to
+overflowing with the unfortunate victims of the battle. There, all the
+space between the different rows of tents, and for many yards in front
+and rear, was covered with others, for whom there was no room under the
+canvas, and, finally, long rows of them were laid upon the ground at a
+little distance from the hospitals as close as they could lie, covering
+many rods of ground.
+
+In the operating tents, the surgeons assigned to the duty of performing
+operations plied their work without rest from the time the battle
+commenced until its close, day and night, while dressers, and those
+whose duty it was to supply the wounded with food, were untiring in
+their zeal.
+
+At midnight of the 6th, the operators were directed to cease their work.
+Ambulances and army wagons in great numbers were loaded with the
+wounded, and the whole train, accompanied by the surgeons, moved toward
+Chancellorsville, taking the turnpike along the rear of the army. But,
+with all the ambulances and army wagons at command, hundreds of these
+unfortunate heroes were left behind; and as it was known that our line
+of battle was to fall back within a few hours, preparations were made
+for their care when they should fall into the hands of the enemy. Four
+assistant surgeons from each division, a number of hospital tents, a
+supply of hard bread and beef, with dressings and instruments, were left
+behind; and with sad hearts, their companions bade them farewell. Like
+preparations were made by the other corps, for those of the wounded who
+must be left to their fate. The long train bearing the wounded reached
+the left of the old battle-field of Chancellorsville toward morning, and
+at once the labor of reëstablishing the hospitals commenced. Tents were
+erected, the ambulances unloaded, and the surgeons, already worn out by
+forty hours of incessant toil, resumed their work.
+
+When the Sixth corps reoccupied the breastworks at dark on the 6th, it
+was desirable that the right flank should be protected by old and
+reliable troops. Neill's Third brigade was assigned to that position,
+the Seventy-seventh being upon the extreme right, the Sixty-first
+Pennsylvania thrown out at right angles to protect the rear. On the left
+of the Seventy-seventh was the Forty-ninth New York, the Seventh Maine
+was next, then the One Hundred and Twenty-second, and the Forty-third
+New York was on the left of the brigade.
+
+All was now quiet. No sound was heard except now and then the suppressed
+tones of officers in command. The stars shone through the openings among
+the trees upon a long line of dusky forms lying close behind the
+sheltering breastworks, as silent as death but ready at an instant to
+pour out a storm of destruction. A row of bayonets projected over the
+breastworks; an abattis of steel awaiting the momentarily expected onset
+of the enemy.
+
+At ten o'clock the low tones of command of the rebel officers were heard
+as they urged their men against our rear and flank. Colonel Smith of the
+Sixty-first Pennsylvania, ordered his men to lie down, for they had no
+breastworks, and to reserve their fire. Nearer and nearer came the dark
+line, until within twenty feet of the recumbent Pennsylvanians, but not
+a sound from them. Still nearer the rebel line approached, to within a
+distance of ten feet, when the sharp command rang out, "_Fire_;" and
+rising the Pennsylvanians delivered a withering fire into the rebel
+ranks that sent them reeling back into the darkness from whence they
+came; but a line of prostrate forms where the fire from our line had met
+the advancing column, told of its terrible execution. Twenty minutes
+after this repulse they advanced silently but in stronger force,
+directly in front of our breastworks. They advanced slowly and in
+silence until within a few feet of the Union line, when with wild yells
+they leaped forward, some even mounting the breastworks. But a sheet of
+flame instantly flashed along the whole line of our works; the
+astonished rebels wavered for a moment and then beat a hasty retreat,
+relinquishing with this last desperate effort the attempt to drive back
+the old Sixth corps.
+
+Scarcely a man of the Union force was injured by this charge, but the
+dead and wounded from the rebel ranks literally covered the ground.
+There was no help for them. Our men were unable even to take care of
+their own wounded which lay scattered through the woods in the rear. So
+the rebel wounded lay between the two armies, making the night hideous
+with their groans.
+
+The battle of the 6th was now at an end, neither party having gained any
+decided advantage.
+
+At midnight the Sixth corps fell back upon the plank road to the
+vicinity of the old gold mine mill, where our hospitals had been.
+Intrenchments were thrown up and the position was held without much
+annoyance from the rebels all the next day. The whole line of the army
+remained quiet on the 7th, only a few skirmishes along different parts
+of the line, relieving the monotony of the day.
+
+The two days of fighting had told fearfully upon our ranks. Our
+regiments which a few hours before were well filled, were now but
+fragments of regiments; and our hearts were weighed down with heavy
+grief when we thought of the many grand spirits who had left us forever
+since we crossed the Rapidan.
+
+We thought of the young colonel of the Forty-third, Wilson, beloved and
+admired throughout the corps. His death was a heavy blow to us all. We
+should miss his soldierly presence on the parade; his winning pleasantry
+in our social circles; we were no longer to enjoy his beautiful example
+of unswerving christian morality. His manly form was no longer to be our
+pride, and his heroic valor would never again be manifest on the field
+of battle.
+
+Major Fryer had received his mortal hurt. Fryer was young and gallant;
+his handsome form and brilliant eye were in fine harmony with those of
+his friend and superior. "In their lives they were beautiful, and in
+their death they were not divided."
+
+Captain Hickmot, too, of the Forty-ninth was among the slain. Surely
+death loves a shining mark, and with what terrible precision had he
+chosen his victims. Hickmot's bright eye was glazed in death. His gayety
+was hushed forever. We remembered now his hearty laugh, his friendly
+words and his purity of character, and knew that they were ours only in
+memory.
+
+Wallace of the Forty-third and Terry of the Forty-ninth, too, were gone.
+Colonel Ryerson, the gallant commander of the Tenth New Jersey, was
+mortally wounded.
+
+In the Seventy-seventh we had lost Craig; a youth of rare qualities and
+of stern patriotism.
+
+The Vermont brigade had lost many of its brightest ornaments. Colonel
+Barney of the Sixth was one of Vermont's best men. A kind yet faithful
+commander in camp, gallant and fearless on the field. He was the highest
+type of a man; a christian gentleman. Colonel Stone had been killed
+instantly on the 5th. His urbane manners were remembered by all who
+frequented our division head-quarters, and his bravery had endeared him
+to his men. Colonel Tyler, too, of the Second was among the mortally
+wounded, and all felt his loss deeply.
+
+Captains Bixby, of the Second, Bartlett and Buck, of the Third,
+Carpenter and Farr, of the Fourth, Ormsbee and Hurlburt, of the Fifth,
+and Bird and Randall, of the Sixth--all men of bravery and patriotism,
+all beloved as companions and valued as officers--were among the dead or
+dying. But among Vermont's fallen sons was no more ardent patriot or
+gallant soldier than Captain George D. Davenport, of the Fifth. His
+manly bearing, his brilliant intellect, his ready wit, his social
+virtues and his well known bravery, combined to render him a favorite
+officer in his brigade, while to those who were bound to him by the ties
+of fellowship, his disinterested love and noble generosity rendered his
+friendship of inestimable value.
+
+These were a few among the many noble names of fallen heroes. Never were
+grander men sacrificed for a noble cause than they.
+
+General Getty and General Morris and Colonel Keiffer were among the
+wounded, and we had lost General Shaler and General Seymour, captured by
+the enemy.
+
+General Neill succeeded to the command of the Second division, and
+Colonel Bidwell assumed the command vacated by General Neill.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+SPOTTSYLVANIA.
+
+    Moving by the flank--The wounded abandoned--The Fifth Corps at
+    Spottsylvania--Arrival of the Sixth Corps--Getting into
+    line--Death of Sedgwick--General Wright in command--Battle of
+    the 10th of May--Upton's splendid charge--Battle at "the
+    angle"--Another flank movement.
+
+
+By this time General Grant, finding the rebel position too strong to
+force in front, and finding, by reconnoissance, that the enemy had
+fallen back to strong works where he awaited attack, determined to throw
+the army between Lee's army and Richmond, and accordingly ordered the
+first of that wonderful series of flank movements that have become the
+admiration of the world. The Fifth and Sixth corps withdrew with secrecy
+from the line held by them, and falling into the rear of the rest of the
+army, marched rapidly from the right to the left flank toward
+Spottsylvania. The Sixth corps, taking the Chancellorsville road,
+reached the old battle-field at daylight, and halted for breakfast near
+the ruins of the historic Chancellor House. The Fifth corps taking a
+more direct road to Spottsylvania, and being unencumbered with the
+train, marched rapidly and reached Piney Branch Church, a little hamlet
+in the midst of the woods, about five miles north of Spottsylvania Court
+House, at nine o'clock in the morning. These two corps were quickly
+followed by the Ninth and Second corps, leaving the old wilderness field
+entirely in the hands of the enemy.
+
+Another of those distressful necessities of war occurred on withdrawing
+from the Wilderness. Wounded men of the Fifth and Sixth corps had
+already been left on the site of the hospitals near the old gold mine
+mills, and now hundreds more from every corps were abandoned for want of
+sufficient transportation. Let it not be thought that the Army of the
+Potomac was deficient in ambulances. Our hospital train was immense, yet
+insufficient for such an emergency as the present. To have provided a
+train sufficient for such a time, would have been to incumber the army
+with an enormous establishment, which would so interfere with its
+movements as to defeat the very object in view. The present was one of
+those terrible but unavoidable contingencies which must sometimes occur
+in war.
+
+Trains had returned and brought away some of the wounded left at the old
+gold mine, but many were still there; and now, again, as we loaded
+ambulances and army wagons to their utmost capacity, making a train of
+many miles in extent, some two hundred of the wounded of our Sixth corps
+were left upon the ground. It was, indeed, a sickening thought that
+these noble fellows, who had nobly fallen in their country's cause, must
+be abandoned to the enemy, many of them, perhaps the majority of them,
+to die in their hands. All communication with their friends at home
+hopelessly cut off, and with no expectation of any but the roughest
+treatment from their enemies, it was a sad prospect for the unfortunate
+ones. Medical officers from each corps were directed to remain and care
+for those thus left behind, and a limited supply of rations and
+medicines were also left. Surgeon Phillips, of the Third Vermont, and
+Assistant Surgeon Thompson, of the Seventy-seventh New York, were the
+detail to remain behind from the Second division. They stayed with our
+wounded among the rebels for several weeks, faithfully ministering to
+their wants, until nearly all had been removed to Richmond, when, one
+day, learning that those remaining were to be sent south on the
+following day, they made their escape by night. By traveling throughout
+the night and hiding in the woods by day, they made their way across the
+Rapidan, and finally reached Washington in safety.
+
+The Fifth corps, having taken the most direct road to Spottsylvania,
+arrived at Piney Branch Church at nine o'clock on the morning of the
+8th, where the infantry skirmishers of the enemy were encountered.
+Gregg's division of cavalry had been for some time engaged with the
+rebel cavalry; but the cavalry had not discovered the infantry of the
+enemy before the approach of the Fifth corps. Two divisions of the Fifth
+corps were at once formed in line of battle, Bartlett's brigade of
+Griffin's division being sent ahead as skirmishers. As the corps
+advanced, the skirmishers of the enemy steadily withdrew, until they
+reached a large clearing, called Alsop's Farm, along the rear of which
+ran a small stream, the river Ny, about three miles north of
+Spottsylvania. Here the enemy was formed in force, with a line of strong
+earthworks. An attack was ordered, and bravely Warren's men advanced
+against the breastworks of the enemy; but their efforts to drive the
+rebels were unavailing. The field was composed of a succession of
+ridges, dotted here and there with clumps of pines and oaks, while the
+country in rear, through which the corps had already pressed the
+opposing skirmishers, was a wilderness of trees. The rebels had their
+artillery well posted, and they hurled a fierce storm of shells among
+the advancing lines, arresting their advance. The enemy in turn charged
+upon the Fifth corps, but the Union boys fought with desperation,
+repelling every charge and holding their ground. Our troops behaved
+magnificently, yet they were unable to push their advance further.
+
+It was now evident that Lee, anticipating Grant's strategy, had set
+about thwarting it. As soon as our troops were withdrawn from Wilderness
+Run, Lee had hastened Ewell's corps and a part of Longstreet's on an
+inner road to Spottsylvania, and these troops now confronted us and
+disputed our advance.
+
+Such was the situation when the Sixth corps arrived on the field at two
+o'clock in the afternoon. The day had been the most sultry of the
+season, and many of the men, overcome by the intensity of the heat, and
+exhausted by the constant fighting and marching since the morning of the
+4th, had fallen by the wayside. The corps halted for about two hours,
+and was then ordered to the front to the assistance of Warren's corps,
+which was again hotly engaged with the enemy. We pressed forward along a
+narrow road leading through a thick growth of timber, until we came
+where the Fifth corps was contending the ground. The corps was drawn up
+in line of battle, but did not at once commence an attack.
+
+Before us the ground was rolling and partially wooded, admirably adapted
+for defensive warfare. A wooded ravine, at a little distance from our
+front, concealed a rebel line of battle, and in our rear, were dense
+woods extending to the road along which our line was formed. These woods
+were on fire, and the hot blasts of air which swept over us, together
+with the burning heat of the sun, rendered our position a very
+uncomfortable one. Before long, however, the corps was ordered to the
+left, and took its position in the woods on the left of Warren's corps.
+Our Second division was formed in three lines with the view of attacking
+the enemy.
+
+Soon after dark all things being ready, the division moved forward to
+the attack, but after some desperate fighting on the part of both the
+Fifth corps and our own division, finding the enemy too strongly posted,
+the attack was relinquished.
+
+Toward midnight some changes of position were ordered, but, in the
+darkness, regiments lost their brigades, and wandered about in the woods
+until daylight, some narrowly escaping capture within the lines of the
+enemy.
+
+There was little hard fighting on Monday the 9th, though skirmishing was
+briskly kept up along the whole line throughout the day. Our line of
+battle was now extended from northwest to southeast with Hancock's
+Second corps on the right, Warren's Fifth corps on the right center,
+Sedgwick's Sixth corps on the left center, and Burnside's Ninth corps on
+the extreme left. Our Second division was formed in a clearing on the
+side of a hill which sloped gradually until it reached a swamp, which,
+however, turned and passed through our line at our left. About three
+hundred yards in front of us was a strip of woods one-fourth of a mile
+wide, and beyond the woods an open field where the rebel forces were
+posted behind formidable earthworks. Just in our rear and on the crest
+of the hill, our batteries were posted so as to fire over our heads. On
+our right was a dense forest where the Fifth corps were posted, and on
+our left Burnside's troops occupied a more open country.
+
+The whole line of the army was strengthened with breastworks of rails
+and logs, which the men procured in many cases from almost under the
+rebel guns, while the heavy mist of the morning concealed them from the
+view of their enemies. Over the logs and rails earth was thrown in
+quantity sufficient to protect the men from the shot and shell of the
+enemy.
+
+Although there was little fighting on the 9th, it was a sad day for the
+Sixth corps and for the army; for on that day our corps lost its beloved
+commander, and the army a most distinguished soldier.
+
+General Sedgwick, while standing behind an outer line of works,
+personally superintending and directing, as was his custom, the posting
+of a battery of artillery at an angle which he regarded as of great
+importance, was shot through the head by a rebel sharpshooter, and died
+instantly. The ball had entered his head just below the left eye, and
+passed out at the back of the head.
+
+Never had such a gloom rested upon the whole army on account of the
+death of one man as came over it when the heavy tidings passed along the
+lines that General Sedgwick was killed.
+
+Major-General John Sedgwick, who had so long been identified with the
+Sixth corps, was a native of Connecticut. He graduated at West Point on
+the 30th of June, 1837, and was at once assigned to the Second
+artillery, as second-lieutenant. In 1839, he was promoted to
+first-lieutenant. He served in Mexico, and was brevetted captain for
+gallant and meritorious conduct, in the battles of Contreras and
+Cherubusco. He was soon afterward brevetted major for gallant conduct,
+and greatly distinguished himself in the attack on Cosino gate, Mexico
+city. In 1845 he was made major of the First United States Cavalry, and
+served in Texas until the breaking out of the rebellion. In March, 1861,
+he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, Second United States Cavalry;
+and in April promoted to the colonelcy of the Fourth Cavalry. He was
+made a brigadier-general of volunteers in August, 1861, and assigned to
+the command of a brigade in the Army of the Potomac.
+
+He was afterward assigned to the command of the Third division, Second
+corps, then under General Sumner. He participated in the siege of
+Yorktown, and greatly distinguished himself in many battles on the
+Peninsula. He was particularly noted at the battle of Fair Oaks,
+Savage's Station, and Glendale. His division was one of the few
+divisions of the Army of the Potomac that rendered any assistance to
+General Pope in his unfortunate campaign.
+
+At Antietam he led his men repeatedly against the rebels, and was as
+often forced back, until the ground over which his division had fought
+was covered with dead. He was thrice wounded, but refused to be carried
+from the field until faintness from loss of blood obliged him to
+relinquish his command.
+
+In December, 1862, he was nominated by the President a major-general of
+volunteers, and was confirmed in March, 1863, with rank from the 31st of
+May, 1862.
+
+In January following his promotion, he was assigned to the command of
+the Ninth corps, and, on the 5th of February, was transferred to the
+command of the Sixth corps, relieving General Smith, who was assigned to
+the Ninth corps.
+
+Soon after taking command of our corps, the famous charge upon
+Fredericksburgh Heights was made, in which both the corps and its
+commander acquired lasting renown. General Sedgwick was especially
+commended by General Meade for the manner in which he handled his corps
+at Rappahannock Station, and, in General Meade's absence, he was several
+times in command of the army. He was, on several occasions, offered the
+supreme command of the army, but his excessive modesty forbade him to
+accept so important a command.
+
+No soldier was more beloved by the army or honored by the country than
+this noble general. His corps regarded him as a father, and his great
+military abilities made his judgment, in all critical emergencies,
+sought after by his superior as well as his fellows. The command of the
+Sixth corps now devolved upon General Wright, who had long been well
+known in the corps as the commander of our First division, and who held
+the command of the corps from this time until it was disbanded in the
+autumn of 1865.
+
+Monday night passed quietly. An occasional volley on the picket line
+would rouse us to arms, but there was no general assault, and the tired
+soldiers would throw themselves again upon the ground to catch a few
+moments more of rest.
+
+Our position on Tuesday morning, May 10th, was the same as it had been
+the day previous. During the lull of battle on the 9th, both armies had
+gathered their strength and perfected their plans for a renewal of the
+contest, on a scale of magnificence seldom if ever witnessed by any army
+before. This was destined to be a day of most fearful carnage, and
+desperate attempts on the part of each antagonist to crush the other by
+the weight of its terrible charges.
+
+Active skirmishing commenced along different portions of the line early
+in the morning, and continued to grow more and more general until the
+rattle of the skirmishers' rifles grew into the reverberating roll of
+battle. From one end of the long line to the other the tide of battle
+surged, the musketry continually increasing in volume, until it seemed
+one continuous peal of thunder. During all the battles in the
+Wilderness, artillery had been useless, except when here and there a
+section could be brought in to command the roadway; but now all the
+artillery on both sides was brought into the work. It was the terrible
+cannonading of Malvern Hill with the fierce musketry of Gaines' Mills
+combined, that seemed fairly to shake the earth and skies. Never during
+the war had the two armies made such gigantic struggles for the
+destruction of each other.
+
+At first the heavy assaults were made against the right wing--Hancock's
+and Warren's corps sustaining the principal shock of the enemy's
+repeated charges. Massing their forces against particular points of the
+line held by these two corps, the rebel generals would hurl their gray
+legions like an avalanche against our breastworks, hoping by the very
+momentum of the charge to break through our lines; but a most withering
+storm of leaden and iron hail would set the mass wavering, and finally
+send it back to the cover of the woods and earthworks in confusion,
+leaving the ground covered at each time with an additional layer of
+their dead. In turn, the men of the Fifth and Second corps would charge
+upon their adversaries, and in turn they too would be forced to seek
+shelter behind their rifle pits. Thus the tide of battle along the right
+of the line rolled to and fro, while the horrid din of musketry and
+artillery rose and swelled as the storm grew fiercer.
+
+Meanwhile the Sixth and Ninth corps were quietly awaiting events, and it
+was not until six o'clock in the afternoon that the Sixth corps was
+called into action. Then it was to make one of the most notable charges
+on record.
+
+At five o'clock the men of the corps were ordered to unsling knapsacks
+and divest themselves of every incumbrance preparatory to a charge.
+Colonel Upton commanding the Second brigade of the First division, was
+directed to take twelve picked regiments from the corps and lead them in
+a charge against the right center of the rebel line. The regiments which
+shared the dearly purchased honor of this magnificent charge were, in
+the first line, the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York, the Fifth
+Maine, the Ninety-sixth and One Hundred and Nineteenth Pennsylvania; in
+the second line the Seventy-seventh and Forty-third New York, the Fifth
+Wisconsin, Sixth Maine and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania; and in the third
+line, the Second, Fifth and Sixth Vermont. It was indeed an honor to be
+selected for this duty, but it was an honor to be paid for at the cost
+of fearful peril.
+
+The twelve regiments assembled on the open space in front of our works,
+then silently entered the strip of woods which was between our line and
+that of the rebels. Passing through to the further edge of the woods,
+the twelve regiments were formed in columns of three lines, each line
+consisting of four regiments.
+
+The regiments of the Second division, not included in the charging
+column, formed in the rear, to act as support, but did not advance to
+the charge.
+
+As the regiments took their places, they threw themselves upon the
+ground, and all orders were given in suppressed tones, for the rebels
+were but a hundred yards distant, in the open field, and the minies of
+their skirmishers were whistling among the trees and brushwood.
+
+The other corps of the army were prepared, in case this charging party
+succeeded in breaking the enemy's line, to rush in and turn the success
+into a rout of the rebels. Generals Meade, Hancock, Warren and Burnside
+stationed themselves on eminences, from which they could watch the
+success of the perilous enterprise.
+
+At six o'clock all things were ready, and the artillery from the
+eminences in our rear opened a terrific fire, sending the shells howling
+and shrieking over the heads of the charging column, and plunging into
+the works of the enemy. This was the signal for the attack, and Colonel
+Upton's clear voice rang out, "_Attention, battalions! Forward,
+double-quick!_ Charge!" and in an instant every man was on his feet,
+and, with tremendous cheers, which were answered by the wild yells of
+the rebels, the column rushed from the cover of the woods. Quick as
+lightning, a sheet of flame burst from the rebel line, and the leaden
+hail swept the ground over which the column was advancing, while the
+canister from the artillery came crashing through our ranks at every
+step, and scores and hundreds of our brave fellows fell, literally
+covering the ground. But, nothing daunted, the noble fellows rushed upon
+the defenses, leaping over the ditch in front, and mounting the
+breastworks. The rebels made a determined resistance, and a hand to hand
+fight ensued, until, with their bayonets, our men had filled the rifle
+pits with bleeding rebels. About two thousand of the survivors of the
+struggle surrendered, and were immediately marched to the rear, under
+guard.
+
+Without halting for breath, the impetuous column rushed toward the
+second line of works, which was equally as strong as the first. The
+resistance here was less stubborn than at the first line, yet the gray
+occupants of the rifle pits refused to fly, until forced back at the
+point of the bayonet.
+
+Our ranks were now fearfully thinned, yet the brave fellows passed on to
+the third line of defenses which was also captured.
+
+It was but a shattered remnant of that noble column that rushed from the
+woods against the hostile works, that reached this advanced point, and
+now, finding that reënforcements were reaching the enemy, while our
+column was every moment melting away, a retreat was ordered.
+
+There was not even time to bring away the six pieces of artillery which
+we had captured; they were filled with sods and abandoned.
+
+What remained of the twelve regiments retreated to the cover of our
+rifle pits, leaving the dead and most of the wounded in the enemy's
+hands.
+
+The corps lost, in this charge, some of its ablest men. In the First
+brigade of the Second division Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, of the
+Sixty-second New York, was killed. Captain Carpenter, of the
+Seventy-seventh, one of its first and best officers, and Lieutenant
+Lyon, a young officer of great bravery, were killed in the interior line
+of works, and many other noble fellows of that regiment were left on
+that fatal field. The regiment crossed the Rapidan six days before with
+over five hundred men, and now, after this charge, less than ninety men
+were left, and this is but an example of the losses to most of the
+regiments in that division.
+
+The noise of the battle gradually died away as night threw her mantle
+over the fearful scene of carnage, and both armies were glad of a
+respite from their severe labors.
+
+The 11th of May passed in making new arrangements and in sending the
+thousands of wounded to Fredericksburgh. Immense trains of ambulances
+and army wagons freighted with the mangled forms of wounded men were
+running day and night to Fredericksburgh, and returning with supplies.
+
+Skirmishing was kept up along the line, but no general engagement was
+brought on. During the night the Second corps, General Hancock, silently
+withdrew from the position it had occupied on the right of the line, and
+marching along in the rear of the army occupied a position between the
+Sixth and Ninth corps, which was not before occupied. With great caution
+and silence preparations were made for a desperate attack upon that part
+of the enemy's line fronting this position. This line made here a sharp
+angle and by seizing this angle, it was hoped to turn the right flank of
+Lee's army. Between the position of the Second corps and the rebel
+works, the ground was covered with pines and underbrush, and as it
+neared the defenses ascended abruptly to a considerable height.
+
+As soon as the gray light of the morning began to streak through the
+mists, all was in readiness for the charge, and with strictest orders of
+silence the corps in mass advanced rapidly across the field, the thick
+fog concealing the movement. As the column neared the rifle pits a storm
+of bullets met it; but charging impetuously up the hill and over the
+works, the rebels, surprised and overpowered, gave way; those who could
+escaping to the second line in the rear, though thousands were obliged
+to surrender on the spot, so complete had been the surprise. The
+victorious column now pushed on toward the second line of works, but
+here, the enemy by this time fully prepared for the attack, the
+resistance became more stubborn. The battle now raged with greatest
+fury. The Sixth corps was withdrawn from its position, leaving a strong
+picket line to guard its front, and marching along the rear of its works
+joined in the attack with the Second corps. The works taken by Hancock's
+corps, were occupied by the men of the Sixth corps, and the enemy
+commenced the most desperate efforts to retake them. Forming their
+troops in heavy columns they hurled them against our line with
+tremendous force. Russell's division held the center of the line of the
+corps at a point known as "the angle." This was the key to the whole
+position. Our forces held the rebel works from the left as far as this
+"angle," and the rebels still held the rest of the line. Whoever could
+hold "the angle" would be the victors; for with the angle, either party
+could possess themselves of the whole line of works. Hence the desperate
+efforts to drive us from this position. The First division being unable
+to maintain the position alone, the Second division was sent to its aid.
+And now, as the boys of the Second division took their places in the
+front, the battle became a hand to hand combat. A breastwork of logs
+separated the combatants. Our men would reach over this partition and
+discharge their muskets in the face of the enemy, and in return would
+receive the fire of the rebels at the same close range. Finally, the men
+began to use their muskets as clubs and then rails were used. The men
+were willing thus to fight from behind the breastworks, but to rise up
+and attempt a charge in the face of an enemy so near at hand and so
+strong in numbers required unusual bravery. Yet they did charge and they
+drove the rebels back and held the angle themselves. It was in one of
+these charges that the gallant Major Ellis of the Forty-ninth New York,
+was shot with a ramrod through the arm and in the side, from the effects
+of which he afterwards died. The trees in front of the position held by
+the Sixth corps during this remarkable struggle, were literally cut to
+pieces by bullets. Even trees more than a foot in diameter, were cut off
+by the constant action of bullets. A section of one of these was, and
+doubtless still is, in Washington, with a card attached stating that the
+tree was cut down in front of the position of the Second corps. Our
+gallant brothers of that corps won undying honors on that glorious day,
+but it was the long-continued, fearful musketry battle between the Sixth
+corps and the enemy which cut down those trees. We have no desire to
+detract from the well-deserved honors of the brave men of the Second
+corps, but this is a simple matter of justice. The conflict became more
+and more bloody, and soon the Fifth corps was also engaged, and at ten
+o'clock the battle rolled along the whole line. The terrible fighting
+continued till eleven o'clock, when there was a lull in the musketry,
+but the artillery continued its work of destruction. Thus the second
+line of works was taken, but not without fearful loss to both armies.
+Our corps had fought at close range for eight hours. Behind the works
+the rebel dead were lying literally piled one upon another, and wounded
+men were groaning under the weight of bodies of their dead companions.
+The loss to the rebels in prisoners and guns was also great.
+
+Major-General Edward Johnson with his whole division, General Stewart, a
+brigade from Early's division and a whole regiment, including in all
+between three and four thousand prisoners and between thirty and forty
+guns, were the trophies of this glorious but bloody morning's work.
+These captures were nearly all made by the Second corps in the first
+assault in the morning.
+
+The losses to the Sixth corps were great, but far less than on the 12th.
+The Seventy-seventh lost one of its finest officers. Captain O. P. Rugg
+was shot in the breast and died while being carried to the hospital. The
+captain was a young man of great promise, of genial and lively
+temperament and greatly beloved by his regiment. He had been married but
+a few months before his death, and had parted from his bride at Elmira
+just before the spring campaign opened.
+
+The corps remained near the scene of action during the next day.
+Reconnoissances were made, and another attempt was made on the 14th to
+turn the right flank of the enemy. The Sixth corps, at three o'clock on
+the morning of that day, moved off to the left of our line about two
+miles and encamped about the Anderson House, but our pickets soon found
+the enemy in force in our front, and no attempt was made to bring on an
+engagement. The time passed quietly along the line, only occasionally
+the roar of artillery kept up something of excitement of battle. On the
+night of the 17th, the Sixth corps moved back to the scene of the battle
+of the 12th. At daylight three corps moved forward to attack the enemy's
+line. The Second corps forming the center of the line, the Sixth corps
+the right, and the Ninth corps the left. The first line of rifle pits
+were those which had been abandoned by us on the 12th. These were filled
+with rebel skirmishers, who readily gave way, leaving the works in our
+hands.
+
+Our line of battle advanced till it confronted the second line of the
+rebel works. This was a strong line behind a thick impenetrable abattis
+and held by a powerful force. The three corps pressed this formidable
+line, and a sharp engagement ensued, but without advantage to our
+forces, and it was concluded that an attempt to dislodge the enemy could
+only result in a fearful waste of life. Accordingly the troops were
+quietly withdrawn, though submitted to a galling fire, having lost in
+the morning's work about eight hundred men.
+
+In the afternoon the enemy attacked the Fifth corps on the left, but was
+driven back. The same afternoon the Sixth corps returned to the vicinity
+of the Anderson House, from which it had started on the evening
+previous; and orders were issued to be ready to march toward the North
+Anna.
+
+General Grant, deeming it impracticable to make any further attempt to
+carry the rebel position at Spottsylvania by direct assault, had
+determined upon another flank movement; and his preparations were made
+for moving around the left flank of the enemy during the night of the
+19th, and seizing a position on the North Anna. But late in the
+afternoon of the 19th, Ewell's rebel corps made a fierce assault upon
+the right of our line. Our forces gave the rebels a warm reception, and
+forced them back to the cover of their earthworks.
+
+On the 20th, Aaron B. Quincy, a young soldier, beloved by all who knew
+him, was shot through the breast, and died in a few minutes. His
+faithful Christian character, his undoubted bravery, and his ardent
+patriotism, had endeared him to all.
+
+On the night of the 21st, the flank movement was commenced. Withdrawing
+in silence, and first throwing the right corps in rear of the rest of
+the army and to its left, as at the Wilderness, the troops marched
+rapidly all night, halting for a few moments for breath once or twice,
+and then pressing forward again. During the next forenoon a halt of some
+hours occurred at Quincy Station, near the house where Stonewall Jackson
+died the year before. Then the march was renewed and continued till
+dark.
+
+The Fifth and Sixth corps reached the banks of the North Anna on the
+evening of the 23d, and was soon followed by the Second and Ninth corps.
+Again the enemy, aware of our intentions, and having the shortest line,
+confronted us, and disputed the crossing; but, after considerable
+artillery practice, the Fifth corps succeeded in throwing their pontoon
+bridges and obtaining a position on the south bank. The enemy now
+attacked the corps with great vigor, but were repulsed with equal
+slaughter. The Sixth corps followed at four o'clock in the morning, and
+a little later the Second and Ninth corps also joined us. Strong
+breastworks were thrown up, and parties were sent to the front to
+reconnoiter the position.
+
+A further advance of a few miles was made on the 25th, but finding the
+enemy in a stronger position than he had occupied either in the
+Wilderness or at Spottsylvania, General Grant determined again to
+withdraw and try his favorite flank movement. Accordingly, on the night
+of the 26th, the army was withdrawn to the north bank of the river. The
+night was very dark, and the mud deep. Several days' rain had rendered
+the roads, proverbial for their mud, almost impassable; but heeding no
+difficulties, the army followed without hesitation wherever our great
+leader directed. The Sixth corps, with two divisions of cavalry under
+Sheridan, who had now rejoined the army from his great raid on which he
+had started from Spottsylvania, took the advance. On Saturday, the 28th,
+the corps and the cavalry divisions, after a good deal of hard fighting,
+crossed the Pamunkey river, at Hanovertown. The cavalry, at once
+advancing several miles beyond the river, encountered a large force of
+rebel cavalry, which was driven back. The army encamped at Hanovertown,
+stretching from the river several miles southward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE HOSPITALS AT FREDERICKSBURGH.
+
+    The journey from the battle-field--Sufferings of the wounded--A
+    surgeon's letters--Rebel hatred--Assistance from the north--A
+    father in search of his boy--The wounded sent to Washington.
+
+
+Let us turn now from the field of battle to Fredericksburgh, that great
+depot for wounded men.
+
+It will be recollected that, from Piney Branch church, the trains, with
+the wounded from the Wilderness, were sent to Fredericksburgh. Over a
+rough road, nearly fifteen miles, these unfortunate men, with shattered
+or amputated limbs, with shots through the lungs or head or abdomen,
+suffering the most excruciating pain from every jar or jolt of the
+ambulance or wagon, crowded as closely as they could be packed, were to
+be transported. Already they had been carted about over many miles of
+hard road, most of them having been carried from the old gold mine to
+Chancellorsville, and now again loaded and brought to Spottsylvania.
+They were worn out with fatigue and suffering, and yet there was much
+misery in store for them. Slowly the immense train labored over the
+rough road, now corduroy, now the remains of a worn out plank road, and
+anon a series of ruts and mud holes, until, at three o'clock on the
+morning of the 9th of May, the head of the train arrived in
+Fredericksburgh.
+
+The train had been preceded by some three hundred men who were wounded
+but able to walk. Mayor Slaughter and other rebel citizens surrounded
+these unarmed men, made them prisoners and delivered them to some rebel
+cavalry, who took them to Richmond.
+
+The process of unloading the wounded at once commenced; all the churches
+and other public buildings were first seized and filled. Negroes who
+could be found in town were pressed into the work, yet, with all the
+help that could be obtained, it was a slow process. All night and all
+the next day the work went on. The churches were filled first, then
+warehouses and stores, and then private houses, until the town was
+literally one immense hospital.
+
+The surgeons were too much engaged in transferring the men from the
+wagons to the houses to find time that day to dress many wounds, and
+many an unfortunate soldier whose stump of an arm or leg had not been
+dressed since the first day of the fighting, became the victim of
+gangrene, which set in as the result of this unavoidable want of care.
+No sooner were the men removed from the ambulances than surgeons and
+nurses addressed themselves with all the strength that remained to them
+to relieve the immediate wants of the sufferers. Never before had such
+herculean labors been thrown upon so small a body of men, yet nobly did
+they accomplish the task. All the buildings in town were full of wounded
+men, the walks were covered with them, and long trains of ambulances
+were filling the streets with more. Yet to relieve the wants of all
+these thousands of suffering men not more than forty surgeons had been
+sent from the field.
+
+It was one grand funeral; men were dropping away on every side. Large
+numbers of nurses were detailed as burial parties, and these plied their
+work day after day with hardly time for their needed rest.
+
+Surgeons were completely worn out, and many of them, had to be sent to
+Washington, fairly broken down with their labors.
+
+The following extract from a letter of a surgeon at Fredericksburgh to
+his wife, written on the 11th, may convey something of an idea of the
+experience of the medical officers during those terrible days. He says:
+"We are almost worked to death; my feet are terribly swollen; yet we
+cannot rest for there are so many poor fellows who are suffering. All
+day yesterday I worked at the operating table. That was the fourth day
+that I had worked at those terrible operations since the battle
+commenced, and I have also worked at the tables two whole nights and
+part of another. Oh! it is awful. It does not seem as though I could
+take a knife in my hand to-day, yet there are a hundred cases of
+amputations waiting for me. Poor fellows come and beg almost on their
+knees for the first chance to have an arm taken off. It is a scene of
+horror such as I never saw. God forbid that I should ever see another."
+
+Again, the same officer writing a day or two later, says, "It is
+fearful. I see so many grand men dropping one by one. They are my
+acquaintances and my friends. They look to me for help, and I have to
+turn away heartsick at my want of ability to relieve their sufferings.
+Captain Walker of the Seventh Maine is dying to-night. He is a noble
+good man, and he looks in my face and pleads for help. Adjutant Hessy
+and Lieutenant Hooper of the same regiment died last night. All were my
+friends, and all thought that I could save them. General Sedgwick is
+dead, and General Getty and General Torbert are my patients.... Mrs.
+Lewis has just come; what a blessing her presence will be to the
+colonel, who bears the loss of his arm so bravely. Colonel Barney of the
+Sixth Vermont died yesterday, and Major Fryer of the Forty-third is
+dying. The major says, 'Doctor, can nothing be done?' Major Dudley lies
+in the room where I am writing, seriously wounded.... I have to-day sent
+sixty officers of the Sixth corps to Washington.... Oh! can I ever write
+anything beside these mournful details? Hundreds of ambulances are
+coming into town now, and it is almost midnight. So they come every
+night."
+
+For a time it was almost impossible to obtain sufficient supplies either
+of food or dressings. Everything that could be spared from the field had
+been sent, but in the field they were still fighting terrible battles,
+and there was little to spare. Food was obtained in very limited
+quantities in town, and men went to the houses of citizens and demanded
+sheets, which were torn into bandages.
+
+But large supplies were sent from Washington by the government in a few
+days, so that all necessary articles were furnished in abundance, with a
+profusion of lemons, oranges and canned fruit. The Sanitary Commission
+was also on hand with large supplies of delicacies, which were joyfully
+received by the wounded heroes, who not only relished the luxuries, but
+remembered that they were the gifts of friends at home, who had not
+forgotten the soldiers.
+
+Many of the people of Fredericksburgh exhibited the most malignant spite
+against the "Yankee wounded;" but others, while they claimed no sympathy
+with our cause, showed themselves friends of humanity, and rendered us
+all the assistance in their power. No men, except negroes and white men
+unfit for military duty, were left in town, but the women were bitter
+rebels. Some of them made fierce opposition to the use of their houses
+as hospitals, but they were occupied notwithstanding their
+remonstrances.
+
+At one fine mansion a surgeon rang the door bell, and in a moment saw
+the door open just enough to show the nose and a pair of small twinkling
+eyes of what was evidently a portly women. "What do you want?" snarled
+out the female defender of the premises. "We want to come and see if we
+can place a few wounded officers in this house." "You can't come in
+here!" shouted the woman slamming the door together. A few knocks
+induced her again to open the door two or three inches. "Madam, we must
+come in here; we shall do you no harm." "You can't come here; I am a
+lone widow." "But I assure you no harm is intended you." Again the door
+was closed, and again at the summons was opened. "Madam, it will be much
+better for you to allow us to enter than for me to direct these men to
+force the door; but we must enter." The woman now threw the door wide
+open and rushing into the yard with as much alacrity as her enormous
+proportions would admit, threw her arms out and whirled about like a
+reversed spinning top shouting for help. She was again assured that no
+harm was intended her, but that unless she chose to show us the house we
+should be obliged to go alone. Concluding that wisdom was the better
+part of valor, she proceeded to show us the rooms.
+
+At another mansion, one of the finest in Fredericksburgh, a red-haired
+woman thrust her head out of the side window, in answer to the ring of
+the door bell:
+
+"What do you want here?"
+
+"We wish to place some wounded officers in this house."
+
+"You can't bring any officers nor anybody else to this house. I'm all
+alone. I hope you have more honor than to come and disturb defenseless,
+unprotected women."
+
+"Have you no husband?"
+
+"Yes, thank God, he's a colonel in the confederate service."
+
+"Well, if your husband was at home, where he ought to be, you would not
+be a defenseless woman."
+
+The woman refused to unbolt the door, in spite of all persuasion, but
+while she railed at the "detestable Yankees," a soldier climbed in at a
+window in the rear, and unbolted the door. Her splendid rooms and fine
+mattresses furnished lodgings for twenty wounded officers. Day after
+day, the gloom of death hung over the town. Hundreds of our brave
+fellows were dying. Some of the finest officers of our army were daily
+yielding to the destroyer.
+
+Among the severe losses to the Sixth corps were, Colonel Barney, of the
+Sixth Vermont, who had been shot through the head. He died on the 10th.
+He was one of the noblest of the sons of Vermont, a pattern of a brave
+soldier and Christian gentleman, respected for his ability as a
+commander, and loved for his social virtues; he was lamented by the
+whole corps. Major Fryer, of the Forty-third New York, one of the most
+promising young officers in the corps, died on the 12th, from wounds
+through the left arm and lungs. Captain Walker and Adjutant Hesse, of
+the Seventh Maine, and Lieutenants Hooper and Vining, of the same
+regiment, all died within a few hours of each other. Lieutenants
+Follensbee and Cook, of the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts, and Captain
+Kirkbride, of the One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania, were also among
+those who died. Major Dudley, of the Fifth Vermont, after suffering
+untold agony for many days, finally yielded, and died in the embraces of
+his youthful wife, who had arrived in Fredericksburgh just in time to be
+present during his last hours. The major had gone into the fight sick
+with a fever, but his determined bravery forbade him to remain quiet.
+Receiving a severe wound while thus depressed by disease, he gradually
+sunk, until his brave spirit took its departure.
+
+These were a few of the sad, sad scenes, which brought sorrow to our
+hearts day after day, of the hospitals at Fredericksburgh.
+
+Physicians and nurses from civil life came to our assistance in large
+numbers. Some were earnest men, wholly devoted to the object of
+relieving the distress which they saw on every side. Others had come for
+selfish purposes.
+
+Physicians who had never performed an important surgical operation came
+armed with amputating cases, and seemed to think that there was but one
+thing to be done, _to operate_ as they said.
+
+Distressed fathers and brothers wandered about the town, in search of
+information regarding some son or friend who had been wounded, or
+perhaps, as they feared, killed.
+
+The following is but an example of many sad incidents of this kind: H.
+A. Bowers, of the Seventy-seventh New York, a young man much beloved and
+respected in his regiment, was wounded through the chest on the 5th of
+May, and with the other wounded brought to Fredericksburgh. His father,
+who resided in Albany, received the intelligence that his son was
+dangerously wounded, and hastened to Fredericksburgh in search of him.
+He arrived at that immense hospital, and at once commenced his inquiries
+after his soldier boy. Failing to learn anything of him, except the
+assurance that he had been placed in the ambulances, he sought out the
+quartermaster of the Seventy-seventh, who was with the army train just
+out of town. The quartermaster readily lent his aid in the search, and
+both at once sought the surgeon of that regiment for information, but
+he, having the care of a multitude, could tell them nothing of the
+object of their search. Thousands of wounded men were here, filling the
+city, but, thus far, the important duties of relieving their immediate
+necessities had occupied the attention of surgeons and attendants to the
+exclusion of everything else; and no record or register had been made by
+which a particular wounded man might be found. Unless some friend or
+acquaintance could direct to his place, the search was often long. The
+nurses were instructed to afford the anxious father every assistance in
+finding his son. Two more long weary days were spent in the fruitless
+search, when word was sent to the father that his boy might be found in
+a certain church. Overjoyed at the thought that at last his search was
+to be crowned with success, he hastened to the place. Who shall attempt
+to tell the anguish of that father, when, on reaching the hospital, he
+found that his son had expired half an hour before!
+
+At length, by the 26th of May, all the wounded men were sent by
+transports to Washington, and the hospitals broken up. The surgeons,
+escorted by a squadron of cavalry, crossed the country by way of Bowling
+Green, and, after a three days' journey, rejoined the army at Hanover.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+COAL HARBOR.
+
+    At Hanover Court House--The Eighteenth corps joins the Army of
+    the Potomac--The armies meet at Coal Harbor--Battle of June
+    1st--Battle of June 3d--Terrible exposure--The army strikes for
+    Petersburgh--Charles City Court House--A centenarian--Review of
+    the overland campaign.
+
+
+Early on the morning of the 30th, the army was again moving, advancing
+with heavy skirmishing toward Hanover Court House. Remaining here some
+hours the column retraced its steps a short distance, the rebels
+meanwhile opening a severe artillery fire upon our hospital trains.
+
+Toward evening the enemy attacked our left vigorously but were repulsed,
+and an attack was in turn made by our own troops which resulted in
+forcing the rebels from a part of their intrenchments. Except some
+changes of position and ascertaining that of the enemy, our army lay
+quietly confronting the rebels during the 31st, but on the 1st of June
+we were again on the road marching toward Coal Harbor. The march was a
+hard one. The day was sultry, and the dust, ankle deep, raised in clouds
+by the column, was almost suffocating. It filled the air and hung upon
+the leaves of the trees like snow. Seldom had our men experienced so
+severe a march. As we neared Coal Harbor our Sixth corps in advance, we
+fell in with the column of General Smith's command, the Eighteenth and
+Tenth corps. It was a relief to the old soldiers of the Army of the
+Potomac to see these full regiments, and they felt that with such large
+reinforcements our success must now be insured. It was also a source of
+much gratification to the old Second division to meet again our friends
+Generals Smith and Brooks, whose names were so intimately connected with
+the division, and who still held a large place in the affections of the
+men.
+
+These two corps were a part of General Butler's command, which had
+advanced up the Peninsula as far as Bermuda Hundreds, but were unable to
+make further progress. General Grant had, therefore, directed General
+Butler to send them forward by way of transports to White House Landing,
+to join the Army of the Potomac. They reached us tired and almost
+discouraged by their unusual march of nearly sixteen miles, their trains
+and baggage being left behind.
+
+In the afternoon we had fallen in with ambulances returning with wounded
+cavalrymen, and learned from them that Sheridan had engaged the rebel
+cavalry at Coal Harbor early in the morning, and that he was now
+fighting both infantry and cavalry. Toward that point the troops pushed
+on rapidly, reaching the cavalry line at about four o'clock. The men
+halted a few moments, and then were ordered to fall in and advance
+against the enemy. Skirmishers, as usual, had advanced and prepared the
+way for the lines of infantry and the artillery. The shots of the
+skirmishers had become more and more frequent, till the sharp rattle of
+musketry told of the actual presence of the enemy. The artillery of the
+Sixth corps was at once run out, and a brisk fire opened upon the
+rebels, who replied with their guns, but with less vigor than that
+exhibited by our own. The commands of Wright and Smith were at once
+formed in line of battle, our Sixth corps on the left in line, Rickett's
+Third division holding the right of the line, Russell's the center, and
+Neill's Second division the extreme left of the whole line. On our right
+was Smith's command in single line.
+
+In front of our line was an open space two-thirds of a mile in width,
+beyond which was a strip of pine woods. In these woods the enemy had
+intrenched, and was holding the position in strong force. Lee, again
+anticipating the design of Grant, had sent Longstreet's corps and other
+troops to occupy Coal Harbor, and now, with their rear resting upon the
+Chickahominy, at this point a shallow and easily forded stream, the
+rebels occupied a strong position between our advance and Richmond.
+
+The order for the charge was given, and these two commands, weary and
+exhausted, the veterans of the Sixth corps from many days and nights of
+most severe labor, and both corps by the tedious march of the day,
+dashed impetuously across the ploughed field with shouts and cheers,
+making for the rebel works.
+
+The storm of battle seemed suddenly to have broken without the usual
+warning. It was less than an hour since the Union troops had arrived on
+the field, and already a most bloody struggle was in progress. Volleys
+rang out upon the evening air, crashing louder and still louder. The
+First and Third divisions of the Sixth corps, in heavy columns, rushed
+across the field, cleared the abattis, and seized the rebel works, while
+the Second division, on the left, discovering a strong force of the
+enemy planting a battery on our flank, engaged them and forced them
+back. Smith's command, also, by a desperate charge, seized nearly the
+whole line in the front, that on the extreme right, in front of Brooks'
+command, alone remaining in the hands of the rebels. The whole line
+thundered with the incessant volleys of musketry, and the shot and shell
+of the artillery shrieked and howled like spirits of evil. The sun was
+sinking, red, in the west, and the clouds of dust and smoke almost
+obscured the terrible scene. Hundreds of our brave fellows were falling
+on every side, and stretcher bearers were actively engaged in removing
+the wounded from the field. The First division, after a stubborn
+resistance of a few minutes, was forced to give up the line of works it
+had captured and fall back; only the Third division held its ground. The
+others had advanced as far, but the ground was unfavorable, and in spite
+of most determined efforts to hold the line, they were forced to swing
+back.
+
+This was the first experience of Smith's command in a great battle, and
+well did his men earn the confidence of the veterans who fought by their
+side. Their courage and impetuosity were the subjects of admiration of
+the boys of the old Sixth corps, who declared that Baldy Smith could
+make any troops fight like veterans.
+
+The gallantry shown by our Third division in taking and holding the
+enemy's works, was acknowledged with true soldierly generosity by the
+other divisions of our corps, who thus far had not regarded the new
+division as their peer.
+
+As darkness came on, the conflict still raged, and sheets of flame
+rolled from one end of the line to the other as the discomfited rebels
+strove desperately to regain their lost ground. But as the sound of
+battle died away at nine o'clock, the advantages gained by us were still
+held, and our men set to work to strengthen the works they had captured
+from the enemy and to throw up new ones. Again and again the rebels
+rushed against the Union line hoping to regain their lost ground, but
+without success. The battle, although of brief duration, had been a most
+sanguinary one. The loss to the Sixth corps was about two hundred killed
+and nine hundred and sixty wounded, while the Eighteenth corps lost one
+hundred and twenty-five killed and six hundred and fifty wounded.
+
+Meanwhile the Second, Fifth and Ninth corps were holding the position
+occupied by them the day before, and against these corps most desperate
+assaults were repeatedly made by the enemy, but they were as often
+repulsed with great slaughter.
+
+The movement at Coal Harbor, while it had not succeeded in forcing the
+enemy across the Chickahominy, had secured our communications with White
+House Landing, which now became, after two years, for the second time,
+the base of supplies for the Army of the Potomac. General Grant now
+determined to renew the attempt to dislodge the rebels on the following
+day.
+
+Accordingly, after the fashion of all the movements of the army, the
+Second corps, which now occupied the extreme right of the line, withdrew
+during the night, and falling behind the other corps, marched rapidly to
+the left and took position in that flank on the road leading from
+Dispatch Station to Coal Harbor. The corps did not secure this position
+without considerable fighting, and it was not in condition to take part
+in the expected advance until the afternoon. Then a most violent thunder
+shower set in, putting a stop to all movements for the remainder of the
+day.
+
+The men of the Sixth and Eighteenth corps, tired and worn out from
+marching, fighting, and the hard night's work in throwing up
+intrenchments, had spent the early part of the day in quietly watching
+the enemy, or lounging behind the breastworks, glad of an opportunity
+for rest.
+
+Orders were now given for a simultaneous attack along the whole line, to
+take place at half-past four on the morning of the 3d. Our line of
+battle extended from Coal Harbor to Tolopotamy creek, in the following
+order, from left to right: Second, Sixth, Eighteenth, Fifth, and Ninth.
+This line was nearly parallel with the Chickahominy, and from a mile and
+a half to two miles north of it.
+
+The rebels had not left the day unimproved, in concentrating their
+troops and strengthening their works. They now held three lines of
+breastworks, all of great strength; the first occupied by their skirmish
+lines, the others by strong lines of battle. Between the two armies the
+ground was low and swampy, while the positions occupied by both were
+sandy plains.
+
+At half-past six on the morning of the 3d, our army was astir; and the
+skirmishers, leaving the cover of the rifle pits, were advancing.
+Presently they fell in with the skirmishers of the enemy, and the sharp
+cracking of rifles betokened the storm of battle.
+
+As soon as the skirmishers were engaged, our artillery opened upon the
+rebel works, and the conflict now commenced in earnest. Amid the
+deafening volleys of musketry, the thunders of the artillery, and the
+wild yells of battle, our brave fellows pressed rapidly across the space
+between the hostile lines of works, and the whole Union force was thrown
+against the rebel breastworks almost simultaneously. But the works were
+too strong, the abattis too troublesome, and the rebel forces too
+numerous. Their line could not be taken.
+
+The vigorous and gallant assault made by the Sixth corps, resulted in
+carrying the first line, where the rebel skirmishers had been posted,
+and our troops got within two hundred and fifty yards of the main works,
+but Martindale's division of Smith's corps, which advanced with the
+Sixth corps, and on our right, found the task before it too great; the
+troops of that division became disarranged and were repulsed. Although
+General Smith, who was always up to the front, made several attempts to
+relieve Martindale's division, it failed to take the rifle pits.
+
+The right flank of the Sixth corps, thus exposed, the whole corps was
+forced to fall back.
+
+Thus this grand assault, in which General Grant hoped to force his enemy
+across the Chickahominy, failed with immense loss to us and
+comparatively little to the confederate army, which as usual was
+defended by earthworks, while our men advancing to the charge were
+unprotected. But our brave fellows were to have their revenge.
+
+The battle was over, and again the occupants of the opposing lines of
+defenses watched each other, the quiet being only disturbed by the
+occasional shots of sharpshooters. Darkness closed over the plains of
+Coal Harbor, and even the sharpshooters desisted from their work. The
+stars shed a mild light upon the two armies which had so lately been
+engaged in fierce conflict, each now securely resting behind its line of
+earthworks, and the plain which lay between them, which the hurricane of
+battle had so lately swept, was as still as though the noise of war had
+never been heard there.
+
+Suddenly, at eight o'clock, the rebels in front of our Sixth corps and
+of the Second corps, leaped over their works and rushed with a yell
+toward our lines. At the same time their artillery opened upon us. The
+course of their shells was marked by long curves of fire upon the dark
+sky, while the flashes of the guns and bursting missiles made a sublime
+display of pyrotechnics.
+
+On came the charging column, against the left of the Sixth and the right
+of the Second corps; but nothing pleased our brave boys more than to see
+their enemies come out from the cover of their works to fight.
+
+It had, during all these long days of battles, been ours to charge well
+defended earthworks almost invariably; and whenever the rebels chose to
+assume the offensive, our men were glad to show them the difference
+between being the assailants and the assailed.
+
+Now the rebels came on with determination, but their attack was met by
+volley after volley of musketry aimed for effect; and our well directed
+fire of artillery made great gaps in the advancing lines. The attack was
+nobly repulsed, and many grey-coated soldiers who advanced to the
+charge, were left by their retreating comrades, dead between the two
+lines, while others were ordered in as prisoners. The rebels returned to
+their place, and again all was still. From this time we had no more
+battles at Coal Harbor, yet we daily lost many men by the shots of the
+sharpshooters who were perched in trees, and who kept up a fire at every
+moving thing which showed itself within our lines.
+
+Never before had our army been in a position where there was such
+constant danger as at Coal Harbor. Men in the front line dared not leave
+the cover of the breastworks except in the darkness of night, and even
+then the movement of a company to the rear might bring on a storm of
+shells. High breastworks were thrown up at all angles with the main
+line, and deep trenches were dug, in which the men might pass to and
+from the front without being observed. Even with all these extraordinary
+precautions, no man was safe in venturing to go to the rear by daylight.
+If a soldier collected the canteens of his companions and started to the
+rear for water, he was obliged to crawl along the trenches with the
+utmost secrecy, and even then he was liable to be shot. Not a day
+passed, even when there was no battle, in which scores of men were not
+killed or brought to the hospitals with severe wounds.
+
+The whole plain occupied by our army was dug over. Far to the rear the
+men had intrenched themselves. General officers had their tents erected
+in deep excavations surrounded by embankments of earth, and special duty
+men had each prepared for themselves burrows in the ground, many of
+which were creditable specimens of engineering. One was reminded, in
+riding over the plain, of the colonies of prairie dogs with their
+burrows and mounds. Although we had but two days' actual fighting at
+Coal Harbor, our losses were more than thirteen thousand men, while the
+rebels suffered comparatively small losses.
+
+Thus the army lay upon the burning sands of that arid plain, the greater
+part of the line without the friendly shelter of a tree, weary, yet not
+discouraged; grimy and dirty, and choked with dust, yet uttering no
+words of complaint, for twelve days.
+
+Troops commenced moving toward the rear on the morning of the 11th of
+July, and it became known that we were to make no more attempts to force
+the formidable position. General Grant had ordered another flank
+movement, this time to the James river. Preparations for withdrawing
+went on actively on the 10th and 11th; all the wounded were sent to the
+White House, and the long trains of forage, ammunition and commissary
+supplies which had been allowed to come far toward the front, began to
+pass to the rear. On the 12th, Smith's corps was ordered to the White
+House, thence to embark to City Point, while the remainder of the army
+was to cross the Chickahominy far to the right of the rebel position,
+and march to the James river.
+
+At three o'clock in the afternoon, the long hospital train of the Sixth
+corps moved out toward the left a few miles and halted for the corps,
+which withdrew from the works after dark, and marched with great
+rapidity toward the left. The other corps also withdrew from their
+positions, and the whole army moved off down the Chickahominy, the
+Second corps in advance. The march was kept up all night, a short halt
+only being allowed in the morning near Dispatch Station. Then the column
+pressed on again, the men almost suffocated with the dust, which hung
+over the column like a huge cloud; no halt was made at noon, and the
+men, deprived of their coffee, choked with dust, and burned with heat,
+marched wearily toward night. The sun was sinking in the west, tinging
+the clouds with purple, and crowning the distant hills with gold, when
+we crossed the historic Chickahominy. Two years before we had crossed
+the same stream not far from this very spot. Through how many
+vicissitudes of army life had we passed since that time. The stream was
+not wide, and its banks were well defined where we crossed. Indeed, at
+this point, there was nothing in the appearance of the stream that would
+convey any idea of the difficulties which it had once presented to the
+Union army. The corps bivouacked on high grounds a mile from the river,
+glad to rest from the toiling march.
+
+We were early astir on the morning of the 14th; taking our line of march
+through a delightful section of country where the comfortable farm
+houses and fine residences presented a striking contrast with the
+desolations to which we had become accustomed. As we began to descend
+from the high lands toward the plain, on which stands the little cluster
+of houses called, in southern fashion, Charles City, we beheld, in the
+distance, the James river, lying in all its loveliness, spreading widely
+between its banks. A magnificent prospect opened before us. The river in
+the distance bordered by green fields, one undulating slope four or five
+miles wide, and twice as long, presenting a scene of surpassing beauty.
+There were large fields of grain already yellow and nearly ripe for the
+harvest, green meadows lay in the beautiful valleys, the gentle breeze
+dallied with the tassels of the long rows of corn, which gave rich
+promise of an abundant harvest; fine groves upon the hillside, in the
+valleys and on the plain, gave a charming diversity to the scene, and
+the old mansions, embosomed in vines and trees, and surrounded by
+colonies of outhouses, reminded us of the ease and comfort which had
+reigned here before the ravages of war had desolated Virginia. To the
+right was Charles City, almost hidden by trees, a little town, in
+prosperous days, the home of a few hundred people, now almost deserted.
+
+In the vicinity of Charles City we halted a little before noon. The
+Second corps, which was in the advance, had already reached the James at
+Wilcox's Landing, and was preparing to cross. The men of our corps were
+delighted with the opportunity of once more spreading their tents over
+clean grassy turf, and each quickly pitched his shelter tent preparatory
+to a refreshing rest.
+
+Within two miles of our camp was the residence of the late ex-president,
+John Tyler, which was visited by many of our officers. It was a charming
+spot, with everything about it to please the eye of a lover of the
+beautiful. But except the grounds immediately surrounding the house,
+everything was in the wildness of nature.
+
+The house was stripped of almost everything. The cabinet was carried
+off. The large library had lost many of its choicest volumes, while the
+remainder, with heaps of letters, lay thrown in wild confusion about the
+floor. The pile of sheet music which had been left on the piano by the
+family, had been culled over and nearly all taken away. In fact such a
+sad scene of destruction was rare, even in the track of a great army.
+
+On the morning of the 15th, the corps moved to the river side, where it
+remained while other troops were crossing by ferry and on an immensely
+long pontoon bridge. The river was full of shipping, the forests of
+masts making strange contrasts with the native forests on the river
+banks.
+
+Near the crossing was a superb old mansion, the residence of a rebel
+general, surrounded by its little village of negro cabins. Here many
+officers of the corps resorted, to spend the time in walking among the
+grand old trees, or to stroll through the garden, admiring the elegant
+and rare exotics which adorned the grounds. Here was the magnolia
+grandiflora in full bloom, its immense cup-like flowers filling the
+whole place with delightful fragrance, and the American agave, also
+loaded with a profusion of elegant flowers; roses of the most rare and
+superb varieties, jasmines, honeysuckles, clematis, spice woods, and a
+great variety of other choice plants, were also in lavish abundance.
+There were locust trees of enormous size, and everything that was
+inanimate filled us with surprise and delight. But, within the mansion,
+we were met with the accustomed bitterness and want of civility. Among
+the slaves on the premises was a white-haired negro, who was one hundred
+and eight years old. His wife, who lived upon a neighboring plantation,
+was one hundred and four years of age. When asked his age by the boys,
+he was accustomed to answer, "Well, massa, I'se going on _two hundred_
+now." The old fellow manifested no sympathy for the cause of his master,
+and even he sighed for freedom. When asked of what value freedom could
+be to him now, he answered, impatiently, "Well, massa, isn't a hundred
+and eight years long enough to be a slave?"
+
+The army, which had thus fought its way at fearful cost from the Rapidan
+to the James, was now to change its base, and threaten the rebel capital
+from the south. Petersburgh was now the objective point, and this was
+regarded as the door to Richmond.
+
+Our army had, during the period of a little more than a month, fought
+the most extraordinary series of battles, and executed some of the most
+remarkable movements on record. Never was heroic valor exhibited on a
+grander scale than had been manifested by the Army of the Potomac
+throughout this long struggle, in which every man's life seemed doomed.
+The stubborn perseverance of the general was equaled by the persistent
+determination of his soldiers. Day after day they had been called upon
+to assault earthworks of formidable character, defended by veteran
+troops; and it was usually the case that they had seen, as the only
+fruits of their daring, almost reckless, charges, the ground in front of
+the hostile intrenchments strewed with the lifeless bodies of their
+comrades, while the enemy still held the coveted line of works.
+
+The battle of the Wilderness was a strange, deadly struggle, which no
+man could see. A battle in which both armies were hidden in thickets and
+forests, impenetrable to vision, each making gigantic efforts for the
+overthrow and destruction of the other. It had resulted in no decisive
+advantage to either party. Lee was as ready to meet us at Spottsylvania
+as he had been in the Wilderness, and Grant was determined in his attack
+along the Ny, as though he had met with no repulse on Wilderness Run.
+The soldiers, too, of each army were as ready at Spottsylvania to test
+their relative valor as they had been in the Wilderness.
+
+At Spottsylvania we had lost thousands of our best men, and hundreds of
+our ablest officers in futile attempts to drive our enemy from
+impregnable positions; yet, notwithstanding all our losses, and our
+hitherto unsuccessful assaults, our men rushed against the strong
+defenses at Coal Harbor with as much resolution and fortitude as though
+they had met with no reverses.
+
+From the Rapidan to the Chickahominy the advance had been almost a
+continuous battle, in which our army fought at a disadvantage. The men
+had for more than a month engaged the enemy in mortal combat by day and
+made fatiguing marches by night only to find themselves again face to
+face with the enemy in the morning. Sixty thousand of our comrades were
+either killed, wounded or missing. Of these more than thirteen thousand
+had been lost at Coal Harbor, about thirty-two thousand in the
+Wilderness, and nearly fifteen thousand at Spottsylvania and on the
+North Anna.
+
+It is true that our enemy had suffered great losses, yet not half as
+many rebels as Union men had fallen. At Coal Harbor the disproportion
+was much greater than elsewhere. There the rebel loss had not been
+one-tenth as great as our own. Notwithstanding our frequent repulses,
+and despite the fact that our road was continually blocked by an army
+behind powerful defenses, our march had been straight on toward the goal
+of our ambition, the rebel capital.
+
+From the crossing of the Rapidan to the halt at Coal Harbor, in all our
+battles and all our flank movements, we had not swerved from the direct
+line to Richmond; and now, with unimpaired vigor and still relentless
+determination, the Army of the Potomac, and the imperturbable leader of
+the Union armies, were ready to undertake the capture of Richmond, by
+way of Petersburgh, fully assured that their illustrious valor and never
+failing courage must sooner or later meet with their award.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+PETERSBURGH.
+
+    The march to Petersburgh--Smith's successes--The battle of June
+    18th--The Sixth and Second corps sent to the left--Rebels
+    penetrate the line--Progress of the siege--Sixth corps proceeds
+    to Reams' Station--Kautz's and Wilson's raids.
+
+
+At sunset on the 16th, the Sixth corps gathered upon the banks of the
+James river, and while the First and Third divisions embarked on
+steamers for City Point, the Second division crossed on the pontoon
+bridge. The division marched all night toward Petersburgh, from which
+direction we had heard cannonading all day. The column moved rapidly,
+leaving scores of stragglers, who quietly rolled themselves in their
+blankets and lay down behind the hedges to sleep till morning. The
+following day was sultry, and the dust was very annoying. The men were
+weary from want of sleep, and the march was a severe one; but at sunset
+the division arrived at our lines before Petersburgh. Smith's corps had
+preceded us, and by assaulting the rebel position on the evening of the
+16th, had carried the lines northeast of the town for a distance of over
+two and a half miles, capturing fifteen pieces of artillery and three
+hundred prisoners. General Smith was then reinforced by Hancock's corps,
+which had just arrived by land, but no further advance was made that
+night. This neglect to take advantage of the absence of any large force
+of rebels in the works about Petersburgh was severely censured by
+General Grant, who could not understand why General Smith, now
+reinforced by a large corps, had not at once taken possession of the
+town. The day that the Second division, Sixth corps, arrived in front of
+Petersburgh, the two divisions of that corps which had taken transports
+up the river, were ordered to reinforce General Butler at Bermuda
+Hundreds, where his command had gained some advantages, which were,
+however, lost before night. All the corps having got up, attacks upon
+the rebel positions were renewed on the 17th and 18th. The attack on the
+17th was made by Smith's command, and resulted in the loss of a few men,
+when the lines were withdrawn.
+
+Our Second division now relieved Brooks' division of the Eighteenth
+corps on the front line, the Seventy-seventh taking possession of a
+powerful redoubt, the other regiments taking their places in close
+proximity. The Vermont brigade was placed in rifle pits, as was also the
+First brigade. In order to secure unity of action, General Neill,
+commanding the division, was directed to receive orders from General
+Martindale of the Eighteenth corps.
+
+Standing in the redoubt occupied by the Seventy-seventh, which was upon
+a high bluff, and commanded a fine prospect of the surrounding country,
+we could trace the line of defenses which had already been captured, and
+those yet in the hands of the enemy. The defenses of Petersburgh
+consisted of a line of strong earthworks, in the form of a semicircle.
+Immense redoubts, like the one we now occupied, were placed at frequent
+intervals, upon commanding positions, and these were connected by a line
+of rifle pits and high breastworks. At all advantageous points, also,
+were well constructed rifle pits, in front (now in rear) of the main
+works. Smith's corps had captured eleven of these forts and redoubts in
+the first assault, and they were now occupied by our forces, and the
+strong works which were intended for the defense of the town now
+bristled with cannon pointing toward it.
+
+The line of powerful forts and breastworks commenced about two and a
+half miles below Petersburgh, on the Appomattox, and, circling the city,
+terminated two or three miles above.
+
+Before us stretched the valley of the Appomattox in all its beauty, the
+level plain between us and the river clothed in the verdure of summer,
+the green fields of corn yet untrodden by the troops of either side.
+Below the heights, stretching far to the right and left, was the line of
+rifle pits now occupied by our men, and beyond these could be traced the
+outlines of the new works which the rebels were throwing up. Still
+beyond all these, the spires of Petersburgh towered grandly, and by the
+help of a glass the streets and houses were distinctly visible.
+
+On the 18th, another advance was made by the divisions of Smith's corps,
+a part of the Second corps, and our own Second division. Smith's troops
+advanced spiritedly across the plain, facing a withering fire of grape
+and canister, but were unable to come up to the rebel works.
+
+They were ordered to lie down, and at once every man commenced to throw
+up a little mound of earth in front of him, using his cup or plate, or
+even his hands or jack-knife, in place of a spade.
+
+Under this destructive fire the troops were forced to remain for some
+time, but they at length retired, having lost several hundred of their
+number. Neill's division was on the left of Smith's troops, and did not
+advance as far. Our losses were therefore slight.
+
+Owing to some unfortunate misunderstanding, the surgeons of the
+Eighteenth corps were ordered to the right of the line to establish
+field hospitals; consequently, when the wounded of that corps began to
+come in, there were none of their surgeons at hand. The surgeons of our
+own division, however, quickly proceeded to establish a hospital for
+them, in which they were all received and cared for, their wounds
+dressed, the shattered limbs removed, and all their wants attended to.
+The medical officers of the Eighteenth corps expressed their warmest
+gratitude for this act of kindness on the part of the Sixth corps
+surgeons, this being the second time that we had found an opportunity of
+assisting them in an emergency.
+
+Our lines were daily drawn more closely around Petersburgh, but no other
+general action was brought on for some time. There was constant firing
+of artillery from both sides, and now and then the rattle of musketry
+would pass along the lines.
+
+On the 22d, Colonel Bidwell's brigade occupied the front line of rifle
+pits. The sun was shining brightly, and our men, unprotected by shelter,
+were striving to pass the time with as little discomfort as possible. A
+group of men of the Seventy-seventh were behind the breastwork,
+stretched out upon the sand, resting upon their elbows and amusing each
+other with jokes, when a shell came shrieking into their midst. Its
+explosion threw them in every direction. One went high in the air and
+fell twenty feet from the spot where he was lying when the shell
+exploded. Strange to tell, not a man was killed, yet three had each a
+leg crushed to jelly, and two others were seriously wounded. The three
+whose legs were crushed were Sergeant James Barnes, James Lawrence, and
+James Allen, all of company A. The poor fellows were taken to the field
+hospital completely prostrated from the shock, cold sweat stood upon
+their pallid brows, and life seemed but to flicker before going out. The
+surgeons were making haste to load the wounded and sick into ambulances
+to send to City Point, for we were ordered to march at a moment's
+notice. "You can do nothing for those men," said the wide awake,
+enterprising Doctor Hall, who was superintending the loading of the
+ambulances, as he saw the surgeon who had charge of the operations
+prepare to remove the mangled members. "Better put them into ambulances
+and let them have a chance for their lives! There is no time now to wait
+for operations." "How long will it take you to load your ambulances,
+doctor?" "Twenty minutes, at least." "Then I will have the men ready for
+you." The surgeon gave to each of the unfortunate ones a glass of
+brandy, then administered his chloroform, and in less than thirty
+minutes had amputated the limbs, dressed the stumps, and placed the men
+in ambulances. They were taken at once to City Point, where they were
+placed together. Their cases excited great interest among the attendants
+in the hospital and the visitors, for each had lost a leg just above the
+knee, the name of each was James, they were all from one company, all
+wounded by a single shell, and all as cheerful as were ever wounded men.
+They were afterward removed to Washington and again placed side by side,
+and here, also, they were subjects of great interest to visitors. The
+writer has frequently heard the case of the three Jameses related by
+persons in different States, who never mistrusted that they were men of
+his own regiment. The boys are each well now, each walks with his
+artificial limb, and each is a worthy member of society.
+
+General Grant, finding that his expectation of taking Petersburgh by
+surprise had failed, prepared for a systematic investment of the town.
+Accordingly, the Sixth and Second corps were directed to proceed to the
+left of the present line, so as to envelop the town, and also with the
+view of striking the Weldon railroad, and thus cutting off an important
+source of supplies for the rebel army.
+
+On the 21st of May, the two corps marching in the rear of the rest of
+the army went into position on the left flank, the Second corps on the
+west of the Jerusalem plank road, and the Sixth to the left and rear of
+that corps, its line nearly at right angles with that of the Second
+corps. The cavalry divisions of Wilson and Kautz were, at the same time,
+ordered to proceed still farther to the left, and, cutting the Weldon
+road, continue the march across the country, until they should strike
+the Southside railroad, which they were directed to destroy.
+
+On the morning of the 22d, General Birney, who, during the temporary
+absence of General Hancock, was in command of the Second corps, was
+directed to move his corps forward, so as to press upon the left flank
+of the enemy. This he proceeded to do, without giving notice of his
+intention to General Wright. The result of the movement was to leave a
+wide gap between the Second and Sixth corps.
+
+To the great surprise of the Third division of our corps, which was just
+getting into position, the rebels advanced in strong force upon the
+flank and rear. A sharp skirmish occurred, in which that division and a
+part of the Second division lost some prisoners; but the principal loss
+fell upon the Second corps, for that corps, having thrown its left far
+in advance, was greatly exposed. The principal attack fell upon Barlow's
+division, which occupied the left. That division was driven in confusion
+upon the other divisions of the corps. The whole corps was forced back,
+but after some spirited fighting the rebels were forced back, carrying
+with them a battery belonging to the Second corps, and more than two
+thousand prisoners. From our own corps they had captured about six
+hundred men and a stand of colors.
+
+The responsibility for this unfortunate surprise rests with the
+commander of the Second corps; for General Wright, being entirely
+ignorant of any design to advance that corps, had, of course, made no
+disposition to keep the line intact. The men of the Third division did
+all that men could do under the circumstances, and are entitled to much
+credit for the repulse which they gave the enemy.
+
+From that day, except that at times the roar of artillery shook the
+earth for miles about, we remained quiet until the 29th of June. The
+light sandy soil soon became reduced to powder, and the continual
+passing of mules and army wagons raised huge clouds of dust, which
+completely enveloped the army. At sunset this cloud would settle down
+and become so dense that one could not see objects twenty yards from
+him. The heat was almost intolerable, yet the health of the men was
+better than usual for the summer months.
+
+The surgeons had their hospitals neatly fitted up, and nurses and
+attendants took great pride in adorning the hospital tents with the
+boughs of the magnolia and other beautiful shrubs and flowers. The
+government and the agents of the Sanitary Commission supplied us
+liberally with lemons and vegetables, so, notwithstanding the intense
+heat, and the constant watchfulness of the men behind the earthworks,
+there was comparatively little illness.
+
+In the afternoon of the 29th of June orders came for the Sixth corps to
+march at once to Reams' Station, far to the left, where the cavalry of
+Kautz and Wilson, which had been on an extensive raid, was expected to
+arrive. At four o'clock we left camp, marched all the remainder of the
+day and all night. We found ourselves in the morning at Reams' Station,
+on the Weldon Railroad. The men at once commenced tearing up the track
+and burning the ties. Thus they toiled all the morning, but no cavalry
+made its appearance. Late in the day the corps retraced their steps, and
+arrived that night within two and a half miles of the position we had
+left the day before. We made our bivouac on the Jerusalem plank road,
+and in the morning rejoined the main army before Petersburgh and resumed
+our old position.
+
+The story of the great raid of Kautz and Wilson, which we now learned in
+detail, was one of thrilling interest, full of wild adventure, untold
+hardship and great peril. The two divisions had penetrated far to the
+rear of Lee's army, had destroyed miles of the Weldon railroad, and
+then, reaching the Southside road, the great artery for the supply of
+the rebel army, had torn up the track and burned the ties for dozens of
+miles. In their return they had fallen in with the cavalry of the enemy,
+and, when near Reams' Station, had come upon a strong force of cavalry
+and infantry. An engagement ensued, which resulted in the Union cavalry
+being driven, and hundreds from the immense throng of colored refugees,
+which was following the cavalry towards the Union lines, were ridden
+down by the rebel cavalry and killed. The cavalry at length succeeded in
+reaching our lines by making a circuit farther south, and many of the
+negroes also succeeded in escaping from rebeldom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+SIXTH CORPS TRANSFERRED TO WASHINGTON--BATTLE OF FORT STEVENS.
+
+    The Shenandoah Valley--Hunter's advance to Lynchburgh--The
+    retreat--Rebels advance into Maryland--Battle of Monocacy--Sixth
+    corps goes to Washington--Battle of Fort Stevens.
+
+
+The Shenandoah Valley, which had been the scene of such varied fortunes
+to our army during the war, again became a field of great interest.
+
+Simultaneous with the opening of the spring campaign by the army of the
+Potomac, General Sigel, who then commanded in the valley, commenced to
+move his army. On the 15th of May he met the enemy at New Market, and
+was defeated. He withdrew his army to Harper's Ferry, where, by order of
+General Grant, who was dissatisfied with his management, he was relieved
+of his command by General Hunter.
+
+General Hunter at once resumed offensive operations, moved up the valley
+and encountered the enemy at Piedmont and routed him, capturing fifteen
+hundred prisoners, three pieces of artillery and three thousand stand of
+small arms. He then pursued the routed army to Lynchburgh, which place
+he invested. To meet this movement of Hunter, Lee had sent General Early
+with his corps to the assistance of the rebel garrison. This force
+arrived just before the Union army came up. General Hunter, finding that
+he was confronted by a large force, his ammunition being nearly
+exhausted, the difficulties of transporting over so long a march
+sufficient ordnance stores being very great, he determined to withdraw
+without risking a battle. His want of ammunition forced him to make his
+retreat by that route which would afford most natural obstacles to
+pursuit and attack of the enemy. Accordingly, instead of retiring
+directly down the Shenandoah, he drew his forces off through the Kanawha
+Valley, leaving the Shenandoah open to the rebel army. The march of
+Hunter's men through the Kanawha, harassed by the enemy and destitute of
+food, was one of great severity. The rebels finding the Shenandoah open
+to them, at once pushed northward with a view of ravaging Maryland and
+Pennsylvania, and, if possible, entering Washington.
+
+Owing to the great difficulties encountered by General Hunter's army, in
+reaching Harper's Ferry in time to oppose Early, it became necessary to
+send other troops to meet the invading force. Accordingly, about the 1st
+of July, the Third division of our Sixth corps, under command of General
+Ricketts, was sent to Baltimore, and from thence marched toward
+Frederick, Maryland, where, on the banks of the Monocacy near the
+railroad bridge, the enemy was encountered. The Union forces consisted
+of the division from the Sixth corps, and a few thousand green troops
+collected about Baltimore, all under command of General Wallace. The
+force of Early greatly outnumbered those of the Union general, and after
+a hard fought battle our men were driven back. Although General Wallace
+had met with defeat, he had succeeded in arresting the progress of the
+invasion for a time, and enabled the remainder of our corps and a
+division of the Nineteenth corps to reach Washington in advance of the
+rebels.
+
+Such was the state of affairs in Maryland, when, on the evening of the
+9th July, the First and Second divisions of the Sixth corps were ordered
+to march to City Point at once. The order came at nine o'clock, and
+without delay the troops were in motion. We had become too much
+accustomed to sudden movements, to require long preparations for
+breaking up camp. The march of fourteen miles to City Point made during
+the night, was far more tolerable than it could have been by day. For
+although the roads were composed of dry beds of dust, in which the men
+sank almost ankle deep at every step, and the cloud which rose as the
+column moved along filled their throats and eyes and nostrils, yet they
+were not forced to endure the misery of a long march under a burning
+sun, such as for many days past had scorched these sandy plains.
+
+It was daylight when the Sixth corps reached the James river at City
+Point, and the process of embarking commenced at once. Before noon the
+two divisions, with the horses and baggage, were on board transports,
+which were in readiness when we arrived. The staff of Bidwell's brigade,
+with the Seventy-seventh and part of the Forty-ninth New York, with the
+brigade band, where on board the steamer Escort. We had also on board a
+hundred horses.
+
+Great satisfaction was felt by all at the prospect of leaving the region
+whose natural desolation was heightened by the devastation of war, and
+going to a country of plenty, with which so many pleasant remembrances
+were associated. Each man breathed more freely as the steamer swung out
+upon the river, and our brigade band sounded a good-bye to the scenes of
+our recent labors and privations.
+
+Our fleet was soon steaming down the river, passing scenes of interest,
+many of which were intimately connected with the memories of other
+campaigns. There was Harrison's Landing, the camping ground of two years
+ago, the last one on the Peninsula, where our Union army crowded
+together on the banks of the James, sweltering beneath the oppressive
+heat of a southern sun; Fort Powhattan, where we had crossed the river
+on pontoons a month ago; the iron-clad Atlanta, once a rebel ram, now
+doing service in the Union cause; the ancient settlement of Jamestown;
+the three-turreted monitor Roanoke; Sewell's Point; Hampton, the scene
+of our earliest Peninsula experience; the bay at Newport News, made
+famous by the conflict of the Monitor and Merrimac, the masts of the
+Cumberland still towering above the waters of the bay as monuments of
+the wonderful contest; the old haunts of the Teaser, which had so
+unceremoniously introduced herself to our division; and, as evening came
+on, we passed Fortress Monroe, where the many lights of the fleet gave
+the harbor the appearance of a city in the waves.
+
+The wind was blowing freshly when we rounded Old Point Comfort, and our
+little steamer ploughed the white caps bravely. We made good time, and
+found ourselves the next morning steaming up the Potomac. Aquia creek
+was passed, recalling to mind the encampment at White Oak Church; Mount
+Vernon claimed its tribute of thought, and at two o'clock we touched the
+wharf at the foot of Sixth street, Washington. The rest of the two
+divisions had already reached the wharves, and there, too, were some
+immense sea steamers, crowded with troops of the Nineteenth corps,
+fortunately just arrived from New Orleans.
+
+The process of disembarking occupied but little time. President Lincoln
+stood upon the wharf chatting familiarly with the veterans, and now and
+then, as if in compliment to them, biting at a piece of hard tack which
+he held in his hand.
+
+The column was formed and we marched up Seventh street, past the
+Smithsonian Institute, the Patent Office and the Post Office, meeting on
+our way many old friends, and hearing the people who crowded upon the
+sidewalks exclaiming, "It is the old Sixth corps!" "Those are the men
+who took Marye's Heights!" "The danger is over now!" We had never before
+realized the hold which the corps had upon the affection of the people.
+Washington, an hour before was in a panic; now as the people saw the
+veterans wearing the badge of the Greek cross marching through their
+streets, the excitement subsided and confidence prevailed.
+
+Thus we made our way to the north of the city, the sound of cannonading
+in our front stimulating and hastening the steps of the men. Families,
+with a few of their choicest articles of household furniture loaded into
+wagons, were hastening to the city, reporting that their houses were
+burned, or that they had made their escape leaving the greater part of
+their goods to the mercy of the rebels.
+
+We reached a fine grove in rear of Fort De Russey and made our bivouac
+for the night.
+
+Now we learned the true position of affairs. Early, having defeated the
+small force under General Wallace, pushed on toward Washington, carrying
+destruction in the path of his army. His cavalry reached Rockville, a
+little town twelve miles north of Washington, on the 10th, detachments
+having destroyed portions of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, seized
+trains of cars, in one of which was General Franklin, formerly commander
+of the Sixth corps, who was made a prisoner, but who managed to escape,
+and now, as we reached Washington, his advance was knocking at the
+defenses of that city. The forts were manned by a small force of heavy
+artillery, hundred days' men, and detachments of the Invalid corps; and,
+as we reached the rear of the defenses, regiments composed of clerks and
+employees of the quartermaster's department, with convalescents from the
+hospitals, marched past us to take their places on the front. These
+hasty levies were placed in the forts for the night, to be replaced by
+veteran troops in the morning.
+
+July 12th came bright and glorious. The First brigade of our Second
+division, and our sharpshooters, were on picket in front of Fort
+Stevens; the Second and Third brigades still enjoying the delightful
+shade of the groves in rear of Fort De Russey. From the parapets of Fort
+Stevens could be seen the lines of rebel skirmishers, from whose rifles
+the white puffs of smoke rose as they discharged their pieces at our
+pickets. The valley beyond the fort presented a scene of surpassing
+loveliness, with its rich green meadows, its fields of waving corn, its
+orchards and its groves. To the right was Fort Slocum, and on the left
+Fort De Russey.
+
+The residence of Hon. Montgomery Blair was within the line occupied by
+the confederates, and we heard that the fine mansion had been the scene
+of plunder and destruction, in revenge, as the rebels declared, for
+havoc wrought by our troops in Virginia.
+
+The principal force of the enemy seemed to be in front of Fort Stevens,
+and here it was determined to give them battle. The barracks just in
+rear of the fort were converted into a hospital for our Second division,
+and all preparations were made for receiving our wounded men.
+
+Four o'clock came, but, except that the rebel skirmishers were sending
+their bullets whizzing over the fort, all was quiet. President Lincoln
+and his wife drove up to the barracks, unattended, except by their
+coachman, the superbly mounted squadron of cavalry, whose duty it was to
+attend upon his excellency, being left far behind. The carriage stopped
+at the door of the hospital, and the President and his affable lady
+entered into familiar conversation with the surgeon in charge, praising
+the deeds of the old Sixth corps, complimenting the appearance of its
+veterans, and declaring that they, as well as the people of the country,
+appreciated the achievements of the wearers of the Greek cross.
+
+Thus, for nearly an hour, they chatted of various things, when General
+Wright and his staff arrived on the ground, accompanied by several
+ladies and gentlemen from the city.
+
+All now repaired to the fort, and presently the portly form of Colonel
+Bidwell, followed by his Third brigade, was seen approaching. The brave
+colonel and his brave brigade marched past the fort into the valley
+beyond, the President, the members of his cabinet and the ladies
+praising the hardy, soldierly bearing of the men as they passed. They
+formed in two lines of battle, in rear of the skirmish line of the first
+brigade, the Seventy-seventh on the right of the line, then the Seventh
+Maine, and then the Forty-ninth. The Forty-third New York, Sixty-first
+Pennsylvania, and One Hundred and Twenty-second New York forming the
+second line. The advance line was in charge of Colonel French.
+
+According to preconcerted arrangements, Colonel Bidwell was to signify
+to General Wright, who remained in the fort, his readiness for the
+attack by a signal from the new flag of the Seventy-seventh, which had
+not yet been baptized in battle; then the great guns in the fort were to
+open a storm of shells upon the rebel position, especially upon a house
+behind which and in which numbers of rebels had all day found refuge;
+then General Wright was to signal from the fort the command to advance
+and the brigade was to rush to the charge.
+
+Thus, with a perfect understanding on the part of all concerned, the
+brigade took its place.
+
+The flag of the Seventy-seventh waved the signal of readiness, the heavy
+ordnance in the fort sent volley after volley of thirty-two pound shells
+howling over the heads of our men into the midst of the rebels, and
+through the house where so many of them had found shelter, and then at
+the command of Sedgwick's "man of iron," the brave fellows started
+eagerly forward. They reached and passed the skirmishers, and the white
+puffs of smoke and the sharp crack from their rifles became more and
+more frequent, first the rattle of an active skirmish, and then the
+continuous roar of a musketry battle.
+
+In magnificent order and with light steps they ran forward, up the
+ascent, through the orchard, through the little grove on the right, over
+the rail fence, up to the road, making straight for the first objective
+point, the frame house in front. The rebels at first stood their ground,
+then gave way before the impetuous charge.
+
+The President, the members of his cabinet and the ladies, as well as the
+military officers in the fort, and the crowd of soldiers and citizens,
+who had gathered about it to witness the fight, watched with breathless
+interest the gallant advance as our boys pushed forward, keeping their
+line of battle perfect, except when now and then some regiment having
+the advantage of ground, in its eagerness got a little in advance of
+others, until they saw the rebels take to flight. Then the crowd at the
+fort rent the air with exultant cheers, and as the boys reached the
+house, the people were wild with excitement, shouting and clapping their
+hands, leaping and dancing with joy.
+
+But the rebels did not yield without resistance. They met our men
+bravely, and though forced to seek safety in flight, turned and poured
+their volleys into the ranks of the pursuers.
+
+[Illustration: BATTLE OF FORT STEVENS.]
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, commanding the Forty-ninth, a brave man, who
+had never shrunk from danger, and who had shared all the varied fortunes
+of the brigade since its organization, fell mortally wounded. Colonel
+Visscher, of the Forty-third, who had but lately succeeded the beloved
+Wilson, was killed. Major Jones, commanding the Seventh Maine, was also
+among the slain; and Major Crosby, commanding the Sixty-first
+Pennsylvania, who had but just recovered from the bad wound he received
+in the Wilderness, was taken to the hospital, where the surgeon removed
+his left arm from the shoulder. Colonel French, of the Seventy-seventh,
+was injured, but not seriously. The commanding officer of every regiment
+in the brigade was either killed or wounded.
+
+The fight had lasted but a few minutes, when the stream of bleeding,
+mangled ones, began to come to the rear. Men, leaning upon the shoulders
+of comrades, or borne painfully on stretchers, the pallor of their
+countenances rendered more ghastly by the thick dust which had settled
+upon them, were brought into the hospitals by scores, where the medical
+officers, ever active in administering relief to their companions, were
+hard at work binding up ghastly wounds, administering stimulants, coffee
+and food, or resorting to the hard necessity of amputation.
+
+At the summit of the ascent, the confederates were strengthened by their
+second line of battle, and here they made a stout resistance; but even
+this position they were forced to abandon in haste, and as darkness
+closed in upon the scene, our men were left as victors in possession of
+the ground lately occupied by the rebels, having driven their
+adversaries more than a mile.
+
+The Vermont brigade now came to the relief of the boys who had so
+gallantly won the field, and the Third brigade returned at midnight to
+the bivouac it had left in the morning. But not all returned. Many of
+those brave fellows who went with such alacrity into the battle, had
+fallen to rise no more. In the orchard, in the road, about the frame
+house and upon the summit, where the rebels had made so determined a
+resistance, their forms were stretched upon the green sward and in the
+dusty road, stiff and cold. Many more had come to the hospital severely
+injured, maimed for life or mortally wounded.
+
+The little brigade, numbering only a thousand men when it went into
+action, had lost two hundred and fifty of its number.
+
+During the night the raiders made their escape toward Rockville. The
+prisoners left in our hands told us that they had anticipated an easy
+victory in front of Washington, believing that the forts were defended
+only by convalescents and quartermaster's men, and, when they saw the
+white crosses of the old Sixth corps, they were seized with
+consternation. They now understood that the city was guarded by veterans
+who had acquired, in the rebel army, a disagreeable reputation.
+
+While the battle was in progress, President Lincoln stood upon the
+parapet of the fort watching, with eager interest, the scene before him.
+Bullets came whistling around, and one severely wounded a surgeon who
+stood within three feet of the President. Mrs. Lincoln entreated him to
+leave the fort, but he refused; he, however, accepted the advice of
+General Wright to descend from the parapet and watch the battle from a
+less exposed position.
+
+Cavalry was sent in the morning to ascertain the direction of the flight
+of the enemy, but the infantry remained quietly awaiting events.
+
+We gathered our dead comrades from the field where they had fallen, and
+gave them the rude burial of soldiers on the common near Fort Stevens.
+None of those high in authority, who had come out to see them give up
+their lives for their country, were present to pay the last honors to
+the dead heroes. No officer of state, no lady of wealth, no citizen of
+Washington was there; but we laid them in their graves within sight of
+the capital, without coffins, with only their gory garments and their
+blankets around them. With the rude tenderness of soldiers, we covered
+them in the earth; we marked their names with our pencils on the little
+head-boards of pine, and turned sadly away to other scenes.
+
+But though no concourse of citizens followed the patriots to their
+humble resting place, though no bands wailed the solemn dirge, and no
+casket but the earth inclosed their remains, their deeds were not
+forgotten. Their memory was enshrined in the hearts of the people; and
+after a few weeks their remains were exhumed from their scattered
+graves, they were placed together in a little inclosure on the sunny
+slope in front of the fort, and a beautiful monument tells the story of
+their noble sacrifice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
+
+    The Sixth and Nineteenth corps follow the enemy--Crossing the
+    Potomac--Averill's fight at Snicker's Gap--Return of the Sixth
+    corps to Washington--March back to Harper's Ferry--Return to
+    Maryland--Death of Major Ellis--General Sheridan assigned to
+    command--Back in the Valley--Charlestown--John Mosher--March to
+    Fisher Hill--Return to Charlestown--Fight at Charlestown.
+
+
+At one o'clock the column of the Sixth corps moved away from Fort
+Stevens, marching through the little village of Tanleytown, following in
+pursuit of the rebels. We moved rapidly till ten o'clock, then halted,
+much fatigued, at Potomac Cross Roads. At five o'clock, next morning, we
+were once more on our way, and after a march of twelve hours through a
+pleasant country, we made our bivouac at Poolsville, having marched
+thirty-six miles since leaving Fort Stevens. Our Sixth corps, with the
+two divisions of the Nineteenth corps, now constituted a new army, under
+command of General Wright, General Getty having command of the Sixth
+corps. At Poolsville we lay all day, waiting for our small cavalry force
+to find out the course which Early's army had taken, but on Saturday
+morning, the 16th, we were moving at daylight. We marched toward the
+Potomac, which we forded near the scene of Ball's Bluff slaughter. The
+spectacle at the ford was novel and exciting. The stream was wide, but
+not more than two or three feet deep. The bottom was rough and stony,
+and the current was strong. For nearly a mile up and down the river the
+brigades were crossing; the stream filled with infantry wading with
+difficult steps over the uneven bottom, mounted officers carefully
+guiding their horses lest they should stumble, trains of artillery and
+wagons slowly toiling through, and groups of pack animals scarcely able
+to keep their footing under their huge burdens. The laugh of hundreds
+sounded up and down the river, as some unfortunate footman, slipping
+from a smooth stone, would, for a moment, disappear beneath the surface
+of the river, or as some overloaded mule or pack horse, losing his
+footing, would precipitate his load, and peradventure the small negro
+boy, who, in order to secure a dry passage across the ford, had perched
+himself on the top of the bags and bundles, into the rushing waters.
+
+The troops gathered upon the southern bank of the river, and the
+infantry proceeded to empty the water from their boots and shoes, and to
+wring it from their stockings. This short task over, the march was
+resumed.
+
+Passing through a section where some very interesting conglomerate rocks
+attracted the attention of those scientifically inclined, we left the
+little town of Leesburgh behind, and at eight o'clock in the morning
+encamped in a ploughed field, tired and hungry, and, it must be
+confessed, a little dissatisfied at the idea of sleeping on ploughed
+ground while fresh meadows were on every side of us. In this bivouac we
+spent the Sabbath, and services were held by the chaplains in the
+various brigades.
+
+Early Monday morning the march was resumed, our little army passing
+through the delightful hill scenery of Loudon county, and through the
+diminutive villages of Hamilton and Purcellville. As the afternoon
+advanced, we found ourselves toiling up the ascent of the Blue Ridge,
+pleasant farm houses and fine orchards greeting our sight on either side
+of the road. Darkness was upon us before we passed through Snicker's
+Gap, a deep gorge in the mountains, through which winds a rough, unkept
+road; and by the moonlight we spread our blankets for another night's
+rest.
+
+The morning revealed the lovely Shenandoah Valley spread out before us,
+its river lying at our feet.
+
+The troops of the "Army of Virginia," under Averill, had engaged the
+enemy with doubtful success before our arrival. Indeed, the troops on
+both sides seemed to have become demoralized. The rebels were
+retreating, and Averill's men had made their way back to the east side
+of the river in such hot haste as to leave some of their flags floating
+in the stream.
+
+We remained during the 19th in apparent uncertainty as to what course to
+pursue, whether to give chase to the enemy, who it was now supposed had
+made good his retreat up the valley, or to return to Washington. But an
+order from General Grant, directing General Wright to get back to
+Washington at once with the Sixth corps, that the troops might be at
+once returned to the Army of the Potomac before Early could reinforce
+Lee, determined our course, and at night we were again passing through
+Snicker's Gap, the infantry and teams crowded together in the narrow
+defile to the great inconvenience of the footmen and annoyance of the
+artillerymen and teamsters. Marching rapidly all night and the next day,
+halting only a short time for coffee in the morning and at noon, we
+retraced our steps to Leesburgh, then following the turnpike we reached
+and passed Drainsville, and halted near Difficult creek. July 23d, the
+corps marched through Lewinsville and Langley, passed Camp Griffin, the
+memory of which was indissolubly connected with our first winter in the
+service, crossed Chain bridge and went in camp near Tanleytown, five
+miles out from Washington.
+
+Transports were waiting on the Potomac to convey us to City Point, but
+as matters in the valley still seemed unsettled, the corps remained at
+Tanleytown, and on the 25th, it became certain that Early with his army
+was again moving down the valley, threatening Maryland and Pennsylvania.
+The Sixth corps received orders to move at once toward Harper's Ferry,
+but by some delay it was noon of the 26th when it turned back from
+Tanleytown toward the scene of our future brilliant operations.
+
+The day on which the corps moved had been hot, and many of the men,
+weary with long marches, had been forced to fall out, but, most of all,
+bad whisky from Washington had demoralized great numbers, and these,
+with the sick and weary, made up a great crowd of stragglers. The task,
+which was assigned to the rear-guard, the Seventy-seventh New York, of
+urging these inebriated and discouraged ones toward their commands, was
+not an easy or agreeable one. The corps made all haste in the direction
+of Frederick, which city it reached on the 28th, crossing the field of
+General Wallace's battle with Early.
+
+Without halting at Frederick, except to get our coffee near Monocacy
+creek, we pushed on to Jefferson, getting into camp at midnight. The
+next day we marched through Knoxville, Newton and Sandy Hook, through
+that wonderful gorge in the mountains at Harper's Ferry, and arrived at
+evening footsore and weary at Halltown, four miles south of Harper's
+Ferry. Then, next day we were ordered back again. The whole command
+poured into the deep valley at Harper's Ferry, the day was sultry even
+for that locality, not a breath of air seemed to be stirring, and the
+high mountains on every side reflected the heat and kept off the breeze.
+Into this hot, dusty inclosure among the hills, the whole army poured,
+and as there was only a single pontoon bridge to serve as an outlet,
+there was of course great delay. Horses stood harnessed to the cannon or
+under the saddle, the sweat literally pouring off their sides like rain,
+while men panted for breath and seemed almost on the point of
+suffocation. It was late in the night when our corps was all over the
+bridge, and the march was continued without rest during the whole night
+and all next day till we arrived again near Frederick City, where we had
+a night and a day of rest. We now learned that the cause of our sudden
+countermarch was the raid of Early's cavalry, who had burned the city of
+Chambersburgh, and caused much destruction of property elsewhere.
+
+By this time the Sixth corps was, in army parlance, "about played out."
+Even our famous marches on the Gettysburgh campaign were eclipsed by
+this perpetual series of forced marches for nearly a month. The men were
+very much worn from their campaigns before leaving Petersburgh, but now
+we had had a month of traveling, night and day.
+
+Hardly were the troops settled in camp for a night of rest, before the
+bugle called them to go again. Now when we marched, horses would drop
+down by dozens along the road, unable to rise again. Their riders would
+strip them of their saddles, and leave the worn out steeds to their
+fate. If, by chance, one of these deserted horses, after a few hours of
+rest, could muster strength to rise to his feet, he was doomed to be
+seized by some drummer boy, or other wight of the "bummer" tribe,
+mounted and rode till his strength again failed. Then the dismounted
+bummer would coolly remove his hempen bridle, shoulder his drum, and
+seek for another steed. For two or three days past the weather had been
+excessively hot, and men could be seen lying all along the roadside, as
+we marched, suffering from sunstroke.
+
+Wednesday, August 3d, the Sixth corps marched to Buckeystown, a little
+village on the Monocacy, about five miles south of Frederick.
+
+The different brigades of the corps were scattered about on the
+hillsides which bounded the pleasant valley of the Monocacy, where pure
+fresh air was in abundance, and the men gladly availed themselves of the
+privilege of bathing in the delightfully clear waters of the river. For
+a distance of nearly two miles the river was filled with bathers at all
+hours, except in the hottest part of the day and in the night, and even
+then some might be seen enjoying the luxury of the bath.
+
+At Buckeystown we remained two days, in the enjoyment of a pleasant
+bivouac; yet, as though no place was free from evil, an event occurred
+here afflictive to our brigade and to the corps.
+
+Among the most energetic and brave officers of our Third brigade, was
+Major Ellis, of the Forty-ninth New York. He had been wounded at
+Spottsylvania while leading a charge against the enemy at the terrible
+"angle." A ramrod had passed through his left arm, and bruised the chest
+near the heart. He was taken to Fredericksburgh, from whence he went to
+Washington, and thence home. Returning to his command before he had
+fully recovered, he was advised by medical officers not to attempt any
+severe duty. But being detailed to the staff of General Russell,
+commanding the First division, he at once resumed active military
+duties. On these recent marches, the major, weary of inaction, had taken
+command of a body of men who acted as additional provost-guard to the
+division.
+
+In this position he had exhibited his usual energy, though it was
+thought by some he executed his duties with too great severity. Ever
+since receiving his wound, he had complained of severe neuralgic pains
+in the region of the heart. Except that this pain was slightly more
+acute than usual, the major retired to his tent on the night of the 3d,
+in his accustomed health.
+
+In the morning he sent his servant from the tent for a moment, and when
+the man returned the major was dead. An autopsy was made by the writer
+of these pages, in the presence of about twenty of his professional
+brethren. A sharp splinter of bone from one of the ribs was found with
+its acute point piercing vital organs.
+
+The funeral display was the most imposing ever witnessed in any corps of
+the Army of the Potomac. We had seen military pageants on a large scale,
+but nothing to compare with this in its solemn sublimity.
+
+The remains were laid in state in a large tent near General Russell's
+head-quarters, wrapped in a silken flag, and the tent itself was draped
+with the Stars and Stripes. Presently the major's regiment, the
+Forty-ninth New York, came as mourners, unarmed, and formed in two ranks
+facing each other near the tent. Then the chaplain of the Forty-ninth,
+led in a short religious service, very appropriate and very impressive,
+while the whole of the First division was being formed in two parallel
+lines facing each other, and about eighty paces apart. The service over,
+a regiment of heavy artillery came to act as escort. The remains,
+inclosed in a rude coffin, wrapped in the flag under which he had so
+often fought, were placed in an ambulance, and the funeral cortege began
+its slow march through the long lines of sunbrowned veterans who stood
+on either side. First in the procession was the escort, the muskets of
+the men reversed, preceded by a band playing a solemn dirge. Then the
+ambulance with the remains, the major's hat, coat and sword lying upon
+the coffin; then his riderless horse, saddled and bridled, and led by a
+servant; then the regiment as mourners; and finally General Russell and
+the staff of the First division with the division flag, and the staffs
+of the three brigades of the division, and our Third brigade, Second
+division, each with its flag, with a large concourse of officers,
+personal friends of him whose remains were thus honored.
+
+As the cortege proceeded with slow steps between the lines of soldiers,
+they stood with arms presented, and the colors of the regiments drooped
+as the procession passed. Thus attended the remains were conveyed to the
+railroad station, three miles distant, where they were placed on board a
+train for Washington.
+
+Lieutenant-General Grant visited our army on the 5th of August, and, in
+consultation with General Hunter, determined upon a course for our
+future operations. So quietly was this visit of the Commander-in-Chief
+of the armies made, that very few in our little army knew of the
+presence of General Grant.
+
+Among other things determined upon at this time was a change of
+commanders. General Hunter, who had commanded the "Army of the
+Shenandoah," with credit to himself and honor to our arms, was to be
+relieved, and General Philip S. Sheridan, who had, since the
+commencement of the spring campaign, commanded the cavalry corps of the
+Army of the Potomac, was to take command of all the forces operating
+against Early. The department of West Virginia, Washington, Susquehanna
+and the Middle Department, were to constitute the "Middle Military
+Division," to be under the command of General Sheridan. To this middle
+military division the Sixth corps was temporarily assigned. This was a
+new era in the history of that corps. Hitherto it had been, from the
+beginning, connected with the noble Army of the Potomac. Its history and
+its fame were inseparably connected with the history of that army, and
+when the corps had come to the rescue of the capital, it came as a
+detachment of the Army of the Potomac. Now, for the first time, the
+corps was to be identified with another army. But great as was the fame
+and honor which the corps had, by noble deeds, won for itself, it was
+now, by heroic achievements in the new field, to crown itself with
+glories even more dazzling than those in its proudest days in the old
+army.
+
+We were ordered, on the evening of the 5th, to march immediately. The
+troops of the Sixth corps proceeded at once to Monocacy Junction, where
+they took cars for Harper's Ferry. The quartermasters, and hospital
+trains followed rapidly by the wagon roads.
+
+Troops and trains reached the heights beyond Harper's Ferry at night,
+and on the following morning the line of battle was established at
+Halltown.
+
+General Sheridan now assumed command. We knew little of him except that
+he had very successfully commanded the cavalry of the Army of the
+Potomac for the last three months, but we were satisfied that General
+Grant trusted to his generalship, and we had already learned enough of
+General Grant's knowledge of human nature to place confidence in the
+general of his choice.
+
+One thing pleased us at the start. Our new general was visible to the
+soldiers of his command; wherever we went he was with the column,
+inhaling the dust, leaving the road for the teams, never a day or two
+days behind the rest of the army, but always riding by the side of the
+men. His watchful care of the details of the march, his interest in the
+progress of the trains, and the ready faculty with which he brought
+order out of confusion when the roads became blockaded, reminded us of
+our lamented Sedgwick. Another feature of the new administration pleased
+us. When the head-quarter tents of the commander of the Middle Military
+Division were pitched, there was one wall tent, one wedge tent and two
+flies. This modest array of shelter for the general and his staff was in
+happy contrast with the good old times in the Army of the Potomac, when
+more than eighty six-mule teams were required to haul the baggage for
+head-quarters of the army.
+
+At Halltown we remained for a few days, gaining what we so much needed,
+rest. The air was delightfully cool and refreshing, and it seemed as
+though each particular breath was laden with health and strength.
+
+We were rejoiced to see some of our Army of the Potomac cavalry joining
+us, and our army began to assume dimensions which filled us with
+confidence. We had now the Sixth corps, General Wright, two divisions of
+the Nineteenth corps under General Emory, and Hunter's "Army of
+Virginia," usually called the Eighth corps, under command of General
+Crook. Our cavalry consisted of Averill's force which had been in the
+valley, and we were now receiving two divisions from the Army of the
+Potomac, one in command of General Torbert, the other of General Wilson.
+The cavalry force was soon afterward organized, with General Torbert in
+command of the whole force, and Generals Custer, Averill and Merritt,
+each in command of a division.
+
+On the tenth of the month we commenced our march up the Shenandoah
+Valley. No sooner had the sun made its appearance above the Blue Ridge
+than we found the day to be most intensely hot. Soldiers were falling
+along the roadside in great numbers overcome with the heat, and what
+added to the hardships of the day's journey was the want of water. The
+turnpike along which we marched was parallel with a fine stream of water
+on either side, but the water was so far distant as to be useless to the
+soldiers. Yet there were a few springs and wells at some distance from
+the road which supplied those who could leave the column.
+
+We passed through Charlestown, the scene of the trial and execution of
+John Brown. There was the court house to which he was brought on his
+couch to receive his trial for treason, and there the jail in which he
+spent his last days, and from which he was led to execution. How had all
+things changed! The people who stood about the gallows of John Brown,
+and gnashed their teeth in their bitter hatred, were now themselves
+guilty of treason. The court house was in ruins, and the jail was but a
+shell of tottering walls. The town also had suffered fearful ravages
+from war, and now a Union army was marching through its streets, every
+band and every drum corps playing the stirring but to southern ears
+hateful air, "John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave," and we
+may anticipate our narrative to say that whenever our army or any part
+of it had occasion to pass through this town, the bands always struck up
+this air, as if to taunt the inhabitants with the memory of their
+victim, and played it from one limit of the town to the other. So John
+Brown was revenged!
+
+The Shenandoah Valley has been often called the "Garden of Virginia,"
+and truly it is a lovely valley, yet as we marched along we could see
+but little cultivation. The groves of oak were delightful. Teams with
+wagons might be driven anywhere among them. But the fields were mostly
+desolate. Here and there a field of corn promised a medium crop if left
+to ripen untrodden by our army, but there was no luxuriance of
+vegetation. The mountains, the Blue Ridge on one side and the North
+mountains on the other, rose abruptly from the valley in parallel lines,
+and looked as though a race of Titans had been at war, and had thrown up
+these long ridges as breastworks for opposing forces.
+
+A little beyond Charlestown was a lovely meadow, lying between two
+groves of oak. At the further end of the meadow was a neat white
+cottage, where there seemed more comfort than we had seen elsewhere in
+the valley. The place was away from the direct line of march, and partly
+concealed by the groves.
+
+Those who left the column were furnished by the family with pure sweet
+water from a well, which the family asserted was sunk by order of
+General Braddock. Such places were so rare that our men and animals
+suffered from thirst. Few who were on that march will forget a spring
+which we passed near the close of that day's march. A large white frame
+house stood upon an elevation, surrounded by trees, and at foot of the
+elevation, a large spring, under the shade of a huge willow, and
+surrounded by other trees. The water gushed out from a fissure in the
+rock, clear as crystal, and in such volume that a large brook was formed
+at once. Over the spring was the usual "spring house." Soldiers filled
+this building, covered the great rocks, crowded the grove, and for many
+yards around a dense mass of men pressed to get near the tempting
+fountain, all eager to fill their cups and canteens, and hasten on with
+the column. No one can know with what delight the soldiers quaffed the
+sparkling fluid from their sooty coffee pots, who has not suffered the
+torture of extreme thirst.
+
+We halted near Clifton, and resumed our march on the following morning,
+to suffer, if possible, more from heat and thirst than ever. At night we
+bivouacked near Opequan creek. We threw ourselves upon the grassy sward,
+with the beautiful canopy of heaven with its mottled clouds and
+twinkling stars and flying meteors, for our tent. For many of us, this
+was the only tent we had slept under since leaving Petersburgh, and we
+were satisfied with it. The air was purer and the breeze fresher than
+when we were inclosed by canvas.
+
+Again, on the morning of the 12th, we were marching. We passed through
+the villages of Newtown and Middletown, and halted at night on the banks
+of Cedar creek.
+
+We were startled in the morning by the announcement of the death of a
+good soldier. John Mosher had marched with the column the day before,
+but owing to the overpowering heat was obliged to fall a little behind.
+Toward evening, finding himself too much exhausted to walk further, he
+applied for and obtained permission to ride in an ambulance of the First
+division. During the night he was found to be dying. The kind hearted
+surgeon in charge of the hospital of the First division, Dr. Crehore,
+and one of his assistants, spent some hours with him, using every means
+to restore him, but without avail. He died before morning. A letter in
+his pocket told his name and regiment. We made a grave near Cedar creek,
+and a few of his comrades stood around it while he was lowered to his
+bed of earth, wrapped in his blanket. The chaplain offered a brief
+prayer; his fellows in arms fired a parting salute, and we left him to
+sleep in the valley where, a few weeks later, some of his companions
+were to rest by his side.
+
+On the 13th all the troops were across on the south side of Cedar creek.
+The pickets of our Second division occupied one end of the village of
+Strasburgh, while those of the enemy held the other. We were sure that
+we must fight here, and we were not unwilling. Our cavalry was scouting
+on the flanks, skirmishing with rebel cavalry and searching for a way to
+outflank Early's army. The rebels held a position of great strength, and
+to make a direct assault would be to run a great risk of a repulse. The
+walls of the valley, the Blue Ridge and the North Mountains, came close
+together here, and, to render the position stronger, Fisher Hill, a
+commanding eminence, a prominent object in the landscape, to be seen
+from one end of the valley to the other, rose directly in our front and
+obstructed our passage. Upon the declivities of this hill the enemy had
+planted batteries so as to command our approach from any direction.
+
+We remained gazing at this strong position till nightfall, and then
+recrossed the river, and made our position strong for defense. General
+Sheridan had been instructed by General Grant not to bring on a general
+engagement unless it was forced upon him. General Grant regarded our
+army rather as one of defense than for offensive operations. Should we
+suffer defeat, the capital and the rich fields of Pennsylvania and
+Maryland would again be open to the rebels. So we were to watch their
+movements and hold them in check, but we were not to risk a battle with
+them.
+
+Meanwhile, the ubiquitous Mosby was at work in our rear, at Berryville,
+with a band of guerrillas. He had made a bold dash upon a long train,
+belonging principally to the cavalry, and guarded by almost a brigade of
+hundred days' men; had dispersed the inexperienced guard, which was
+scattered along the road for miles; had captured the mules, and burned
+the wagons and supplies. Seventy-five wagons had fallen a prey to the
+adventurous bandit, while the hundred days' men had made good their
+escape. Old men, women and children, joined in the work of destruction,
+setting fire to the wagons, and carrying off whatever articles they
+could easily remove from them. Prisoners whom they captured were
+murdered, either by Mosby's band, or by the more merciless citizens, and
+left unburied.
+
+This raid upon our communications led General Sheridan to fear a more
+general advance of the rebels beyond the mountains, with a view of
+coming with force upon our rear.
+
+So, on the evening of Tuesday, the 16th, the army marched northward down
+the valley again. All night and all the next day the weary march was
+kept up. We went through Winchester, where the rebel women came out by
+hundreds to rejoice at our retreat, and halted on the banks of the
+Opequan for the night. Then, when the morning came, we were off again,
+and, after a severe march, formed in line of battle a mile south of
+Charlestown.
+
+The Jersey brigade, under Colonel Penrose, was left as rear-guard and
+support to the cavalry on the retreat. At Winchester the brigade,
+flanked by cavalry, made a stand. The enemy came down upon the brigade
+in large force, handled it roughly, and sent the Jersey boys through the
+town in confusion. Their resistance had been all that could have been
+asked; but the brigade, staunch as it was, was not enough for the force
+that came against it.
+
+Our Sixth corps guarded the turnpike leading from Harper's Ferry to
+Winchester. On the left of the pike, facing southward, was our Second
+division, and on the right our First division.
+
+The Eighth corps held the center of the line, and the Nineteenth corps
+the left, its flank resting on Berryville.
+
+On Sunday morning, the 21st of August, our cavalry was driven back upon
+the infantry, and we suddenly discovered the enemy coming down upon the
+Sixth corps in three heavy columns. With scarcely any warning we found
+shells pitching into our camp among the standing tents, and bullets
+whistling among the trees that afforded us shelter from the sun.
+
+The corps was quickly in line, the tents struck and everything in
+fighting trim. Our boys received the onset of the rebels with cool
+bravery, giving them back volley for volley. The fight was kept up for
+several hours, the Eighth corps being but slightly engaged, and the
+Nineteenth corps not at all. Our Second division, Sixth corps, receiving
+the weight of the attack. Our men threw up breastworks along the front,
+and at length the Vermont brigade was ordered to charge upon the enemy.
+The charge was executed with the usual brilliancy and fighting joy of
+that brigade and the confederates were glad to leave us in undisputed
+possession of the ground.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+BATTLE OF WINCHESTER.
+
+    Encampment at Berryville--Leaving camp--The advance--Taking
+    position--Advance and retreat--Death of Russell--"I know they'll
+    run"--Reminiscences--At the hospitals--A regiment going
+    home--"Why don't he come."
+
+
+The rebels were repulsed; but as our position at Charlestown was one
+that might easily be flanked, our army fell back during the night to the
+strong position at Halltown, where defensive works were thrown up, and
+again we awaited the advance of the enemy; but except some skirmishing
+on the left of the line, no attack was ventured by Early; and after two
+or three days he withdrew to the vicinity of Winchester, and established
+his line along the west bank of Opequan creek, so as to cover the three
+roads leading from Martinsburgh, from Harper's Ferry and from Berryville
+to Winchester. We followed and established our line on the east side of
+the creek, and some miles from it, at Berryville.
+
+Our encampment at Berryville was one of the most delightful of our
+resting places, even in the Shenandoah Valley. We passed the days
+pleasantly, strolling or riding among the groves of black walnut,
+visiting among the various regiments, amusing ourselves with chess and
+books. Nothing occurred to interrupt these pleasant pastimes and the
+monotony of picket duty until the 13th of September, when the Second
+division was directed to make a reconnoissance to the Opequan. We
+marched to the creek very early in the morning, found the enemy in
+force, lost a few men by the shells from the rebel batteries, and
+returned to camp.
+
+On the 15th our army was visited by Lieutenant-General Grant. The story
+of his visit we give in his own words:
+
+"I left City Point on the 15th to visit him (General Sheridan), at his
+head-quarters, to decide, after conference with him, what should be
+done. I met him at Charlestown, and he pointed out so distinctly how
+each army lay; what he could do the moment he was authorized, and
+expressed such confidence of success, that I saw there were but two
+words of instruction necessary--_Go in!_ ... I may here add that the
+result was such that I have never since deemed it necessary to visit
+General Sheridan before giving him orders."
+
+Thus the two armies lay face to face, with the stream and a narrow strip
+of country between them, either able to bring on an engagement at any
+time. The quiet was broken on the morning of the 19th, when we advanced
+to win the first of that series of brilliant victories which startled
+Europe and America; which gave to our little army an enviable renown
+among the armies of the Union, and established the reputation of our
+chief as one of the foremost generals of the age.
+
+Early had taken the initiative. On Sunday the 18th, he had sent General
+Gordon's division toward Martinsburgh, with orders to drive out the
+Union forces, and destroy the government property. Gordon was met by
+Averill's cavalry and driven back to Drakesville. Sheridan, discovering
+the mistake made by Early in separating his forces, was quick to avail
+himself of the advantage of his enemy's blunder. Orders were issued to
+move at once, but, for some reason, several hours elapsed before the
+army was ready.
+
+We left our pleasant camps at Berryville, at two o'clock Monday morning,
+the Sixth corps in advance, moving in two columns, one on either side of
+the road, the ammunition wagons, artillery and ambulances taking the
+pike. The Third brigade, Second division, led the infantry. The
+Nineteenth corps followed the Sixth, marching in similar order, its
+infantry in the fields and its artillery and wagons on the pike, while
+Crook's Kanawha corps moved further to the south, with orders to connect
+with the Sixth corps at Opequan creek. Two divisions of cavalry, under
+Merritt and Averill, were directed to amuse the enemy near Bunker's
+Hill, and draw the attention of the rebel generals in that direction as
+much as possible. It was the design of General Sheridan thus to amuse
+the enemy on the left while he should march his army up the Berryville
+and Winchester pike, strike the right flank of Early's army, and by a
+sudden and unexpected attack, to get in the rear and cut off the retreat
+of the rebel forces. By one of those inexplicable mistakes, which
+sometimes upset the plans of our generals, this design was not fully
+realized, and had General Sheridan been less determined and less
+dashing, he might have abandoned the idea of attacking Early at all.
+
+At five o'clock Wilson's cavalry had crossed the creek before us, having
+dispersed the pickets of the enemy, driving them back to their line of
+field works, and then, by a dashing charge, had leaped their horses over
+the breastworks of the first line of defenses, and routed the rebels,
+capturing about fifty of their number.
+
+Immediately after this gallant exploit of the cavalry, the Sixth corps
+crossed the creek and advanced on the turnpike about a mile, where the
+enemy was found in force. As we moved along, through the deep ravine,
+following the pike, we were warned of the active work we might expect in
+front, as we saw cavalrymen coming to the rear, some leading their
+wounded horses, others with their heads bound in bloody handkerchiefs,
+some with arms hanging in slings, others borne on litters. Here by the
+roadside might be seen the prostrate, lifeless form of some soldier of
+the Union; there, where a silvery brook babbled along across the pike,
+on its grassy banks, and beneath the shadow of a large tree, was
+gathered a little group of boys in blue, performing the last acts of
+kindness to a comrade in whom the vital spark was almost extinguished,
+and a surgeon bending over the dying soldier striving to render less
+painful the few lingering moments of life.
+
+We moved up a steep ascent and formed in line of battle in a cornfield;
+the Third brigade on the left, the First in the center, and the
+Vermonters on the right; then on the left of the Second division the
+Third division got into position, and the First division came up in the
+rear as reserve. Our artillery was brought into position and a vigorous
+shelling commenced on both sides.
+
+The Sixth corps was now ready for a charge upon the enemy, but it was
+discovered that, by some misconception of orders, the Nineteenth corps,
+which should have been on the ground, was left far behind. Orders were
+dispatched to hasten it to the field of action, but two hours, precious
+hours to that army, elapsed before it was in position.
+
+Those two hours of delay enabled Early to strengthen his right; to throw
+up strong earthworks, and bring Gordon's division on the run, to his
+assistance. We had been fortunate only in seizing the position on the
+west side of the stream, or the battle would, from this delay, have been
+worse for us.
+
+Merritt and Averill, by skillfully maneuvering their troops in front of
+Bunker's Hill, had enabled us to seize this advantage.
+
+The Nineteenth corps was formed on the right of the Sixth, in four lines
+of battle; Wilson's cavalry was on our left. It was eleven o'clock when
+the advance was sounded. In our front were undulating fields, traversed
+by deep ravines, almost stripped of timber, except where the rebels had
+formed their line of battle in a belt of woods that skirted the
+turnpike. It was an imposing spectacle to watch that line of battle,
+stretching three miles across the fields, as it moved toward the rebel
+lines, the men as composed as though on parade, the line straight and
+compact, the various division, brigade and regimental flags floating
+gaily in the sunlight. Away in our front we could see Winchester; its
+gleaming spires and shining roofs, bright with the warm glow of mid-day,
+and we proudly felt that before night it would be ours. Onward, through
+the cornfields and over the grassy knolls, now descending into a ravine
+and now rising upon the open plain, where the rebel artillery swept with
+terrible effect, the long line pressed forward, regardless of the
+destructive fire that constantly thinned our ranks. At every step
+forward, men were dropping, dropping; some dead, some mortally hurt, and
+some with slight wounds. Now on this side, now on that they fell; still
+the line swept forward, leaving the ground behind it covered with the
+victims.
+
+Thus we pushed onward, the rebels falling back, desperately disputing
+every step, when a murderous fire, from batteries which the enemy had
+skillfully placed, suddenly swept our right with fearful slaughter.
+
+Thus far all had gone well. Now our hearts were sick as we looked far to
+the right and saw the Nineteenth corps and our Third division falling
+back, back, back, the grape and canister of the hostile cannon crashing
+through the now disordered ranks, and the exulting rebels following with
+wild yells of victory.
+
+The retreat of the troops on the right of the Second division left its
+flank, held by the Vermonters, exposed, and they, too, were forced to
+fall behind the Third brigade, which still held its ground, the fire in
+its front being at the moment less severe. Our batteries were rushed
+forward, and the gallant First division, the noble Russell at its head,
+came bravely up to the rescue.
+
+As the noble soldier brought his division into position a cannon ball
+swept him from his horse--dead. A great spirit had fallen, and in a
+moment we were made an army of mourners. "I have lost my captain," said
+Sheridan, as the work of the day closed.
+
+We all remembered the modest, almost bashful, demeanor of the fallen
+general among his friends, and his glorious heroism in the presence of
+his enemies, and many tears moistened the brown cheeks of rough soldiers
+as they thought of the loss of one of our best beloved leaders.
+
+But, notwithstanding the loss of their hero, the brave division pushed
+straight on. Nothing could withstand them; and now, joined by the other
+troops of the corps, the boys with the red crosses press on, and as the
+peals of musketry and artillery roll through those valleys, it tells of
+victory for the Union. The lost ground is regained, and now the fire in
+front of the Sixth corps slackens.
+
+We rested, throwing ourselves on the ground, waiting for orders. Some of
+the men, fatigued from the early march and severe morning's work, slept;
+while others regaled themselves from their well filled haversacks; and
+many gathered in groups to talk over the doings of the morning, and to
+speak of those who had been stretched upon the sod, who had fallen with
+their faces to the foe.
+
+We were waiting for Crook's corps. It had halted on the eastern bank of
+the river as reserve for the army. Now it was brought forward at quick
+pace and placed, a part on the right of the Nineteenth corps, where the
+rebels could be seen massing troops on their left, with a view of
+turning our right flank, the other part in rear of the Nineteenth corps.
+Averill and Merritt, too, were with the army, and our whole force was
+together. It was nearly three o'clock when Crook's forces were brought
+into position. His right was in a thick forest, and against him were
+heavy columns of rebels.
+
+At length we, of the Sixth corps, heard rapid firing away on the right
+of the forest. All was attention. Every man stood to his arms ready to
+advance. Sheridan came to our part of the line. His face all aglow with
+excitement, the perspiration rolling down his forehead, his famous black
+steed spotted with white foam, a single orderly at his back. He rode
+straight to General Getty, exclaiming, "General, I have put Torbert on
+the right, and told him to give 'em h--l, and he is doing it. Crook,
+too, is on the right and giving it to them. Press them, General, they'll
+run!" and then, using one of those phrases sometimes employed in the
+army to give additional force to language, he shouted again, "_Press
+them, General, I know they'll run!_" And then the shout that went up
+from the men drowned all the other noise of the battle.
+
+We did press them, and they did run. Over the long stretch of open
+plain, down into the deep hollow, up again and over the rolling ground,
+past the white farm house, on we went. The rebels would run, then
+reaching a commanding position, they would turn their artillery upon us
+and sweep our line with iron hail. On our left was Wilson, with the
+cavalry charging through the growing corn, the sabres gleaming in the
+sunlight, the iron scabbards clanging against iron spurs, the horses
+dashing madly forward in seeming disorder, but all rushing, like an
+avalanche, against the right wing of the enemy. Now the retreat became a
+rout. The cheers of the Union boys rose strong and clear above the roar
+of artillery and the harsh rattle of musketry, and Early's scattered and
+demoralized divisions were rushing through Winchester in consternation
+and unutterable confusion. Frightened teamsters were lashing their
+animals through the streets in greatest alarm; riderless horses were
+galloping here and there, and pack mules were on a general stampede.
+Some streets became entirely blocked up by the disordered mass, and even
+footmen could not press through; a squad of cavalry coming to one of
+these obstructions leaped from their horses and made their escape on
+foot. Our cavalry, taking advantage of the confusion, rushed among the
+panic stricken fugitives and gathered hundreds of them; captured fifteen
+battle-flags and five guns.
+
+The remnants of the rebel army collected some miles beyond the town, and
+reformed; but after a short rest made haste to get farther up the
+valley. As we advanced we found the mountains full of fugitives, and in
+the town were thousands of their wounded.
+
+The infantry halted upon the high grounds at the borders of the town,
+leaving the cavalry to follow up the pursuit of the flying foe; and as
+Generals Sheridan, Wright, Emory and Crook rode along our front, we made
+the welkin ring with lusty cheers. Glorious leaders of a victorious
+army!
+
+At our feet was Winchester, the scene of Washington's early military
+experience. Here he was stationed during the French war, and shared in
+the perilous sentinelship of the frontier. For then the valley was
+ravaged by French and Indians, and fearful massacres were of frequent
+occurrence; and when Washington demanded of Governor Dinwiddie
+reinforcements, and was refused, he offered to resign; and when the
+governor could not allow him to resign he sent him men.
+
+Here, on the ground occupied by the Seventy-seventh New York regiment,
+near the ruins of an old church, was the grave of General Daniel Morgan,
+the hero of Quebec and Saratoga, the friend of Washington. A plain
+marble tablet, broken across, now covered the grave, with a simple
+inscription, his name and the date of his death, 1802.
+
+In the cemetery, still north, we saw, as we passed, the resting place of
+Thomas, Earl of Fairfax; a great tory in his day, and the owner of
+immense tracts of land in this part of Virginia, and from whom Fairfax
+county took its name.
+
+The sun had sunk to his golden rest behind the wall of hills on our left
+when we arrived at the outskirts of Winchester; and, as darkness set in,
+the infantry of our victorious army stretched themselves upon the ground
+to sleep. It had been a hard day's work, and the men were faint. It
+required no unusual inducements to woo the angel of sleep.
+
+If the day had been an active one on the field, it had been no less so
+in the hospitals. First, early in the morning, came ambulance loads of
+men with white crosses; they were from the Third brigade, Second
+division, all from the Seventy-seventh New York. Then came others from
+the Forty-ninth New York, from the Seventh Maine, and from the One
+Hundred and Twenty-second and Forty-third New York. Then came men from
+the Vermont brigade, and from our First brigade, and soon the hospitals
+of the Third division began to be filled. Then, last of all, came the
+men of the red crosses, bleeding and mangled. Surgeons worked all day
+and all night. There was no rest as long as a wounded man was uncared
+for. Yet, when morning came, and the medical officers were ordered
+forward with the army, there was much to do, and faithful men were left
+to finish the needful task. Next morning Winchester was full of rebel
+wounded and rebel prisoners. Five thousand men in gray were under guard
+in the court house yard and other public places, and Colonel Edwards'
+brigade of the First division was left to take care of the prisoners and
+the town. Many brave men had fallen. Russell was gone; the gallant Upton
+was wounded; Colonel Elright, of the Third division, was dead, and many,
+many brave boys were lying with their blackened faces to the sun, a slip
+of paper or a letter envelope pinned to the breast of each to tell the
+buriers his name and regiment.
+
+[Illustration: "WHY DON'T HE COME?"]
+
+The term of service of one of our regiments, the Fourth Vermont, had
+expired, and on the day after the battle the small remnant of the
+regiment, a company of about forty men, under command of Colonel Foster,
+started for Harper's Ferry, on their return home. They had suffered
+heavily, and they left many of their brave comrades dead upon the
+battle-field, or suffering in the hospitals. How had those noble boys,
+whose lives had, at the very expiration of their three years of toil,
+danger and privations, been given for their country, rejoiced at the
+prospect of a speedy reunion with the loved ones at home. How had they
+written, even the day before the battle, "we are going home!" and then
+how had the loving ones, away among the beautiful green hills of
+Vermont, exulted at the thought that now, after three long years of
+suspense and anxiety, the danger and toil were over. And we can picture
+to our thoughts the mother who watches with eager interest the smoking
+train as it dashes along at the base of the old hills, wondering if her
+patriot son will not come to-day; but instead, a letter comes with the
+heavy news, a great battle has been fought and her son lies in the
+Valley; or, on the banks of the sunny Champlain, some young sister or
+lover gazes from the window of the cottage among the trees, at the
+steamer as it glides over the surface of the beautiful lake and touches
+at the wharf near by. But her soldier boy is not on board, and she
+watches in vain to see his familiar form coming toward the cottage. She
+sadly leans her head upon her hand and sighs, "Why don't he come?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+FISHER HILL.
+
+    March up the valley--Strasburgh--The army confronting Fisher
+    Hill--The flank movement--Flight of Early--The
+    pursuit--Guerrilla warfare--Southern refugees--Starting for
+    Washington--Return to Cedar creek.
+
+
+We started very early in the morning in pursuit of Early's defeated
+army, which it was supposed would halt at the strong position at
+Strasburgh. On the battle-field which we left, the lifeless bodies of
+many of our men were awaiting the office of the burial parties. They
+lay, not in thick clusters, but here and there over a great extent of
+ground, showing that they had fallen while the lines were in motion; but
+in places, six or eight mangled bodies would lie in close proximity,
+showing the fatal effects of some well directed shell.
+
+In Winchester were nearly five thousand prisoners, and more were
+constantly coming in, and hundreds of rebel wounded were being cared for
+by sympathizing friends and confederate surgeons.
+
+We reached the vicinity of Strasburgh, the Sixth corps in advance, at
+three o'clock on the 20th, and, as we expected, found the rebels
+awaiting us in a position, which the citizens of the valley assured us
+could be held by Early's army against one hundred thousand men. The
+position was indeed a formidable one, but nothing daunted our spirited
+leader set about devising a way of taking it.
+
+At Strasburgh the two chains of mountains, the Blue Ridge and the
+Alleghanies, approach each other, making the valley quite narrow. As if
+to interpose an impassable barrier to the advance of an army, a
+mountain, Fisher Hill, stretches across from the Blue Ridge to the
+branch of the Alleghanies called the North Mountains. At the foot of
+this mountain, on the north, is the village of Strasburgh, and still
+north of Strasburgh Cedar creek runs almost directly across the valley.
+We took possession of the northern part of the village of Strasburgh,
+the Union pickets occupying one part of the town, and the rebels the
+other. The night passed with little of interest.
+
+On the morning of the 21st squads of rebel prisoners were coming in to
+army head-quarters, and as brigade after brigade of cavalry passed, each
+carrying a large number of confederate flags at the head of the column,
+it looked as though our cavalry had adopted the confederate banner and
+had paraded in gala day splendor.
+
+The mists and fogs melted away, and we discovered that our enemy, lately
+routed and disorganized, now with confidence confronted us and awaited
+our advance. During the night the mountain had been the scene of busy
+labors, and now, breastworks of earth and stones, and lines of
+troublesome abattis, rendered the position, so strong by nature,
+apparently too formidable for any army to attempt to force. But,
+notwithstanding the brilliant success at Winchester, neither the rebel
+army nor our own fully appreciated the fertile resources of our gallant
+leader. Starting with his staff early in the day, he rode from one end
+of the picket line to the other, carefully noting the character of the
+ground.
+
+To attempt to storm those heights, now strengthened with earthworks and
+bristling with cannon, would be presumptuous; but away on the right
+seemed the vulnerable point of the enemy's line. Returning to his
+quarters, Sheridan determined at once upon his plan of attack. The
+Nineteenth corps was thrown farther to the left, and our Sixth corps
+occupied the position in the center, facing now to the south. Crook's
+corps was thrown well to the right, where the North Mountain formed a
+precipitous wall for the valley. All day the sharp crack of the
+skirmishers' rifles, and the ring of the pioneers' axes were heard as
+the two lines faced each other, each watching the movements of the
+other, and each actively engaged in felling trees from which breastworks
+were made.
+
+During the night Crook's corps and our Third division were toiling along
+the side of the mountain unseen and unexpected by the rebels. All night
+and the following morning these two commands labored to drag artillery
+along the precipitous mountain side, executing every movement in silence
+and with utmost secrecy. The Nineteenth corps and the First and Second
+divisions of the Sixth were all this time keeping up a show of
+determination to attack in front.
+
+At length, just as the sun was sinking behind the mountain barrier, a
+wild shout was heard from the hillside where Crook's corps and our Third
+division were rushing down from the cover of the forest, upon the flank
+and rear of the astonished confederates. The shout was taken up by the
+troops in front, and at the same time the two remaining divisions of the
+Sixth corps and the Nineteenth corps advanced against the rebel front.
+Completely surprised by the movement on the flank, the rear of the rebel
+army was quickly thrown into a panic. Still resistance was kept up along
+the front. Steadily the troops of Wright and Emory pressed forward, the
+rebel gunners firing their shells over the heads of our men, our line
+advancing over ditches and fences, over fallen trees and stone walls,
+each man his own commander and each pressing eagerly forward. In the
+foremost line rode Phil Sheridan, the men cheering him lustily as they
+pressed hastily forward. "Let us take the guns," shouted the men; and
+forward at double-quick they rushed. The panic in the rear had by this
+time reached the front, and the whole rebel army was rushing in
+unutterable confusion and rout, up the valley. They left with us sixteen
+guns, of which Bidwell's brigade captured six. We gathered up the
+prisoners, and they numbered eleven hundred.[8] The hill was strewed
+with small arms, and cannon and caissons met our view wherever we
+passed.
+
+    [8] The prisoners taken thus far, at Winchester and Fisher Hill,
+    including the wounded, numbered more than seven thousand. The
+    absurdity and falsity of Early's statement, that his effective
+    force at Winchester amounted to only eight thousand five hundred
+    men, is readily seen. The rebel surgeons at Mount Jackson, and
+    the citizens, while claiming that we outnumbered Early's forces,
+    acknowledged that he retreated from Winchester with more than
+    twenty thousand men.
+
+We had lost, as the cost of this brilliant victory, less than forty men
+in the army; and the confederate loss in killed and wounded was scarcely
+greater.
+
+We followed the routed army through Mount Jackson, where were large
+hospitals, occupied by wounded confederates, and attended by confederate
+surgeons; then pressed on to New Market, keeping up a running fight with
+the rear-guard of the rebel army.
+
+On the 25th we reached Harrisonburgh, a village more than sixty miles
+above Winchester.
+
+Our march had been a grand triumphal pursuit of a routed enemy. Never
+had we marched with such light hearts; and, though each day had found us
+pursuing rapidly from dawn till dark, the men seemed to endure the
+fatigue with wonderful patience. Our column, as it swept up the valley,
+was a spectacle of rare beauty. Never had we, in all our campaigns, seen
+anything to compare with the appearance of this victorious little army.
+The smooth, wide turnpike was occupied by the artillery, ambulances and
+baggage wagons moving in double file. The infantry marched in several
+parallel columns on either side of the pike, and a line of cavalry,
+followed by a skirmish line of infantry, led the way. Cavalry, too, hung
+on either flank, and scouted the country. It was intensely exciting to
+watch the steady progress of the advancing skirmishers. Now, as they
+reached the base of some sloping eminence, the rebel skirmishers would
+confront them; then, as they advanced, never halting nor slackening
+their pace, the confederates would surrender the ground, to appear in
+our front on the next commanding ground. So we marched up the valley--a
+grand excursion--skirmishing only enough to maintain a constant state of
+pleasant excitement.
+
+At Harrisonburgh we remained until the 29th, then marched farther up the
+valley to Mount Crawford, while the cavalry penetrated as far as
+Staunton. The rebel army was broken up and demoralized, yet considerable
+force was in the vicinity of Lynchburgh, and Early devoted himself to
+reorganizing it.
+
+Guerrilla warfare was a favorite resort of the rebels in the Shenandoah
+Valley, and many of our men were murdered in cold blood by the cowardly
+villains who lurked about our camps by day as harmless farmers, and
+murdered our men at night dressed in confederate uniform. Among those
+who lost their lives by this cowardly species of warfare, were Surgeon
+Ochenslayer, Medical Inspector of our army; Colonel Tolles, Chief
+Quartermaster, and Captain Meigs, son of the Quartermaster-General, U.
+S. A.
+
+We fell back from Mount Crawford to Harrisonburgh, burning barns, mills
+and granaries, driving before us cattle and sheep, and bringing white
+and black refugees without number. From Harrisonburgh we again fell
+back, retracing our steps through New Market, Mount Jackson and
+Woodstock, and encamped on the evening of the 8th of October on the
+north bank of Cedar creek. Each day as we marched, dark columns of smoke
+rose from numberless conflagrations in our rear and on either flank,
+where the cavalry was at work carrying out the edict of destruction of
+the valley. A certain number of mills with the grain contained, a
+specified number of wheat-stacks and granaries, and cattle and sheep
+sufficient for the wants of the people of the valley were saved; all
+other mills, barns, stacks and granaries were burned, and all other
+cattle and sheep driven away. Seventy mills, with the flour and grain,
+and over two thousand barns filled with wheat, hay and farming
+implements were thus committed to the flames, and seven thousand cattle
+and sheep were either driven off or killed and issued to the men. This
+destruction, cruel as it seemed, was fully justified as a matter of
+military necessity. For so long as a rebel army could subsist in the
+valley, so long a large force must remain to guard the frontier of
+Maryland.
+
+Hundreds of refugees accompanied us from Staunton, Mount Crawford and
+Harrisonburgh: Unionists who had endured persecution until it was no
+longer endurable, and who now left houses and farms to find relief in
+the north from their sufferings for loyalty; and negroes who sought
+freedom from their ancient bondage.
+
+Among the latter class was a group which had followed the cavalry from
+Staunton, and which now took a place in our Sixth corps hospital train,
+which attracted universal attention. The party rode in one of the huge
+Virginia wagons, so familiar to those who have spent much time in those
+parts, and consisted of an aged colored woman, probably more than ninety
+years old, one or two younger women, a black man of fifty, who was a
+cripple, a boy of twelve or fifteen years, and a very large number of
+small children, varying in hue from jet black to dark brunette. The load
+was drawn by four broken down, spavined animals, the crippled man riding
+one of the horses of the rear span, the boy one of the leaders. The
+soldiers manifested great interest in this curious load of refugees, and
+freely divided with them their hard tack and coffee. The writer of these
+pages, reining his horse to the side of the vehicle, addressed the aged
+negress, "Well, aunty, are all those your children?" "Lor, no massa,
+dey's only eighteen ob 'em." Doubtless she designed to say that there
+were only eighteen of the children, not that "only eighteen" were her
+own.
+
+As our army neared Fisher Hill the cavalry of the enemy became annoying
+to our rear-guard. General Sheridan said to General Torbert, that the
+annoyance must be stopped at once. Accordingly Custer and his horsemen
+lay in wait for the rebel cavalry, attacked them, drove them away beyond
+Mount Jackson, and took eleven pieces of artillery and three hundred
+prisoners from them. They gave us no more trouble at that time.
+
+Monday, October 10th, the Sixth corps, leaving the Eighth and Nineteenth
+guarding the line of Cedar creek, turned toward the left and proceeded
+to Front Royal. The Seventy-seventh was made provost guard of the town,
+and the brigades were stationed along the mountain passes. Here, in the
+enjoyment of lovely weather, pleasant associations, a bountiful supply
+of lamb and honey, and untold quantities of grapes of delicious flavor,
+the corps remained several days, and the men even flattered themselves
+that in the enjoyment of these luxuries they were to pass the winter.
+But, as usual with bright anticipations, these were suddenly dispelled
+by the order to march, on the morning of the 13th, toward Ashby's Gap.
+
+[Illustration: "GOING NORF."]
+
+From the direction of our march it was evident that we were on the road
+to Washington, and rumor had it that we were to be shipped at once for
+Petersburgh. We reached the bank of the Shenandoah, where we expected to
+cross to the gap; the corps was massed by the river side, and the men
+looked dismally into the cold, dark waters, and shivered at the thought
+of wading through the stream whose waters would reach nearly to their
+necks. But while we waited to get ready for crossing, a courier came to
+General Wright with a message from Sheridan to return to his army in
+haste. We heard that Longstreet's corps had reinforced Early, and that
+an attack had been made, but with no important result. We turned about,
+encamped for the night among the hills, started again at three o'clock
+in the morning, and joined the army again on Cedar creek, in the
+afternoon of the 14th, where we remained in the enjoyment of undisturbed
+quiet for several days.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK.
+
+    Position of the Union forces on Cedar creek--Demonstrations by
+    Early--The morning of October 19th--Eighth corps
+    straggling--Nineteenth corps routed--The Sixth corps to the
+    rescue--Death of General Bidwell--The Sixth corps holds the
+    enemy--General Wright prepares for another attack--Arrival of
+    Sheridan--The charge--The rout--Guns, wagons and prisoners--The
+    victors in camp.
+
+
+Our army was thus resting in apparent security along the banks of Cedar
+creek. The men were amusing themselves in visiting the numerous caverns
+in the vicinity, strolling among the pleasant groves or wandering by the
+shady borders of the stream. Sheridan had left the army and returned to
+Washington for a day or two, to make arrangements for his future
+movements, and General Wright had temporary command of the army.
+
+Our infantry force was arranged from left to right along the creek,
+first, on the left of the turnpike, General Crook's "Army of Virginia,"
+or as it was more generally known, the Eighth corps, holding the left
+flank, facing eastward and southward; then, the Nineteenth corps,
+holding the pike and facing toward the south, its line occupying high
+bluffs which overhung the creek. On the right of the Nineteenth corps,
+and almost at right angles with it, was the Sixth corps, its line
+extending far toward the north. The corps faced the stream, looking
+directly west. The divisions of the corps were posted, on the right the
+Second, in the center the First, and on the left the Third division.
+
+On the flanks of the infantry, cavalry was posted; Custer on the right
+of the Sixth corps, and Averill's division, now under Colonel Powell, on
+the left of the infantry line, near Front Royal. Our line thus extended
+from North Mountain, on the right, almost to Front Royal, on the left,
+following nearly the course of Cedar creek, and that part of the north
+branch of the Shenandoah which crosses the valley at right angles.
+
+The enemy had been trying our line at various points, during the last
+two or three days, and in one instance had captured or dispersed a small
+squad of cavalry on the right, and captured some signaling instruments.
+These demonstrations were little heeded; our line had been posted by
+General Sheridan, and these slight attacks seemed of little account. In
+Early's army, however, they were considered of more weighty import. That
+army had recently been reinforced by Longstreet's corps of sixteen
+thousand men, and the immediate defeat, and, if possible, destruction,
+of Sheridan's army was regarded, by both General Lee and the authorities
+at Richmond, as absolutely necessary to the safety of Lee's army. Hence
+every preparation had been made for a most determined attack, and these
+lighter demonstrations had been made to ascertain the exact position of
+our troops.
+
+When, at two o'clock, on the morning of the nineteenth of October, we
+heard rapid firing where Custer, with his horsemen, held the right, and
+on the left, where Averill's cavalry was posted, we turned over in our
+blankets and said, "The cavalry is having a brush," and went to sleep
+again. And then, at a later hour, at four o'clock in the morning, when
+we of the Sixth corps heard brisk picket firing in front of the Eighth
+and Nineteenth corps, we were scarcely aroused from our slumbers, for we
+thought it to be a mere picket skirmish, in which none but those
+directly engaged had any particular interest. But when the firing became
+general along the whole line of these two corps, and we saw hundreds of
+men going with hasty steps and lengthy strides to the rear, we were at
+length aroused to the truth that a battle was really in progress.
+
+From a Sixth corps point of view, the scene was at first extremely
+ludicrous, we did not know and could not have believed at that time that
+the flank of our army was turned, and that the enemy was actually in
+possession of the camps of one whole corps; and when we saw stragglers
+filling the fields, taking rapid strides toward the rear, scarce any two
+of them going together, some without hats, others destitute of coats or
+boots, a few with guns, many wearing the shoulder straps of officers,
+all bent on getting a good way to the rear, never stopping to answer a
+question or explain what was going on at the front, the spectacle was to
+us of the Sixth corps one of infinite amusement. None of these hundreds
+and thousands of stragglers were so undignified as to run, but such
+walking was never seen before. None of them deigned to look to the right
+or left, they were bent only upon getting as far on the road to
+Winchester as possible.
+
+At length the truth flashed upon us. More than half of our army was
+already beaten and routed, while the remainder had been in ignorance of
+the fact that anything serious was transpiring. Now the rebels were
+pouring down toward the Winchester and Strasburgh turnpike, sending a
+perfect shower of bullets whistling about the vicinity of the
+head-quarters of the army, into the Sixth corps hospital camp and into
+the trains, which were by this time joining in the stampede.
+
+Staff officers now came riding furiously through the camps of the Sixth
+corps, with orders to fall in at once, and proceed at double-quick to
+the left.
+
+We may now turn back and trace the cause of this unexpected state of
+affairs. Early had, without doubt, assured himself of the exact position
+of our army through information conveyed by spies, who were able to
+comprehend the whole situation. He then prepared for a bold and sudden
+movement, which should take by surprise one flank of our army. Kershaw's
+rebel division advanced along the sides of the mountains, and, at
+midnight, crossed the north branch of the Shenandoah, still observing
+the most complete silence. Even the canteens of the soldiers had been
+left behind lest the sound of them should betray the movement.
+
+The whole division over, it was massed on the left of General Crook's
+command. A dense fog enveloped the whole surrounding country, and so
+thick was it that no man could see an object a few feet from him. Under
+the cover of this fog, the rebels succeeded in quietly capturing a large
+part of the picket force and nothing now interposed between the rebels
+and General Crook's camps. Toward these they hastened, and so complete
+was the surprise, that the men of the Eighth corps were, for the most
+part, quietly sleeping in their tents. The few who had got into the
+breastworks were subjected to a fierce fire in the flank, and were soon
+forced to abandon the line. The rebels seized the Union batteries along
+that part of the line, and turned them upon the camps of the Nineteenth
+corps, and at the same time a rebel line of battle advanced against that
+corps from the front. The confusion became every moment greater.
+Daylight was just merging from night, the thick mists hung like an
+impenetrable veil over the field, and the men of the Nineteenth corps
+were unable to tell whence came all this storm of missiles; but,
+trailing their guns in the direction from which the shells seemed to
+come, the gunners worked their pieces at random. A general stampede was
+commenced. The men of the Eighth corps were mostly fugitives; and those
+who strove to keep in line were forced back. Both the fugitives and the
+disordered line of battle, were rushing through the camps of the
+Nineteenth corps. The officers of that corps were, with shouts and wild
+gesticulations, striving to collect their disordered commands, but with
+little success. Riderless horses were galloping here and there, cows,
+with which the army was well supplied, were bellowing, mules were
+braying, bullets whistling and shells howling. The Eighth corps having
+left the way clear, the rebels came down upon the Nineteenth, which gave
+way and was doubled upon the Sixth corps, but although thrown into
+confusion it was not in the panic with which the Eighth corps yielded
+the ground.
+
+It was at this critical moment that the warning was given to the Sixth
+corps. General Wright being in command of the army, the corps was in
+charge of General Ricketts. He at once faced the corps to the rear, and
+moved it over the plain in face of the advancing hosts of the enemy.
+General Ricketts was wounded very early in the engagement of the corps,
+and the command fell upon General Getty.
+
+The Second division held the left of the new line, the First the center,
+and the Third the right. Bidwell's brigade was the left brigade of the
+Second division, the Vermonters held the center, and Warner's First
+brigade the right. The Second division was posted in the edge of an open
+oak grove. General Grant, of the Vermont brigade, was in charge.
+
+We now awaited the onset of the victorious columns, which were driving
+the shattered and disorganized fragments of the Eighth and Nineteenth
+corps, beaten and discouraged, wildly through our well formed ranks to
+the rear.
+
+The hope of the nation now rested with those heroes of many bloody
+fields. Now that peerless band of veterans, the wearers of the Greek
+cross, whose fame was already among the choicest treasures of American
+history, was to show to the country and the world, an exhibition of
+valor which should tower above all the grand achievements of the war.
+
+The corps, numbering less than twelve thousand men, now confronted
+Early's whole army of more than thirty thousand men, who, flushed with
+victory, already bringing to bear against us the twenty-one guns which
+they had just captured from the two broken corps, rushed upon our lines
+with those wild, exultant yells, the terror of which can never be
+conceived by those who have not heard them on the field.
+
+With fearless impetuosity the rebel army moved up the gentle rise of
+ground in front of the Sixth corps, and the attack, from one end of the
+line to the other, was simultaneous. It was like the clash of steel to
+steel. The astonished columns were checked. They had found an immovable
+obstacle to their march of victory.
+
+The Second division, on the left, nearest the pike, had received the
+most severe shock of the attack, while Bidwell's brigade, which held the
+extreme left, and the key to the pike, had sustained the attack of the
+whole of Kershaw's rebel division, which came up in compact order to
+within very close range. The gallant brigade received the onset with
+full volleys, which caused the right of the rebel line to stagger back,
+and the whole line was, almost at the same moment, repulsed by the
+corps. The cavalry on our flank--and never braver men than the cavalry
+of our little army mounted saddles--were doing their best to protect the
+pike leading to Winchester, and it was the great aim of both the cavalry
+and the single organized corps of infantry to hold this pike; for on
+this depended the safety of the whole army, and more, of our cause.
+
+The rebels checked, General Bidwell ordered his brigade to charge.
+Rising from their places in the little graveyard and the grove, the
+brigade rushed forward, the rebels breaking and running in confusion
+down the declivity which they had but just ascended with such
+confidence, and across the little stream. But the rebel artillery sent
+our men back to their places, to the shelter of the roll of ground. The
+charge cost us dearly. Major Brower, of the One hundred and
+twenty-second New York, lost his life. Captain Lennon, of the
+Seventy-seventh, was mortally wounded, Lieutenant Tabor was killed.
+Captain Taylor, commanding the Sixty-first Pennsylvania, was also
+killed, and many other valuable lives were lost, but the most severe
+blow to the brigade and the corps, was the loss of our gallant General
+Bidwell. He fell, while bravely directing the charge, with a frightful
+shell wound. He was at once borne to an ambulance. The general sent one
+of his staff for the writer of these pages. When he reached the
+general's ambulance, the wounded man said: "Doctor, I suppose there is
+no hope of recovery." When told that there was none he exclaimed, "Oh,
+my poor wife!" Then after a moment he said, "Doctor, see that my record
+is right at home. Tell them I died at my post doing my duty." A few
+hours of intense suffering and the brave man was relieved by death.
+
+The fall of General Bidwell left Colonel French, of the Seventy-seventh,
+in command of the brigade. The line was quickly reformed in the position
+from which the charge was made, and again the rebels came on with cheers
+and yells. They were as bravely met as before, and a second
+counter-charge sent them again in disorder across the creek, leaving the
+ground covered with their dead and wounded. The greatest shock of the
+second charge of the rebels had fallen upon our Third brigade, and nobly
+had it been met. A third time Early's forces came on; this time with
+less spirit. His men now knew the troops they had to contend with. They
+had been informed that the Sixth corps had been sent to Washington, on
+its way to Petersburgh. Now they discovered the mistake, and all of
+Early's authority was insufficient to bring them up to a spirited
+charge. We had repulsed them three times with terrible damage to their
+ranks, as well as sad loss to our own. But now we looked toward the
+right, and we saw rebels passing around our flank, and the Third and
+First divisions falling back. We were but twelve thousand. They were
+thirty thousand, and their line far overlapped ours. When Early could
+not drive us he went round us. And now it was necessary to take another
+position, which should protect the road to Winchester, and General
+Wright directed General Getty to fall back, with his corps, to a more
+commanding position, unless he saw good reason for desiring to hold his
+present position. So the order was given to take the new position.
+
+_The Sixth corps was not driven back._ It had thrice repulsed the most
+desperate charges of the whole rebel army, and now that the rebels were
+turning our flank, it was necessary to interpose an organized force, and
+there was no organized troops except the cavalry.
+
+Certain erudite historians, who have sent broadcast over our land,
+compilations of newspaper paragraphs under the sounding titles of
+historians of the rebellion, powerful gentlemen, who, from their
+comfortable quarters in northern homes, watched our battles from afar,
+quiet citizens whose sensibilities were never shocked by the sight of a
+battle-field, and whose nerves can hardly withstand the shock of fire
+crackers on the morning of a Fourth of July, have gravely informed their
+readers that our whole army, including the Sixth corps, was driven
+pell-mell six miles to the rear; and one of these grave historians very
+quietly assures those who have leisure to peruse his queer accumulations
+of absurdities, that we were driven all the way to Winchester, a
+distance of more than twenty miles. For the comfort and encouragement of
+these historians, so prolific of martial literature, and so barren of
+any ideas of military movements, it is conceded that their accounts of
+this battle are quite as correct as any which they are accustomed to
+give to the public.
+
+We took position just north of Middletown, which was about two miles in
+the rear of the position held by the Second division of our corps early
+in the morning. We went back quietly and in good order, a single
+regiment, the Second Vermont, holding without difficulty the position we
+abandoned. We carried with us all our wounded, all our shelter tents and
+all our personal property of every description, and the rebels did not
+dare to attack us. When we had taken our new position in the same order
+that we had formed in the morning, the Second division on the left, the
+First in the center, and the Third on the right, other troops also took
+position in the line. The cavalry, which had never for a moment
+faltered, took position, Custer on the right, Merritt on the left and
+the Nineteenth corps, which had now succeeded in restoring order to its
+broken ranks, was massed on the right and rear of the Sixth.
+
+With this new line of battle in the strong position we now held, General
+Wright determined that not only should the retreat stop here, but that
+the rebels should be driven back across Cedar creek. Their career of
+victory was ended. The grand old Sixth corps, directed by our own loved
+General Getty, had turned the fortunes of the day. It was now ten
+o'clock; far away in the rear was heard cheer after cheer. What was the
+cause? Were reinforcements coming? Yes, Phil Sheridan was coming, and he
+was a host. He had ridden from Winchester at amazing speed, and now, as
+he passed the long trains of ambulances in which were the hundreds of
+bleeding victims of the morning's work, the wounded men whose shattered
+limbs or mangled bodies attested that they had not run away, raised
+themselves and cheered with wild enthusiasm the hero of the valley. On
+he rode; most of his staff left far to the rear, his famous war-horse
+covered with foam and dirt, cheered at every step by hundreds of men in
+whom new courage was now kindled. Dashing along the pike, he came upon
+the line of battle. "What troops are those?" shouted Sheridan. "The
+Sixth corps," was the response from a hundred voices. "We are all
+right," said Sheridan, as he swung his old hat and dashed along the line
+toward the right. "Never mind, boys, we'll whip them yet; we'll whip
+them yet! We shall sleep in our old quarters to-night!" were the
+encouraging words of the chief as he rode along, while the men threw
+their hats high in air, leaped and danced and cheered in wildest joy.
+
+Sheridan at once completed the arrangements already commenced and nearly
+finished by General Wright. The men of the Sixth corps meanwhile busied
+themselves in cooking their morning meal.
+
+None but soldiers can realize the contending emotions we experienced as
+we waited for the development of the new arrangements. We had, with the
+pride which none but soldiers can feel, regained for northern troops the
+prestige for brilliant achievements and open field fighting in this
+valley, so often, in times past, the scene of humiliation to our arms.
+Were we now, notwithstanding all our brilliant successes and our proud
+consciousness of superiority, to see our prestige fade in an hour?
+Sheridan said, "No;" and we trusted him. Had Sheridan never reached the
+field, General Wright would have led us against the foe, whose ardor was
+already lost after the repeated repulses from the single corps. But
+there was a charm about the real commander of the army, and his
+opportune arrival inspired fresh hope and zeal in the breasts of all.
+Even a considerable portion of the Eighth corps was collected and placed
+on the left of the Sixth, and then, with cavalry on either flank, Custer
+on the right and Merritt on the left, we were ready to assume the
+offensive.
+
+Thus, all things being arranged, we were prepared to test the question
+whether our army was to fall back to Winchester beaten and humiliated or
+return to our old camps.
+
+At one o'clock, the rebels advanced against the right of our line, but
+were repulsed. A brisk fire of artillery was for a time kept up, but
+even this died away and nothing but the scattering fire of skirmishers
+was heard.
+
+Early had, without doubt, now relinquished the idea of any further
+offensive operations, and he as little thought that any were designed on
+our part. The rebels quietly proceed to bring their baggage wagons and
+ambulances across the river, and they set themselves about fitting up
+our camps for their own use.
+
+At three o'clock, Sheridan gave the order to move; wheeling from right
+to left, as a gate swings upon its hinges. The Third division on the
+right of our corps became for a moment embarrassed in passing through a
+strip of woods, the First division moved slowly but firmly, gaining a
+strong position. The Second division also advanced, but it was ordered
+to go very slowly, and this was far more difficult than to rush quickly
+over the ground. Yet the division obeyed the order and forced the rebels
+to fall back. In front of the First and Second brigades was a stone
+wall. This they seized and were at once partially sheltered; but there
+was no such protection for the Third brigade. In its front was a meadow
+and a gradually inclined plane, and behind a wall which skirted the
+crest, was the rebel line. Between that line and ours, in a hollow,
+stood a brick mill, from the windows of which the enemy's sharpshooters
+picked off our men. The galling fire from the line of battle, and the
+fatal shots of the sharpshooters in the mill, made it impossible to
+advance slowly, and the line fell back. Our best men were falling fast.
+The color-sergeant of the Seventy-seventh fell dead; another sergeant
+seized the flag and fell. Adjutant Gilbert Thomas, a youth of rare
+beauty and surpassing bravery, seized the fallen flag; he cried,
+"forward, men!" and fell dead with the staff grasped in his hand.
+
+"I cannot take my brigade over that field, slowly," said Colonel French;
+"then go quickly," responded General Getty. The word was given, and with
+a bound and a shout the noble brigade went across the field, quickly
+driving the confederates from their strong position.
+
+By this time the right of the army had started the rebels, and their
+whole line was giving way. The three divisions of the Sixth corps
+bounded forward, and commenced the wildest race that had ever been
+witnessed even in that valley so famous for the flight of beaten armies.
+The rebel lines were completely broken, and now in utmost confusion,
+every man was going in greatest haste toward Cedar creek. Our men, with
+wild enthusiasm, with shouts and cheers, regardless of order or
+formation, joined in the hot pursuit. There was our mortal enemy, who
+had but a few hours since driven us unceremoniously from our camps, now
+beaten, routed, broken, bent on nothing but the most rapid flight. We
+had not forgotten our humiliation of the morning, and the thought of it
+gave fleetness to the feet of our pursuers.
+
+From the point where we broke the rebel ranks to the crossing of Cedar
+creek, was three miles, an open plain. Over this plain and down the pike
+the panic-stricken army was flying, while our soldiers, without ever
+stopping to load their pieces, were charging tardy batteries with empty
+muskets, seizing prisoners by scores and hundreds, every Union soldier
+his own commander, bent on nothing but the destruction of the flying
+foe. As we reached Cedar creek, the pursuit was given over to the
+cavalry. The gallant Custer, now in his wild joy, could be heard
+shouting to his impetuous men, "Charge them! Charge them!" and then we
+could hear words, hard to print, but which added startling emphasis to
+the commands.
+
+Crossing the river, he came upon the pike, crowded with men and cannon,
+caissons and ambulances, wagons and pack animals. With one mighty sweep,
+forty-five pieces of artillery, many wagons and ambulances, and hundreds
+of prisoners, were taken. Merritt, too, captured seven guns, many
+battle-flags, and prisoners without number. Indeed, the prisoners could
+not be numbered, for there were not enough of the cavalry to guard them,
+and as soon as they had thrown down their arms they were passed to the
+rear, and in the darkness hundreds of them escaped to the mountains.
+Through the darkness the cavalry kept up the pursuit until Mount Jackson
+was passed.
+
+The infantry returned to the camps, and as we took our old places,
+cheers made the welkin ring; and then as we heard constantly of new
+trophies, the wild huzzahs rang from one end of our army to the other.
+Such wild joy has rarely been felt by an army. What cared the men of the
+Nineteenth corps that they were forced to lie upon the ground without
+tents or blankets? Our army was victorious and our honor saved.
+
+The moon shining brightly over the battle-field revealed the camps of
+the living side by side with the resting places of the dead. All the way
+from Middletown to Cedar creek the debris of battle was scattered over
+the fields. Here and there were seen the remains of our comrades of the
+morning, their lifeless bodies stripped by vandal rebels of almost every
+garment. They lay like specters in the pale moonlight; here, still in
+death, under a cluster of bushes, was stretched a group; there, by the
+side of a wall, a row of inanimate bodies marked a spot where brave men
+had fallen at their posts; in the ravine where the little creek wound
+its way, and beneath the boughs of the chestnut trees of the grove, many
+slept their last sleep. Among our camps, the spades of the pioneers were
+heard as they hollowed out the shallow graves; and as we threw ourselves
+upon the ground to rest, we mourned for our comrades, and we rejoiced
+for our victory.
+
+Sad, sad it was to think of the noble ones who had left us. Never again
+were we to see the form of the great-hearted Bidwell at the head of his
+brigade. We remembered his heroic bravery in all the terrible fights of
+those bloody days, from the Rapidan to Petersburgh; we thought of him
+when, at Winchester and Fisher Hill, he directed the movements of his
+brigade with such consummate coolness and skill; we remembered his
+cordial smile and friendly words, and then we thought of his heroism in
+the morning, and our hearts were heavy to think that he was gone.
+
+Adjutant Thomas, too, had left us; our noble, beautiful boy. Could he
+have died a grander death had he been spared longer? Could his last
+words have been better chosen had he expired in the embrace of loved
+ones at home? "Forward, men; forward!" Were they not grand dying words?
+Rest, brother; thy death was as grand as thy life was lovely.
+
+Lennon's bright eye must soon close forever. We should never again hear
+his hearty laugh or listen to his sparkling wit. He had fallen as a hero
+falls, and his life had been the life of a hero and patriot. Belding and
+Tabor, too, brave captains of brave men, each had fallen in advance of
+his friends.
+
+Major Brower of the One Hundred and Twenty-second, Captain Taylor,
+commanding the Sixty-first Pennsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel Kohler of
+the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania and Major Borman of the Fifteenth New
+Jersey, all brave and competent officers, were lost to our corps; while
+among the wounded were General Ricketts, Colonel Penrose, commander of
+the New Jersey brigade, Colonel Dwight of the One Hundred and
+Twenty-second, Captain Orr of Bidwell's staff, and Lieutenant Mitchell
+of the Seventh Maine.
+
+Our army remained along Cedar creek for several days, the cavalry only
+scouting up the valley in search of remnants of Early's shattered army.
+Then, we fell back to the vicinity of Winchester, where our men built
+comfortable quarters, and here we remained until General Grant called us
+back to Petersburgh. Many of the regiments in the meantime were mustered
+out of the service as regiments, the recruits and reënlisted men
+remaining as battalions with the name of the original regiments, except
+the substitution of the battalion for the regiment. Among other
+regiments whose time expired was the one whose early career formed the
+subject of the first chapters of this narrative, and whose honorable and
+indeed brilliant course we have never lost sight of. The returning
+veterans left camp on the 19th of November, leaving two hundred and
+fifty men still to represent the organization. We will not pause to
+speak of the parting of those so long companions in arms, of the trip
+homeward or of the brilliant reception and magnificent entertainment
+extended by the patriotic citizens of Saratoga to the veterans of a
+hundred battles. These were fitting testimonials of appreciation of the
+service of patriot soldiers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+THE FINAL CAMPAIGN.
+
+    Sixth corps returns to Petersburgh--Condition of the
+    corps--Sheridan joins the grand army--Capture of Fort
+    Steadman--The last grand charge--The pursuit of Lee's
+    army--Tributes to the Sixth corps--Disbanding.
+
+
+On the 9th of December, the Sixth corps was recalled to Petersburgh. We
+need not describe the journey to Washington, nor the steamboat ride to
+City Point; the scenes along this route have already been described.
+
+We took our position on the Weldon railroad, erected more comfortable
+huts than we had ever built before, our sick were placed in hospitals
+fitted up with great taste, and everything which the government or our
+friends at home, through the agencies of Sanitary and Christian
+Commissions, could do for their comfort was gladly done.
+
+During our absence in the Shenandoah Valley, the army under General
+Grant had been making steady progress in the siege of Petersburgh, and
+our war-worn brothers of the other corps showed upon their faces the
+marks of overwork. We were in fresh vigor. We had marched through a
+blooming valley literally abounding in milk and honey. The fruits of the
+vine, the orchard and the fold had been ours, and our camps had been in
+green fields and pleasant groves, we had marched over wide roads, and
+through rolling meadows, and we had fought in the open field. We
+returned to our old comrades, proud of our own achievements, and of the
+praise we had won from the nation. We could point to the valley, and to
+the memory of Early's army, now no more; and we proudly claimed that it
+had been ours to rid the country of one of the most troublesome of the
+rebel columns.
+
+Now that we were again in the trenches, we felt a confidence in our own
+valor which made our corps eminently fitted for the last grand duty, the
+crowning act in the glorious history of this superb corps, the breaking
+asunder of Lee's lines at Petersburgh, and as the result, the overthrow
+of the rebellion.
+
+Grant's army had, during our absence, extended the line much farther to
+the west and south. When we left for Washington, our line extended only
+a little beyond the Jerusalem plank road. Now, it crossed the Weldon
+railroad, and reached Hatcher's Run, nearly eight miles from the
+position occupied by us when we left the lines. The military railroad,
+too, had been constructed, and now all supplies were brought from City
+Point to the rear of our camps by rail cars.
+
+The famous mine had exploded, and with it the project of taking
+Petersburgh by surprise. Events of importance had transpired on the
+north of the James, and the Dutch Gap canal was in progress. Yet, Lee's
+army held us at arm's length, and Petersburgh was still to be taken.
+
+In the latter part of February, our friend, Sheridan, was ordered to
+leave the valley with his superb body of horsemen, and cross the country
+through Lynchburgh, destroy Lee's communications with the west, pass
+through Danville and join Sherman in his grand march to the sea. But the
+James river, swollen by heavy rains, forbade a crossing, and Sheridan,
+nowise disconcerted, turned the heads of his horses toward the White
+House, and after many adventures, having wrought much mischief in the
+rear of the rebel army, he joined Grant's army before Petersburgh, on
+the 26th of March. The result was better than though he had been able to
+accomplish the original design.
+
+Now, the Army of the Potomac was one again. The Sixth corps, and
+Sheridan with his cavalry, were important elements in that grand army;
+and now, as the glorious spring-time was drying the depths of the mud,
+and opening the way for a fresh campaign, we were in most superb
+condition to administer the last blows to the already tottering fabric
+of the rebellion.
+
+We need not dwell long upon the particulars of this final campaign.
+
+Lee took the initiative. Knowing that it would be impossible to hold his
+present line much longer, he determined to retreat to Danville; but
+wishing to cover his retreat by a bold movement in front, he sent a
+strong column to attack Fort Steadman, a point toward the right of the
+line where the two opposing lines were very close. The fort was guarded
+by troops of the Ninth corps. The attack was made very early on the
+morning of the 25th of March, and resulted in the complete surprise and
+capture of the fort and of many of the men of the Ninth corps. It was a
+short-lived triumph; the work taken was commanded by the guns of other
+forts on either flank, and the enfilading guns with strong bodies of
+infantry soon compelled a retreat of the enemy.
+
+Meanwhile the opportunity had not been lost by General Meade for
+advancing his line on the left. The Sixth corps was to do the work. The
+Third brigade, Second division was sent forward to take and hold the
+rebel picket line near the Squirrel Level road, for the double purpose
+of withdrawing the attention of the enemy, and of advancing our line for
+future operations. The brigade gallantly executed the order, and,
+notwithstanding the rebels brought nine pieces of artillery to bear upon
+it, and sent reinforcements to the point, the ground was held. Colonel
+Dwight of the One Hundred and Twenty-second was killed; Captain Oakley
+and Lieutenant Pierce lost their lives, and many others of the brigade
+were killed or wounded.
+
+The 29th of March was the day fixed for the opening of the grand final
+campaign. The Twenty-fourth corps relieved the Second and Fifth corps
+from the intrenchments in front of Petersburgh, and these two corps were
+loose to join Sheridan in an expedition on our left with the view of
+turning the enemy's right flank.
+
+Leaving camp early on the morning of the 29th, the two corps and the
+cavalry proceeded to the southwest, crossed Hatcher's Run, and marched
+toward Dinwiddie Court House, the infantry reaching the Quaker road, the
+cavalry continuing the march to Dinwiddie. We had now an unbroken line
+from the Appomattox to Dinwiddie Court House. The corps were posted from
+right to left, as follows: Ninth, Sixth, Twenty-fourth, Second, Fifth,
+and on the left of all, Sheridan with the cavalry.
+
+On the morning of the 30th, the infantry and cavalry on the left were
+ready for the grand blow upon the flank and rear of the enemy, but a
+heavy rain storm set in, rendering the roads impracticable, and except
+some maneuvering to get nearer the enemy's position, no movements were
+made. On the following day, the rebels made a fierce onset upon the
+corps of Warren, but failed to dislodge him. April 1st, Sheridan, with
+infantry and cavalry, engaged the rebels at a place called Five Forks, a
+position of vital importance to the enemy.
+
+While Sheridan was thus dealing heavy blows upon the flank, we in front
+were preparing for a general advance.
+
+[Illustration: CHARGE OF THE SIXTH CORPS, WHICH BROKE THE REBEL LINES,
+April 2, 1865.]
+
+The position occupied by the Sixth corps formed a salient, the angle
+approaching very near the rebel line. Here, in front of Fort Welch and
+Fort Fisher, the corps was massed in columns of brigades in _echelon_,
+forming a mighty wedge, which should rive the frame-work of the
+confederacy.
+
+The corps was formed in the rear of the picket line; the Third brigade,
+Second division, being the point of the wedge. On the right of that
+brigade was the First brigade of the same division, and on the left, the
+Vermont brigade. The First division of three brigades was in _echelon_
+by brigades on the right of the Second, and the Third of two large
+brigades also in _echelon_. Each brigade was in column of battalions.
+Axemen were ready to be sent forward to remove abattis, and Captain
+Adams had twenty cannoneers ready to man captured guns. Every commanding
+officer of battalions was informed what he was expected to do, and thus
+all was in readiness.
+
+At half-past four in the morning of April 2d, the signal gun from Fort
+Fisher sounded the advance. Without wavering, through the darkness, the
+wedge which was to split the confederacy was driven home.
+
+The abattis was past, the breastworks mounted, the works were our own.
+Thousands of prisoners, many stands of colors and many guns were our
+trophies, while many of our friends, dead or wounded, was the price of
+our glory. The rebel line was broken, and now the troops of Ord, and
+those of the Ninth corps pressed on after us. Humphries, too, of the
+Second corps, hearing of our splendid success, stormed the works in his
+front away on the left and carried them. The confederate army gathered
+close around Petersburgh, but we followed closely. We will not stop to
+tell all the splendid achievements of that glorious day.
+
+That night our corps rested on the Appomattox, just above Petersburgh,
+and General Grant, of the Vermont brigade, had his head-quarters in the
+house which General Lee had occupied all winter, and had left only a few
+hours before. During the night Lee made his escape with his army. He had
+already sent word to Richmond that he was to retreat, and the fatal
+message reached Davis while in church.
+
+We all joined in the pursuit next morning. The Second and Sixth corps
+hastening to the help of Sheridan, who was following hard after the
+flying army. We confronted Lee at Jetersville, and on the morning of the
+6th we moved up to attack, but there was no army to attack. Why need we
+tell of the forced march that followed; of the gallant fight at Sailor's
+creek, where we whipped Lee's army; of the wild joy of the surrender?
+These are all too well known to repeat, and the details would be
+tiresome.
+
+The grand old Sixth corps, the pride of the army and the delight of the
+nation, had crowned all its former record of glory by breaking the
+famous "backbone" of the rebellion, and all that follows is tame.
+
+General Grant did us the credit to say, "General Wright penetrated the
+lines with his whole corps, sweeping everything before him, and to his
+left, toward Hatcher's run, capturing many guns and several thousand
+prisoners."
+
+General Meade, too, says: "Major-General Wright attacked at four A.M.,
+carrying everything before him, taking possession of the enemy's strong
+line of works, and capturing many guns and prisoners. After carrying the
+enemy's lines in his front, and reaching the Boydtown plank road,
+Major-General Wright turned to his left and swept down the enemy's line
+of intrenchments till near Hatcher's run, where, meeting the head of the
+Twenty-fourth corps, General Wright retraced his steps and advanced on
+the Boydtown plank road toward Petersburgh, encountering the enemy in an
+inner line of works immediately around the city."
+
+The march and halt at Danville, the rapid journey through
+Fredericksburgh to Alexandria, the separate review of the corps under
+the scorching rays of one of the hottest days ever known even in
+Washington, when hundreds of our men fell down from sunstroke and
+exhaustion, the return to camp and the disbanding, finish the story of
+the grandest corps that ever faced a foe.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Three Years in the Sixth Corps, by 
+George T. Stevens
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Three Years in the Sixth Corps, by George T. Stevens.
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+
+Project Gutenberg's Three Years in the Sixth Corps, by George T. Stevens
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Three Years in the Sixth Corps
+       A Concise Narrative of Events in the Army of the Potomac,
+              from 1861 to the Close of the Rebellion, April, 1865
+
+Author: George T. Stevens
+
+Release Date: June 30, 2007 [EBook #21976]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THREE YEARS IN THE SIXTH CORPS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, David King, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreaders Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h1>THREE YEARS IN THE SIXTH CORPS.</h1>
+
+<h3>A CONCISE NARRATIVE OF EVENTS IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
+FROM 1861 TO THE CLOSE OF THE REBELLION, APRIL, 1865.</h3>
+
+<h2>By GEORGE T. STEVENS,</h2>
+<h3>SURGEON OF THE 77TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.</h3>
+
+<h3>ALBANY: S. R. GRAY, PUBLISHER.</h3>
+
+<h3>1866.</h3>
+
+<p class="center">Entered according to act of Congress, in the year eighteen hundred and sixty-six,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="center">By GEORGE T. STEVENS,</p>
+
+<p class="center">in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States for the Northern
+District of New York.</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY,<br />
+PRINTERS, STEREOTYPERS AND BOOKBINDERS,<br />
+ALBANY, N. Y.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/gen-sedgwick.png">
+<img src="images/gen-sedgwick-small.png" width="400" height="560" alt="Maj.-Gen. John Sedgwick" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">MAJ.-GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;">
+<a href="images/cover.png">
+<img src="images/cover-small.png" width="300" height="468" alt="Cover Illustration" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+
+
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The following pages are offered to my old comrades of
+the Sixth Corps, with the hope that they may pleasantly
+recall the many varied experiences of that unparalleled
+body of men. If much has been omitted which should
+have been written, or if anything has been said which
+should have been left out, I rely upon the generosity of
+brave men to treat with leniency the failings they may
+detect.</p>
+
+<p>I have endeavored to present without exaggeration or
+embellishment of imagination, a truthful picture of army
+life in all its vicissitudes; its marches, its battles, its camps,
+and the sad scenes when the victims of war languish in
+hospitals. The story is written mostly from extensive
+notes taken by myself amid the scenes described; but official
+reports and letters from officers have been used freely
+in correcting these notes, and gathering fresh material.
+The narrative commences with the experiences of my own
+regiment; then when that regiment became a part of
+Smith's division, its incidents and history includes the
+whole. From the organization of the Sixth Corps to
+the close of the rebellion, I have endeavored without partiality
+to give the story of the Corps. If I have failed to do
+justice to any of the noble troops of the Corps, it has been
+from no want of desire to give to each regiment the praise
+due to it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I cannot close without acknowledging my many obligations
+to the numerous friends, officers and soldiers of
+the Corps, and others who have favored me with their
+assistance. I take especial pleasure in acknowledging the
+kindness of Miss Emily Sedgwick, sister of our lamented
+commander; Vermont's honored son, Major-General L. A.
+Grant, Major-General Thomas H. Neill, Colonel James B.
+McKean, Colonel W. B. French, Chaplain Norman Fox,
+and Mr. Henry M. Myers. I am also indebted to the friends
+of Samuel S. Craig for the use of his diary, extending from
+the early history of the Army of the Potomac, to the death
+of the talented young soldier in the Wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>The engravings are nearly all from sketches taken by
+myself on the ground, the others are from the pencil of the
+well known artist, Captain J. Hope, and all have been submitted
+to his finishing touch. Mr. Ferguson has executed
+the wood cuts in a style creditable to his art.</p>
+
+<p>The typographical portion of the work has been done in a
+style of beauty and finish for which the work of Weed,
+Parsons and Company is so well known.</p>
+
+<p>18 North Pearl Street, Albany, N. Y.</p>
+
+<p><i>September 5, 1866</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2>
+
+<p>
+ 1. Portrait of General Sedgwick.<br/>
+ 2. Illustrated Title Page.<br/>
+ 3. The Old Church at Hampton.<br/>
+ 4. The Quaker at Newport News.<br/>
+ 5. Charge of the Vermonters at Lee's Mills.<br/>
+ 6. Charge of Hancock's Brigade at Williamsburgh.<br/>
+ 7. Charge of the Seventy-seventh New York at Mechanicsville.<br/>
+ 8. Portrait of Colonel James B. McKean.<br/>
+ 9. Charge of the Sixth Corps at Burkettsville.<br/>
+10. White Oak Church, Va.<br/>
+11. Storming Fredericksburgh Heights by Howe's Division.<br/>
+12. "What'll Ole Missus do Now?"<br/>
+13. Church Call.<br/>
+14. Battle of Fort Stevens.<br/>
+15. "Why Don't he Come?"<br/>
+16. "Going Norf."<br/>
+17. Diagram of the Charge of the Sixth Corps, April 2, 1865
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_i">Chapter I.</a></p>
+
+<p>A New Regiment goes to the War.</p>
+
+<p>Organization of the Seventy-seventh N. Y. V.&mdash;Departure from Saratoga&mdash;Greetings
+by the way&mdash;New emotions&mdash;The noble dead&mdash;On board the Knickerbocker&mdash;At
+New York&mdash;Presentation of flags&mdash;Beauties of monopoly&mdash;Hospitality
+of Philadelphia&mdash;Incidents on the route&mdash;Arrival at Washington&mdash;In camp.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_ii">Chapter II.</a></p>
+
+<p>Army Life at Washington.</p>
+
+<p>Meridian Hill&mdash;Neighboring scenery&mdash;First Sunday in camp&mdash;Drills&mdash;Sickness&mdash;The
+Hospital&mdash;General Casey&mdash;"Why don't the army move?"&mdash;Washington
+blockaded&mdash;Burnside's heroes&mdash;Orders to move&mdash;Something of a train&mdash;Smith's
+division&mdash;Our first reconnoissance.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_iii">Chapter III.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Manassas Campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Orders to march&mdash;A grand spectacle&mdash;Bivouac near Fairfax Court House&mdash;The
+camps at night&mdash;Visits to Manassas and Centreville&mdash;Dissatisfaction in the
+army&mdash;A deserted country&mdash;Lawless soldiers&mdash;Fairfax Court House&mdash;A representative
+Southerner&mdash;Review by Gen. McClellan&mdash;March to Alexandria&mdash;"Camp
+Misery."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_iv">Chapter IV.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Army Transferred to the Peninsula.</p>
+
+<p>The advance to Yorktown&mdash;A thunder storm&mdash;"Reliable contrabands"&mdash;Facing
+the enemy&mdash;A strong position&mdash;The Union line&mdash;A rebel welcome&mdash;Digging&mdash;On
+picket&mdash;A dreary country&mdash;An enterprising planter&mdash;Active work&mdash;Battle
+of Lee's Mills&mdash;Charge of the Vermont brigade&mdash;Progress of the siege&mdash;Ravages
+of disease&mdash;A front seat&mdash;Short supplies&mdash;The rebels withdraw&mdash;Entering the
+strongholds&mdash;Infernal machines&mdash;March to Williamsburgh&mdash;Victims of disease.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_v">Chapter V.</a></p>
+
+<p>Yorktown.</p>
+
+<p>The advance to Yorktown&mdash;A thunder storm&mdash;"Reliable contrabands"&mdash;Facing
+the enemy&mdash;A strong position&mdash;The Union line&mdash;A
+rebel welcome&mdash;Digging&mdash;On picket&mdash;A dreary country&mdash;An enterprising
+planter&mdash;Active work&mdash;Battle of Lee's Mills&mdash;Charge of the
+Vermont brigade&mdash;Progress of the siege&mdash;Ravages of disease&mdash;A
+front seat&mdash;Short supplies&mdash;The rebels withdraw&mdash;Entering the
+strongholds&mdash;Infernal machines&mdash;March to Williamsburgh&mdash;Victims
+of disease.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_vi">Chapter VI.</a></p>
+
+<p>Williamsburgh.</p>
+
+<p>Battle of Williamsburgh&mdash;The army not organized&mdash;The medical department&mdash;Hooker's
+gallant fight&mdash;Hancock's charge&mdash;McClellan at Yorktown&mdash;Night on
+the battle-field.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_vii">Chapter VII.</a></p>
+
+<p>The March up the Peninsula and the Organization of the
+Sixth Corps.</p>
+
+<p>March up the Peninsula&mdash;Joy of the contrabands&mdash;Cumberland Landing&mdash;The
+Sixth Corps organized&mdash;At White House&mdash;On the Chickahominy&mdash;Fight at
+Mechanicsville&mdash;Battle of Hanover Court House.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_viii">Chapter VIII.</a></p>
+
+<p>On the Chickahominy.</p>
+
+<p>Gaines' Farm&mdash;The line of battle&mdash;Battle of Seven Pines&mdash;Sedgwick and Kearney
+to the rescue&mdash;Hooker's charge&mdash;A lost opportunity&mdash;Golden's
+Farm&mdash;Ditching&mdash;Malaria&mdash;Chickahominy
+fevers&mdash;A German regiment&mdash;Stuart's raid.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_ix">Chapter IX.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Seven Days' Battles.</p>
+
+<p>The army united&mdash;Plans and counter plans&mdash;Battle of Fair Oaks&mdash;Lee's plan&mdash;The
+situation&mdash;Stonewall Jackson on the flank&mdash;Battle of Mechanicsville&mdash;Joy
+in camp&mdash;Porter's corps retreats&mdash;An astonished army&mdash;Battle of Gaines' Farm&mdash;Slocum's
+division at Games' Farm&mdash;Retreat to the river&mdash;Battle of Golden's
+Farm&mdash;A young hero&mdash;A Union victory&mdash;Our right exposed&mdash;The sick abandoned&mdash;A
+night of sorrow&mdash;The grand retreat commenced&mdash;Sad scenes at
+Savage's Station&mdash;A meteor railroad train.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_x">Chapter X.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Grand Retreat.</p>
+
+<p>Lee's army in pursuit&mdash;Sumner and Smith at Bay&mdash;Battle of Savage's Station&mdash;The
+Vermont Brigade&mdash;Sick and wounded abandoned&mdash;Retreat to White Oak
+Swamp&mdash;Battle of White Oak Swamp&mdash;An astonished division&mdash;A night march&mdash;A
+mystery&mdash;In sight of the James&mdash;Battle of Malvern Hill&mdash;Departure of the
+princes&mdash;Gloom and anxiety&mdash;Lee's attack&mdash;The rebels demoralized.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xi">Chapter XI.</a></p>
+
+<p>Harrison's Landing.</p>
+
+<p>March to Harrison's Bar&mdash;A scene of confusion&mdash;A beautiful landscape&mdash;Fourth
+of July in camp&mdash;Gloom at the north&mdash;Cause of the
+disasters&mdash;Prevalence of
+disease&mdash;Review by the President&mdash;A night demonstration by the
+enemy&mdash;Reconnoissance
+to Malvern Hill&mdash;Departure of General Davidson&mdash;A retrospect.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xii">Chapter XII.</a></p>
+
+<p>Retreat from the Peninsula, and General Pope's Bull
+Run Campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Premonitions of a change of base&mdash;The transfer commenced&mdash;Marching down the
+Peninsula&mdash;On board transports&mdash;A contrast&mdash;Arrival at Alexandria&mdash;Unaccountable
+delays&mdash;General Pope's campaign&mdash;An obstinate general&mdash;Causes of
+Pope's failure.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xiii">Chapter XIII.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Maryland Campaign.</p>
+
+<p>General McClellan restored to command&mdash;March through Washington&mdash;Leisurely
+campaigning&mdash;Battle of Crampton Pass&mdash;Death of Mathison&mdash;Battle of South
+Mountain Pass&mdash;Death of Reno&mdash;Surrender of Harper's Ferry&mdash;March to
+Antietam.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xiv">Chapter XIV.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Battle of Antietam.</p>
+
+<p>The Valley of the Antietam&mdash;Gathering of the hosts&mdash;The battle-field&mdash;The battle
+commenced&mdash;Splendid fighting of Hooker's forces&mdash;Successes and reverses of
+Sumner's troops&mdash;Timely arrival of the Sixth corps&mdash;A gallant charge&mdash;Losses
+of the corps&mdash;Burnside's attack&mdash;Hours of suspense&mdash;The enemy defeated at all
+points&mdash;Retreat of the rebels&mdash;Scenes on the battle-field&mdash;At the hospitals&mdash;At
+Sharpsburgh&mdash;A division of militia&mdash;Couch's division joins the Sixth corps&mdash;Visit
+of the President&mdash;Recruits&mdash;Energy at the north&mdash;At rest&mdash;Want of
+clothing&mdash;Stuart's raid&mdash;Delays&mdash;Clear Spring&mdash;General Brooks.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xv">Chapter XV.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Second Advance into Virginia, and the Battle of
+Fredericksburgh.</p>
+
+<p>Marching in Maryland&mdash;Arrival at New Baltimore&mdash;General McClellan superseded
+by General Burnside&mdash;Thanksgiving in camp&mdash;The grand divisions organized&mdash;The
+march resumed&mdash;Fatal delays&mdash;In order of battle&mdash;The crossing&mdash;Fredericksburgh
+bombarded&mdash;Situation of Fredericksburgh&mdash;Scenes of activity&mdash;The
+Bernard house&mdash;Scenes at the hospital&mdash;The battle on the right&mdash;Charges
+of the Pennsylvania reserves&mdash;The river recrossed&mdash;Reflections.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xvi">Chapter XVI.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Winter at Falmouth.</p>
+
+<p>Camp at White Oak Church&mdash;"The mud march"&mdash;Return to camp&mdash;General
+Neill&mdash;General Hooker supersedes General Burnside&mdash;Burnside's magnanimity&mdash;General
+Hooker as a soldier&mdash;Reconstruction&mdash;The cavalry organized&mdash;Business
+departments renovated&mdash;The medical department&mdash;Ambulance system&mdash;Quartermasters'
+and commissary departments&mdash;Life in camp&mdash;Snowball battles&mdash;In
+the Seventy-seventh&mdash;The Light division&mdash;Review by General Hooker&mdash;General
+John Sedgwick&mdash;Scene at head-quarters&mdash;Review of the army by the
+President&mdash;Preparing for the campaign.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xvii">Chapter XVII.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Chancellorsville Campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Orders to move&mdash;The river crossed&mdash;Sedgwick's command&mdash;The First corps withdrawn&mdash;Gallant
+conduct of the Light division&mdash;Advancing to the heights&mdash;The
+line of battle&mdash;The columns of attack&mdash;Attack of Howe's columns&mdash;Of Newton's
+column&mdash;Of Burnham's&mdash;Misfortune following victory&mdash;Fight of Bartlett's
+brigade&mdash;The First division at work&mdash;A critical position&mdash;The Sixth corps
+surrounded&mdash;Savage fight of Neill's brigade&mdash;The corps withdraws to Banks'
+Ford&mdash;Recrosses the river&mdash;Hooker's operations on the right&mdash;Position of the
+corps&mdash;Rout of the Eleventh corps&mdash;The rebels repulsed&mdash;Jackson renews
+the attack&mdash;The rebels again repulsed&mdash;Hooker recrosses the river.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xviii">Chapter XVIII.</a></p>
+
+<p>Second Encampment at White Oak Church and the Pennsylvania
+Campaign.</p>
+
+<p>The army in its old position&mdash;A trip to Dixie&mdash;The wounded at the hospitals&mdash;Introduction
+of army badges&mdash;Adornments of the camps&mdash;The "Third crossing"&mdash;The
+Barnard mansion&mdash;Exchanging papers&mdash;A broken lieutenant&mdash;The
+Pennsylvania campaign commenced&mdash;Restriction of baggage&mdash;A severe march&mdash;An
+army bathing&mdash;At Centreville&mdash;Bristow Station&mdash;March to Maryland&mdash;General
+Hooker succeeded by General Meade&mdash;Position of the army.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xix">Chapter XIX.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Gettysburgh Campaign.</p>
+
+<p>The rebels in Pennsylvania&mdash;Panic at Harrisburgh&mdash;Alarm at Baltimore and
+Washington&mdash;Sixth corps leaves Bristow Station&mdash;A surprise&mdash;General Meade
+takes command&mdash;Position of the army&mdash;Marching through Pennsylvania&mdash;An
+unprecedented march&mdash;Exciting news&mdash;Battle of Gettysburgh&mdash;Death of Reynolds&mdash;First
+and Eleventh corps fall back &mdash;Second day's battle&mdash;The battle-field&mdash;Fighting
+at Round Top&mdash;On the right&mdash;The grand onset&mdash;The battle
+decided&mdash;Rebel and Union wounded.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xx">Chapter XX.</a></p>
+
+<p>Pursuit of Lee's Army.</p>
+
+<p>Scenes of the field of Gettysburgh&mdash;The rebel hospitals&mdash;The sightless rebel soldier
+boy&mdash;The Sixth corps at Fairfield&mdash;"Hurrah for the Union"&mdash;Kilpatrick's
+handiwork&mdash;At Waynesboro'&mdash;On picket&mdash;A division of militia&mdash;The Vermonters
+at Funkstown&mdash;The army at Funkstown&mdash;Meade's failure to attack&mdash;New
+York riots&mdash;Return to Virginia.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxi">Chapter XXI.</a></p>
+
+<p>Camps at Warrenton, the Centreville Campaign and the
+Battle of Rappahannock Station.</p>
+
+<p>Camp at Hart's Mills&mdash;A ride to the Sulphur Springs&mdash;Contrabands going north&mdash;The
+Vermonters go to New York&mdash;Jersey Brigade at Warrenton&mdash;The Sixth
+corps at Cedar Mountain&mdash;Retreat to Centreville&mdash;Battle of Bristoe Station&mdash;Advance
+to Warrenton&mdash;Battle of Rappahannock Station&mdash;Flight of Lee's army.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxii">Chapter XXII.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Army at Brandy Station.</p>
+
+<p>Encampment at Brandy Station&mdash;The Mine Run campaign&mdash;Crossing the Rapidan&mdash;Battle
+of Locust Grove&mdash;The army on Mine Run&mdash;The order of battle&mdash;The
+army withdraws&mdash;Back at Brandy Station&mdash;Reconnoissance to Madison Court
+House&mdash;Ladies in camp&mdash;Chapel tents.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxiii">Chapter XXIII.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Wilderness Campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Preparing to leave camp&mdash;General Grant in command&mdash;The last advance across
+the Rapidan&mdash;The battle-ground&mdash;Battle of the Wilderness&mdash;Noble fight of
+Getty's division&mdash;Hancock's fight on the left&mdash;Rickett's division driven back&mdash;The
+ground retaken&mdash;The wounded&mdash;Duties of the surgeons&mdash;The noble dead.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[Pg xi]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxiv">Chapter XXIV.</a></p>
+
+<p>Spottsylvania.</p>
+
+<p>Moving by the flank&mdash;The wounded abandoned&mdash;The Fifth Corps at Spottsylvania&mdash;Arrival
+of the Sixth Corps&mdash;Getting into line&mdash;Death of Sedgwick&mdash;General
+Wright in command&mdash;Battle of the 10th of May&mdash;Upton's splendid charge&mdash;Battle
+at "the angle"&mdash;Another flank movement.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxv">Chapter XXV.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Hospitals at Fredericksburgh.</p>
+
+<p>The journey from the battle-field&mdash;Sufferings of the wounded&mdash;A surgeon's letters&mdash;Rebel
+hatred&mdash;Assistance from the north&mdash;A father in search of his boy&mdash;The
+wounded sent to Washington.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxvi">Chapter XXVI.</a></p>
+
+<p>Coal Harbor.</p>
+
+<p>At Hanover Court House&mdash;The Eighteenth corps joins the Army of the Potomac&mdash;The
+armies meet at Coal Harbor&mdash;Battle of June 1st&mdash;Battle of June 3d&mdash;Terrible
+exposure&mdash;The army strikes for Petersburgh&mdash;Charles City Court House&mdash;A
+centenarian&mdash;Review of the overland campaign.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxvii">Chapter XXVII.</a></p>
+
+<p>Petersburgh.</p>
+
+<p>The march to Petersburgh&mdash;Smith's successes&mdash;The battle of June 18th&mdash;The
+Sixth and Second corps sent to the left&mdash;Rebels penetrate the line&mdash;Progress of
+the siege&mdash;Sixth corps proceeds to Reams' Station&mdash;Kautz's and Wilson's raids.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxviii">Chapter XXVIII.</a></p>
+
+<p>Sixth Corps Transferred To Washington&mdash;Battle of Fort Stevens.</p>
+
+<p>The Shenandoah Valley&mdash;Hunter's advance to Lynchburgh&mdash;The retreat&mdash;Rebels
+advance into Maryland&mdash;Battle of Monocacy&mdash;Sixth corps goes to Washington&mdash;Battle
+of Fort Stevens.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxix">Chapter XXIX.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Shenandoah Valley.</p>
+
+<p>The Sixth and Nineteenth corps follow the enemy&mdash;Crossing the Potomac&mdash;Averill's
+fight at Snicker's Gap&mdash;Return of the Sixth corps to Washington&mdash;March
+back to Harper's Ferry&mdash;Return to Maryland&mdash;Death of Major
+Ellis&mdash;General Sheridan assigned to command&mdash;Back in the Valley&mdash;Charlestown&mdash;John
+Mosher&mdash;March to Fisher Hill&mdash;Return to Charlestown&mdash;Fight at
+Charlestown.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxx">Chapter XXX.</a></p>
+
+<p>Battle of Winchester.</p>
+
+<p>Encampment at Berryville&mdash;Leaving camp&mdash;The advance&mdash;Taking position&mdash;Advance
+and retreat&mdash;Death of Russell&mdash;"I know they'll run"&mdash;Reminiscences&mdash;At
+the hospitals&mdash;A regiment going home&mdash;"Why don't he come."</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxxi">Chapter XXXI.</a></p>
+
+<p>Fisher Hill.</p>
+
+<p>March up the valley&mdash;Strasburgh&mdash;The army confronting Fisher Hill&mdash;The
+flank movement&mdash;Flight of Early&mdash;The pursuit&mdash;Guerrilla warfare&mdash;Southern
+refugees&mdash;Starting for Washington&mdash;Return to Cedar creek.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[Pg xii]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxxii">Chapter XXXII.</a></p>
+
+<p>Battle of Cedar Creek.</p>
+
+<p>Position of the Union forces on Cedar creek&mdash;Demonstrations by Early&mdash;The
+morning of October 19th&mdash;Eighth corps straggling&mdash;Nineteenth corps routed&mdash;The
+Sixth corps to the rescue&mdash;Death of General Bidwell&mdash;The Sixth corps holds
+the enemy&mdash;General Wright prepares for another attack&mdash;Arrival of Sheridan&mdash;The
+charge&mdash;The rout&mdash;Guns, wagons and prisoners&mdash;The victors in camp.</p>
+
+<p><a href="#chapter_xxxiii">Chapter XXXIII.</a></p>
+
+<p>The Final Campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Sixth corps returns to Petersburgh&mdash;Condition of the corps&mdash;Sheridan joins the
+grand army&mdash;Capture of Fort Steadman&mdash;The last grand charge&mdash;The pursuit
+of Lee's army&mdash;Tributes to the Sixth corps&mdash;Disbanding.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>THREE YEARS IN THE SIXTH CORPS.</h2>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_i" id="chapter_i"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>A NEW REGIMENT GOES TO THE WAR.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Organization of the Seventy-seventh N. Y. V.&mdash;Departure from Saratoga&mdash;Greetings
+by the way&mdash;New emotions&mdash;The noble dead&mdash;On board the Knickerbocker&mdash;At
+New York&mdash;Presentation of flags&mdash;Beauties of monopoly&mdash;Hospitality
+of Philadelphia&mdash;Incidents on the route&mdash;Arrival at Washington&mdash;In camp.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Our regiment was organized at Saratoga Springs, the
+historic scene of the battle of Bemis Heights and the surrender
+of Burgoyne&mdash;hence its name, "The Bemis Heights
+Battalion." Hon. Jas. B. McKean, then member of congress,
+a gentleman of well known patriotism, was made our
+Colonel. We left our rendezvous on the 26th of November,
+1861, Thanksgiving day, having been mustered into
+the United States service three days before.</p>
+
+<p>As the long train of cars bore us from the station at
+Saratoga Springs, the thousands who had gathered to witness
+our departure united in cheer after cheer until all
+the groves and vales of that charming resort rang with the
+echoes of the tumultuous shouting.</p>
+
+<p>The thousand brave fellows, who were about to try the
+stern realities of war, were by no means backward in
+replying to these hearty expressions of good wishes.
+Long after we had lost sight of the lovely village, the
+shouts of the multitude could be heard and the hills rang<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>
+again with the responding cheers of those in the cars.
+At each station, as we passed, crowds of people pressed
+to greet us, and loud and long were the cheers that bade
+us "God speed."</p>
+
+<p>We were now fairly off for the war. We who had
+followed the various peaceful avocations of life, in the
+professions or in the workshops, in trade or in husbandry,
+had now turned away from the office, the desk, the shop
+and the plough, to join the Grand Army upon which the
+hopes of the nation were staked, and which we confidently
+believed was soon to sweep the rebellion to destruction.</p>
+
+<p>Emotions hitherto unknown to us filled our hearts. We
+were soldiers, wearing for the first time the army blue, and
+perhaps soon to be called out to meet in deadly strife an
+enemy whose prestige for valor was already too well
+established.</p>
+
+<p>Were we to return to the friends from whom we had
+just parted, bearing the chaplet of victory, or were we to
+find a last resting place on some field of the south, never
+again to meet with wife or sister, father or mother? Four
+years have passed and those doubts have been solved.
+Many of those brave men have gone to their long rest.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Their graves are severed far and wide."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Some sleep beneath the tall pines of Yorktown; and the
+bright azalia casts its purple blossoms over the graves of
+many who lie in the swamps of the Chickahominy. The
+Antietam murmurs a requiem to those who rest on its
+banks, and green is the turf above the noble ones who fell
+gloriously at Fredericksburgh. Some rest amid the wild
+tangles of the Wilderness, and upon the arid plain of Coal
+Harbor. Many of their graves are upon the banks of the
+Ny and the Po. The marble monument at Fort Stevens
+tells the names of some who gave their lives in the defense
+of the Capital, while the simple headboards of pine tell<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span>
+where repose many in the valley of the Shenandoah, and
+before Petersburgh. The remains of some have been
+brought back to the peaceful cemetery at home to rest
+beside the dust of loved ones.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"'Tis little; but it looks in truth<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As if the quiet bones were blest<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Among familiar names to rest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And in the places of their youth."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Must it be said, many of the strongest yielded to the
+grim monster starvation in the rebel prison pens, and
+found relief from their tortures in lowly graves at Andersonville
+and Salisbury.</p>
+
+<p>A little band, with bronzed faces and manly hearts,
+returned home. Their glorious and unspotted record had
+preceded them. They needed no song of victory, and
+they desired no greater marks of honor than their simple
+silver crosses, the badge of their corps.</p>
+
+<p>No incident worthy of note occurred until we reached
+Albany, where we left the cars and embarked upon the
+steamer Knickerbocker, an old dismantled craft, unfit for
+any purpose but the transportation of soldiers; whose
+decks were covered with mud an inch in depth, and
+whose doors having been thrown overboard, a free circulation
+of the rough November air was allowed in every part.
+The men had no rations, and some of them became clamorous;
+but order was soon restored, and rations of bread and
+ham with coffee were distributed. They could not, however,
+all be brought to a perfect state of quietude. Some
+were determined not to submit, and passed the night in
+carousal, while those soberly inclined tried in vain to sleep.
+The officers found lodging in the after cabin, where some
+in berths and some on the floor, we passed a restless night.</p>
+
+<p>As we approached New York in the morning, the sky
+was hung with heavy clouds, and as we left our rickety
+old craft for <i>terra firma</i>, the rain poured in fresh torrents<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>
+upon us. We marched through 14th street and Broadway
+to the Park. We were to remain in New York until six
+o'clock in the evening, and the Sons of Saratoga were to
+present us with a stand of colors and guidons. They commenced
+by presenting us with an excellent dinner, at which
+speeches were made by the committee, and responded to
+by Colonel McKean and others on our part.</p>
+
+<p>Dinner over, the regiment was drawn up in front of the
+City Hall, where the ceremony of presenting the flags
+took place. The banner was an exquisite piece of work,
+of the richest fabric; a blue ground with elegant designs
+in oil. On one side was represented an engagement in
+which the American soldiers, led by Washington, were
+fighting under the old flag&mdash;thirteen stripes and the
+union jack. On the reverse was pictured the surrender
+of Burgoyne, at Saratoga, under the new flag&mdash;the stars
+and stripes&mdash;first unfurled in the goodly city of Albany,
+and first baptized in blood at the decisive battle of Bemis
+Heights, which resulted in the surrender of Burgoyne and
+the virtual success of the Revolution.</p>
+
+<p>We had already a beautiful national flag, the gift of the
+patriotic young ladies of Mr. Beecher's seminary, at Saratoga.</p>
+
+<p>The hour for departure arrived, and we crossed to
+Amboy by ferry. We were in New Jersey. We had
+heard disparaging things of the railroad management of
+this State, but we were now to realize the beauties
+of monopoly. We learned afterwards to respect New
+Jersey's soldiers, many of whom fought shoulder to
+shoulder with us, and were among the bravest of the
+brave, but we never forgave her railroads. The men were
+crowded into a number of shaky old cars, reeking with
+filth, and redolent of most noisome odors. It was in vain
+that we protested that these vehicles were unfit for transporting
+men; we were offered by the agent of the road<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>
+the alternative to take these cars or remain where we
+were. We concluded to go on.</p>
+
+<p>At four o'clock we had passed over the whole of the
+Camden and Amboy road. Another ferry crossed, and
+we were in Philadelphia. Glorious, generous, enlightened
+Philadelphia! Many of our men were sick when we left
+Saratoga, and the unaccustomed hardships, with the cold
+and rain thus far on the route, had greatly prostrated
+them. Many others had also been seized with violent
+illness, so that our single medical officer had been taxed
+beyond his strength in looking after the wants of the sick,
+while the little case of medicines with which we started
+from Saratoga was exhausted. Among the first acts of
+kindness of these excellent people was the care of our sick.
+A gentleman, with countenance beaming with benevolence,
+said to the doctor, "If you will get your sick together, we
+will conduct them to comfortable quarters, and see that
+they are well cared for." The heart of the surgeon leaped
+with joy at finding some one who could and would help
+to care for the poor fellows.</p>
+
+<p>The sick being collected, our friend mounted a barrel
+and called to the soldiers to hear him a moment. "You
+are welcome," said he, "to Philadelphia, and to show you
+that we are glad to see you, it gives us pleasure to invite
+every man of you to partake of a warm breakfast which
+will be ready for you in a few minutes." This speech was
+greeted by three hearty cheers for Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor soon had his sick removed to the Soldiers'
+Retreat, a place fitted up by the noble-hearted people of
+Philadelphia for the entertainment of soldiers passing
+through their city. The upper part of the building was
+arranged with exquisite taste and order for a hospital.
+Here were many sick men left by the various regiments
+which had passed through the city. Our sick boys were
+placed in beds, with expressions of gratitude that, notwithstanding<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>
+their illness, their lot had fallen in pleasant
+places.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the men were marched into the long saloon,
+where all took their places at the well spread tables.
+The repast being over, Colonel McKean called upon the
+men for three cheers for the Philadelphians; remarking
+that there need be no fear of raising the roof, for even
+should such an accident occur he doubted not these generous
+people would willingly replace it. Then came
+the cheers; and such cheers! only to be surpassed by the
+three more and then three more that followed.</p>
+
+<p>The long years of our campaignings never diminished the
+lively feelings of gratitude we experienced that morning,
+and to this day our veterans never speak of Philadelphia
+but with pleasing recollections of the friendly reception
+given them by the goodly inhabitants of the Quaker city.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was up when we resumed our journey, and
+again we were met with surprises. All along the track
+of the railroad, men, women and children, filling the windows
+of the houses and thronging the wayside, cheered us
+on our way, shouting and waving flags and handkerchiefs.
+Children in the arms of their nurses waved little flags from
+the windows in great glee, while gray haired old men
+in piping tones cried "God bless our soldiers." This
+unlooked for, and to us surprising ovation continued until
+we had passed the limits of the city, and indeed did not
+cease till we had left the station many miles behind. In
+the train, the men kept up a continuous cheering; tears
+stood in the eyes of many, and the most enthusiastic
+expressions passed from lip to lip.</p>
+
+<p>The experience of our regiment was only that of others
+who passed through this noble city, and often during our
+long campaigns, the soldiers of different regiments would
+gather round their camp fires, and relate to each other the
+kindnesses received by them in the City of Brotherly Love.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>We were cordially welcomed in Delaware, the people
+waving banners and handkerchiefs, and when those were
+not at hand, newspapers or even articles from the clothes
+lines answered to show their good will; and the negroes in
+the fields swung their hats and their hoes with great spirit.</p>
+
+<p>We reached Baltimore in the evening, where we were
+kindly received, furnished with supper and sent on our
+way. After many delays we reached Washington at four
+o'clock Sunday morning, and were assigned to temporary
+quarters near the station. Who would have suspected
+that it was the Sabbath? Now we began to see something
+of the circumstance of war. Horsemen were galloping
+in every direction; long trains of army wagons rattled
+over the pavements at every turn of the eye; squads of
+soldiers marched here and there; all was hurry, bustle and
+confusion.</p>
+
+<p>It was night when we reached the ground for our
+encampment on Meridian Hill. The men had suffered
+much from cold, and what at that time was hardship.
+Not less than a hundred of them were sick. It was not
+long before tents were up, and for the first time the regiment
+was under canvas.</p>
+
+<p>Our camp was pleasantly located, commanding a fine
+view of Washington, the Potomac, Alexandria and other
+points of interest. We were surrounded by the camps of
+other regiments, some arriving and some departing almost
+daily. We had not been two days here when we began
+to get a taste of camp rumors. One rumor declared that
+we were to have barracks erected, and we were to go into
+winter quarters, while another assured us that we were to
+have an immediate taste of actual warfare. These proved
+quite as reliable as the thousands of rumors which during
+all our years of service were afloat throughout the army,
+and acquired the expressive appellation of "Camp Yarns."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_ii" id="chapter_ii"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>ARMY LIFE AT WASHINGTON.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Meridian Hill&mdash;Neighboring scenery&mdash;First Sunday in camp&mdash;Drills&mdash;Sickness&mdash;The
+Hospital&mdash;General Casey&mdash;"Why don't the army move?"&mdash;Washington
+blockaded&mdash;Burnside's heroes&mdash;Orders to move&mdash;Something of a train&mdash;Smith's
+division&mdash;Our first reconnoissance.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>We encamped on Meridian Hill December 1st, 1861,
+with 960 men.</p>
+
+<p>Meridian Hill is the most delightful locality in the
+vicinity of Washington. The plain on which the city
+stands, extends northward from the Potomac about two
+miles where it is abruptly terminated by a line of hills.
+From the summit of these hills stretches back another
+plain, at an elevation of one or two hundred feet above the
+first. Along the margin of these eminences were some
+fine old suburban mansions. On our right towards
+Georgetown, was Kalorama, a charming spot, once the
+residence of Joel Barlow, the author of the famous poems
+"Hasty Pudding" and "The Columbiad." Now the building
+was converted by the government into a hospital. In
+close neighborhood to us was Columbia College, also used
+as a hospital, and to the east was the fine mansion of
+Colonel Stone, and other superb places, all of which, like
+Kalorama and the college, were full of sick men.</p>
+
+<p>Meridian Hill was in the center of this line of once
+beautiful country residences, directly north of the President's
+house. It had been the residence of Commodore
+Porter, and the house still bore the name of "the Porter
+Mansion." The grounds had been elegantly laid out with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>
+box and juniper, while the rich groves of oak and chestnut
+surrounding lent additional charms to the locality. The
+hill was dotted with the white tents of a dozen regiments,
+but none were so pleasantly located as our own, under the
+shadow of those grand old trees.</p>
+
+<p>The mansion itself became our hospital, and for a time
+also served as our head-quarters. From its broad piazza
+we could look upon the busy scenes of the city, and watch
+the vessels passing up and down upon the river. A week
+had passed before we were fairly established in our
+quarters, but we rapidly learned the mysteries of the
+soldier's life.</p>
+
+<p>The weather was delightful; more like September than
+what we were accustomed to experience in December.
+Although heavy mists hung over us until nine or ten
+o'clock in the morning, they were dispelled by the warm
+sunshine, and then all was bright as midsummer. This
+lovely weather continued until about the first of January.</p>
+
+<p>The country in rear of our encampment was charming.
+Fine groves, traversed by streams of pure, sweet water,
+and fields surrounded by hedges, stretched far to the
+northward. The dark green leaves of the magnolia were
+to be seen here and there among trees of larger growth,
+and the shining, ever-green laurel forming a dense undergrowth,
+gave the woods a lively and spring-like appearance.
+On the open plain might any day be seen a regiment of
+Lancers, wheeling and charging in their brilliant evolutions,
+their long lances with bright red pennons adding
+greatly to the beauty of the display, and, as we at that
+time vainly believed, to the efficacy of the troop.</p>
+
+<p>The first Sunday came, and we had religious services.
+The regiment was formed in front of the mansion, every
+man being called out, unless on duty or excused on account
+of illness. This became an established rule with us for
+all time; every man was required to attend divine service<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>
+unless especially excused. Chaplain Tully and the members
+of the staff occupied the piazza. The chaplain offered
+a prayer for the loved ones at home, and then we all sung
+"Coronation," and after the sermon, we sung "Cambridge"
+and "Old Hundred." The men seemed deeply affected by
+the simple service, and many a quivering lip betrayed the
+emotions of the heart.</p>
+
+<p>Drills became the order of the day. Every morning
+the hill rang from one end to the other with the sharp
+commands of the company officers to "Order arms!"
+"Shoulder arms!" as the men exercised by squads.
+Besides the regular drill in the manual of arms, some of
+the companies delighted in that system of military gymnastics
+called the bayonet exercise. In the afternoon
+Colonel McKean usually trained the regiment in the more
+difficult exercises of the battalion drill.</p>
+
+<p>But we began to feel the scourge of new regiments.
+Disease became almost universal. We had but a single
+medical officer and he was tasked beyond his strength.
+One hundred and fifty or two hundred men were prescribed
+for every morning, aside from those so ill as to be
+in the hospital.</p>
+
+<p>The large parlors of the old mansion were neatly fitted
+up for our hospital, for which they were admirably adapted.
+The two principal wards were the large front parlors,
+which communicated by folding doors; the ceilings were
+high, and the large open fire places in either apartment
+served the double purpose of supplying heat and ventilation,
+so that while about fifty beds were always occupied,
+the air was kept fresh and pure. Typhoid fevers, typhoid
+pneumonias, diphtheria, and remittent fevers were prevalent,
+while now and then the malaria manifested itself in
+the form of the terrible spotted fever. Besides, as usually
+occurs when the last named disease prevails in camps,
+some died suddenly from unknown causes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>By the tenth of the month the majority of the men
+were unfit for duty. In one company the three commissioned
+officers were in the hospital, and but twelve men
+could be mustered for evening parade. The labors of the
+medical officer who undertakes single-handed to minister
+to the wants of a regiment of recruits can only be known
+to those who have tried it. Our doctor was as much worn
+out by the perplexities of organizing his department as by
+the actual attendance on the sick. New demands came
+almost every hour of the day and night, and it was only
+when the violence of disease had subsided, and another
+officer was added to the medical staff, that our weary son
+of Galen found a degree of respite.</p>
+
+<p>We were in the command of General Silas Casey, a
+noble specimen of a man and a soldier. His manly
+dignity and kindly bearing impressed all with profound
+respect for him, and although we were but a few weeks in
+his command we never ceased to remember him with
+pleasure. The provisional brigade and division to which
+we were attached was frequently reviewed and drilled by
+the general, and made a fine appearance.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the time passed until the opening of the New Year.
+Our men, like most fresh soldiers, were anxious for a fight,
+and were heartily tired of what they considered inglorious
+inactivity. Many of them expressed great fears that they
+would be obliged to return home without ever hearing the
+sound of battle. How greatly they were mistaken we
+shall see as we trace the bloody campaigns of more than
+three years of hard fighting.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends at home were not unmindful of us. Boxes
+of clothing and other comforts for the sick were sent in
+goodly numbers; so our sick were well supplied with
+bedding and changes of clothing, as well as jellies and
+other luxuries. Our friend, McMicheal, of Congress Hall,
+Saratoga, thinking we could better celebrate the New<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>
+Year with a good dinner, sent us one worthy of his fame
+as a landlord. Could Mack have heard the cheers of the
+boys that made the ground tremble as the four hundred
+pounds of cooked chickens and turkeys were distributed
+among them, his glory as a caterer would have been complete.
+With the New Year came stormy weather; rain
+was the rule, sunshine the exception. The mud became
+almost unfathomable and it was not uncommon to see the
+six mules attached to an army wagon tugging and striving
+with all their power to drag the empty wagon out of a
+mud hole. Boys who had plied the trade of bootblack
+gave up their profession and with pail and sponge in hand
+called to the passer by, "Wash your boots, sir?" During
+the lovely month of December we had been impatient for
+action; but now the oft repeated question, "Why don't the
+Army of the Potomac move?" became ludicrous to our ears.</p>
+
+<p>Thus passed another month in drills and camp duties.
+Some recruits came to us, while many of the men who
+came out at first were found unfit for field duty and were
+discharged.</p>
+
+<p>Distrust arose among officers and enlisted men of our
+army about the capital, in regard to the manner in which
+the army was managed. A wilderness of men surrounded
+Washington, and yet we were blockaded by the rebels on
+all sides except one.</p>
+
+<p>Government was paying enormous prices for fuel consumed
+by the army, because the Potomac was closed, and
+all wood had to be brought by rail from the sparsely
+wooded districts of Maryland. Provisions sold at fabulous
+prices, and Washington was in fact a beleaguered city.
+Some rays of light from the west penetrated the thick
+darkness; but it cannot be concealed that while the Grand
+Army stationed about the capital panted for action and
+longed for the glory of the battle-field, a gloom possessed
+the spirits of the men, and a feeling, that all this splendid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>
+material was destined to a "masterly inactivity," prevailed.
+Our hopes were newly kindled when the affairs of the
+War Department passed into the hands of a live man,
+and when Mr. Stanton's practical energy began to be
+manifested both in the department and in the field. We
+heard from Burnside; first sad news, and then of success;
+and our hearts burned to be with him. Fort Donelson followed
+Roanoke; and Price's army was routed in Missouri.
+We envied the men who had been our nearest neighbors,
+but who had followed Burnside to the South. Glorious
+fellows! What cared they now for the fury of the waves
+or the hardships of short rations? We were afraid of
+being left as idle spectators of great things in which we
+should not be allowed to participate.</p>
+
+<p>On the 15th of February came an order for us to move
+in a few days, and join Smith's division. This division
+lay upon the other side of the river, and although we had
+been anxious to move we did not wish to get permanently
+fixed in the mud by moving there. We knew little of
+General Smith or his division, only that the general had
+been trying very hard for some time past to get the regiment,
+and we had little hopes of good from the new
+arrangement. How little did we then suppose that the
+cross of that old division would be one of the proudest
+badges of honor that men could wear!</p>
+
+<p>Sunday night came, and the order to move at once,
+came also. What a scene of confusion! We had never
+broken up camp before, and the excitement ran high. The
+pounding and tearing of boards, the shouting of men and
+braying of mules, combined in a grand uproar. Bonfires
+blazed from every part of the camp, and the whole night
+was spent in tearing down quarters and loading the stuff
+into army wagons as they presented themselves in great
+numbers. It was a rare sight. The camp glowing with a
+hundred fires, and the men and teams moving about among<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>
+them like spectres. Morning came, and the teams were
+loaded, and the men ready to march. The teams drove
+out and formed a line reaching down 14th street from our
+camp nearly to the White House! One hundred and five
+six-mule teams constituted the train for our regimental
+baggage; and so much dissatisfaction prevailed among
+certain company officers that we were allowed twenty-five
+more teams next day! Rain had fallen nearly all night,
+and the prospect looked dreary. As the day advanced
+the rain came faster and faster, until it fairly poured. The
+men waded through mortar nearly to their knees.</p>
+
+<p>It was three o'clock in the afternoon when we reached
+Smith's division and the ground on which we were to make
+our camp. The prospect was not cheering, and as two or
+three of our staff officers rode upon the ground, the place
+seemed forbidding enough. It had been recently the location
+of a thicket of scrub pines, but the trees had been
+cut down for fuel, and the stumps and brush remained, so
+that the mounted officers found much difficulty in reining
+their horses into the midst. Snow covered the ground to
+the depth of several inches. Here our men, tired and
+wet, cold and hungry, were to pitch their tents, cook their
+suppers, and make their beds.</p>
+
+<p>The men fell to work heartily, and by dark they had
+cleared off the snow and brush enough to make room for
+their tents, and many cook fires blazed over the camp.</p>
+
+<p>The regiments of the division showed us much hospitality,
+and a very pleasant acquaintance commenced on
+that day, which was destined to become earnest friendship.
+The next day was spent in putting the camp in order. As
+rain continued to fall, the mud in the company streets
+became knee-deep. Our sick, those unable to walk, had
+been left in our old hospital with a sufficient number of
+faithful nurses, under charge of the surgeon of one of the
+regiments that remained.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Let us for a moment glance at the composition of the
+division of which we now formed a part. We were
+assigned to the Third brigade. It comprised, beside our
+own, the Thirty-third New York, Colonel Taylor, a regiment
+whose gallantry at Yorktown, Williamsburgh and Fredericksburgh
+fully established its reputation as one of the
+best fighting regiments in the army. The Forty-ninth
+New York, Colonel Bidwell, a noble regiment with a
+noble commander, a regiment which could always be
+counted on to do all that men could do; the Seventh
+Maine, Colonel Mason, whose men were patterned after
+the pines of their own forests, tall, straight and powerful
+fellows, who never forgot their proclivities for hunting,
+and who were never so happy as when they could pick off
+a few rebel pickets with their rifles. The brigade was
+commanded by General Davidson, who afterwards made
+himself exceedingly disagreeable to the rebels, and famous
+at the north by his daring cavalry raids in the west. The
+first brigade included the Forty-third New York, Colonel
+Vinton; the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, Colonel Irwin; the
+Sixth Maine, Colonel Knowles; and the Fifth Wisconsin,
+Colonel Cobb; all of them excellent regiments, under command
+of General Hancock, who has since placed his name
+high on the roll of fame as the commander of the old
+Second corps.</p>
+
+<p>The Second brigade was composed entirely of Vermont
+troops, including the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and
+Sixth Vermont regiments, commanded respectively by
+Colonels Henry Whiting, B. N. Hyde, E. H. Stoughton, L.
+A. Grant and N. M. Lord, and known as the "Vermont
+Brigade," and nobly did they sustain the traditional reputation
+of the Green Mountain Boys, as stern patriots and
+hard fighters. They were commanded by General Brooks,
+who afterward commanded the Tenth corps.</p>
+
+<p>General William F. Smith, or, as he was familiarly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>
+known, "Baldy Smith," commanded the division. He is
+too well known to all who admire a true soldier to require
+more than a mention here, and his great fame has been
+well and faithfully earned.</p>
+
+<p>No more splendid material, either for officers or men,
+ever entered into the composition of a division, and how
+nobly it played its part in the great drama of the war, it
+shall be part of our duty to record. Drills, regimental,
+brigade and division, were again in order, and picket duty
+now became a part of our routine.</p>
+
+<p>This would not be a faithful chronicle of the doings of
+the new regiment, were we to forget to relate the history
+of our first expedition into the enemy's country.</p>
+
+<p>An order came one evening in February for Colonel
+McKean to take his regiment and make a reconnoissance
+towards Vienna. His instructions were to pass the picket
+line, advance towards Vienna, make a thorough reconnoissance
+and return.</p>
+
+<p>The news spread through the camp, and the regiment
+was ablaze with excitement. Some who had been on the
+sick list, and were excused from camp duty, sought from
+the surgeon permission to accompany the expedition,
+while a few who had been, up to this time, well, were
+earnest in their applications to be excused from the march.</p>
+
+<p>The regiment was formed at ten o'clock at night; thick
+darkness, darkness of the blackest and most intense
+degree, prevailed. One could scarcely see his neighbor
+whose shoulder touched his own. We were miles away
+from the enemy, but the men were to be instructed in
+performing their movements in secrecy; so the commands
+were passed along the line, as the companies were forming,
+in whisper. No lights were allowed, and we left our
+camp a column of blackness. We were presently joined
+by a guide who carried a lantern. We passed a great
+many regiments, all the while observing strict silence.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The mud was deep, very deep; some of the men lost their
+shoes in the depths of the mire, and some even lost themselves,
+and were only discovered when they arrived in
+camp some hours earlier than the regiment. Through the
+darkness we plodded until we reached our destination, at
+daylight on the following morning. Here we found bough
+houses which had been used by rebel cavalry; and the
+tracks of many horses imprinted only a little while before,
+whether by the horses of our own cavalry, or by those of
+the enemy, we never knew. The battalion was halted
+and scouts were sent to the front and on the flanks. Some
+of the boys who had lost their shoes in the mud before
+we had advanced the first mile, had made the whole march
+in their stockings; while others, who had been sick, looked
+as though they could never get back to camp. The companies
+deployed and marched through the woods, but as
+the enemy was on the other side of Vienna we saw no
+rebels. It was noon when we reached our camp, tired
+and covered with mud. Those who went laughed at those
+who remained behind, and called them "dead beats!"
+The "beats" tauntingly demanded of the others what all
+their demonstration had amounted to.</p>
+
+<p>The New York papers heralded the exploit as a grand
+advance on the enemy, and we said little about it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_iii" id="chapter_iii"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MANASSAS CAMPAIGN.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Orders to march&mdash;A grand spectacle&mdash;Bivouac near Fairfax Court House&mdash;The
+camps at night&mdash;Visits to Manassas and Centreville&mdash;Dissatisfaction in the
+army&mdash;A deserted country&mdash;Lawless soldiers&mdash;Fairfax Court House&mdash;A representative
+Southerner&mdash;Review by Gen. McClellan&mdash;March to Alexandria&mdash;"Camp
+Misery."</p></div>
+
+
+<p>The first week in March brought lovely weather: birds
+sang more sweetly, the sun shone more brightly, and
+bands played more merrily than usual, and friends passed
+from regiment to regiment seeking social pastime with
+friends.</p>
+
+<p>We had known no such pleasant times in camp; still we
+were waiting for orders to advance. During the night of
+Sunday, the 8th of March, the order came: "This division
+will move at four o'clock in the morning with two days'
+rations in haversacks." Little rest we got that night; the
+hammer and the axe were plied vigorously in tearing
+down quarters and packing stores, and as the sun rose in
+the morning the whole army was in motion. It was a
+sublime spectacle: that immense line of troops pouring
+along hour after hour, stretching over the hills as far as
+the eye could reach; a hundred and twenty thousand
+troops on the move! Just beyond and above them, in the
+gray sky of the morning, hung a beautiful rainbow. At
+six our division commenced to march. Rain soon began to
+fall, and continued all day. We passed through Vienna
+and Lewinsville, each a hamlet of a dozen houses, and
+reached our camping ground at five o'clock in the afternoon,
+tired, and drenched, and hungry.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Great numbers of troops had already occupied the fields,
+and the whole country seemed alive with men and horses,
+artillery and wagons. We were in the vicinity of Fairfax
+Court House, about a mile to the northward, on what was
+called Flint Hill.</p>
+
+<p>The army, for the first time, was under "<i>tentes d'abri</i>,"
+or, as they are now called, shelter tents. Until now
+the enlisted men had occupied the spacious Sibley, or
+the comfortable wedge tents, and all officers were quartered
+in wall tents; now, line officers and enlisted men
+were to occupy shelter tents, which they were to carry
+on their shoulders; and although a small number of
+wall tents could be carried in the wagons for field and
+staff officers, yet so imperfect was the understanding,
+in or out of the quartermaster's department, of what
+could or ought to be done, that most regimental field
+and staff officers were left without any shelter at all.</p>
+
+<p>The men proceeded to make themselves as comfortable
+as possible under their novel coverings, and as evening
+approached, the hills were magnificently illuminated with
+thousands of camp fires. Very few men occupied their
+new tents that night. They had not been accustomed to
+lie upon wet ground, with only a single blanket wrapped
+about them, so during all the night groups of soldiers
+stood about the camp fires, talking in low tones and wondering
+what was to happen in the morning. The sky was
+clear and bright when the sun rose, and as we looked out
+upon the hill tops, dotted with clean white tents, and
+bristling with stacks of shining muskets, we exulted in
+the thought that we were part of the Grand Army that
+was now at work. Soon we knew that we were not to
+fight here. The cavalry, and some of Porter's division,
+were returning from Manassas and Centreville, both places
+burned and deserted. Were we to pursue the retreating
+army, or were we to return to Washington to take a new<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
+start? Parties from the division rode to Centreville and
+Manassas. The works were indeed formidable and the
+barracks extensive; and the old chestnut logs with blackened
+ends, that were mounted in some of the embrasures,
+had, at a distance, grim visages. The smoking ruins
+betokened the destructiveness of war. On the old battle-field
+lay bleaching the bones of horses and men, and here
+and there might be seen portions of human skeletons protruding
+from the shallow graves where some pretense had
+been made at burial. Fragments of shells, broken muskets
+and solid shot strewed the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Head-quarters of the army were established at Fairfax
+Court House, and thither repaired the corps commanders
+to hold a council in regard to our future movements. The
+country about our camp was rolling and sparsely settled.
+Nearly all the houses were deserted, and most of them
+destroyed so far as any future usefulness was concerned.
+One house, the ruins of which stood not far from our
+camp, and which had been the most comfortable place in
+the whole section of country, had been the residence of a
+northern farmer. Although the house was completely
+stripped, and nothing of the barns and outhouses remained
+but the frames, yet there were many evidences of the thrift
+and comfort of the former occupant. A northern reaper,
+several horse rakes, ploughs of improved patterns, and
+other modern implements of agriculture, betokened a
+genuine farmer. We were told that he was driven from
+his home early in the war, and had now found refuge
+among his friends in New Hampshire. But the houses of
+the southerners had not been exempt from the general
+devastation, and some who had sought refuge in Richmond
+had left their homes to ruin. The people were
+evidently strongly "secesh," although some of them professed
+to be glad to see us.</p>
+
+<p>It cannot be said that the presence of our army afforded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>
+them great protection, for the men, unused to the strict
+discipline which afterward prevailed, coolly appropriated
+whatever articles seemed to them to be of use either for
+the present or the future. It was amusing to see the soldiers
+of some of the divisions in which less than the usual
+discipline prevailed, peering and creeping about wherever
+there seemed a prospect of plunder. Now one would pass
+with a pair of chickens; next, one bringing a clothes line;
+then one with part of an old table, and still another with
+half a dozen eggs. This system of plunder was at length
+checked, in a measure at least. Fowls, eggs and potatoes
+could be purchased of the people at fair rates, while rebel
+currency could be bought for silver at a very considerable
+discount. Twenty-five cent and one cent shinplasters were
+brought into camp and laughed at by men who were afterward
+glad to get shinplasters from another manufactory.</p>
+
+<p>To Fairfax Court House was but a short distance; and a
+ride to the village afforded a pleasant gallop of a morning.
+The place, and the country half a mile on each side, was
+occupied by McCall's division. The village was pleasantly
+located on high ground, surrounded by fine groves.
+It contained some pretty residences, which were occupied
+by officers as head-quarters: their horses, in some instances,
+being picketed on the porticos, and in others in the
+kitchens. The village was nearly deserted by its own
+people, not more than fifty of the original inhabitants
+being left, though the population of the town before the
+war was nearly six hundred. Houses which were deserted
+were generally stripped of everything. The court house
+was a solid old brick building of very limited dimensions,
+with a little bell swinging in a comical looking steeple.
+The court house was by no means an exception to the
+general rule of destruction; the seats were torn out, and
+the judge's bench had been split in pieces, and nearly all
+carried away by pockets full, as relics. At one of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+houses where the family still remained, a party reined up
+and made some inquiries of the <i>pater familias</i>, a hangdog
+looking specimen, with an old slouched hat covered
+to the crown with rusty crape, a mark of second-hand
+gentility in these parts. He said that "this yer war"
+had caused such a famine among the people, that nearly
+all of them had been obliged to leave; some had gone to
+Washington and some to Richmond, "a right smart lot
+of them had gone to Richmond." He had "reckoned
+onct or twict" that he would have to go too, but he
+"had succeeded in hanging on so long."</p>
+
+<p>Our division was reviewed by General McClellan, who
+was received with enthusiasm. Although many of us
+were familiar with the appearance of the Commander-in-Chief,
+this was his first appearance to us as a division.
+The General appeared a man below the medium height,
+with broad shoulders, full chest and a round pleasing face
+relieved by a heavy moustache. He sat his horse well
+and rode with great speed. While his appearance and
+address were pleasing, there seemed in his smooth face
+and mild eye nothing to indicate a man of brilliant genius
+or great purpose.</p>
+
+<p>At length the council of corps commanders had rendered
+its decision, and the grand campaign of the Virginian
+Peninsula was planned. On the morning of the fourteenth
+of March, with buoyant hopes and exulting anticipations
+of a "quick, sharp and decisive," and as we
+devoutly believed, a successful campaign, we left our camp
+at Flint Hill. It had few charms for us, and we were glad
+to leave it. How little we yet knew of real campaigning.
+Although we had notice several hours beforehand that
+we were to move by daylight, yet many, indeed, the
+majority of us, marched that morning without breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>No morning sun cheered us as the day began, but the
+sky was hung with heavy clouds. A drizzling rain, now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>
+diminishing almost to a heavy mist, and now coming in
+fresh showers, made the marching heavy and unpleasant.
+Grandly appeared that majestic army as it filed down the
+turnpike to Alexandria. At times the elevation of the road
+afforded a view of the mighty column for miles to the front,
+and at other times we could see it pouring onward an
+endless stream of cavalry, infantry, artillery and wagons,
+far from the rear.</p>
+
+<p>So grand a spectacle had never been witnessed on this
+continent before. Our march was rapid and we made no
+halt for dinner: those who went without breakfast had
+poor chance for coffee that day.</p>
+
+<p>Towards evening the rain increased, and as we drew off
+into a piece of woods five miles out from Alexandria, the
+rain came down in sheets. Near our halting place were
+some deserted houses. No sooner had we stopped than
+began the work of destruction, afterward so familiar to
+us, and in less than an hour there was not a board or
+timber left of either building. The ground, although
+quite uneven and sloping, soon became so flooded that
+tents, even when they could be pitched, were untenable.
+The men attempted to build fires, but in most instances
+the floods of water quenched the flames. Some, however,
+succeeded in starting huge fires, and around these stood
+the men during the whole night, while the tempest poured
+in torrents upon them. A few of the officers of the division,
+among whom was one who afterward became noted
+for looking out for and providing good things for his regiment
+as quartermaster, sought refuge in a house not far
+off, where, for the moderate sum of twenty-five cents
+each, they were allowed by the people sleeping room upon
+the floor. Never since the times of Pharaoh was an army
+so thoroughly drenched. During more than three years
+campaigning in the field our boys never forgot that night;
+and to this day they frequently refer to the disagreeable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>
+experience in what they not inappropriately term "Camp
+Misery." Here, in "Camp Misery," we remained several
+days, waiting to embark for Fortress Monroe.</p>
+
+<p>Without doubt, the rebels all this time knew of our destination;
+for the people among whom we were encamped
+were by no means our friends or indifferent to the success
+of the rebels, and the point of our destination was well
+known and freely spoken of among them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_iv" id="chapter_iv"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ARMY TRANSFERRED TO THE PENINSULA.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Embarking for the Peninsula&mdash;Mount Vernon&mdash;On the Potomac&mdash;Hampton&mdash;In
+camp&mdash;Orders to march&mdash;A night visit to Fortress Monroe&mdash;The advance&mdash;A
+sifting&mdash;A Quaker battery&mdash;At Newport News&mdash;Compliments of the Teaser.</p></div>
+
+<p>On Sunday morning, March 23d, we marched to Alexandria.
+The whole of our division, and of the other
+divisions of Keyes' corps, were there, besides part of
+Heintzelman's corps and other troops. In the course
+of the afternoon, this great body of men was embarked
+upon the transports. The vessels having received their
+lading, swung out upon the river and laid at anchor during
+the night. Early in the morning the whole fleet was
+under way, steaming down the river. We passed Mount
+Vernon&mdash;the bells of the fleet tolling. The tomb lies in
+the midst of a clump of firs just south and a little below
+the house; the mansion and the grounds are nearly as
+they were left by Washington, and the whole looks down
+upon the river, calling upon the passer-by for a thought
+upon the great man whose dust lies beneath the fir trees.
+After passing Mount Vernon, nothing of special interest
+was seen except the broad expanse of waters of this magnificent
+stream. A few large mansions, a few inferior
+houses, and now and then a little hamlet, appeared on the
+banks; and at Aquia creek could be seen the insignificant
+earthworks that had covered the few field pieces which
+for so many months had kept up an efficient blockade of
+the Potomac.</p>
+
+<p>How different was all this from our Hudson! The
+country bordering on the river is beautiful; nature has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
+done everything for it, but a cursed institution has blighted
+it. There is not a country in the world where nature has
+been more lavish with its blessings, and yet it is forsaken,
+worn out, almost a wilderness. The magnificent rivers
+and unsurpassed harbors of Virginia, its natural fertility
+and the mildness of its climate, present natural advantages
+scarcely equaled by any country. As we stood upon the
+deck of the steamer, watching and admiring the ever-varying
+beauties of the noble stream, some one repeated these
+lines from Barlow's <i>Columbiad</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Thy capes, Virginia, towering from the tide,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Raise their blue banks, and slope thy barriers wide,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To future sails unfold a fluvian way,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And guard secure thy multifluvian bay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That drains uncounted realms and here unites<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The liquid mass from Alleganian hights.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">York leads his way embanked in flowery pride,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And noble James falls winding by his side;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Back to the hills, through many a silent vale,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wild Rappahannock seems to lure the sail;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Patapsco's bosom courts the hand of toil;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Dull Susquehanna laves a length of soil;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But mightier far, in sea-like azure spread,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Potowmac sweeps his earth disparting bed."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>At night we were on the broad Chesapeake. A stiff
+breeze set our fleet rocking, but we slept quietly, leaving
+the waves to take care of themselves and the pilots to
+take care of the boats. Reveille awoke us in the morning
+to discover on the one side of us the world-renowned
+Fortress Monroe and on the other the equally famous
+Monitor. At our bow lay the village of Hampton&mdash;or
+rather the chimneys and trees of what had been Hampton.
+Orders came for us to disembark here, and we were soon
+among the debris of the town. A sadder commentary on
+war could hardly be found than the ruins of this beautiful
+village. A forest of shade trees and chimneys marked the
+place where a few months before had stood one of the most
+ancient villages in America. Hyacinths and daffodils,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>
+peach trees and roses, were in bloom in the deserted and
+fenceless gardens; and the dark green leaves of the
+japonica and laurel covered many a heap of unsightly
+rubbish.</p>
+
+<p>The walls of the old church, the most ancient in the
+State, stood like silent witnesses against the reckless
+spirit of destruction of the rebels. Although not large, the
+church had evidently been a fine old structure, having
+the form of a Greek cross. About it were the graves of the
+forefathers of the village, reposing under the shadow of
+those old trees. Many of the tablets were ancient, dating
+back as far as 1706.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/hampton-church.png">
+<img src="images/hampton-church-small.png" width="400" height="297" alt="The Old Church at Hampton" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+
+<p>The whole army was pouring out upon this shore, and
+at Fortress Monroe. Dense masses of infantry, long
+trains of artillery and thousands of cavalry, with unnumbered
+army wagons and mules, were mingled in grand
+confusion along the shore; the neighing of horses, the
+braying of mules, the rattle of wagons and artillery, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>
+the sound of many voices, mingled in one grand inharmonious
+concert.</p>
+
+<p>Our division marched along a pleasant route to a field
+about midway between Fortress Monroe and Newport
+News. We rested until March 26th, when an order came
+at midnight for the army to march very early in the morning.
+We were short of some medical stores and quartermasters'
+supplies, and officers at once mounted their horses
+to ride through the thick darkness to Fortress Monroe, to
+procure the needed articles. Along the road men were
+already cooking their breakfasts, and artillery was hurrying
+towards Newport News. At short intervals along
+the road, sentinels were posted; and as the sounds of the
+horses' hoofs were heard, the sharp command rung out
+through the darkness, "Halt! who comes there?" and the
+galloping horses would suddenly halt at long distance from
+the sentry.</p>
+
+<p>"Friends with the countersign."</p>
+
+<p>"Dismount and advance one; and give the countersign."</p>
+
+<p>One of the parties, leaving his horse with the other,
+would advance and give the required word, and on we
+rode again until suddenly halted by a similar warning.
+As we approached the fortress, the sentinels were more
+frequent, until, as we came within half a mile of our destination,
+the guards were posted so frequently that we had
+hardly passed one, before the sharp command to "Halt!"
+was heard again. We crossed the drawbridge, and at
+length found ourselves in the little village in rear of the
+fort. Passing here many sentinels who examined us very
+carefully, we reached the door of the citadel. Here we
+were halted by a sentinel, and each examined for the
+countersign. The sentinel called the corporal of the guard;
+who after satisfying himself that we were Union officers
+shouted to the sergeant. The great iron door ground<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>
+upon its massive hinges as it swung open just far enough
+to permit the sergeant to squeeze through, and again it
+was closed, and the heavy bolts rung as they flew back to
+their places. The sergeant, after asking a few questions,
+went back into the fort, and soon returned with the officer
+of the guard, who, after receiving the countersign, questioned
+us closely as to our business, and who we were.
+Satisfied, at length he ordered a soldier to take our horses,
+the heavy door slowly opened, and we were admitted
+within the walls. Such were the precautions in admitting
+strangers to the stronghold.</p>
+
+<p>At six o'clock the division was in line and on the road.
+The morning was indescribably beautiful. The vapors
+that rose from the broad expanse of waters were tinged
+with a thousand gorgeous hues as they rolled away, dispersed
+by the morning sun; and the tall yellow pines
+were crowned with rich golden coronals of light. The
+road was perfectly level and dry, and the country delightful.
+Long rows of locusts and pines lined the sides of the
+road, and the rich groves of oak just sending forth their
+foliage, were beautifully interspersed with the holly, with
+its bright red berries and rich evergreen leaves. Peach
+orchards in full bloom added to the beauty of the scene,
+and when at times we could see the lines of troops, two and
+three miles in extent, their muskets glittering in the bright
+sunlight, the enthusiasm of the men was unbounded.</p>
+
+<p>All the bridges over the route had been destroyed by
+the enemy, but pioneers advanced at the head of the
+column, and as the bridges were all small they were
+quickly repaired. A march of a few miles brought us in
+sight of the James river; a noble stream, at least five
+miles wide at this point. Not far from the shore appeared
+the masts of the U. S. frigate Cumberland, sunk in the
+memorable fight with the Merrimac. As our march led
+us along the banks, the views were charming. On one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>
+hand was the noble river, and on the other the orchards
+and groves. Deserted houses, and gardens blooming with
+hyacinths and other blossoms of early spring, were passed.
+On the opposite side of the river lay a rebel gunboat,
+watching our movements.</p>
+
+<p>Our division, Smith's, had taken the lead on the James
+river road, while Porter's division had marched upon Great
+Bethel. After a march of fifteen miles, our division was
+drawn up in line of battle near Warwick. Porter's division
+had already reached Great Bethel, on our right, and we
+could see huge columns of smoke rising in that direction,
+and hear the roar of artillery. An aide dashed up and
+informed General Davidson that the enemy were in line of
+battle ready to receive us. Soon the order came to advance;
+the line swept onward through the woods and over a
+cleared field, but found no foe. A few cavalry pickets
+only were seen, and a shell from one of our Parrott guns set
+them flying towards Yorktown. We passed through the
+confederate encampments where their fires were still blazing,
+but soon turned round and bivouacked on ground last
+night occupied by rebels.</p>
+
+<p>In this advance or reconnoissance of the whole army,
+the qualities of the individual soldiers composing it
+were brought out in bold relief. The effect on our own
+division was marked. During the months we had been
+in winter quarters, many officers and men had established
+marvelous reputations for bravery and hardihood, merely
+by constantly heralding their own heroism. But from
+this time these doughty heroes went back. Officers suddenly
+found cause for resigning; and enlisted men managed
+to get sent to the rear, and never showed their faces at the
+front again. On the contrary, some who were really
+invalids insisted on dragging themselves along with the
+column, fearful that an engagement might take place in
+which they would not participate. A sifting process was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
+thus commenced throughout the whole division, and to
+its honor the poltroons were very soon sifted out, and from
+that time forth, Smith's division never afforded a comfortable
+resting place for men of doubtful courage. "They
+went out from us, because they were not of us."</p>
+
+<p>Next morning we retired over the road upon which we
+had advanced, and encamped near Newport News. As
+we passed this place on our outward march, we saw at a
+distance what appeared to be a heavy gun, but as we
+approached it proved to be a large cart, on which was
+mounted a great wooden mortar, which had, perhaps,
+been used by negroes for cracking corn. When we returned
+a hog's head was fixed in the mouth of the mortar.
+"There," remarked an officer, "is the first Quaker we have
+seen on the Peninsula." "You must sketch it," said the
+colonel of the Seventy-seventh, and the officer obeyed.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/quaker.png">
+<img src="images/quaker-small.png" width="400" height="297" alt="The Quaker at Newport News" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+
+<p>The division encamped upon a low plain covered with
+sedges and reeds, a good enough encampment while the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>
+dry weather lasted, but when the rain came in floods two
+nights after we pitched our tents here, the whole division
+was inundated, and we moved to higher and better
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>The masts of the Cumberland greeted our eyes whenever
+we turned toward the river, and the rebel gunboats made
+short excursions toward our side of the stream. One day
+large numbers of men, mostly from the Vermont brigade,
+were on the shoals of the river bathing and gathering
+oysters. The gunboat Teazer discovering them, steamed
+down toward them, and threw some heavy shells, shrieking
+and cracking among them, causing great consternation
+among the bathers, and some confusion and much amusement
+on shore.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_v" id="chapter_v"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>YORKTOWN.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The advance to Yorktown&mdash;A thunder storm&mdash;"Reliable contrabands"&mdash;Facing
+the enemy&mdash;A strong position&mdash;The Union line&mdash;A rebel welcome&mdash;Digging&mdash;On
+picket&mdash;A dreary country&mdash;An enterprising planter&mdash;Active work&mdash;Battle
+of Lee's Mills&mdash;Charge of the Vermont brigade&mdash;Progress of the siege&mdash;Ravages
+of disease&mdash;A front seat&mdash;Short supplies&mdash;The rebels withdraw&mdash;Entering the
+strongholds&mdash;Infernal machines&mdash;March to Williamsburgh&mdash;Victims of disease.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>At length, on the 4th of April, the army was put in
+motion for Yorktown. The General-in-Chief had arrived
+at Fortress Monroe the evening before, and at once the
+army became the scene of prodigious activity. Keyes'
+corps, our own division in advance, took the road along
+the banks of the James river. The rest of the army,
+headed by Porter's division, advanced on the more direct
+road to Yorktown, through Great Bethel, accompanied by
+General McClellan.</p>
+
+<p>The day being clear and warm, the men soon began to
+realize the difficulty of transporting large amounts of
+clothing and camp equipage on their shoulders, and the
+roadsides were strewn with blankets and overcoats, dress
+coats and pants. The bushes and trees for miles along the
+route were thickly hung with articles of clothing, mostly
+new, and all good. Soldiers who had put on their marching
+suit would fall out of the ranks, the knapsack would
+quickly disgorge a new coat and pants, the wearers
+would as quickly divest themselves of the soiled garments
+and replace them with the new ones, the others being left
+on the ground. Whenever a halt was ordered this shifting
+process became general.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The roads, which at first were dry and firm, were as we
+advanced badly cut up, and great difficulty was experienced
+in getting the trains along.</p>
+
+<p>An advance of ten miles brought us in front of Young's
+Mills, a strongly fortified position five or six miles from
+Yorktown. The corps was drawn up in line of battle
+and cavalry sent to reconnoiter the position. The works
+were deserted, but camp fires still blazed in them. Here
+we rested for the night. At daylight next morning the
+advance was renewed. The roads were even worse than
+the day before. Infantry could get along well enough,
+but artillery and army wagons had a hard time of it.
+Each piece of artillery made the road worse, until the
+axles dragged in a river of mud. We passed the little
+village of Warwick Court House. There were here a
+little brick court house, a jail and a clerk's office seven
+feet by ten, a store and a tavern. There were also two
+small dwelling houses.</p>
+
+<p>After a march of three miles the division was drawn
+up in line of battle. We had reached the hostile works
+before the rest of the army. Skirmishers were sent to the
+front and we advanced slowly and cautiously through
+the woods. A terrific thunder storm burst upon us and the
+roar of the heavenly artillery seemed to mock any efforts
+at martial grandeur. Seldom, if ever, had we of the
+northern states witnessed such an exhibition of sublimity
+and terrible magnificence of the workings of the elements.
+The vivid lightning and terrific peals of thunder seemed
+to the men the presage of deadly work to come. The
+advance was very difficult, the woods being marshy and
+filled with tangles and briars. The men were scratched
+and bleeding. The long line of battle presently emerged
+from the woods and occupied a clearing, in the center of
+which was a mansion, the late residence of a rebel officer.
+Some scouts brought from the house a couple of negresses<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>
+whom they led to General Keyes. They communicated
+their information with an earnestness that proved their
+sympathies were not with their late master. It was a
+picturesque scene; those tall negresses with their bright
+red turbans and long white woolen gowns, telling with
+earnest gestures what they knew of the position of the
+enemy, while the generals and their staffs listened eagerly
+to their words. They said that when we passed over the
+little hill just in front, we should be under fire from
+the batteries of the rebels, who were in large force; "but
+laws a massa, noting like all dese yer," said they, pointing
+to the troops of our division.</p>
+
+<p>Cautiously the clearing was crossed, the long line of
+battle moving in beautiful order&mdash;Kennedy's, Ayres' and
+Wheeler's batteries each accompanying a brigade.</p>
+
+<p>Again we entered a heavy pine wood in which the
+swamp was deeper than ever, and advancing through it
+we came face to face with the enemy. Warwick creek, a
+marshy stream which had been dammed by the rebels,
+raising its waters into ponds and deep morasses, was between
+us and their works, and the accessible points were
+guarded by artillery. Two regiments were at once
+deployed as skirmishers and sent in advance, and our
+batteries were planted along the edge of the wood with
+the line of the infantry. Only Smith's division was in
+line, the others were waiting on the road for orders to
+come up.</p>
+
+<p>Along the road, for more than half the distance back to
+Young's Mills, the brigades of Couch's and Kearney's
+divisions were resting on their arms, while cannon by
+scores waited to be called into action.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy was not slow to acknowledge our presence,
+and as a token of greeting sent some twelve-pound shells
+crashing among the trees about us. The firing now became
+brisk on our side, and the rebels replied spiritedly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>
+with their twelve-pounders. Hundreds of men were now
+called up from the rear brigades and detailed to build
+corduroy roads. Trees were cut down and trimmed of
+their branches, and laid side by side so as to form a kind
+of bridge over the swamp to enable more artillery to come
+up. The rapidity with which such roads were built was
+marvelous.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the column on the right had reached the
+works in front of the town. The position here was also
+strong. Although the Warwick did not interpose, yet
+high bluffs, crowned with redoubts in which were mounted
+heavy guns, frowned upon the assailants. Thus far it
+appears that the leaders of our army had been totally
+ignorant of the position and strength of the enemy, and
+had led it up to the works, blindly feeling the way without
+maps or guides. (McClellan's Report.) The defensive works were now
+found to consist of a series of redoubts and rifle pits
+stretching across the Peninsula, seven miles in extent,
+with high bluffs on the right and Warwick creek in their
+front on the left.</p>
+
+<p>The position occupied by our division was known as
+Lee's Mills, and to our right, nearly three miles, was the
+village of Yorktown. The line of battle was now arranged
+in the following order from right to left: Heintzelman's
+corps, consisting of Porter's, Hooker's and Hamilton's
+divisions, were in front of the town; Sedgwick's division
+of Sumner's corps on the left of them, and Keyes' corps,
+comprising Smith's and Couch's division (Casey's division
+arrived in a few days), held the position on the Warwick
+at Lee's Mills.</p>
+
+<p>The position of the enemy was, without doubt, one of
+great strength, and everything had been done to render
+it more formidable. Yet they were by no means too<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>
+strong or sufficiently well garrisoned to resist an assault
+from such a body of men as now appeared in their front.
+That there were weak points in this line of defenses,
+stretching seven miles, was afterwards demonstrated; and
+that the forces behind the works were by no means sufficiently
+numerous, at the time of our approach, to afford
+formidable resistance at all points in their extensive line,
+is now well known.</p>
+
+<p>It appears from the official report of the rebel General
+Johnston, who then commanded all the rebel forces in Virginia,
+that at the time of the appearance of our army
+before Yorktown the works were defended by only about
+eleven thousand men, and that even after he had reinforced
+the garrisons by the troops which he was hurrying from
+Manassas, his army amounted to only fifty thousand
+men.</p>
+
+<p>The artillery duel was kept up until night. We had lost
+some men during the day, but not so many as we had
+feared. First a poor fellow from the Seventh Maine, his
+heart and left lung torn out by a shell; then one from the
+Forty-ninth New York, shot in the head; the next was
+from our own regiment, Frank Jeffords, who had to suffer
+amputation of a leg; then a man from the Forty-ninth
+was sent to the rear with his heel crushed. In all, our loss
+did not exceed twenty men. The casualties in the other
+brigades were less than in our own.</p>
+
+<p>As night approached, the firing gradually ceased, and
+nothing but the scattering shots of the skirmishers was
+heard. We lay down in the swamp with no tents, and
+many of us without food. Officers and men built platforms
+of logs and bark to keep out of the water where
+they were not fortunate enough to find a dry place.
+General Smith bivouacked near the line of battle, making
+his bed at the foot of a pine tree, with nothing but his
+overcoat for shelter. It may not be amiss to say here<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>
+that General Smith, unlike most gentlemen with stars on
+their shoulders, was always in the habit of sleeping at the
+very front.</p>
+
+<p>All the following day, and the next, the firing was kept
+up steadily on both sides. At night showers of cannister
+and grape would fall in our camp, and fortunate was he
+who had a good tree or stump between him and the rebel
+works against which to lay his head while he slept.</p>
+
+<p>We at length became so accustomed to the continual
+skirmishing, that unless the firing was in fierce volleys we
+took no notice of it. The boys of the Thirty-third New
+York being on the skirmish line on the 8th, charged a rifle
+pit with shouts and hurrahs, and drove the rebels from it.
+An attempt was made to retake it, but the boys held their
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>The men performed herculean labors on the roads,
+and in throwing up earthworks. No rest was allowed.
+When not on picket they were cutting down trees or
+throwing up earthworks or building bridges. Such constant
+labor soon began to exhaust the strength of the
+stoutest, and hundreds of them yielded to disease who
+supposed themselves capable of enduring any amount of
+hardships. Yet there was now and then a grimly gay
+episode in this hard routine. Here is an incident that
+occurred two or three days after we approached the works,
+and affords a good sample of picketing between us and
+the forts. Our pickets were within speaking distance of
+those of the enemy; each party kept, if possible, snugly
+behind some big stump or tree, out of the reach of his disagreeable
+neighbors. A good deal of hard talk had passed
+between one of our pickets and one of the "Johnnies."
+Finally the rebel thrust his hand beyond his tree holding
+in it a bottle, and shaking it, challenged the Yankee to
+come and take it&mdash;"<i>crack</i>" went the Yankee's rifle at the
+hand. "Ha, ha! why don't you hit it? What do you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>
+think of Bull Run?" "How do you like Fort Donelson?"
+responded the Yankee.</p>
+
+<p>While this colloquy was going on, Yankee number two
+crept round behind a log, and drawing on the southerner,
+blazed away at him. The son of chivalry clapped his
+hand to his shoulder and ran off howling. "There, you
+fool," shouted Yankee number one, "I told you that blind
+man would be shooting you pretty soon."</p>
+
+<p>The country about us was uncultivated and unhealthy.
+The lands were low and swampy, and mostly covered with
+a heavy growth of yellow pines. The few remaining
+inhabitants were mostly women, negresses and children;
+now and then a disabled specimen of poor white trash, or
+a farmer too infirm to be of service in the rebel army, was
+to be met with. All were alike destitute of enterprise,
+and the houses upon the "plantations" were of the meanest
+order, raised three or four feet above the ground upon
+posts without the usual foundation of stone. The "plantations"
+consisted usually of about ten or twenty acres
+of cleared land in the midst of the forest, with narrow
+roads among the pines leading to neighboring plantations.</p>
+
+<p>The writer inquired of the proprietor of one of these
+isolated spots, who also had some forty negro women and
+children, how he managed to support so large a family
+from the proceeds of so little land. "Well," said he, "I
+could not support them from the proceeds of the land
+alone, but you see I sell a few negroes every year and buy
+corn with the money; so with what we raise and what we
+get for the sale of the negroes, we get along very well."</p>
+
+<p>"But why do you not cut down some of this forest and
+till more land? You own a large tract of land which is
+entirely worthless as it now is."</p>
+
+<p>"There is where you are greatly mistaken, said the
+enterprising southerner, my timber land is my best property."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>
+But of what use do you make it? "Oh, I sell a great
+deal of wood. I take it to Fortress Monroe and Hampton
+and get two dollars and a half a cord for it!"</p>
+
+<p>The reader will perhaps understand the profits drawn
+from the wood lands, when it is remembered that Fortress
+Monroe was twenty miles distant.</p>
+
+<p>Night attacks by the enemy became common; and it
+was not an unfrequent occurrence for the whole division
+to be called suddenly to arms at midnight and stand in
+line until morning. Skirmishes and sharpshooting continued
+with little intermission; bullets of rebel riflemen
+whizzing through our camps or unceremoniously entering
+our tents at all times. Rebel gunboats approached the
+mouth of the Warwick and by their assistance the rebel
+infantry attempted to turn our left flank, but the troops
+of our division gallantly met their attack and drove them
+back.</p>
+
+<p>This state of affairs continued until the 16th of April.
+That morning, word passed through the division that
+we were to make an assault. Orders came to move, and
+the division was massed near some ruins, known as "The
+Chimneys," in front of one of the rebel forts; the Second
+brigade holding the front line, supported by the First and
+Third brigades. As we moved round to take our positions,
+an American eagle whirled above our heads in
+elegant circles and at length floated away toward the
+south, the boys swinging their hats and cheering the bird
+with loud huzzahs.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/vermonters-charge.png">
+<img src="images/vermonters-charge-small.png" width="400" height="263" alt="The Vermonters Charge at Lee's Mills" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">The Charge of the Vermonters at Lee's Mills</p>
+
+<p>The fort in our front covered the road from Newport
+News to Williamsburgh, and could we get possession
+of it we could turn the flanks of the enemy, obliging
+him to abandon his position and enabling us either to
+prevent his escape or to harass him in his flight. In
+front of the fort the creek had been dammed and a deep
+morass interposed between us and the works. General<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>
+McClellan and his immense suite rode to the point from
+which the attack was to be made, and communicating a
+few minutes with Generals Keyes and Smith, left the field.
+Mott's battery was now brought into position on the open
+plateau and opened a fierce cannonade, to which the rebels
+replied with spirit, dismounting one of our guns and killing
+several of the gunners at the very start. Mott was reinforced
+by Kennedy's and Wheeler's batteries, and the
+hostile guns were soon silenced. Our batteries then
+advanced within five hundred yards of the fort, and the
+gray-coated rebels who were seen to fill the woods, were
+soon dispersed. Two companies of troops, from the Third
+Vermont, were now ordered forward. Down from the
+woods they came, rushed into the water to their waists,
+and gallantly made for the rebel rifle pits. The first line
+of the works was gained and then the second. The fort
+was empty, but a ditch to their left was filled with men.
+They poured a volley among them and the gray coats fled.
+Thus the fort was actually in their possession, and was
+held for some minutes by the noble fellows, but when they
+looked for support, none came. The three brigades stood
+upon the opposite bank, ready to plunge through the
+stream, and waiting with intense anxiety for the order,
+"forward;" but no order came, and the brave Green Mountain
+boys who had so nobly performed their part of the
+work, were forced to fall back under a galling fire from
+the rebels, who rushed back to their pits as soon the Vermonters
+had left them, pouring volley after volley into the
+retreating forces, who, their ammunition spent, could not
+reply to the rebel fire. Before they were able to reach the
+shelter of the woods, sad havoc was made in their ranks.
+Skirmishing was kept up for some hours, by other regiments,
+but with no result except the loss of men.</p>
+
+<p>The following list of killed and wounded was obtained
+the next day after the battle:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>
+2d Vermont&mdash;1 killed.<br />
+<br />
+3d Vermont&mdash;24 killed, 7 mortally wounded, 56 wounded,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">1 missing.</span><br />
+4th Vermont&mdash;3 killed, 30 wounded.<br />
+5th Vermont&mdash;2 killed, 6 wounded.<br />
+6th Vermont&mdash;11 killed, 77 wounded.<br />
+<br />
+Total loss to the brigade, 218.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Thus ended the fight known as the "Battle of Lee's
+Mills," a battle in which two hundred men gallantly captured
+an important work of the enemy, and thousands of
+their companions burning with desire to share in their
+glory stood by and saw them abandon it! Why the
+other brigades were not ordered forward has never been
+explained satisfactorily. That General Smith would gladly
+have sent them forward we earnestly believe; but we now
+know that General McClellan desired that a general
+engagement should not be brought on at that time.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded men exhibited the same bravery, while their
+wounds were being cared for, that characterized their brilliant
+charge. Men badly mutilated, with bullets in their
+heads, or breasts, or limbs, refused to receive attention
+from the surgeon who dressed their wounds, until their
+more unfortunate companions were cared for. "Don't
+mind me, doctor, there are others hurt worse than I am,"
+said many a brave fellow, as he lay upon the ground
+bleeding from his wounds.</p>
+
+<p>The following incident connected with this noble charge
+will be remembered by all who were at that time members
+of Smith's division, and by hundreds who saw accounts
+of it in the newspapers of the day:</p>
+
+<p>Private William Scott, of Company K, Third Vermont,
+was, in the autumn of 1861, found asleep at his post on
+the picket line. It was a grave fault; but the weary
+soldier, inexperienced in the service, and unaccustomed to
+such night vigils, in an evil hour yielded to the demands<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>
+of tired nature, little thinking that the lives of hundreds
+of his comrades were periled by his unfaithfulness. He
+was tried by a court-martial and sentenced to be shot.
+The sentence was approved, and at the appointed time he
+was brought forth to execution. General Smith, desiring
+to impress upon the minds of his men the terrible consequences
+of such an offense, formed his troops in line.
+The culprit was brought out before them, and led to the
+place of execution. The guard, with loaded muskets,
+stood ready to execute the dreadful sentence, which was
+read before all the troops. All waited in breathless
+expectation for the order to fire; but instead another
+paper was read. It was a pardon from the President!
+Then the wildest shouts of joy ran along the line. Shout
+after shout arose from the division, and hundreds blessed
+the name of President Lincoln.</p>
+
+<p>There were many circumstances to render this a case
+of peculiar interest. It was the first sentence of the kind;
+it was at the beginning of the war, when a soldier's life
+was regarded of value, and when all eyes were riveted
+upon the army, and every incident was of interest. It was
+also the first instance of the kind in which the executive
+clemency had been exercised. So near had the hour of
+execution arrived when the President signed the pardon,
+that, fearing it might not be received in season, he took
+his carriage and drove to camp, to assure himself that
+the man's life should be spared.</p>
+
+<p>"I will show President Lincoln that I am not afraid to
+die for my country," said the grateful soldier; and well
+did he fulfill his promise. Among the bravest of those
+two hundred heroes who crossed the swamp at Lee's Mills,
+was William Scott, of Company K, Third Vermont. But
+he was brought back a corpse. He had shown the President
+that he was not afraid to die for his country. He
+was one of the foremost in the charge, and one of the first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>
+to fall. His comrades made his grave under the shadow
+of the tall pines, and as they folded his blanket around
+him, and lowered him to his resting place, tears stood
+upon those brown cheeks; but the tears of sorrow were
+mingled with tears of joy, when they thought of his
+glorious death, and his narrow escape from an ignominious
+fate, and again, in their hearts, they blessed the man who
+was always the soldier's friend.</p>
+
+<p>We resumed our place the next day after the battle, on
+the front line, and commenced digging.</p>
+
+<p>Fierce night sorties were again made by the enemy
+and bravely resisted by our boys, who continued the work
+regardless of these annoyances. Only one fight occurred
+on our part of the line after the 16th, in which we lost
+any number of men. On the 28th the First brigade had
+a skirmish in which we lost one killed and half a dozen
+wounded. Among the latter was Lieutenant, afterward
+Colonel Milliken, of the Forty-third New York. A reconnoissance
+on the left about the same time, resulted in finding
+the rebels in considerable force, and a loss of two
+good soldiers to the Seventy-seventh New York. In the
+meantime earthworks of great strength were being thrown
+up on the right of the line before Yorktown, and everything
+was being put in a complete state of preparation
+for the grand bombardment. Enormous siege guns of
+one hundred and even two hundred pound calibre, and
+immense mortars were brought up and mounted in the
+earthworks, and it was thought that with the powerful
+means we were using the fall of Yorktown was only a
+question of time.</p>
+
+<p>Our losses by the rebels before Yorktown were not great,
+but the ravages by disease were fearful. Many thousands
+of noble fellows who would gladly have braved the
+dangers of the battle-field, were carried to the rear with
+fevers engendered by the deadly malaria of the swamps,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>
+from which few ever recovered sufficiently to rejoin the
+ranks; and thousands of others were laid in humble graves
+along the marshy borders of the Warwick or about the
+hospitals at Young's Mills. For a month the men were
+almost continually under arms; often called in the middle
+of the night to resist the attempts of the enemy to force
+our line under cover of the thick darkness, standing in
+line of battle day after day and digging at earthworks
+night after night.</p>
+
+<p>During the thirty days of the siege we had twenty days
+of rain. Thunder storms followed each other in quick
+succession, with lightnings more vivid than we had ever
+seen at the north. Men lay down to rest at night with
+their equipments buckled about them and wet to their
+skins. Men unaccustomed to the hardships of campaigning
+could not endure such exposure.</p>
+
+<p>A few divisions of the army performed by far the greater
+part of the labor, either because they had at first reached
+positions which imposed greater toil, or because greater
+confidence was reposed in them. Our own division was
+one of those upon which the duties imposed were too
+great for men to perform; yet the men would have
+resented being sent to the rear, and it was said that
+General Smith remarked that "he had spoken for a front
+seat for his boys and he intended to keep it."</p>
+
+<p>Added to all the exposures and hardships of the siege,
+there was a deplorable want of proper commissary and
+medical supplies. While the men were supplied with fair
+rations of hard bread, vegetables were unknown among us,
+and the supply of fresh meat wholly inadequate. In the
+Medical Department the greatest difficulty was experienced
+in obtaining supplies, and indeed it was impossible to get
+them. Not that regimental surgeons did not use their
+utmost endeavor to procure them, but as brigade and regimental
+commissaries could not obtain supplies of food<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>
+which were not furnished to the army at all, so surgeons
+could not procure medicines and other necessaries which
+were locked in the storehouses in Washington. This subject
+will be more fully alluded to in another place, and it
+is to be hoped that the responsibility of this criminal negligence
+to supply the army with medical and hospital
+stores may fall where it belongs.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, with their minds wrought up to a continual state
+of excitement, with constant exposure to tempests and
+malaria, with excessive and exhausting labors, and with
+improper food and scarcity of medicine, sickness and death
+swept over us like a pestilence.</p>
+
+<p>At length, after a month of toil and exposure almost
+unprecedented, after losing nearly one-fifth of our magnificent
+army by disease and death, our batteries were
+finished, the enormous siege guns were mounted, and the
+thirteen inch mortars in position. The army looked
+anxiously for the grand <i>finale</i> of all these extensive preparations.
+Men had lost the enthusiasm which prevailed
+when we landed upon the Peninsula, and a smile was seldom
+seen; but a fixed and determined purpose to succeed
+still appeared in their faces. Now at length we were
+ready; and the countenances of the soldiers began to
+lighten up a little. But as the sun rose on the morning
+of the 4th of May, behold, the rebels had vanished, and
+with them our hopes of a brilliant victory! Unfortunately
+for our hopes of a great success at Yorktown, the
+rebel generals had shown themselves unwilling to afford
+us such an opportunity by waiting for us longer; and
+during the night of the 3d and 4th they had evacuated
+the place.</p>
+
+<p>They had gained a month of time for strengthening the
+defenses about Richmond, and for concentrating their
+forces there. Now they were ready to fall back without
+testing our magnificent works and huge guns, and lead us<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>
+into the swamps of Chickahominy; where they hoped that
+the fever would complete the ghastly work already commenced
+at Yorktown.</p>
+
+<p>During the night of the evacuation, the roar of artillery
+exceeded anything that had been heard before. From one
+end of the line to the other the shells and shot poured into
+our camps, and the arches of fire that marked the courses
+of the shells, with flame spouting from the mouths of the
+guns, created a magnificent pyrotechnic display. But at
+daylight, orderlies flew from regiment to regiment with
+the startling intelligence that the beleaguered works were
+deserted, and with orders to occupy them at once. Smith's
+division hastened to cross over the dam, and we found
+ourselves in the strongholds that we had so long invested.
+As the Seventy-seventh regiment passed along one of the
+roads leading among the intrenchments, a sharp report
+like that of a pistol was heard at the feet of those in the
+center of the column, and directly under the colors. The
+men scattered, and a piece of old cloth was seen lying on
+the ground at the point from which the report emanated.
+Colonel McKean, who was very near, lifted the cloth with
+the point of his sword, and discovered a torpedo carefully
+buried in the ground, except a nipple which had been
+filled with fulminating powder, which was covered by the
+old cloth. The fuse only had exploded. Had the machine
+itself exploded, it must have destroyed many of our men,
+our colonel among them. Other regiments were not so
+fortunate as we were. Very many men were killed in the
+streets and intrenchments by these torpedoes, which
+the enemy had planted in the street at either end of the
+bridges, about springs, and near the deserted guns. They
+were concealed beneath the ground with great care, the
+capped nipple only rising above the surface, and this,
+covered by an old rag or piece of bark thrown over it,
+exploded at the slightest touch. These infernal machines<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>
+were only one feature of the general plan of our enemies
+to carry on a war by brutal, savage and cowardly means.
+The starving of prisoners at Andersonville and Salisbury,
+and the wholesale butchery at Fort Pillow, were other
+parts of the same savage plan which was crowned by the
+fearful tragedy at Ford's Theatre.</p>
+
+<p>We made little delay among the rebel intrenchments;
+only long enough to glance over the formidable works,
+where the enemy had abandoned seventy-two pieces of
+artillery, mostly of heavy caliber, with immense numbers
+of shovels, picks, wheelbarrows and other paraphernalia of
+an army.</p>
+
+<p>The division was at nine o'clock sent forward on the
+road toward Williamsburgh; encountering, before it had
+proceeded far, a portion of the rear-guard of the confederate
+army, which hastily fell back before our advance.
+General Smith informed the Commander-in-Chief of the
+encounter, who ordered Stoneman, with a regiment of
+cavalry, to give chase to the retiring body, and, if possible,
+cut it off; but, unfortunately, either from want of
+proper information in regard to the roads, or from other
+hindrances, this was not effected. The division pushed on
+over the road lately traversed by the rebels, the men
+overcoming all obstacles that had been thrown in their
+way, in their anxiety to overtake the foe.</p>
+
+<p>The scenery, as the troops passed, was indeed charming
+beyond description. Magnificent forests of oak and pine,
+interspersed with clearings, the residences of farmers,
+with fine fields, covered with the green blades of the
+newly springing wheat, met the view along the road;
+while the woods were adorned with innumerable flowers.
+The tall dogwood, with its clusters of large flowers like
+swarms of white butterflies, mingled with the Judas tree,
+whose leafless boughs were densely covered with racemes
+of purple blossoms. The azalia and the honeysuckle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>
+beneath formed a delightful contrast with the gorgeous
+floral display above.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the division was hurried on, until at evening it
+came upon the rebel works at Williamsburgh. As our
+forces approached Williamsburgh, the cavalry came upon
+the enemy, and a sharp skirmish ensued, in which we lost
+about fifty in killed and wounded, and the rebels left as
+many on the field. The charge was made by the Sixth
+cavalry and Gibbon's battery, driving the rebels back.
+They, in their turn, being reinforced, forced our troops
+back; one of our guns, from which all the horses were
+shot, being abandoned. Each party strove hard for the
+possession of the gun, but night closed upon the contest,
+leaving it in possession of neither. In the meantime, the
+men of our division too sick to march were being cared
+for by our medical officers. Hundreds of the men of our
+division lay sick with typhoid fever and other equally
+dangerous maladies. These were all taken to the hospital
+which had been commenced a day or two previous, about
+a mile and a half from our camp. The whole day was
+occupied in removing these men. Of those sent to this
+hospital, as of the many previously sent to the hospital at
+Young's Mills and Fortress Monroe, few ever returned.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_vi" id="chapter_vi"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>WILLIAMSBURGH.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Battle of Williamsburgh&mdash;The army not organized&mdash;The medical department&mdash;Hooker's
+gallant fight&mdash;Hancock's charge&mdash;McClellan at Yorktown&mdash;Night on
+the battle-field.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Early on the morning of the 5th skirmishing commenced.
+The division of Hooker was posted on the left of
+the road from Lee's Mills to Williamsburgh, and our own
+division held the road, stretching mostly to the right of it.
+Fort Magruder was directly in front of us, commanding
+the road. All that part of the army which had advanced
+on the right, that is, on the road from Yorktown, were
+massed as fast as they arrived, awaiting orders. Great
+delay was experienced in getting the troops in position,
+as there seemed to be no harmony of action. Every
+general of a division seemed to do what pleased him, without
+orders from higher authority.</p>
+
+<p>General Sumner was in command of the troops on the
+field, but from some cause seemed not to be able to combine
+his forces in such a manner as to bear effectually
+upon the lines of the enemy. One of the serious difficulties
+was getting artillery to the front. The roads had
+become very muddy from the rain during the night, and
+were blocked up with the immense multitude of wagons,
+so that artillery could not pass. Here was sadly exemplified
+the grand defect of our army&mdash;the want of organization.</p>
+
+<p>Our army was an enormous heterogeneous mass, without
+any pretense of a system to centralize and harmonize its<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>
+movements. An army is not organized by throwing it
+into brigades and divisions; this is but the first and easiest
+step. The <i>departments</i> must be so organized that each
+performs well its part, without interference with another.
+In this case the quartermaster's department sadly interfered
+with the others. Every regimental quartermaster
+was for himself, and, as a natural result, the immense
+trains were thrown into great disorder, impeding the
+movements of all the other branches of the service. No
+one seemed at liberty to bring order out of this confusion;
+and thus artillery and wagons remained stuck in the mud.
+This same confusion prevailed in all the departments.
+We shall take the liberty here to quote at some length
+from the remarks of the Prince De Joinville, who was at
+that time a member of General McClellan's staff, an able
+soldier and an ardent friend of the Commander-in-Chief.
+Says the Prince:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The American system of 'every man for himself,' individually
+applied by officers and soldiers of each corps to
+one another, is also applied by the corps themselves
+to their reciprocal relations. There is no special branch
+of the service whose duty it is to regulate, centralize and
+direct the movements of the army. In such a case as this
+of which we are speaking, we should have seen the general
+staff of a French army taking care that nothing should
+impede the advance of the troops; stopping a file of
+wagons here and ordering it out of the road to clear
+the way; sending on a detail of men there to repair the roadway,
+or draw a cannon out of the mud in order to communicate
+to every corps commander the orders of the
+general-in-chief. Here nothing of the sort is done.</p>
+
+<p>"The want of a general staff was not less severely felt
+in obtaining and transmitting the information necessary,
+at the moment of an impending action. No one knew the
+country; the maps were so defective that they were useless.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>
+Little was known about the fortified battle-field on
+which the army was about to be engaged. Yet this
+battle-field had been seen and reconnoitered by the troops
+which had taken part in Stoneman's skirmish. Enough
+was surely known of it for us to combine a plan of attack,
+and assign to every commander his own part of the work.
+No, this was not so. Every one kept his observations to
+himself; not from any ill-will, but because it was nobody's
+special duty to do this general work. It was a defect in
+the organization, and with the best elements in the world,
+an army that is not organized cannot expect great success.
+It is fortunate if it escapes disaster."</p></div>
+
+<p>We may be pardoned for continuing this digression
+from the narrative, to speak particularly of the disorder
+in the medical department. The surgeons of regiments
+were, as a general rule, men of ability, and who were
+earnestly devoted to the duties of their position. Of
+course, in so large an army, there were some who were
+not fitted for their position, either by ability or moral
+worth; these were exceptions. Yet, while there was a
+general disposition prevailing in the department to make
+any sacrifice or submit to any amount of fatigue, in order
+to relieve the sufferings of those committed to their charge,
+they labored under the greatest disadvantage from want
+of proper combination and co&ouml;peration in the staff. Every
+man was for himself. Each regimental surgeon was
+expected to look out for the wants of his own men; to
+erect his hospital tents; to see that the wounded of his
+regiment were carried off the field; to administer food,
+dress wounds, and attend to the operative surgery. With
+all these divers cares, he could hardly be expected to perform
+any duties well. When any combination of action
+was effected, the organization was voluntary and temporary,
+and, of course, wanting in order and efficiency.
+Added to these difficulties, the medical officer found<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>
+himself destitute of supplies, and seemingly without any
+prospect of obtaining them.</p>
+
+<p>It is true that the officers of the medical staff were generally
+inexperienced in the duties of military surgery, so
+different from the labors of the physician in civil life; yet,
+the great trouble was without doubt at head-quarters.
+The department was directed by an officer who had done
+good service in the Mexican war, but who by long connection
+with the regular army, seemed to have become so
+wedded to the formal precision of military routine, that
+no contingency was sufficient to move him from his established
+habits. Here was occasion for dispensing with
+formalities. Responsibilities should have been assumed,
+and, if necessary, supplies should have been thrown into
+the army broadcast, without thought of requisition or
+receipts. Under the direction of the efficient and gentlemanly
+surgeon of volunteers, Dr. Letterman, order was at
+length brought out of the confusion which existed until
+the battle of Antietam; from which time the medical
+staff became the most efficient ever known in any army.</p>
+
+<p>To return to our narrative. By noon the battle raged
+furiously; Hooker's division contesting the field nobly
+against superior numbers, while our own division held
+the position on his right, but without coming to any
+direct engagement aside from being subjected to the fire
+of artillery. Hooker brought his men gallantly up to the
+work and at first forced the enemy back, but in turn was
+driven from the ground he had taken, and only by the
+most valorous fighting, prevented a rout.</p>
+
+<p>The gallant general and his noble men held the ground
+alone until the division was fearfully cut up. At length
+General Kearney, at the head of his division, approached
+on the Lee's Mills road. General Sumner rode up to him
+and said quietly, "General, do you know that Hooker is
+badly cut up?" "No." "He is, and is falling back. Hurry<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>
+on your division as fast as possible." "How shall I reach
+him?" said Kearney. "Through yonder strip of woods."
+Kearney now led his men forward at a rapid pace and
+very soon came to the relief of the exhausted division.
+The troops of Hooker were holding their ground against
+the enemy twenty thousand strong. They had fought for
+hours with only nine thousand men.</p>
+
+<p>General Hancock of our First brigade, at his own and
+General Smith's request, was, at three o'clock, allowed to
+take his own and a part of our Third brigade to the right
+of the line, where the position of the enemy was very
+strong by nature, and which was on that account secured
+with less care than the rest of the line.</p>
+
+<p>A steep wooded bluff rose to a great height in our front,
+and a mill pond lying at the foot of the bluff and newly
+dammed by the rebels, served as a moat. Spanning the
+pond near the dam, was a bridge of logs which they had
+neglected to destroy. Across this bridge and up a road
+winding along the side of the bluff, the general led his
+troops, finding the enemy upon the plateau above, occupying
+strong redoubts. Artillery was brought to bear upon
+them and the rebels fled; our forces advancing and occupying
+the works. The enemy was now reinforced by a
+brigade of North Carolina troops and charged upon the
+federals. The Union troops allowed them to approach
+very near, when they opened a tremendous fire of musketry
+and artillery upon them. Still the rebels came on
+until they were within thirty yards of our men. "Now,
+gentlemen, the bayonet!" cried Hancock, as he rode along
+the line of battle close to the troops. The men charged
+upon the rebels, who fell back before the shock, broke and
+fled, leaving the broad, green wheat field strewed with their
+dead and wounded.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/hancocks-charge.png">
+<img src="images/hancocks-charge-small.png" width="400" height="257" alt="Charge of Hancock's Brigade at Williamsburgh" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">Charge of Hancock's Brigade at Williamsburgh</p>
+
+<p>While the fighting was going on, General Hancock had
+sent for the remainder of our Third brigade. The order<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>
+"forward, double quick" was received by the men with
+one of those wild exulting shouts, such as is only heard
+on the field of battle; and they rushed forward through
+the liquid mud, each regiment striving which should first
+reach the field. But as we reached the scene of conflict,
+the rebels had fled; leaving the victory with the men in
+blue.</p>
+
+<p>The regiments engaged in this brilliant affair were, the
+Forty-third New York, the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania,
+the Sixth Maine and Fifth Wisconsin, of the First brigade,
+and the Thirty-third New York and Seventh Maine of the
+Third brigade.</p>
+
+<p>The rebels, outflanked by the gallant movement of
+Smith's division, were glad to fall back from before Hooker
+and Kearney, and seek refuge behind their works. Meanwhile
+the great body of the army had remained entirely
+passive; not even having been brought into line of battle.
+Why some of these troops were not called to the assistance
+of Hooker, or to render the victory of Hancock more
+complete, we do not know.</p>
+
+<p>Thus closed the battle of Williamsburgh; a battle
+fought by two divisions and a part of a third, while the
+mass of the army remained as idle spectators of the terrible
+scene. If less than twenty thousand men could
+drive the rebels from their strong works, what could not
+that grand army have done had it been brought into
+action!</p>
+
+<p>General McClellan arrived on the field at five o'clock in
+the afternoon, and was received with shouts of applause;
+but the fighting was then over. The general had
+remained at Yorktown since the morning of the 4th, to
+superintend personally the shipment of Franklin's division
+of twelve thousand men; one-half of whom, in order that
+they might be in readiness at any moment to proceed up
+the river and head off the enemy, had never been allowed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>
+to disembark from the transports which brought them to
+Yorktown. General McClellan's conduct in spending
+nearly two days in overseeing personally the embarkation
+of half or even the whole of a division of men, while one
+of the most important battles of the war was in progress,
+leaving it to others to take care of the "little affair at the
+front," has, by some, been severely censured; while others
+have as earnestly claimed that the Commander-in-Chief
+had his own views of the necessity of getting those troops
+off at once, and the necessity of seeing that supplies of
+rations, ammunition and war material, were forwarded,
+was imperative; and that we are to remember that the
+advance was intrusted to General Sumner; a man in
+whose ability both he and the army confided. The
+general telegraphed that night to the Secretary of War:
+"After arranging for movements up the York river, I was
+sent for here. I find General Joe Johnston in front of me
+in strong force, probably greater a good deal than my
+own.... My entire force is <i>undoubtedly considerably
+inferior to that of the rebels</i>, who will fight well;
+but I will do all I can with the force at my disposal."</p>
+
+<p>It was not known that night that we had won such a victory;
+but when, in the morning, we found the rebels all
+gone, he telegraphed: "Every hour proves our victory
+more complete."</p>
+
+<p>In the light of this testimony of the Commander-in-Chief,
+what a noble record had those three divisions that day
+made for themselves! They had, according to these dispatches,
+fought with a force "greater a good deal" than
+our entire army, and had won a complete victory!</p>
+
+<p>Night closed upon the battle-field. Our division
+bivouacked around one of the rebel redoubts. It was
+filled with rebel wounded, whose groans and cries made
+the night hideous. The ground was a bed of liquid mud,
+and the rain still poured. No fires were allowed, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>
+men stood shivering all night rather than lie down in the
+mud.</p>
+
+<p>The sun rose clear and bright next morning, and the
+whole army filed into the works deserted by the enemy
+during the night, and occupied the town of Williamsburgh,
+a mile or more from the battle-field. All the public
+buildings in town were filled with the rebel wounded;
+and the inhabitants were actively engaged in ministering
+to their wants. Here the army remained three days,
+waiting for provisions to come up from Yorktown, a distance
+of fifteen miles. It is a question, why troops, who
+were afterward accustomed to carry four or even six days'
+rations, were sent away from Yorktown with one.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_vii" id="chapter_vii"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MARCH UP THE PENINSULA AND THE ORGANIZATION
+OF THE SIXTH CORPS.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>March up the Peninsula&mdash;Joy of the contrabands&mdash;Cumberland Landing&mdash;The
+Sixth Corps organized&mdash;At White House&mdash;On the Chickahominy&mdash;Fight at
+Mechanicsville&mdash;Battle of Hanover Court House.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>On the ninth of May, after a delay of three days, the
+Army of the Potomac resumed the pursuit of Johnston's
+army. The day was fair and bright, and the journey of
+fifteen miles, to troops as yet little inured to the fatigues
+of long marches, bore severely upon them. We rested
+till three o'clock next morning; when orders came to fall
+into line, and at five we were again toiling over the road.
+After a hard day's march we halted near New Kent Court
+House; where General Stoneman, with his cavalry, had a
+day or two before overtaken the rear-guard of the enemy,
+who gave him battle. Evidences of the engagement were
+to be seen all about us, and many wounded cavalrymen
+were found in the neighboring farm houses. We remained
+here over the Sabbath and the next day; glad of rest,
+though anxious to be on the trail of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>General Franklin's division had already landed, and
+beaten the rebels at West Point; and the flotilla laden
+with supplies had also ascended the river thus far.</p>
+
+<p>It was at New Kent Court House that the news of the
+destruction of the Merrimac, and the possession of Norfolk
+by General Wool's forces, first reached us, and our hearts
+swelled with joy at our successes. On the 13th we
+resumed the march; winding along the banks of the tortuous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>
+Pamunkey, enchanted by the lovely scenery which
+constantly met our gaze. The profusion of flowers in the
+forests, the bright green meadows, and the broad fields of
+newly springing wheat, offered a perpetual charm; and as
+we passed along, the women and negroes watched us with
+conflicting sentiments of interest. All the white men
+capable of bearing arms, and every able-bodied negro,
+had been swept along by the rebel army in its retreat, and
+none but women and children and aged negroes were now
+left along the route. At every house the alarmed white
+people threw out the white flag in token of submission, as
+though their protection from injury depended upon this
+symbol of peace.</p>
+
+<p>Great numbers of negroes flocked to the roadside, to
+welcome the Union army. Their expressions of joy at
+seeing us were wild and amusing. All hoped we would
+shortly overtake and destroy the rebel army, their own
+masters included. Those who had hitherto regarded the
+relation of master and slave as one of mutual affection, had
+only to witness these unique demonstrations of rejoicing
+at our approach, and the seemingly certain destruction of
+the slave owners, to be convinced that the happiness and
+contentment claimed for those in servitude was but a
+worthless fiction. The negroes, gathering in crowds along
+the wayside, would grasp the hands of the Union soldiers,
+calling down all manner of blessings upon them, and leaping
+and dancing in their frantic delight.</p>
+
+<p>One gray-haired old patriarch, surrounded by a numerous
+group of younger chattels, who were leaping and
+shouting, exclaimed, in a loud voice, "Bress de Lord!
+I'se been praying for yous all to come all dis time; and
+now I'se glad yous got so fur; and I pray de Lord dat
+yous may keep on, and conquer def and hell and de
+grabe!" All the others, joining in the chorus, cried,
+"Bress de Lord!" The master of the old man sat quietly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>
+watching the scene, offering no hindrance to these expressions
+of sympathy; but it is doubtful whether this conduct
+on the part of his servants was forgotten after the departure
+of our army. Whatever information the slaves could
+give concerning the movements, numbers, or probable
+intentions of the enemy, was communicated gladly, and
+although this information was not always reliable for
+accuracy, it was always given in sincerity, and was very
+often of great service.</p>
+
+<p>Our march on the 13th, was an easy one of six
+miles. As we reached the brow of a hill overlooking the
+plain of Cumberland Landing, a scene of imposing beauty
+was spread out before us. Between us and the broad
+river, were thousands of troops, parks of artillery, squadrons
+of cavalry, divisions of infantry; some already in
+camp, others moving about in order, but seeming, from
+the distance, to be intermingled in most perfect confusion.</p>
+
+<p>A broad plain stretched far away to the left, beautifully
+variegated with green pastures, rich groves and fields of
+grain. Beyond was the Pamunkey; here spreading out
+into a broad expanse of water, on which was riding the
+Union flotilla of gunboats and the transport fleet.</p>
+
+<p>Upon this broad plain the whole army assembled. At
+no other time in the history of the Army of the Potomac,
+were all its forces gathered within a compass that the eye
+could take in at a single glance.</p>
+
+<p>Early on the morning of the 14th, the cry, "Fall in!"
+resounded through the camps, and we proceeded up the
+river about four miles, and again encamped on its banks.
+A field of fresh clover served for our bivouac. In this
+pleasant spot we remained for several days; and while
+here, an event occurred of no less interest than <span class="smcap">the organization
+of the Sixth corps</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Just before the Army of the Potomac embarked for the
+Peninsula, it was divided, by order of President Lincoln,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>
+into five corps of three divisions each. These corps were
+placed under command, respectively, of Generals McDowell,
+Sumner, Heintzelman, Keyes and Banks. On leaving for the
+Peninsula, the First and Fifth corps had been left behind.
+Now two new corps were to be organized; the Fifth provisional,
+consisting of the divisions of Porter and Sykes, and
+the reserve artillery, under command of General Porter;
+and the <span class="smcap">Sixth</span> provisional corps, consisting of Franklin's
+division of the First and Smith's of the Fourth corps.
+General W. B. Franklin was assigned to the command of
+the corps.</p>
+
+<p>Franklin's division, now the First division, Sixth corps,
+under command of H. W. Slocum, had been ordered away
+from the First corps, to join the army of the Potomac,
+while we were at Yorktown; and its recent exhibition of
+gallantry at West Point, had already established for it a
+reputation for valor. The regiments composing this division
+were, the First, Second, Third and Fourth New Jersey;
+regiments trained to the service by the knightly soldier
+and ardent patriot, Philip S. Kearney, now under command
+of Colonel Taylor, and afterwards so long and so ably led
+by General Torbert; the Sixteenth and Twenty-seventh
+New York, Fifth Maine and Ninety-Sixth Pennsylvania;
+General Slocum's own brigade, now commanded by
+Colonel Bartlett; and Newton's brigade: the Eighteenth,
+Thirty-first and Thirty-second New York, and Ninety-fifth
+Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p>The history of the Second division, General Smith's, we
+have already traced. The bravery and extraordinary
+endurance of each of its brigades had been exhibited too
+often to be questioned.</p>
+
+<p>With such splendid materials for a corps, a brilliant
+history of great achievements was to be anticipated, and
+nobly has it wrought out for itself such a history.</p>
+
+<p>No other body of troops has ever made for itself so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>
+proud a record. No corps, either in our own army or any
+other, ever met the enemy so frequently in general battle,
+and never were more glorious deeds accomplished by
+troops than were done by these. Never in the course of
+all their campaigns were either of these two divisions put
+to rout, and in almost all its encounters the corps held the
+field as victors.</p>
+
+<p>We were now encamped on the old Custis place; at
+present owned by General Fitzhugh Lee, of the rebel
+cavalry service. On every side of us were immense fields
+of wheat, which, but for the presence of armies, promised
+an abundant harvest. Day after day passed, in quiet
+repose, and the Sabbath found us still waiting on the
+banks of the Pamunkey. It was marvelous that such
+silence could exist where a hundred thousand men were
+crowded together, yet almost absolute stillness reigned
+throughout the vast camp during the whole of this pleasant
+Sabbath. Save that here and there the notes of Old
+Hundred or some sacred air was heard from the band
+of some regiment whose chaplain had gathered his men
+for religious services, no sound disturbed the universal
+quiet.</p>
+
+<p>Not far from us was the White House, at the head of
+navigation, on the Pamunkey. The house was a fine building,
+once the property of Washington, now in possession
+of the Lee family. Here the Richmond and York River
+railroad crossed the Pamunkey, and this was made the base
+of operations for the army. Here the transports poured
+out a vast amount of supplies, and under the protection
+of the flotilla of gunboats, the quartermasters and commissaries
+commenced their active operations.</p>
+
+<p>Except that a few rails had been torn up, the railroad
+was in excellent order, and engines and cars were at once
+placed on the track ready to follow the army on its
+advance to Richmond.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Sixth corps proceeded toward the Chickahominy,
+which it reached at a point several miles above the railroad
+crossing at Bottom's Bridge, occupying the extreme
+right of the Union line of battle as formed along that
+river. The position of the Union army was now as follows:
+Keyes' corps had crossed the Chickahominy at
+Bottom's Bridge, and Heintzelman had followed, taking
+a position between Keyes and the bridge. Sumner was on
+the railroad, and Franklin on the right near New Bridge;
+Stoneman's cavalry was on the right of the Sixth corps,
+and Porter's divisions were in the rear, within supporting
+distance.</p>
+
+<p>On the 23d, General Stoneman with his cavalry pushed
+forward toward Mechanicsville, supported by Davidson's
+brigade. The brigade halted for the night near Beaver
+Dam creek, a marshy stream pouring into the Chickahominy.
+On the following morning the brigade again
+pushed forward, the men making their way with great
+difficulty through a swamp, then plunging through the
+stream, then forcing their way through brambles and
+briars, and again wading through the water; until the men
+seemed to have become amphibious. They at length
+found the enemy near the little village of Mechanicsville.</p>
+
+<p>The brigade, with Wheeler's battery, formed in line of
+battle on some commanding grounds, and quietly rested
+for the night. On the morning of the 24th, the Seventy-seventh
+and part of the Thirty-third were ordered to
+advance toward the village and reconnoiter the position.
+Hardly had the advance commenced before the rebels
+opened upon the two commands a fierce cannonade, which
+forced our men to lie down, that the shells might pass over
+them. Wheeler's battery responded nobly to the rebel
+artillery, and presently General Davidson ordered Colonel
+McKean to charge the village with his regiment. The
+men rose to their feet and started forward with a yell.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>
+Down the hill they rushed impetuously, cheering and
+yelling; but the two rebel regiments, the Seventh and
+Eighth Georgia, startled by the shouts, seized their
+muskets and ran; firing but one parting salute. Their
+battery also limbered up and beat a hasty retreat; and as
+our men reached the village they were seen lashing their
+horses into a run, and in a moment they disappeared
+altogether down the road.</p>
+
+<p>In their haste the rebels forgot to carry off their knapsacks,
+canteens and haversacks; and our boys gathered
+them up to be kept till called for. They had also left a
+great many guns and cartridge boxes; and a flag, which
+the Seventy-seventh bore away in triumph.</p>
+
+<p>On the 26th of May, the enemy was discovered in considerable
+force at Hanover Court House, to the right and
+rear of our army. A part of Porter's corps was sent to
+meet this rebel force, and if possible drive it from its
+position. After a fatiguing march through mud and rain,
+General Emory, with his own brigade, and other troops
+of the corps, came up with the enemy near Hanover Court
+House, and at once commenced advancing slowly against
+the line of the enemy, when, being reinforced by part of
+Martindale's brigade, a charge was ordered and the rebels
+were routed. They fled precipitately, leaving one of their
+guns in the hands of our troops.</p>
+
+<p>Being reinforced, the rebels turned upon our troops, but
+were gallantly held by Martindale's brigade until General
+Porter brought a large force to the field. The rebels were
+again attacked and completely routed. They left about
+two hundred of their dead on the field to be buried by
+our men. Seven hundred prisoners were captured, beside
+two railroad trains, a twelve pound gun and many small
+arms. Our own loss amounted to about fifty killed and
+more than three hundred wounded and missing.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/mechanicsville-charge.png">
+<img src="images/mechanicsville-charge-small.png" width="400" height="257" alt="Charge of the 77th New York at Mechanicsville" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">Charge of the 77th New York at Mechanicsville</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_viii" id="chapter_viii"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>ON THE CHICKAHOMINY.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Gaines' Farm&mdash;The line of battle&mdash;Battle of Seven Pines&mdash;Sedgwick and Kearney
+to the rescue&mdash;Hooker's charge&mdash;A lost opportunity&mdash;Golden's
+Farm&mdash;Ditching&mdash;Malaria&mdash;Chickahominy
+fevers&mdash;A German regiment&mdash;Stuart's raid.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Davidson's command was withdrawn from its position
+on Beaver Dam creek on the 26th of May. Moving down
+the river about five miles, it encamped with the rest of the
+Sixth corps on the farm of Dr. Gaines, a noted rebel,
+where it remained until June 5th. The camps were within
+easy range of the enemy's guns, which were planted on
+the opposite side of the river, and our pickets could
+observe those of the rebels as they walked their beats.</p>
+
+<p>Few more charming places than Gaines' Farm could be
+found on the Peninsula. The broad wheat fields, alternating
+with wooded hills, afforded a scene of enchantment
+to the weary soldiers. A single wheat field contained
+four hundred and fifty acres, and a delightful grove in
+rear of the superb old mansion, furnished a cool retreat
+during the intense heat of the day. The extensive gardens
+were filled with rare exotics and most beautiful
+native plants and trees, and birds of varied and brilliant
+plumage sported among the flowering shrubs and charmed
+the air with their lively notes. Near the river side stood
+a large barn well filled with tobacco, from which the boys
+of the corps did not hesitate to lay in a full supply.</p>
+
+<p>In the rear of the corps was Liberty Hall, the birthplace
+of Patrick Henry. Now it was used as a hospital, and
+hundreds of soldiers, worn out with fatigue or burning<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>
+with fevers, occupied the house and hospital tents surrounding
+it.</p>
+
+<p>Our men were employed in doing picket duty, and in
+building corduroy roads and bridges. The river, scarcely
+restrained by banks, was rising rapidly from the continued
+fall of rain, and at one time the pickets of our division,
+including the Thirty-third New York, were found in the
+morning surrounded by water; the rain having within
+three hours risen so rapidly that many were standing in
+water above their waists, while others were clinging
+to bushes for support. Boats were procured, and the
+drenched pickets were removed from their disagreeable
+positions.</p>
+
+<p>The army was divided into two wings, one on the south
+and one on the north side of the Chickahominy. The line
+of battle was in the form of a V: Keyes' and Heintzelman's
+corps on a line from Bottom's Bridge to Seven
+Pines, forming the left arm of the V, and Franklin's,
+Sumner's and Porter's on the north bank of the Chickahominy,
+from Bottom's Bridge to Gaines' Farm, the right
+arm.</p>
+
+<p>Keyes' corps, now composed of Casey's and Couch's
+divisions, had crossed the river at Bottom's Bridge on the
+24th, and after considerable skirmishing with the enemy,
+had established itself on the road from Richmond to
+Williamsburgh, about six miles from Richmond, and as
+far from the Chickahominy, at a fork in the road called
+Seven Pines. Heintzelman's corps had followed, and
+occupied a position in the rear near the river. Casey's
+division occupied an advance position, and Couch the
+second line. One of the roads from this point, called
+the nine-mile road to Richmond, crossed the Richmond
+and York River railroad north of Seven Pines, at a place
+called Fair Oaks. The country was wooded and marshy,
+and General Casey was not able to throw his pickets out<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>
+more than a thousand yards in advance of his line of
+battle. Both divisions at once intrenched themselves, and
+slashed the forests, that any approach of the enemy might
+be discovered, and to widen the sweep of their guns.
+Here the two divisions remained, having occasional skirmishes
+with the enemy, until the morning of the 31st of
+May.</p>
+
+<p>During the night before, the rain had fallen in torrents.
+Thunders rolled along the sky, and the heavens blazed
+with perpetual flashes of lightning. The morning found
+the earth drenched by the floods, and the men of Casey's
+division rose from their beds of mud to fight the battle of
+Seven Pines.</p>
+
+<p>It became evident to General Casey early in the day
+that the enemy designed to attack him in force. He
+accordingly ordered his division under arms, and made
+such dispositions of his forces as seemed best calculated
+to resist the onset.</p>
+
+<p>At half-past twelve the attack was commenced. Large
+bodies of rebels emerged from the cover of the woods,
+and at once commenced a brisk fire of musketry and
+artillery, driving in the picket line, and pressing forward
+against the Union line of intrenchments. The numbers
+of the enemy were now seen to be greatly disproportionate
+to those of the single division opposed to them, and
+General Casey called for help. Couch's division was
+under arms, acting as support, but not yet engaged.
+Some of the new troops, thus pressed by overwhelming
+numbers broke and retreated in disorder; but the division
+at large nobly withstood the mighty host which assailed
+it in front, flank and rear. The forces of the enemy
+constantly increased; and the single division was now
+fairly invested by the exultant foe, who pressed forward,
+unmindful of the losses inflicted by Casey's troops.
+Again and again the enemy came on in masses, receiving<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>
+the shot and shells, which tore open their ranks,
+closing up the gaps, and pushing steadily on to the
+assault. Against these repeated attacks of superior numbers
+of confident troops, who constantly arrived in fresh
+numbers, and, forming under cover of the woods, rushed
+against our lines, Casey's division held its ground three
+hours, until almost half its number were destroyed. The
+execution done on the rebels was great. All means of
+transportation at their command, were brought into requisition
+to carry off the wounded to Richmond; and their
+dead lay piled upon the bloody field. The white-haired
+veteran, General Casey, was present wherever the danger
+seemed greatest. Riding along his lines, encouraging his
+troops, and making his dispositions for repelling the overwhelming
+assaults, his heroism inspired bravery in the
+hearts of the men, and prevented defeat from becoming a
+rout. General Keyes was directing the movements of the
+second line, held by General Couch. Portions of the division
+were rallied, and with the aid of Couch's troops and
+a brigade of Kearney's division, which that never tiring
+general had just led on to the scene of conflict, the
+attempt was made to retake the line of works just lost,
+but without success.</p>
+
+<p>By this time General Heintzelman had arrived with his
+corps; and orders were given to fall back to a third line.
+The enemy made one more desperate attempt to crush the
+retreating division, but they were repulsed with fearful
+loss, and here commenced the turning of the tide in the
+conflict.</p>
+
+<p>The line of battle as now formed was nearly two miles
+in the rear of the position of the morning, at Fair Oaks.</p>
+
+<p>Heintzelman's and Keyes' corps at once proceeded to
+strengthen this position, and before dark the brave fellows
+of Sedgwick's division, of Sumner's corps, were on
+the ground, ready to assist in repelling the progress of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>
+enemy. Richardson's division, not far behind, arrived at
+sunset; and now the Union army was prepared for any
+attempt which the rebels might see fit to make. The efforts
+which the enemy were now making to break through our
+flank on the left at White Oak Swamp, were, by this
+timely arrival of Sedgwick, thwarted. Had the confederates
+succeeded in this, the retreat of Keyes' corps and that
+part of Heintzelman's on the ground must have been cut
+off, and our army destroyed. The rebels, not satisfied
+with a partial victory, and determined to destroy the left
+wing of our army, then thrust beyond the river, renewed
+their assaults, and again and again pushed forward.
+Gathering in masses under cover of the forest, they would
+dash upon our lines with impetuous fury; only to be sent
+reeling back by a hurricane of leaden and iron hail.
+Sedgwick and the intrepid Kearney fought their divisions
+with greatest skill; and by their own example animated
+and encouraged their men. Night closed upon the scene;
+and at eight o'clock the fighting had ceased. The rebels,
+so exultant at their success in the early part of the day,
+were now hopeless of turning their victory to any good
+account; for their last assaults had met with such terrible
+repulses, that to renew the attack in force in the morning,
+would be but a useless waste of life to them. Still, they
+held their ground, and on the morning of June 1st, made
+some demonstrations against parts of our line, which were
+gallantly met.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, General Hooker, who here sustained the enviable
+reputation he had so nobly earned at Williamsburgh, led
+his command across the open space in front of our line, a
+space not more than one-fourth of a mile wide, beyond
+which the ground was interrupted by forests, to attack
+the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>With quick and steady step, the well trained division
+advanced across the field, deploying to the right and left;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>
+and before half crossing the open space their pace was
+quickened to a run; constantly firing as they dashed forward
+on the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the edge of the forest was reached; and here
+considerable opposition was met with; yet, after a moment's
+halt, the division again pushed forward into the
+woods. The din of arms was heard for a few moments,
+then the firing ceased, and our troops were in possession
+of the ground.</p>
+
+<p>The rebels were, in their turn, now panic-stricken; and
+hundreds of them rushed back to the confederate capital,
+spreading the alarm, and declaring that the Yankees were
+about to walk into the city.</p>
+
+<p>It was doubtless a sad mistake that this victory was not
+followed up. The rebels, who had greatly outnumbered
+us in the fight of the day before, were now themselves
+outnumbered. They had suffered severe repulses on the
+evening before, and on this day their rear-guard had been
+whipped by General Hooker.</p>
+
+<p>A renewal of the attack in force on the part of the
+Union army would have probably resulted in the capture
+of the beleaguered city. As it was, the commander of
+the Union army was on the north side of the Chickahominy,
+many miles from the scene of action, and no order for
+a forward movement was given.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks.
+Fought for the most part, by a single division of less than
+six thousand men, against the combined forces of Longstreet,
+Hill, Smith and Huger; all under the immediate
+command of the Commander-in-Chief of the rebel army,
+General Johnston.</p>
+
+<p>General Johnston had become satisfied, from the reports
+of his scouts, that only Keyes' corps, of two divisions, was
+across the Chickahominy. Believing that the bad state
+of the roads and the swollen condition of the Chickahominy,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>
+would effectually prevent reinforcements reaching
+this corps before he could fall upon it and crush it, he
+had determined to bring an overwhelming force against
+it. Accordingly, the divisions of Longstreet, Hill, Smith
+and Huger, were placed in position to make a sudden and
+destructive assault upon the front and flanks of Casey's
+exposed division, in the confident expectation of annihilating
+it. But, instead of giving way before this avalanche,
+as Johnston had contemplated, the regiments of the division,
+with few exceptions, manfully held their ground for
+three hours.</p>
+
+<p>The Commander-in-Chief reported to the Secretary of
+War that Casey's division "gave way unaccountably and
+discreditably." Five days later he promised to modify
+his charge, if he found occasion; but it was only in his final
+report, made many months after leaving the army, he was
+constrained to acknowledge the good conduct of the division&mdash;an
+act of tardy justice to deserving men.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the great disparity in the numbers of
+those engaged on the rebel and Union sides, the losses
+were nearly equal. The Union army lost four thousand
+five hundred and seventeen in killed and wounded, and
+one thousand two hundred and twenty-two missing.
+Nearly one-half of all these losses were from Casey's and
+Couch's divisions. General Johnston reported the rebel
+loss in Longstreet's and Hill's commands at four thousand
+two hundred and thirty-six.</p>
+
+<p>Among the trophies of the enemy, were ten pieces of
+artillery and four stands of colors.</p>
+
+<p>With these trophies, they were satisfied to boast their
+victory; regardless of the fact that they had been the
+assailants in superior numbers, and had been repulsed with
+fearful slaughter, and that the only fruit of their boasted
+victory was a few guns and colors, as an offset for the loss
+of thousands of their soldiers. General Johnston himself<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>
+was among the rebel wounded, and was forced to give
+over the command to another.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, the Union army might, had the
+corps on the north bank of the Chickahominy promptly
+followed that of General Sumner across the river, have
+easily entered Richmond. But the hesitancy which characterized
+the movements of the army lost to us all the
+advantages of success. Early next day the treacherous
+river had risen to such an extent as to render crossing
+almost impossible; so the army remained as the battle of
+Fair Oaks had left it; three corps on the south, and two
+on the north side of the Chickahominy, separated by an
+almost unsurmountable obstacle.</p>
+
+<p>From our camp at Gaines' Farm, the men of the Sixth
+corps could see the smoke of battle and hear the roar of
+artillery and musketry; but were not able to go to the
+assistance of their fellows.</p>
+
+<p>The distance from Gaines' Farm to Fair Oaks was, in a
+direct line, scarcely more than four miles, but as all communications
+with the opposite side of the river were by
+way of Bottom's Bridge, the distance was about fifteen
+miles. The Vermont brigade essayed a crossing in our
+own front on the afternoon of the second day of the fight,
+with the view of rendering assistance on the other side,
+but the attempt was abandoned.</p>
+
+<p>General McClellan, with General Hancock and other
+officers, took a position in the line of our Third brigade,
+on Sunday, where they remained watching the progress
+of the battle from afar until darkness shut out the view.</p>
+
+<p>On the day after the battle, rain poured in a continuous
+storm; deluging the roads and swelling what had been
+but rivulets the day before, into rivers. In the midst of
+this tempest of rain, Casey's division, destitute of tents
+and blankets, weary from fighting and disheartened by
+injustice, marched six miles to the rear to find a new<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>
+encampment. On the 5th of June, Smith's division, of
+the Sixth corps, was ordered to cross the Chickahominy,
+and encamp on "Golden's Farm," nearly opposite. The
+Third brigade took the advance, followed by the rest of
+the division. Owing to the swollen state of the river,
+and the impossibility of bridging it, the division was
+forced to march to Dispatch Station before effecting a
+crossing. The march was a long and weary one to gain a
+distance less than three miles.</p>
+
+<p>Some of our troops were found skirmishing with the
+enemy, and our batteries opened upon the gray coats, who
+quickly surrendered the ground and took to flight. Our
+Second division encamped in a pleasant locality, yet in
+close proximity to the swamp.</p>
+
+<p>The Chickahominy wound its doubtful course among
+multitudes of islands scarcely raised above the surface,
+yet covered with trees, shrubs and vines in profusion,
+within a few rods of our camp. Beyond us, in our front,
+were forests of luxuriant growths of trees and climbing
+shrubs, and the country all about us was interrupted with
+rank growth of timber. The division at once proceeded,
+as did all the other divisions in the army, to throw up
+earthworks; making slow advances at certain points by
+pushing these works further toward the front. On the
+18th, we were joined by the other division, Slocum's.
+The Sixth corps now formed the right of the new line of
+battle on the south of the river. The line reached from
+Golden's Farm to Fair Oaks. Day and night the men
+worked at the breastworks and bridges. One-third of
+the army was employed constantly at these works, and the
+immense lines of intrenchments were marvels of achievements
+in engineering. These were all constructed under
+the fire of the enemy; no day passing without its skirmish.
+Soldiers were daily brought to the hospitals with wounds,
+even in the most quiet times.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Everything combined to exhaust the energies of the
+men and produce fevers, diarrheas and scurvy. Day after
+day the men worked under a burning sun, throwing up
+the immense walls of earth, or toiled standing to their
+waists in water, building bridges. Night after night they
+were called to arms, to resist some threatened attack of
+the enemy. Their clothing and tents were drenched with
+frequent rains, and they often slept in beds of mud.
+With the hot weather, the malaria became more and more
+deadly. The whole country was alternately overflowed
+and drained; and the swamps were reeking with the
+poisoned air. The hospitals became daily more crowded.
+The strongest were constantly falling. Diarrhea, typhoid
+fever, and other miasmatic maladies, became almost universal.
+Men who worked at the breastworks one day
+would be found in the hospitals on the next, burning with
+fever, tormented with insatiable thirst, racked with pains,
+or wild with delirium; their parched lips, and teeth blackened
+with sordes, the hot breath and sunken eyes, the
+sallow skin and trembling pulse, all telling of the violent
+workings of these diseases.</p>
+
+<p>Day after day, scores of brave men, who had left their
+northern homes to aid in the hour of their country's need,
+were borne to lowly graves along the banks of that fatal
+river; and at times one might sit in the door of his tent
+and see as many as six or seven funeral parties bearing
+comrades to their humble resting places.</p>
+
+<p>Hospital steamers plied constantly from the White
+House to Washington, Alexandria and Philadelphia, bearing
+thousands of these victims of disease; and many, with
+stoic indifference, lay down in their shelter tents and
+gave themselves over to death, without even applying to
+comrades or surgeons for assistance.</p>
+
+<p>Everywhere at the north, men were seen on cars and
+steamers, on the streets and in the houses, whose sallow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>
+countenances, emaciated appearance, and tottering steps,
+marked them as the victims of "Chickahominy fever."
+Express cars groaned with the weight of coffins containing
+the remains of youths who but a few months before
+had gone to the war in the pride of their strength, and had
+now yielded, not to the bullets of the enemy, but to the
+grim spirit which hovered over that river of death.</p>
+
+<p>Our army seemed on the point of annihilation from
+disease; and matters were constantly growing worse. At
+White House landing, great temporary hospitals were
+established, where hundreds languished, and waited their
+turn to be sent north.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, for nearly a month, the two armies looked each
+other in the face, each engaged in throwing up defenses
+against the approach of the other, but neither attempting
+to bring on any general engagement. The pickets of the
+two opposing forces were within speaking distance, but
+they contented themselves with watching each other, and,
+as a general rule, amicable relations existed between them.
+But occasionally, when a belligerent regiment would be
+on picket on one or the other side, some fellow, who
+imagined he had a capital chance to pick off an opposing
+picket, would blaze away; when in a moment the whole
+line on either side would flash with the discharge of musketry.
+Night demonstrations on the part of the enemy
+were so common, that it was a rare thing for our troops
+not to turn out at midnight, or at two or three o'clock in
+the morning, and stand under arms until after daylight.</p>
+
+<p>The men of our Third brigade were a part of the time
+engaged in building a strong fort, near the river bank,
+which, in honor of our dashing brigadier, was named Fort
+Davidson.</p>
+
+<p>A new regiment was added to Davidson's brigade
+during the month of June, the Twentieth New York.
+The regiment was composed entirely of German Turners.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>
+Nearly every man had served his three years in the Prussian
+service.</p>
+
+<p>They had been stationed in the works at Newport
+News, and their drill excelled anything in the army,
+either in the regular or volunteer branch of service.
+Their full ranks, and their unsoiled uniforms, were in
+striking contrast with the shattered and worn-out regiments
+forming the rest of the brigade.</p>
+
+<p>Among the causes of discouragement and anxiety for
+the safety of our army, was the notorious raid of General
+Stuart in our rear. This energetic officer, with a body of
+about two thousand rebel cavalry, had swept round our
+entire rear, causing something of a panic, not only at
+White House, where all the shipping dropped down the
+river, but in the ranks of the army, where it was feared
+that our communications were destroyed, and we were
+liable to be hemmed in and overthrown at any time.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_ix" id="chapter_ix"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The army united&mdash;Plans and counter plans&mdash;Battle of Fair Oaks&mdash;Lee's plan&mdash;The
+situation&mdash;Stonewall Jackson on the flank&mdash;Battle of Mechanicsville&mdash;Joy
+in camp&mdash;Porter's corps retreats&mdash;An astonished army&mdash;Battle of Gaines' Farm&mdash;Slocum's
+division at Games' Farm&mdash;Retreat to the river&mdash;Battle of Golden's
+Farm&mdash;A young hero&mdash;A Union victory&mdash;Our right exposed&mdash;The sick abandoned&mdash;A
+night of sorrow&mdash;The grand retreat commenced&mdash;Sad scenes at
+Savage's Station&mdash;A meteor railroad train.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>At length, after great labor, the bridge across the river,
+near our own camps, was finished. It was an immense
+structure, spanning not only the river, but the swampy
+banks on either side to a great distance. Sumner's forces
+had also rebuilt and enlarged the bridge below, and now
+the two wings of the army, after weeks of separation,
+were united by means of these bridges. Communications
+were now rapid and easy, and there was no difficulty in
+reinforcing one wing with troops from the other.</p>
+
+<p>General McClellan now determined to act; and an
+advance of our picket line was ordered on the 25th of
+June, preparatory to a general forward movement.</p>
+
+<p>But General McClellan was not alone in deciding upon
+this particular time for commencing offensive operations.</p>
+
+<p>General Lee, who had succeeded to the command of
+the rebel army when Johnston was wounded, aware of
+McClellan's intentions of approaching the city by regular
+approaches, and aware that it was in no condition long to
+withstand a siege, determined to act on the offensive.</p>
+
+<p>The two armies were now about equal in numbers, each
+consisting of a little more than one hundred thousand men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>
+for duty. (Our army had 115,000 men for duty.)
+Our own army had recently been reinforced
+by McCall's division, and five or six thousand troops from
+Fortress Monroe; and the rebel army had been strengthened
+by the accession of Jackson's force, of nearly twenty
+thousand, from the valley.</p>
+
+<p>McClellan's first move was to advance the left wing,
+under Heintzelman, who occupied the ground on which
+had been fought the battle of Fair Oaks. General Hooker
+was ordered to advance his division about a mile across a
+clearing in his front. This the gallant general essayed to do.</p>
+
+<p>In front of his camp, before reaching the clearing, was
+a thick entanglement of low pines and bushes, filled with
+swamps and ponds. This chaparral was about five hundred
+yards wide. Beyond was the clearing, in which were
+the rifle pits and strong redoubts of the enemy, and still
+farther on a forest. Hooker's brigades, commanded by
+Sickles, Grover and Robinson, protected on the left flank
+by Kearney's division, and on the right by a Massachusetts
+regiment, moved into the tangled forest, about eight
+o'clock on the morning of the 25th. Grover's pickets
+soon fell in with those of the enemy, and sharp skirmishing
+commenced; but the rebel picket line was steadily
+driven back into the clearing, where it was strengthened
+by their reserve. The fighting now became general. The
+woods rang with the sharp sounds of musketry and
+the deep tones of the artillery, and clouds of smoke
+obscured the scene from view. Ambulances were emerging
+from the woods bearing the wounded; and bloody
+forms on stretchers, and the less seriously wounded leaning
+on the shoulders of comrades, made up a melancholy
+procession.</p>
+
+<p>The fire in the edge of the woods and in the open fields
+increased in intensity, until all of Hooker's and part of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>
+Kearney's forces were brought into action. The rebels
+finally retreated across the field to the cover of their rifle
+pits. The retreat was slow and orderly, every foot of the
+way being disputed.</p>
+
+<p>Our men were exultingly pushing forward, determined
+to drive them from their pits also, when an order from
+General McClellan directed General Hooker to retire with
+his division to the original position. Here was evidently
+a sad misconception of the state of affairs, for, when the
+Commander-in-Chief, an hour later, arrived on the field
+and consulted with General Hooker, the men were ordered
+forward once more to occupy the ground they had once
+taken and surrendered.</p>
+
+<p>This time there was less resistance. The rebels steadily
+gave way, giving up their rifle pits and yielding the whole
+of the open field. Under cover of the forest beyond the
+field they made another stand, and late in the afternoon a
+brigade charged upon our lines; but they were bravely
+met by men of Grover's brigade, and driven back, leaving
+three hundred of their dead on the field.</p>
+
+<p>By the action of this day, our line was advanced on the
+left nearly a mile. The victory, such as it was, cost us six
+hundred and forty men in killed and wounded. The men
+remained under arms all night, in readiness to meet the
+frequent sorties of the enemy, who intended nothing more
+serious than preventing reinforcements from being sent to
+the right of our line.</p>
+
+<p>Little did General Lee heed these operations on our left.
+It was all the better for his plan that the attention of our
+army should be engaged in this direction. He was ready
+now to execute his plan of raising the siege of Richmond;
+and a tremendous force had been massed against our right,
+ready to advance upon it and our rear, with the hope of
+cutting the Union army off from its supplies, and placing
+it in the greatest jeopardy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Let us, for a moment, recall the position of our army,
+which, since the first battle of Fair Oaks, has been somewhat
+changed. Porter's corps, consisting of McCall's,
+Morrell's and Sykes' divisions, still held the right, on the
+north bank of the Chickahominy, at Gaines' Farm and
+Mechanicsville. The several bridges which had been
+constructed since the 1st of June, formed avenues of
+communication between the two portions of the army
+separated by the river. Next, near the river, and opposite
+Porter's corps, was our own Sixth corps, Slocum's and
+Smith's divisions, Smith's nearest the stream. Then, on
+our left was Sumner's corps, Sedgwick's and Richardson's
+divisions; and finally, on the left of all, was Heintzelman,
+with his divisions under Hooker and Kearney, and Couch's
+division, of Keyes' corps. Casey's shattered division was
+in the rear, guarding Bottom's Bridge and the road to the
+White House.</p>
+
+<p>The line stretched from Mechanicsville across the river
+to Golden's Farm, and thence to Fair Oaks.</p>
+
+<p>The whole of this extensive line was protected by
+earthworks of marvelous magnitude, and whole forests of
+timber slashed in front of some parts of the line formed
+almost impenetrable abattis.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, Lee's army had been as actively
+engaged in ditching and throwing up redoubts, and Richmond
+was surrounded by a cordon of most powerful
+works. Stonewall Jackson had been recalled from the
+Shenandoah Valley; and now, with an army of thirty
+thousand men, a very large proportion of them being men
+of his original army, he hung upon our right and rear,
+ready to come down upon our communications and flank
+like an avalanche.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had General McClellan finished his dispatch to
+the Secretary of War, in which he announced the glad
+tidings that he had got his pickets in the right place,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>
+preparatory to a general advance, before he was aroused
+from his illusion by the intelligence that the pickets on the
+right were being driven in. He had already, during
+the day, learned something of Jackson's position, and it
+was now easy to divine the intention of that energetic chief.</p>
+
+<p>During the night, Hill and Longstreet crossed the
+upper Chickahominy; and, by rapid marches, confronted
+the pickets of McCall's division at Mechanicsville before
+daylight on the morning of the 26th. Jackson, delayed
+by our skirmishers, was still behind. Without waiting for
+Jackson, Hill ordered an attack by daylight. Our pickets
+were forced back upon the main line, and the battle of
+Mechanicsville commenced. McCall's division, consisting
+of Reynolds', Meade's and Seymour's brigades, was
+strongly posted behind Beaver Dam creek; a stream about
+twelve feet wide, wooded on either side, with water waist
+deep, and a steep bank on the side held by the Union
+forces. Along this bank, timber had been felled, rifle pits
+dug, and other careful preparations made for meeting an
+attack. The only accessible places for artillery were the
+two roads which crossed the stream, one at Ellison's Mills,
+and the other a mile above. Against these two points
+the rebels directed their principal efforts. Hill's division
+made the first assault. Clearing their rifle pits, his men
+rushed forward with a yell, gaining the creek, within a
+hundred yards of our line. Here the creek and the
+almost impenetrable abattis checked their progress, and a
+murderous fire of shot, shells, cannister and musketry was
+opened upon them, which threw them into confusion, and
+repulsed them with fearful loss. Again and again the
+charge was renewed; each time with equal want of success.
+More and more grand and terrible the battle
+became, as the combatants struggled with each other at
+close range. Thus far there had been no such terrific
+artillery firing during the war. The uproar was incessant,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>
+and sublime beyond description. Finding the position
+too strong to be carried by direct assault, the confederates
+fell back to their rifle pits; leaving their many dead and
+wounded on the ground. The men of McCall's division,
+securely posted behind their breastworks, had suffered
+comparatively little; our loss not exceeding three hundred
+in killed and wounded, out of the six thousand belonging
+to the brigades engaged.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, the rebels had lost heavily. From
+their own official reports, it is known that of the twelve
+thousand engaged, the loss in killed and wounded was
+fifteen hundred; Ripley's single brigade losing five hundred
+and seventy-four men.</p>
+
+<p>Both Davis and Lee were present on the field, directing
+in person the movements, and exposed to the fire where
+the battle was fiercest. General McClellan was at the
+head-quarters of General Porter, where he remained until
+the close of the battle, when he rode over the field.</p>
+
+<p>From the camp of the Sixth corps, the battle-field was
+not more than four or five miles distant in a direct line,
+though by way of the bridge it was much farther.</p>
+
+<p>We could watch the columns of smoke as they rolled
+up from the scene of carnage, and see the flashes of bursting
+shells, like sheets of lightning in dark thunder-clouds,
+and hear the tremendous roar of arms. In the afternoon,
+as the rebels charged upon a certain part of our lines, we
+could watch the movements of both armies. Our only
+part in the engagement was to stand to arms, ready to
+rush to the assistance of those on the other side of the
+river, at a moment's notice. In the evening, the news of
+our success spread through the army, creating the wildest
+joy. Men who had, by constant hardships, and by continually
+looking on death, almost forgotten the feelings
+of joy, now broke out in loud shouts of gladness; and for
+the first time in many weeks the bands played those heart-stirring<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>
+national airs, which in times past had been wont
+to fill the hearts of the soldiers with enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>The night passed in constant watchfulness, the men
+resting upon their arms; for a renewal of the attack
+might be expected at any moment. Still, the men of the
+whole of the left wing of the army were exulting in
+the glad hope that in the morning we were to march into
+Richmond, almost without opposition; and that their high
+hopes of success were to be speedily realized. The prize
+which they had so often been promised, seemed almost
+within their grasp. Men shook hands with each other,
+sung patriotic songs, and shouted in greatest glee.</p>
+
+<p>Bands continued to ring out their notes of gladness
+until long after nightfall; general officers rode about
+announcing a grand victory; all was the most intense
+excitement; and the men lay down upon their arms to
+dream of reveling in the streets of Richmond before
+another night. For weeks, even the drum calls and the
+bugle notes had not been heard in our camps. Now, as
+if suddenly waked from a long slumber, the strains of the
+bugle and the roll of the drum were added to the general
+rejoicing.</p>
+
+<p>It was known that the rebel troops engaged were not
+those of Jackson. He then must be working around to our
+rear. He was known to have a very large force; not less
+than thirty thousand. It was evident that our communications
+were in great danger, and that unless the main force
+of our army, now on the right bank of the Chickahominy,
+were hastily concentrated on the left bank, we could not
+expect to hold the line to the Pamunkey another day. If
+this were done, the rebels could easily prevent our retreat to
+the James river, and leave us on the banks of the Pamunkey.
+Accordingly, General McClellan gave up all hope of being
+able to maintain the position of that portion of the army
+on the north side of the Chickahominy, and at once issued<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>
+orders with a view of preparing for a change of base.
+The quartermaster at White House was directed to "send
+cars to the last moment, and load them with provisions
+and ammunition." "Load every wagon you have," said
+the dispatch, "with subsistence, and send them to Savage's
+Station. If you are obliged to abandon White House,
+burn everything you cannot get off."</p>
+
+<p>The quartermaster was directed, also, to throw all his
+supplies, not burned or sent to the army, up the James
+river, and there establish depots of supplies. General
+Casey, who was now in command of the guard at White
+House, was instructed to see these orders carried out. He
+burned immense quantities of stores, consisting of clothing,
+subsistence, and other war material, and then hastily
+marched his force to rejoin the army.</p>
+
+<p>The evening of the 26th was passed in gladness over
+our victory; but while the army was rejoicing at this
+temporary success, it was losing one of the grandest
+opportunities ever presented it for entering the rebel
+capital. The whole plan of Lee had been based upon a
+false calculation; and had this mistake been improved by
+our commanders, the history of the war would have been
+entirely changed. Both Lee and Davis believed that
+the main body of our army was on the north side of the
+Chickahominy; whereas, of the five corps constituting
+our army, only one, that of Porter, remained on that side.
+Under this erroneous impression, Lee had brought nearly
+the whole of his army across the river to assail the Union
+army on its right. This was known to our generals, for
+while positive information had been received that Jackson,
+with his large army, was making for our rear, the prisoners
+taken during the day were from Hill's command, and from
+them it was known that the troops of A. P. Hill, Longstreet
+and D. H. Hill, were confronting us on the right.
+Thus, between our main force, of over seventy-six thousand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>
+men, and Richmond, less than twenty-five thousand
+rebels guarded their extensive line of works. A concentrated
+assault of the four corps on the south side of the
+river must have resulted in the utter rout of the force
+opposed to them, and the road to Richmond would have
+been opened.</p>
+
+<p>But the error of General Lee was never suspected, and
+this grand opportunity was lost.</p>
+
+<p>During the night of the 26th, the heavy artillery and
+baggage of Porter's corps was all sent across the river.
+McCall's whole division, except a line of pickets left as a
+blind, also fell back five miles below, to the vicinity of the
+bridge at Gaines' Farm, where the three divisions of
+the corps united.</p>
+
+<p>The astonishment of the men on the south side of the
+river on discovering, in the morning, that Porter's corps
+had fallen back, was only equaled by their mortification
+and disappointment, as they saw the long lines of rebels
+advancing in the gray of the morning against our retreating
+column.</p>
+
+<p>They had believed, when night came on, that our arms
+had achieved the first of a series of victories which was
+to give us the rebel capital. Now they saw that our army
+was already in retreat, and they gazed at the long train
+of artillery and wagons, which had parked near us, with
+downcast faces. From our camp, Porter's division could
+be distinctly seen, and we could watch the movements of
+the rebels as they arrived upon the highlands, formed
+their line on the range of hills opposite Porter, and
+planted their guns near the large barn on Dr. Gaines' farm.</p>
+
+<p>The position of Porter's corps was a strong one; and
+he was ordered to hold it till night, and then to cross the
+bridge and burn it after him; the upper bridge having
+been burned during the night. The country between the
+two lines was rolling, somewhat wooded, but in parts<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>
+cleared. Both parties went to work to cut down trees in
+their front.</p>
+
+<p>The rebel forces, who supposed on the 26th that they
+were fighting our main army, were surprised, on the morning
+of the 27th, to find that only a picket line opposed
+them. They were early astir; and advancing against the
+slender line, drove it back. The whole rebel force
+advanced cautiously; A. P. Hill and Longstreet bearing
+to the right, while D. H. Hill turned to the left, to unite
+with Jackson, who was supposed to be coming in from the
+rear. Owing to the uneven country over which they were
+advancing, their march was slow; for they might fall
+upon a Union line of battle behind any rounding swell of
+land.</p>
+
+<p>It was afternoon before the rebel army had fully formed
+its line on Gaines' Farm. The position of that army was
+nearly that of the same army when Grant attacked it at
+Coal Harbor two years later, only it was faced about.
+The battle opened about one o'clock, by skirmishing on
+both sides; but it was not till an hour later that Hill's
+division dashed across the open space, rushing through
+the swamp, and under a severe fire from our batteries and
+musketry, pushed up the slope on which was posted our
+line. The confederate troops advanced almost up to
+Sykes' line of battle on the right, and in other parts of
+the line actually forced back the Union troops; but they
+were able to hold their position only a short time, when
+they were forced back with great loss.</p>
+
+<p>Longstreet now advanced against the left of our line,
+but he too met with a stern reception, and he withdrew to
+rearrange his plan of attack.</p>
+
+<p>By this time Jackson was approaching, and now the
+overwhelming forces of the enemy promised to crush
+the single corps; but Slocum's division of our Sixth corps
+was ordered to the relief of the Fifth corps, and arrived<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>
+at four o'clock. The division was sent into the fight at
+once, each brigade being ordered separately to strengthen
+the weak points of the line. Thus, while the division
+fought bravely, and suffered equally in proportion with the
+Fifth corps, its incorporation with that corps for the time
+deprived it of the honors to which it was justly entitled.</p>
+
+<p>Bartlett, with his brigade, went to the aid of Sykes, who
+was doubtfully struggling to hold his line; but who now,
+by the aid of the gallant brigade, was able to hurl the
+assailants back from his front.</p>
+
+<p>The rebel line being completed, Longstreet, A. P. Hill,
+and Jackson all up with their troops, a general advance
+was made.</p>
+
+<p>The charge was made with great spirit, the rebels
+rushing over the open ground and floundering through
+the swamp under a most writhing fire, but the position of
+our forces was still too strong for them. At all points
+they were repulsed with terrible slaughter. First on the
+right, where Sykes' regulars, supported by Bartlett's brigade,
+withstood the onset of Hill, the disordered and
+disheartened confederates began to scatter in all directions.</p>
+
+<p>One of the confederate generals reported that had not
+his men fallen back themselves he would have ordered it.
+"Men were leaving the field," says another general, "in
+every direction; two regiments ... were actually
+marching back under fire. Men were skulking from the
+woods in a shameful manner. The woods on our left and
+rear were full of troops in safe cover, from which they
+never stirred." Such was the effect of the reception given
+by the regulars. On our left they met with no better
+success. These, too, fell back in disorder. Now a desperate
+attempt was made against our center. The tactics
+with which we afterwards became so familiar on the part
+of the rebels were brought to bear. This was in massing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>
+troops against certain parts of our line and making
+desperate onslaughts with a view of breaking the line.
+The forces of Jackson, Hill and Longstreet threw themselves
+fiercely against our works, but without being able to
+drive our men back. Here it was that the First and Third
+brigades of Slocum's division saved the wavering line, and
+all the fury of the rebels was spent in vain. General Porter
+directed Newton's brigade to its position in the center;
+Newton leading the Thirty-first New York and Ninety-fifth
+Pennsylvania into the woods on one side, and the
+gallant Colonel Matheson with the Eighteenth and Thirty-second
+entering on the other, both in the face of a
+destructive fire. The rebels charged upon the brigade
+and gallantly the charge was met. Newton, seeing the
+rebel line waver before the fire of his men, shouted "Forward!"
+and the impetuous regiments cleared the woods
+and drove the rebels more than seven hundred yards.
+But the confederates, reinforced, pressed hard upon them
+with overwhelming numbers, and Newton demanded aid.
+Regiments from the New Jersey brigade rushed to the
+assistance of their brothers of the Third brigade, cheering
+as they advanced, and the position was held until the left
+wing of Porter's corps gave way. For two hours the conflict
+on this part of the line raged with terrible violence;
+the columns surging backward and forward, neither party
+being able to gain any permanent advantage. Never had
+we heard such volleys of musketry as now rolled along the
+borders of the swampy Chickahominy. Artillery was less
+used; a strip of pine woods intervening between the position
+occupied by some of our batteries and the rebel line
+preventing an accurate range. The attempt to break our
+center was abandoned, and now immense forces were
+brought against the left. The roar of battle became more
+loud than before. The thousand continuous volleys of musketry
+mingled in one grand tumultuous concert of death;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>
+while the booming of artillery, which was now brought
+more into action, shook the earth for miles around. Under
+the pressure of overwhelming numbers, one brigade gave
+way; and another on the extreme left, finding itself outflanked,
+fought its way back to the upper bridge, which
+had been partially destroyed during the night, and, crossing
+to the south side of the river, gathered its shattered
+regiments behind the breastworks of our Second division.</p>
+
+<p>For two hours and a half the battle had raged fiercely
+on this part of the line, and as these brigades on the
+right gave way, the confusion spread all along. The
+rebels, seeing the disorder, and encouraged by their success
+on the left, came on with redoubled fury; and the
+whole line gave way, and fell back to some high grounds
+near the bridge. Here two brigades from the Third corps
+appeared as reinforcements, and the retreat was checked.
+The Fifth corps, with Slocum's division and the two
+brigades from the Third corps, were able to hold their
+position on the north side of the river till after dark.</p>
+
+<p>But we had been beaten, and our losses were very
+great. Twenty-two pieces of artillery fell into the hands
+of the enemy. We lost two thousand prisoners, among
+whom was General Reynolds, commanding one of McCall's
+brigades; and our killed and wounded numbered about
+four thousand. The rebels had suffered greater losses in
+men, nine thousand five hundred having been killed or
+wounded. The action, on the part of the rebels, had been
+directed by General Lee in person, who was on the field
+during the whole action, controlling the movements of his
+troops, and attending to the details of the fight. On our
+part, the battle had been fought entirely under the direction
+of General Porter. General McClellan, believing he
+could best watch the movements at all parts of his line
+from a central position, had remained during the day at
+the Trent House, five miles from the scene of action,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>
+without deeming it necessary even to ride down to the
+river by the Woodbury bridge. (McClellan's Report.)</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, while the battle raged with fury on the north
+side of the Chickahominy, there was active work in our
+own front. Our Second division, at Golden's Farm, was
+joined on the left by Sedgwick's division, of the Third
+corps. The two divisions held the key to Richmond; for,
+had the brave men composing them, under the leadership
+of such men as Smith and Sedgwick, been ordered to
+break through the rebel line, there was no power in their
+front to restrain them. The rebels, aware of this, and
+designing to prevent reinforcements from going to Porter,
+made frequent feints all along our line. Now with pickets,
+and anon, gathering a considerable force, they would
+advance upon some part of our works. From the nature
+of the ground, they could appear in large force at one
+point, then withdrawing, pass under cover of the woods
+and reappear at another point; thus keeping up the idea
+of a large force.</p>
+
+<p>These skirmishes and the artillery duels had been kept
+up all day, to the annoyance of all.</p>
+
+<p>Just at sunset, Davidson's brigade was ordered to cross
+the river, by the Woodbury bridge, to reinforce the Fifth
+corps. Preparations for moving were not complete, when
+the enemy opened a fierce fire of artillery and musketry.
+The idea of reinforcing the Fifth corps was at once abandoned,
+and we hastily took refuge from the howling
+missiles behind our breastworks. The artillery firing
+increased, until the scene became in the highest degree
+exciting.</p>
+
+<p>Our guns were answering the rebels with great spirit,
+hurling shells fast and furiously, and clouds of smoke
+rolled up from both the opposing lines. At length the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>
+rebel infantry was brought forward to charge our line.
+Hancock's brigade of our Second division, and Burns' of
+Sedgwick's division, were farthest in advance. Hancock
+had taken up a critical position in front of the line of
+works, where his brigade was supporting a strong battery.
+Against these two advance brigades the enemy pounced
+with the hope of routing them by this sudden onset.
+Against Hancock they made the most desperate attempt,
+but with no success further than driving in the picket line.
+In return, the rebels were hurried back to the cover of the
+woods from whence they came, leaving many dead and
+wounded on the field. While the First brigade was thus
+bravely withstanding the assault of the rebels, the Third
+brigade and the Second occupied a second line, acting as
+support, but neither were actively engaged; yet several
+of the regiments in the second line lost men by the shells.</p>
+
+<p>During the night our Third brigade relieved Hancock's
+regiments and remained in possession of the advanced
+position until afternoon next day. We had moved from
+our old position while the fight was in progress, and had
+left everything except arms and ammunition.</p>
+
+<p>We could hear the sound of ambulances in the front
+where the rebels were gathering up their wounded, till
+after midnight; and toward morning they made a sally
+upon a part of the line, but were quickly repulsed.</p>
+
+<p>June 28th, the men of Davidson's brigade who had been
+ordered the day before to leave haversacks, canteens,
+blankets and tents, found in the morning that their camp
+was occupied by another division, tired and hungry, who
+had lost their blankets in the fights of the two days
+before, and who had now appropriated the haversacks
+and blankets of our boys to their own use. Some confusion
+occurred upon making this discovery, but our boys
+soon helped themselves to substitutes and bore their loss
+on the whole very patiently.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Our picket line was relieved at 9 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span>, but before the
+whole line was changed the rebel batteries opened upon
+the moving companies a concentrated fire from twenty
+pieces of artillery, putting a stop to the process. Shot
+and shell came tearing through our camps in every direction,
+crashing through trees, throwing up great clouds of
+dust, riddling tents and alarming the cooks and contraband
+servants who remained in camp.</p>
+
+<p>This artillery practice continued for an hour without
+eliciting much reply from our side, as our guns had been
+nearly all withdrawn from the front to join the train
+preparatory to the retreat.</p>
+
+<p>The rebels ceased their fire and we inferred that they
+had withdrawn to some other point; but at two o'clock
+the mistake was discovered. A brigade of rebels was
+seen to leap over their breastworks and rush toward our
+line with yells and shouts like so many madmen. Our
+picket line was forced back before this impetuous charge,
+the pickets retreating to the main line.</p>
+
+<p>The Thirty-third New York held the principal part of
+the picket line, but two companies from the Forty-ninth
+Pennsylvania of Hancock's brigade, and a detachment
+from the Seventy-seventh New York also guarded a part
+of the line in front of the Second division.</p>
+
+<p>A part of the detachment from the Seventy-seventh
+held a small advance redoubt or lunette which had been
+thrown up by Hancock's men. Over this work the rebels
+rushed, unmindful of the bullets sent by the skirmishers,
+and the guard was compelled to retreat in haste.</p>
+
+<p>But all did not leave that picket line.</p>
+
+<p>One youth, as brave a boy as ever shouldered a musket,
+John Ham, of the Seventy-seventh regiment, had sworn
+never to retreat before the enemy. Faithful to his word,
+when the handful of pickets were compelled to retreat
+(and this was the first time that any part of his regiment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>
+had ever fallen back before the enemy), he stood his
+ground, loading and firing as rapidly as possible, alone
+defending the redoubt!</p>
+
+<p>The rebels pressed upon him, and he fell riddled with
+bullets. When, later in the day, we had driven the confederates
+back to their works, we recovered his body,
+pierced by bullets and bayonets.</p>
+
+<p>As the rebels neared our main line of battle, they were
+met by a withering fire from our men, and, after maintaining
+the contest for a few moments, they broke and fled in
+confusion, leaving the ground thickly strewed with dead
+and wounded. Not satisfied with this repulse, they
+reformed and came on again; this time with less audacity
+than at first. Again a murderous fire compelled them to
+fall back, leaving more of their number on the field.
+Among their wounded was Colonel Lamar, who was in
+command of the charging regiments.</p>
+
+<p>He was brought into our lines by Sergeant Bemis and
+another soldier of the Seventy-seventh. He had been
+formerly a mischievous member of congress from Georgia.</p>
+
+<p>The final repulse of the rebels was made more complete
+and more fatal to them by the timely aid of a section of
+Mott's battery, which had come up and opened an enfilading
+fire upon them from the left. Joyous cheers went up from
+our men as they saw the rebels fleeing in all directions,
+and it was only by the peremptory orders of their commanders
+that they were restrained from following the
+flying enemy.</p>
+
+<p>A company of about fifteen rebels threw out a white flag
+and voluntarily surrendered themselves. Fifty dead rebels
+and one hundred wounded remained in our front, whom
+their comrades were allowed to remove, under flag of truce.</p>
+
+<p>The Thirty-third New York had, during this engagement,
+sustained the principal shock of the enemy's charge;
+and with that gallantry for which they bore during their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>
+two years of service an enviable reputation, they met the
+charge and repulsed the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>By the retreat of the Fifth corps to the south side of
+the Chickahominy, which was accomplished during the
+night of the 27th and 28th, the rebel army was allowed
+to approach the river at Gaines' Farm. By this movement
+the camps of Davidson's brigade, which were upon the
+extreme right of our line, near the river, and the two forts
+we had erected, were rendered untenable; for the rebel
+guns shelled the whole position with ease. Our men
+went in squads and brought away the most valuable property,
+including regimental papers and the knapsacks and
+blankets. A few days before this, our whole corps, as
+well as the other corps of the army, had been supplied
+with an abundance of new tents. Staff and company
+officers had their wall tents, and the private soldiers their
+shelters. All these were destroyed by cutting them with
+knives; as it was known that any attempt to remove
+them would be discovered by the rebels, who would at
+once open all their batteries upon us.</p>
+
+<p>Now, the feelings of the men underwent a terrible
+revolution. It was, for the first time, told them that the
+army must <i>retreat</i> in all haste to the James river! Our
+brave fellows had looked with sad faces at Porter's
+retreating column; but that was felicity compared with
+what they now experienced. Even when the right wing
+was forced across the river, they still had faith that their
+bravery was to be rewarded with victory.</p>
+
+<p>Now, they felt that all was lost. General Davidson
+rode through the camps, and announced to the commanding
+officers of his regiments the mysterious information,
+with directions to get off a few valuable articles and
+abandon all else.</p>
+
+<p>Already, by Porter's retreat, the brave fellows in Liberty
+Hall Hospital, mangled and sick, groaning with wounds,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>
+and delirious with fevers, were abandoned, <i>deserted</i>, to fall
+into the hands of an enemy known to be merciless.</p>
+
+<p>And now the siege of Richmond was to be abandoned,
+and the men who but two days before had exulted in the
+glad hope of a speedy entrance into the city, which even
+now lay just within our grasp, were to turn their backs as
+<i>fugitives</i> before their enemies! It was a time of humiliation
+and sorrow. Every man was weighed down with a
+terrible anxiety. Officers hurried to and fro, silently and
+hastily forwarding the preparations for the retreat. The
+great caravan of army trains was on its way under the
+direction of scores of officers, and with it were escorts of
+cavalry and infantry.</p>
+
+<p>At three o'clock Sunday morning the 29th, the Sixth
+corps quietly evacuated its works and proceeded in the
+direction of Savage's Station. The men slung their knapsacks
+and quietly moved off. A scene of desolation met
+their view as they passed along. Tents cut to pieces,
+commissary stores thrown upon the ground or burning in
+heaps, blankets and clothing piled promiscuously about,
+not considered worth carrying away; all indicating a
+retreat under most disastrous circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>We had been preceded by Keyes' corps, which had
+started at noon the day before, crossed White Oak creek
+and occupied the opposite side, acting as advance guard
+for our long trains which were now making all haste
+toward the James river.</p>
+
+<p>The endless streams of army wagons, artillery trains
+and ambulances were all pouring down the roads from
+the various camps, and crowding into the narrow paths
+that led to the opposite side of the Peninsula. Porter's
+infantry mingled with the trains, and thousands of cattle
+driven along through the woods by the roadside made a
+strange scene. Franklin's, Sumner's and Heintzelman's
+corps were to guard the rear, and it was with secrecy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>
+that we had left the rifle pits; for the enemy was close
+upon us ready to take advantage of every movement. A
+picket guard was left to deceive the rebels, while regiment
+after regiment silently disappeared, leaving only the
+pickets to hold the long line of earthworks. These brave
+men waited hour after hour for the signal to retire. The
+gray lights of the morning broke upon them, yet there was
+no sign for them to join their commands. At length,
+when they had given up all hope of being relieved, they
+were signaled to leave the breastworks, and under cover
+of the morning mists, they quickly joined their comrades.</p>
+
+<p>The Second division moved in the direction of Savage's
+Station, while the First kept on to the crossing of White
+Oak Swamp, acting as rear-guard to Porter's corps. We
+of the Second division kept along the high lands which
+skirt the Chickahominy, when, after marching about two
+miles, the division was brought to bay by the pursuing
+enemy. Facing about we waited in line of battle for our
+trains to get out of the way; when we again resumed
+the retreat. While here, General McClellan, with his
+immense staff, rode by us on his way toward Harrison's
+Landing. He passed White Oak Swamp the same day,
+and waited the arrival of the army; which, hindered by
+battles and innumerable difficulties, did not come up with
+its commander again till the 1st of July.</p>
+
+<p>We arrived at Savage's Station at 4 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> Here trains
+and troops were crowded together in wonderful confusion.
+Immense heaps of commissary stores, arms and ammunition
+were waiting destruction lest they should fall into the
+hands of the enemy, and hundreds of sick and wounded
+men were taking sad leave of their friends; for it had
+been determined that these brave unfortunate men must
+be left to the tender mercies of the rebels. Again the
+division was formed in line of battle to protect our
+pioneers and the regiments which were engaged in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>
+destruction of the stores. The long railroad bridge
+across the river at this point had been burned. The
+work of destruction went on at a marvelous rate. Boxes
+of hard bread, hundreds of barrels of flour, rice, sugar,
+coffee, salt and pork were thrown upon the burning piles
+and consigned to the flames. One heap of boxes of hard
+bread as large as a good sized dwelling made a part of
+the sacrifice. Boxes of clothing and shoes were opened
+and every man as he passed helped himself to whatever
+he thought worth carrying away. Notwithstanding thousands
+helped themselves, and huge boxes of clothing were
+cast into the flames, we found on our return to the Peninsula
+two years afterwards, that the inhabitants for a long
+distance around were clothed and shod with articles left
+by us at Savage's Station on the grand retreat. The people
+had also made large gains by gathering up the coats,
+pants, shirts and shoes left on the ground and selling them
+in Richmond and elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>It was easy thus to dispose of commissary and quartermaster's
+stores, but to destroy the immense magazines of
+cartridges, kegs of powder, and shells, required more care.
+These were loaded into cars; a long train was filled with
+these materials, and then, after setting fire to each car, the
+train was set in motion down the steep grade. With
+wildest fury the blazing train rushed; each revolution of
+the wheels adding new impetus to the flying monster, and
+new volumes to the flames. The distance to the bridge
+was two miles. On and on the burning train thundered
+like a frightful meteor. Now, the flames being communicated
+to the contents of the cars, terrific explosions of
+shells and kegs of powder lent new excitement to the
+scene. The air was full of shrieking, howling shells,
+the fragments of which tore through the trees and
+branches of the forest; and huge fragments of cars were
+seen whirling high in the air.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At length the train reached the river; and such was its
+momentum, that, notwithstanding the bridge was burned,
+the engine and the first car leaped over the first pier
+in the stream, and the cars hung suspended. While this
+destruction was going on, Smith's division moved back
+beyond Savage's Station, toward White Oak Swamp,
+marching, with frequent halts, three or four miles, when
+we were ordered to retrace our steps with all speed, to
+reinforce Sumner's corps, which was engaging the enemy.
+The heat of the day was most oppressive. Many of our
+men fell with sunstroke. Among those who thus suffered
+was General Davidson.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_x" id="chapter_x"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE GRAND RETREAT.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Lee's army in pursuit&mdash;Sumner and Smith at Bay&mdash;Battle of Savage's Station&mdash;The
+Vermont Brigade&mdash;Sick and wounded abandoned&mdash;Retreat to White Oak
+Swamp&mdash;Battle of White Oak Swamp&mdash;An astonished division&mdash;A night march&mdash;A
+mystery&mdash;In sight of the James&mdash;Battle of Malvern Hill&mdash;Departure of the
+princes&mdash;Gloom and anxiety&mdash;Lee's attack&mdash;The rebels demoralized.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Meanwhile the rebel army, finding no force in front of
+them, were at first at a loss to determine what course we
+had taken; but when it was discovered that we had withdrawn
+from before both wings of their army and that our
+base of supplies at White House had been abandoned, it
+was quickly divined that the Union army was retreating
+to the James river. Stuart, with his cavalry, had dashed
+down to White House and found only heaps of smoldering
+ruins; and from the absence of all motion in front of
+the right of their line, it was clear that no attempt was to
+be made on Richmond. Finding himself thus unexpectedly
+victorious, Lee at once ordered his forces, now on the
+north bank of the Chickahominy, to cross over and pursue
+the retreating army.</p>
+
+<p>During the night of the 28th, they had been actively
+engaged in rebuilding the bridge destroyed by General
+Porter, and early on the morning of the 29th, the main
+body of Lee's army was pouring across the river. Hill
+and Longstreet moved rapidly so as to interpose between
+our army and Richmond, and to be able to strike us on the
+flank; two other divisions followed on the Charles City
+road, and Jackson, with his corps, moved down the bank
+of the Chickahominy, threatening our rear.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>To resist any attack from these approaching columns,
+Sumner's and Heintzelman's corps, and our Second division
+of the Sixth corps, were formed in line of battle before
+Savage's Station.</p>
+
+<p>For hours our division, with Sumner's corps, stood in
+the open field watching the enemy. Heintzelman withdrew
+his corps and left Sumner and Smith to stem the
+tide that was destined to pour upon us. It seems to have
+been the impression of General Heintzelman, who had
+listened with credulity to the stories of the immense superiority
+of the enemy in numbers, that all hope of resisting
+the power of Lee's army was gone, and that there remained
+nothing for us but to make the best of our way to the
+James river without stopping to give the enemy battle.</p>
+
+<p>In the view that there was no safety but in retreat, he
+was guided by the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief,
+who had no thought of any further resistance than should
+suffice to bring the men and as much of the material of
+the army as could be brought by the teams across the
+Peninsula. Not so the old war horse Sumner. He would
+gladly have attempted, a few hours later, to have "pushed
+the rebels into the Chickahominy," had not his application
+for help been answered from beyond White Oak Swamp,
+"The rear-guard will follow the retreat of the main body of
+the army." If there was no hope for the army but rapid
+retreat, then it was right for Heintzelman to leave the
+road clear; for as it was, with only Sumner's corps and
+our own division, the road was packed so full that the
+men could scarcely march. But if there was an opportunity
+of inflicting great injury upon the rebels, as Sumner
+believed there was, then we are not surprised at the amazement
+of the veteran when he discovered, the battle having
+commenced, that one corps had left the line altogether.
+We were now as near our new base of supplies as the rebels
+were to theirs, and here we had enough to last the army<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>
+many days. We were, as they had been, on the defensive;
+and we had the advantage in position. But there was
+nothing left for those now on the line but to make the
+best resistance possible under the circumstances, and then
+fall back to the banks of the James.</p>
+
+<p>About five o'clock the huge cloud of dust in the direction
+of the camps we had deserted, gave warning of the
+approach of that part of the rebel army which was marching
+by the Charles City road; and at sunset the thunders
+of their artillery burst upon us. For an hour, only the
+heavy roar of artillery was heard from both sides. Shells
+screamed from one side to the other, and the bright flashes
+and sharp reports, as they burst in the air, mingled with
+the noise and smoke of the battle, as battery responded
+to battery. Thus far no discharge of musketry was heard;
+but suddenly Magruder's men, with yells and shouts, rushed
+to the charge. Streams of fire flashed along the two lines,
+and the rattle of innumerable muskets told of closer work
+than artillery duels. The brave fellows of Sumner, and
+of our Vermont brigade, met the assailants with defiant
+shouts that rang out above the roar of muskets and
+cannon.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving Sumner's heroes to contend the ground on their
+part of the line, let us glance more in detail at the part
+borne by our own division in this battle of Savage's
+Station.</p>
+
+<p>The Vermont brigade having the advance of the division,
+General Brooks at once threw his regiments to the front.
+The Fifth and Sixth as skirmishers, supported by the
+Third and Second in line of battle, the Fourth being
+thrown upon the flank, the brigade advanced rapidly
+through a wide strip of woods. Suddenly, as the line of
+skirmishers emerged from the woods they received the fire
+of a battery and of a strong line of battle. The Fifth at
+once charged upon the force in front, which scattered in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>
+all directions. The rebels were beaten back both from
+our own and from Sumner's front; but only to reform and
+press forward again from the cover of the woods to which
+they had retreated, to give battle with new vigor. Again
+the flash and roar of musketry mingled with the wild yells
+of the rebels and the manly shouts of the Unionists, and
+again nothing could be seen but the clouds of smoke, out
+of which sprung the vivid blaze of the cannon, and the
+quick flash of the rifles. Every now and then, fresh
+troops arriving upon the field would send up the shout
+above all the other noise of battle, and then nothing but
+the continuous din of arms could be heard. Three rebel
+regiments now advanced against the Fifth Vermont; but
+the brave fellows secured a good position and held it,
+in spite of every effort of the rebels to dislodge them.
+The other regiments were not so hotly engaged as the
+Fifth. Two hundred of the men of that regiment were
+killed, wounded or missing. Fifty of their dead bodies
+were left on the field. Davidson's and Hancock's brigades
+guarded important positions, but were not actively
+engaged.</p>
+
+<p>The conflict raged till eight o'clock, when the confederates,
+repulsed at every point, beaten and discouraged,
+left the field, and no more was seen of them. The whole
+loss to the confederates in this engagement was about four
+hundred.</p>
+
+<p>Before midnight, the rear-guard had turned toward
+White Oak Swamp, leaving many hundreds of our brave
+wounded and sick men lying upon the green sward, or
+collected under rude shelters. Here, large groups were
+gathered under the shade of some large tree; and there,
+long lines of staggering invalids, leaning upon their guns
+or staffs for support, tottered after the retreating column,
+in the hope of being able to reach with it a place of
+safety.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Surgeons were left to care for these unfortunate ones
+who could not get off; and a small amount out of the
+abundance of provisions that was condemned to destruction
+was saved for them. Of all the sad scenes which
+had made the Peninsula swarm with melancholy memories,
+nothing we had seen could compare with this most
+sorrowful of all. Twenty-five hundred of our sick and
+wounded were left to fall into the hands of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>At nine or ten in the evening, we withdrew from our
+position before Savage's Station, and marched rapidly
+toward White Oak Swamp. The road was completely
+filled with wagons, ambulances and artillery, mingled
+with horsemen and infantry, all crowding forward with
+utmost speed. Never had our men experienced so severe
+a march. They were obliged to pick their way among
+the teams, losing all organization, each man bent upon
+making his way forward regardless of others.</p>
+
+<p>At length, toward morning, we crossed White Oak
+creek, ascended a little elevation on the further side, and
+lay down upon the grass completely exhausted and worn
+out.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was shining brightly when we were roused
+from our heavy slumbers. The morning passed in perfect
+quiet except the rattle of the trains which had parked
+here over night, and now were hurrying along the narrow
+road, wagons and artillery rushing by with all speed to
+allow room for the immense collection to file out. This
+process continued till afternoon, and was the only source
+of excitement to us except the distant roar of battle on
+the left, where McCall and Hooker were hotly engaged.
+Thus matters continued until about two o'clock; the men
+seeking shelter among the pines or resting quietly after
+their weary night's march. A picket line composed of
+men from the various regiments of our Third brigade,
+Second division, guarding our extreme right flank. All<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>
+were listless and little dreaming of the tremendous storm
+of iron hail which was gathering to break upon us in a
+moment.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, like a thunderbolt, seventy-five pieces of
+artillery belched forth their sheets of flame and howling
+shells; and in an instant, our whole division was thrown
+into the most perfect confusion by the deadly missiles
+which flew among us in every direction. Such cannonading
+had never before been heard by our army, and before
+our batteries could reply with any effect, the horses were
+killed, the gunners dispersed and the pieces disabled. It
+was a most perfect surprise; no one was prepared; men
+ran hither and thither seeking shelter behind any object
+which seemed even sufficient to conceal them from the
+view of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>It appeared that Jackson had effected a crossing of the
+river, and with great secrecy made his way to the border
+of White Oak creek, where, concealed by trees and underbrush,
+he had massed his batteries, and when all was in
+perfect readiness had opened upon us this storm of death.
+Unutterable confusion prevailed for a time; riderless horses
+galloped madly to the rear; men rushed here and there;
+officers wandered about without commands, and men were
+left without directions how to act. Generals Smith and
+Davidson occupied an old fashioned wooden house which
+stood upon the brow of the elevation above and facing
+the bridge. About it were many orderlies, holding their
+horses, or lounging carelessly, or chatting with each other.
+The very first volley riddled the house with shells; orderlies
+rushed from the place in consternation and the inmates
+quickly appeared without, gazing in amazement toward
+the source of this unexpected cause of the tumult. The
+gray-haired owner of the house was cut in two as he stood
+in the door, and several other persons were more or less
+injured. General Smith, at the moment the cannonade<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>
+opened, was engaged at his rude toilette; his departure
+from the house was so hasty that he left his watch, which
+he did not recover. He coolly walked off to a less exposed
+position and devoted himself to restoring order. One
+regiment, as soon as the shells began to fly, rushed pell-mell
+to the rear, none of the men standing upon the order of
+their going.</p>
+
+<p>During all this time a few of the regiments held their
+ground without moving. By active exertions, on the part
+of officers, order was restored and the whole division fell
+back a short distance, taking up a position at the edge of
+a strip of woods, which commanded an open field. General
+Smith, with his accustomed fearlessness, was to be seen
+riding along his lines exhorting his men to coolness, and
+by his own composure restoring confidence to them. The
+design of Jackson, to cross the stream, was frustrated.
+The firing soon ceased, and, as darkness came on, quiet
+again reigned, except now and then a little skirmishing.</p>
+
+<p>At nine o'clock in the evening, under cover of the darkness,
+we silently and hastily withdrew. All orders were
+given in whispers; men refrained from conversation; and
+everything indicated the most intense anxiety on the part
+of our generals for the safety of the army. Thus, in silence,
+we hastened on our way; the weary and exhausted
+troops scarcely able to keep awake while they marched.
+No better illustration can be given of the intense state of
+anxiety, excitement and doubt which prevailed, than
+the following little incident, which occurred during this
+night march. Our Third brigade, leading the Second
+division, had halted where the narrow road passed
+through a piece of woods, waiting a moment for the road
+to clear, or for the guides to report the direction for the
+march. Generals Franklin and Davidson, with officers of
+Davidson's brigade, were grouped together near the head
+of the column, sitting upon their horses. The weary men,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>
+almost overcome by sleep, were leaning upon their muskets
+or lying in the road half asleep. Officers nodded and
+swung this way and that in their saddles. The stillness of
+death prevailed. In an instant, without any perceptible
+cause, as though a breath from some evil genius had swept
+the narrow track, every man was gone from the road.
+They stood in the woods looking with breathless wonder
+into the road for the unseen danger. After the first
+moment of surprise, the word passed along, in low tones,
+"Attention!" Not a living being could be seen in the
+road, and all was silence. Recovering from the first surprise,
+General Davidson looked for General Franklin, who,
+but a moment before, was dozing by his side. "General
+Franklin! General Franklin!" called the general in a loud
+whisper, but nothing could be found of him, and we saw
+no more of him that night. What was the cause of this
+sudden alarm we never knew. Possibly, a riderless horse
+might have suddenly startled those in front, or, quite as
+likely, there was no cause whatever; but the incident
+illustrates the state of feeling in the army that night.</p>
+
+<p>At length, just as the gray light of the morning was
+streaking the skies, we came in sight of the majestic
+James river. Every man took a long breath, as though
+relieved of a heavy load of anxiety. Officers clasped
+their hands and exclaimed, "Thank God." The worn out
+men stepped lighter, for they had arrived at the haven
+of their hopes. Again they experienced a feeling of
+safety. We filed into a beautiful clover field, and there the
+exhausted columns sunk down for a brief rest. Brief it
+was to be, for scarcely had two hours passed when we
+were ordered into line of battle. We moved back
+through the woods, crossing a little stream, and formed in
+a wheat field, where the grain stood in shocks. Here we
+remained, watching the enemy, who stood in our front,
+contenting themselves with occasional sallies of their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>
+skirmishers, while the great battle of Malvern Hill was in
+progress on our left, where the booming of our field pieces
+and the dull roar of the heavy guns from the gunboats
+was heard for many hours. At length, as night came on,
+the sound of battle died away, and all was again quiet.
+Now we heard cheers on the left, and, looking in that
+direction, we saw, approaching at great speed, the commander
+of the Union army. Cheers greeted him as he
+rode along the line, and hats were thrown high in the air
+in honor of the chief.</p>
+
+<p>As the leading corps of the army had fallen back from
+White Oak Swamp, they had occupied a superb position
+on the James river, called Malvern Hill. The wagons
+and other impedimentia of the army had also arrived
+there, and were secured behind the southern slope of the
+hill. The place was admirably adapted for a defensive
+battle. It was a lofty plateau, rising not less than one
+hundred and fifty feet above the plain, sloping gently
+toward the north and east, down to the border of the
+forest. The approach to this sloping field was rendered
+difficult by ravines, which ran along the front; and the
+enemy, if he approached, must do so by way of the roads
+which crossed them.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the crest was posted the battery of siege guns
+which had escaped the hands of the enemy; and nearly
+three hundred field pieces were arranged along the heights,
+so that the fire might pass over the heads of the infantry,
+who were arranged upon the glacis, up which the enemy
+must charge, hidden, for the most part, by the tall wheat
+and corn. Here the main body of the army was posted.
+First, nearest the James, was Porter's corps; then Heintzelman's,
+Keyes', Sumner's and our Sixth corps, occupying
+the right flank, two or three miles from the position where
+the rebels must advance with their main force. The fleet
+of gunboats floated upon the river, on our left flank,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>
+ready to send their screaming monster shells into the
+ranks of the advancing enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Against this position, naturally almost impregnable, Lee
+hurled his hosts, with the design of giving the final blow
+to the Union army, which should insure its destruction
+and capture. The rebel army confidently believed that
+the army of the north must now be compelled to surrender
+or be driven into the James.</p>
+
+<p>If the rebels were confident and exultant, our own men
+were filled with the deepest despondency.</p>
+
+<p>Exhausted by a month of constant labor and watchfulness,
+with fighting and marching and digging, now, as
+they believed, fleeing from the face of an enemy immensely
+superior to them in numbers, it is not to be wondered at
+that they were apprehensive of the worst results.</p>
+
+<p>Paymasters sought refuge with their treasures in the
+gunboats on the river. The Prince De Joinville and his
+nephews, the Count De Paris and Count De Chartes, who
+had acted as aides de camp to General McClellan, who had
+been with us from the beginning, active, brave men, who
+were frequently where the danger was greatest, and
+who had entered our service with the determination of
+seeing it to the end, now departed; they, too, finding a
+respite from their toils upon one of the gunboats. The
+young men were accompanied on board by the staff and by
+the Commander-in-Chief himself. From the deck of the
+vessel he communicated his orders by the signal flags, to
+those left in command on shore. Here, with his young
+friends, and in consultation with the commander of the
+fleet, he remained until about five o'clock, when he rode
+down the lines to the rear of our corps, where he spent
+the time till darkness put an end to the fight.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the sad state of feeling in our army. Yet,
+exhausted and depressed as they were, our men were as
+brave and determined as ever. They had yet a country;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>
+and they knew that the fate of that country depended
+upon the result of this encounter, and they resolved to
+acquit themselves with heroism and even desperation.</p>
+
+<p>Lee had marshaled his whole force in front of our
+strong position. He wrote to each of his division commanders
+ordering an assault, and directing, when they
+heard the yell of Armistead's troops, to charge also with
+yells.</p>
+
+<p>The yell was heard, and some of the divisions, but not
+all, pressed forward to a wild charge.</p>
+
+<p>The rebels came on heroically, but were sent reeling
+back down the slope in confusion and disorder. Again
+and again they renewed the charge from under cover of
+the woods which skirted the base of the slope. They
+would start across the open space, charging our batteries
+with wild yells, but the heavy fire of our guns and the
+steady volleys of our infantry sent them back as often to
+the shelter of the woods. At times our infantry would
+reserve their fire till the rebel columns had run the gauntlet
+of shot and shell from our batteries, almost reaching
+our lines, when with exultant cheers they would bound
+forward to seize the prize now almost within their grasp,
+when our men would open upon them a single volley, and,
+leaping over the breastworks, pursue the panic-stricken
+assailants, capturing prisoners and colors, and driving the
+rebels in confusion down the slope. Thus the battle raged
+with terrible fury; every attempt on the part of the enemy
+failing, until darkness set in, and the rebel chiefs were
+glad to let the battle subside; though it was not till nine
+o'clock the artillery firing ceased.</p>
+
+<p>The weight of the attacks had been upon our center.
+Here Couch, Sumner and Heintzelman withstood the shock
+of battle for hours, only a part of Porter's corps being
+engaged, and neither our Sixth corps nor Casey's division
+of Keyes' corps being actively in the fight.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The rebel General Trimble thus describes the condition
+of their army on the morning after the battle:</p>
+
+<p>"The next morning by dawn I went off to ask for orders,
+when I found the whole army in the utmost disorder.
+Thousands of straggling men were asking every passer-by
+for their regiments; ambulances, wagons and artillery
+obstructing every road; and altogether in a drenching rain
+presenting a scene of the most woful and heart-rending
+confusion."</p>
+
+<p>Had but a show of an attack upon such an army been
+made, it must have resulted in defeat and utter rout to
+the rebels.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xi" id="chapter_xi"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>HARRISON'S LANDING.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>March to Harrison's Bar&mdash;A scene of confusion&mdash;A beautiful landscape&mdash;Fourth
+of July in camp&mdash;Gloom at the north&mdash;Cause of the
+disasters&mdash;Prevalence of
+disease&mdash;Review by the President&mdash;A night demonstration by the
+enemy&mdash;Reconnoissance
+to Malvern Hill&mdash;Departure of General Davidson&mdash;A retrospect.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Our corps remained in line of battle in the wheat field
+till early next morning; changing position during the
+night just often enough to deprive us of rest. As we
+started out toward Harrison's Landing the rain was pouring
+in sheets; and throughout the day it continued to
+deluge the country. The roads were rivers of almost
+fathomless mud; and our tired men could scarcely drag
+themselves along. But at four in the afternoon we halted
+under cover of our gunboats, and bivouacked for the
+night. Such a deplorable scene as was here, was enough
+to melt the heart of the stoutest. As we debouched from
+a piece of woods skirting the plateau at Harrison's Landing,
+officers stood like hotel porters at a steamboat landing,
+calling out "This way for the Third corps;" "This way
+for the Fifth corps;" "This way for Slocum's division."
+All was confusion. The whole army seemed to be made
+of stragglers. Our little Brigadier Davidson rose in his
+saddle to an unusual height, as he looked back and saw
+with undisguised pride, his brigade marching in, almost
+unbroken.</p>
+
+<p>The landscape before us was indescribably beautiful.
+There lay the James river, and spreading out between us
+and the river were the broad fields of wheat; the fine<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
+country houses; the long avenues and roads lined with
+rows of cedar trees; which last were almost in a moment
+stripped of their branches to make beds for the soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>There, crowded together, were the immense caravans
+of wagons, ambulances, guns and pontoons, hugging the
+river, and the multitude of men swarming over the plain.
+Long processions of sick and wounded men, leaning on
+canes and crutches, their heavy steps and sunken faces
+now for a moment lighted up at the thought that their
+melancholy pilgrimage was nearly ended, filed by us; and
+battalions of cooks and special duty men were wandering
+about in search of their commands.</p>
+
+<p>The river was full of transports and gunboats, giving it
+the appearance of the harbor of some commercial metropolis.
+Many of the hungry men, without waiting for
+their rations to be brought by the commissary, plunged
+into the stream, swam to the boats and there procured the
+coveted food. But the greater number of our men, their
+powers completely exhausted, without waiting for food,
+or to provide comfortable quarters, lay down in the bed
+of mud and were soon in heavy slumbers.</p>
+
+<p>Again, after a poor night's rest, the corps was marched
+to a new position on the front line, where we remained to
+celebrate the anniversary of the nation's birthday. A
+gloomy "Fourth of July" was this to us, though every
+effort was made to keep up the spirits of the men.
+Early in the morning the enemy opened a fire upon
+parts of our line, to which our guns responded. A
+national salute had been ordered, and precisely at the
+hour appointed, while the fighting was in progress,
+the heavy guns were heard booming the salute. Our
+boys listened for a moment, and then, as if all inspired
+with new life, they made the welkin ring with their cheers.
+The bands, roused from their long inactivity, pealed forth
+stirring national airs, and the Commander-in-Chief issued<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>
+an address to his array, in which he praised its gallantry
+and firmness, declared that he himself had established the
+new line, and that if the enemy would come upon us now
+we would convert his repulse into a final defeat.</p>
+
+<p>At home, a heavy gloom hung over the nation. The
+news of our retreat and of the terrible battles, had been
+carried by the magic wires to the remotest parts of the
+north; but few yet knew the fate of their friends who
+were in the great army. It was enough that the siege of
+Richmond, which had cost so much time and money, and,
+above all, so many thousands of brave men, was abandoned,
+and the grand army, on which the hopes of the nation
+hung, was now beleaguered, defending itself in an unhealthy
+position, which offered little advantage for anything but
+defense. Sympathizers with the rebellion secretly rejoiced
+and openly prophesied the speedy destruction of our army
+by the scorching sun and poisoned air, even if left to itself
+by the rebels.</p>
+
+<p>The cause of all these disastrous circumstances was by
+some attributed to unwise interference, on the part of the
+authorities in Washington, with the plans of the chief of
+our army. They claimed that the President, Secretary of
+War and the Major General commanding all the armies
+of the Union, had, in the words of General McClellan, "done
+what they could to defeat this army." They complained
+loudly that reinforcements had been withheld, and that
+McDowell, with a large force, had been kept unemployed
+in the vicinity of Fredericksburgh, when his corps would
+have thrown the balance of strength upon our side. Others
+claimed that the whole campaign had been sadly mismanaged
+by a commander who had, as they insisted, never seen
+his army fight; who had invariably found employment
+elsewhere than on the field of battle when fighting was
+to be done, and whose character as a soldier was made up
+of doubts and hesitancies.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Six weeks of camp life, dreary, sickly and monotonous,
+succeeded our arrival at Harrison's Bar.</p>
+
+<p>Our corps proceeded to the work of throwing up strong
+intrenchments and mounting guns. Our Third brigade,
+Second division, constructed an extensive fort, in which
+several very heavy guns were mounted; each of the regiments
+taking their turn at the labor. In our front the
+forests were slashed for a great distance, and thousands of
+sturdy wood-cutters plied their heavy blows, sweltering
+under the burning rays of the sun.</p>
+
+<p>Sickness became almost universal. The men were worn
+out with the tremendous labors which they had performed
+since their arrival on the Peninsula; they were burned by
+almost unendurable heat; they were nearly devoured by
+the countless myriads of flies and other annoying insects;
+and they were forced to drink impure and unwholesome
+water. It was not strange that hundreds died in camp,
+and that hundreds more, with the seeds of death implanted
+in their constitutions, went to their homes in the north to
+breathe out their lives in the midst of their friends, or
+languished in the large government hospitals at Washington,
+and other cities.</p>
+
+<p>Leaves of absence were given freely, and thousands
+availed themselves of the opportunity of visiting their
+homes and recruiting their health. The men, with the
+patience which none but soldiers ever exhibit, went
+quietly to work to render their situation as tolerable as
+possible. Wells were dug in the camps, from which they
+procured better water than they were able to get at first,
+and small pines were brought and set among the tents, by
+which some degree of protection was afforded against the
+burning sun. On the morning of the 8th of July, the
+monotony was broken by the arrival of President Lincoln.
+The booming of artillery announced his coming, and the
+heartfelt cheers of the soldiers assured him of a welcome.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The President, after spending a few hours at the head-quarters
+of the army, proceeded to review the various
+corps. He was accompanied by General McClellan, and
+many officers of note. Everywhere he received an enthusiastic
+welcome from the men, who regarded him as their
+warm friend. He manifested great emotion as he rode
+along the lines and saw that the regiments, which but a
+few weeks before had left Washington with full ranks,
+were now mere skeletons of regiments. Evening drew its
+mantle over the scene, and the review was closed by
+moonlight.</p>
+
+<p>Little occurred to relieve the monotony of the six weeks
+of camp life at Harrison's Bar, except the events of which
+we have spoken; a demonstration by the enemy during
+the night of the 31st, and an advance to Malvern Hill by
+General Hooker's division. On the former occasion, the
+troops were startled from their slumbers about midnight,
+by the sudden discharge of a battery of artillery from the
+south side of the James. The rebels had succeeded in
+getting a force in position there, and they now opened a
+vigorous fire upon our shipping and our camps. Their
+shells flew among us in disagreeable proximity, and the
+long lines of fire traced upon the midnight sky lent a certain
+charm to the dangerous business. Our gunboats
+answered the fire; and after two hours of exciting work
+drove the rebels from their position. Some infantry was
+taken across the river, who hastened the retreat of the
+enemy, burned the buildings near the shore, and cut down
+the trees, that they might not in future afford concealment
+for the rebels.</p>
+
+<p>General Hooker's reconnoissance resulted in his occupying
+Malvern Hill for a day or two, having a brisk skirmish
+with the enemy and returning to camp.</p>
+
+<p>Our active and gallant Brigadier-General Davidson
+was, early in August, relieved from the command of our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>
+Third brigade, and ordered to the department of Missouri.
+Notwithstanding the severity of his discipline, and his occasional
+forgetfulness that men could not accomplish as much
+physical labor as horses&mdash;for the general had always been
+a cavalry officer&mdash;his never-tiring energy, his undoubted
+bravery, and his interest and pride in his brigade, had
+endeared him to the men. During the severe trials on the
+Chickahominy, and on the retreat, the general had taken
+an unusual interest in the brigade, and had made himself
+personally acquainted with nearly all the members of his
+command.</p>
+
+<p>The general took command of a cavalry division in
+Missouri; where his name became a terror to all secessionists
+in that part of the country. The command devolved
+upon Lieutenant-Colonel Corning of the Thirty-third New
+York, then senior officer of the brigade, who was soon
+succeeded by Colonel W. H. Irwin, of the Forty-ninth
+Pennsylvania Volunteers.</p>
+
+<p>Reinforcements began to arrive from Washington, and
+our army, in August, numbered one hundred and twenty
+thousand men. With these, and a few thousand more,
+General McClellan declared his belief that he could repel
+the enemy and advance into Richmond.</p>
+
+<p>Let us for a moment turn to the fortunes of the regiment
+with which we left Saratoga, and whose early history
+we have traced. In all the stirring events which have
+transpired in the division and corps, the Seventy-seventh
+has acted an important and honorable part. Always
+ready to perform the duties demanded of it; always in
+its place when danger was greatest; ever cheerfully obeying
+the commands of superiors, it has assumed no honor
+above its fellows, but proudly claimed to be the peer of
+such noble regiments as the Sixth Maine, the Fifth Wisconsin,
+the Thirty-third New York, and other bright
+stars in the galaxy of the Sixth corps; ornaments to it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>
+and the army. "It is a little regiment," said General
+Davidson to a member of Governor Morgan's staff, who
+came to look after the interests of the New York troops,
+"but it is always in the right place." The general regarded
+the regiment with especial favor, and was accustomed to
+call it "my little Seventy-seventh." Since the arrival of
+the army on the Peninsula the experiences of the regiment
+have been varied. With the other regiments of Smith's
+division, it has spent a month at Yorktown, within musket
+shot of the enemy. At Williamsburgh it, with other
+regiments of its brigade, supported batteries in front of
+Fort Magruder, and when, in the afternoon, it received
+the order to go with the Forty-ninth to the assistance of
+Hancock, it started forward with cheers; the men going
+through the mud at double quick. But when the two
+regiments arrived on the field, their gallant brothers of
+Hancock's and of their own brigade, had nobly accomplished
+the work in which they would gladly have assisted.
+We have seen how gallantly the regiment routed the
+rebels at Mechanicsville; capturing a flag and other trophies;
+and when on the Chickahominy Smith's division
+held the line closest upon the enemy, it bravely assumed
+its part of the labor and danger. A portion of the regiment
+on picket on the 28th of June, exhibited sterling
+heroism, and we need hardly refer to the noble sacrifice
+of the brave young soldier John Ham.</p>
+
+<p>Disease and exhaustion had made terrible inroads upon
+the Seventy-seventh. Instead of nearly a thousand men
+with which we came to the Peninsula, inspection in the
+middle of June showed only about two hundred and fifty
+men present for duty. Although this regiment had from
+the very beginning occupied an exposed position in the
+very front line; although it composed a part of Smith's
+division, which has already become famous both in the
+Union and rebel armies for being always in closest proximity<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>
+to the enemy, yet it had thus far lost very few men
+in battle. All the rest of those now absent had been
+stricken down by fevers, or worn out by the exhausting
+labors and exposures of the campaign.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/mckean.png" width="500" height="667" alt="James B. McKean" title=""/>
+</div>
+<p class="center">James B. McKean&mdash;Col. 77th Regt. NYSV.</p>
+
+<p>Among those attacked by typhoid fever was Colonel
+McKean. After suffering a few days in the vain hope of
+soon being able to place himself again at the head of his
+regiment, he was removed from the poisonous atmosphere
+of the swamps to Washington, and thence to his home in
+Saratoga. The men looked upon his departure with sincere
+regret, for they not only respected him as an able
+commander, but loved him for his never failing interest in
+their welfare. He had been to the regiment in the capacity
+of commander and father. His leave of the regiment
+was destined to be final; for except as an occasional visitor
+he never returned to it; and after many months of suffering,
+his constitution undermined, and his health permanently
+destroyed, he was forced to relinquish the command.
+But though forced to leave the field, the men of his
+regiment never ceased to cherish feelings of love and
+respect for their first commander. They had witnessed
+his bravery on the field, and they now knew that he
+was contending with disease with the same fortitude
+that had marked his course in the army. The departure
+of Colonel McKean from the service was not only a great
+loss to his regiment but to the whole corps; for he was
+not only a brave officer, but a gentleman of superior
+intellectual endowments. Another of the sufferers from
+typhoid fever was Lieutenant Bowe, a young man of fine
+abilities and greatly beloved by his regiment. After
+several weeks of absence, he returned to camp on the 18th
+of July restored to health. On the very next day, while
+standing with several officers in a tent, he was fatally
+wounded by an accidental shot from a pistol. His father,
+hearing of the sad occurrence, came for him and removed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>
+him from camp; but only to see him expire in a few
+days.</p>
+
+<p>Changes occurred among the officers. The lieutenant-colonel
+and major left the service, the first by resignation,
+the other by dismissal. Adjutant French was made
+major, and afterwards lieutenant-colonel, which office he
+held during the remainder of the term of the regiment.
+He assumed command of the regiment on his return to it
+after the battle of Antietam, and continued in command
+while it was a regiment. Captains and lieutenants also
+resigned. Chaplain Tully and Quartermaster Shurtliff
+departed for their homes, having left the service. Lieutenant
+Hayward was made quartermaster, a position for
+which he was eminently qualified, and which he thenceforward
+held to the great satisfaction of the entire regiment.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xii" id="chapter_xii"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>RETREAT FROM THE PENINSULA, AND GENERAL
+POPE'S BULL RUN CAMPAIGN.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Premonitions of a change of base&mdash;The transfer commenced&mdash;Marching down the
+Peninsula&mdash;On board transports&mdash;A contrast&mdash;Arrival at Alexandria&mdash;Unaccountable
+delays&mdash;General Pope's campaign&mdash;An obstinate general&mdash;Causes of
+Pope's failure.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Early in August, rumors were floating about the army,
+that General McClellan had received positive orders to
+transfer the Army of the Potomac to the front of Washington,
+there to unite the forces of the two armies; and
+that this plan was strongly opposed by General McClellan,
+who insisted that he wanted only a few thousand more
+men to march into Richmond.</p>
+
+<p>The army had received large reinforcements since arriving
+at Harrison's Landing, and now numbered more than
+one hundred thousand men; not by any means an inconsiderable
+force, yet too small, in General McClellan's
+opinion, to warrant another advance.</p>
+
+<p>But, owing to the movements of the enemy in front of
+General Pope, the supposed impracticability of the route,
+and to some distrust as to the abilities of General McClellan
+by the authorities at Washington, peremptory orders had
+been sent to him to remove his army as quickly as possible
+from the Peninsula.</p>
+
+<p>What the merits of the dispute in high places might be,
+the army at large was not able to decide; but the rumors
+gave rise to many spirited debates, in which the authorities
+at Washington and the authority at Harrison's Bar had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>
+each earnest advocates. At length it became known that
+the army was to leave the Peninsula, and preparations for
+this important movement commenced. The work of shipping
+the sick and wounded, numbering twelve thousand
+five hundred, began; but it was not carried on with a
+degree of alacrity satisfactory to the War Department or
+the President.</p>
+
+<p>The wharves along the river side became the scene of
+immense activity. Ambulances crowded along the banks
+of the river, laden with sick and wounded, while those
+from the hospitals able to walk, tottered along with
+trembling steps, their wan faces and sunken eyes telling
+their story of suffering. Transports were in waiting for
+these, and were rapidly filled with their freight of suffering
+humanity. Everything not movable was ordered to
+be destroyed. Tents were struck and taken to the pickets
+who had left them behind, and everything betokened an
+important movement. Three or four days were spent in
+momentary expectation of the order to "fall in," but still
+the situation remained unchanged.</p>
+
+<p>At length, on the 16th of August, all was ready and
+the men were ordered to pack their knapsacks; but the
+men of the Sixth corps remained in camp until the sun's
+rays became scorching; then the column moved rapidly
+eastward. A hard day's march on the 16th and another
+on the 17th, brought the corps in sight of the Chickahominy.
+It crossed a pontoon bridge of enormous extent,
+in the construction of which ninety boats were used,
+and the length of which was over two thousand feet.
+Thoroughly exhausted the men bivouacked on the eastern
+bank of the Chickahominy.</p>
+
+<p>The rebels, now aware of the retreat, were following
+close at the heels of the Union army, but declined to
+make any offensive demonstrations, further than picking
+up stragglers and those that fell out by the way from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>
+weakness and fatigue. The main portion of the rebel
+army was now occupied in important movements in
+another direction.</p>
+
+<p>Another rapid march, under a burning sun, brought our
+corps to the ancient capital of the Old Dominion&mdash;Williamsburgh.
+Passing through its streets without halting,
+taking only time to glance at its now dilapidated buildings,
+we reached the familiar scenes of the old battle-field,
+which, three months before, we little expected to recross
+before the downfall of the rebellion. Here was the plain
+where a portion of our Second division had, by its gallantry,
+decided the fate of the battle; the scene of our
+bivouac in the rain and mud, and the redoubts where
+lay the wounded rebels, whose groans had rendered the
+night hideous. In the midst of these scenes we bivouacked
+again for the night.</p>
+
+<p>At dawn the column moved again, and after a fatiguing
+march reached Yorktown; our Second division encamping
+in the works erected by Porter's division during our
+famous thirty days' siege of that place.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the men had by this time become exhausted;
+and a long train of ambulances was filled with these and
+sent ahead on the morning of the 20th. The well ones
+soon followed toward Fortress Monroe, halting on the
+field of Big Bethel. This was the first visit of our corps
+to this disastrous field, and the men rambled about manifesting
+great interest in the spot rendered sacred by the
+blood of Winthrop and Greble.</p>
+
+<p>Plums, peaches and sweet potatoes constituted novel
+additions to the diet of the men, and although the two
+former were unripe, their good effects were manifested in
+arresting multitudes of those troublesome cases of diarrhea
+which had resisted all treatment so long as the men were
+deprived of acid fruits. Another hard march on the 21st
+brought the corps again, after five months' absence, to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>
+vicinity of the desolated village of Hampton, and the end
+of our march for the present. The whole army was
+crowded along the shores, waiting to embark for Aquia.
+Transports of every size and description were riding upon
+the bay or lashed to the wharves, and infantry, cavalry
+and artillery were crowding toward the beach ready to
+take their turn to embark. The scene was one of unusual
+activity, resembling only the one we had witnessed on
+embarking for the Peninsula months ago.</p>
+
+<p>At length all were on board, and the transports swung
+out upon the bay and steamed up the Potomac. One of
+the transports on which a portion of the Second division
+was embarked, the "Vanderbilt," had been, in other days,
+an old friend, as she ploughed up and down the Hudson;
+now her magnificent saloons, which had been of dazzling
+beauty, were dismantled and disfigured. No gorgeous
+drapery or gilded mirrors adorned them, but desolation
+and filth prevailed.</p>
+
+<p>The weather was charming, and, except for the crowded
+condition of the transports, the trip would have been a
+delightful one. What a contrast was there in the appearance
+of those same men now, and when they came down the
+river in April! Then our ranks were full; the men were
+healthy and in fresh vigor; their uniforms were new and
+clean, and their muskets and equipments were polished
+and glistening. Now, we looked about with sadness when
+we remembered how many of our former companions were
+absent, and how few present. We could bring to mind
+many who went to the Peninsula, full of hope, who had sunk
+as victims of the malarial poisons, and now rested in humble
+graves at Yorktown or along the Chickahominy; and
+many others who had nobly fallen upon the field of strife;
+and yet others who now were wearing out tedious days
+of sickness in hospitals or at home.</p>
+
+<p>The little band that remained could hardly be recognized<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>
+as the same men who left the defenses of Washington
+but a few months since; their faces were now bronzed
+from constant exposure to the scorching rays of the sun,
+and their clothing was worn and soiled. Hats and caps
+of every description: hats of straw and of palm leaf, of
+brown wool, black wool, and what had been white wool.
+Caps military and caps not military, all alike in only one
+respect, that all were much the worse for wear. It would
+have puzzled a stranger to have determined from this
+diversity of apparel, what was the regular uniform of our
+troops.</p>
+
+<p>We came up the river with feelings far less exultant
+and confident than those experienced in our downward
+trip. Indeed a gloom hung over the minds of all. The
+army was satisfied that General McClellan would be removed
+from command, and it was said that General Pope
+or General Burnside would be his successor. Though they
+remembered the brilliant successes of the one in the west
+and of the other in the south, many expressed fears that
+the command of a large army might be as fatal to either
+of these as it had been to General McClellan.</p>
+
+<p>At sunset of the 23d, the transports bearing the two
+divisions of the Sixth corps, were anchored just off Alexandria;
+but none of the men were allowed to go ashore.
+Spending another night in the crowded vessels, where the
+foul air prevailing between decks rendered breathing anything
+but a luxury, the men hailed the appearance of
+daylight as the time for their liberation from this close
+and unpleasant confinement.</p>
+
+<p>The process of disembarking progressed rapidly, and
+the divisions were marched through the city to a field
+about a mile beyond its limits, where we encamped near
+Fort Ellsworth.</p>
+
+<p>Although this was on Sunday morning, and it was known
+that Pope's army was fighting the enemy even before we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>
+left the Peninsula, and was in need of reinforcements; yet
+no signs of marching occurred until Thursday.</p>
+
+<p>Let us now turn back for a moment and hastily glance
+at the movements of General Pope and his army, which
+had now for several days been actively engaged. The
+battle of Cedar Mountain was fought on Saturday, August
+9th. General Banks, pushing his corps toward Cedar
+Mountain, and, finding the enemy in his front, had boldly
+attacked him. The confederate forces were led by General
+Jackson, and outnumbered the forces under General Banks.
+The field was hotly contested for an hour and a half, when
+our forces were obliged to fall back; but being reinforced
+by Rickett's division, they were able to prevent the enemy
+from occupying the field. During the night, Jackson withdrew
+his forces, leaving the ground in our hands, which
+was at once occupied by the Union forces.</p>
+
+<p>The whole of Sunday was occupied in burying the dead
+and bringing off the wounded of both armies. Our men
+had behaved with great bravery, and the gallantry and
+zeal of General Banks was what might have been expected
+from that general. The field was yet in our hands; yet
+the battle could hardly be called a decided victory for our
+arms. Jackson retreated rapidly across the Rapidan, in
+the direction of Gordonsville, leaving many dead and
+wounded along the road from Cedar Mountain to Orange
+Court House. Except to follow up the enemy with cavalry
+as far as Orange Court House, no important move was
+made for several days by the forces under General Pope.</p>
+
+<p>Reinforcements were constantly arriving for Jackson,
+and it became evident, by the 18th, that nearly the whole
+of Lee's army was assembling in front of General Pope,
+along the south side of the Rapidan. Among papers
+captured from the enemy at this time, was an autograph
+letter from General Robert Lee to General Stuart, stating
+his determination to overwhelm General Pope's army<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>
+before it could be reinforced by any portion of the
+army of the Potomac.</p>
+
+<p>The whole army was now ordered to fall back and
+occupy a stronger position behind the Rappahannock.
+The movement was executed on the 18th and 19th of
+August, without loss; the new line extending from
+Kelley's Ford to a point three miles above Rappahannock
+Station. The enemy appeared next day at the
+various fords, but, finding them strongly guarded, waited
+for all their forces to arrive from the Rapidan.</p>
+
+<p>The whole of the 21st and 22d were spent by the enemy
+in efforts to cross the river, and a fierce artillery duel prevailed
+along the line for more than seven miles in extent,
+but the rebels were repulsed at every point, and withdrew
+with the intention of moving up the river and turning the
+flank of the Union army.</p>
+
+<p>General Pope, appreciating the danger of this movement
+on the part of the rebels, telegraphed to Washington, and,
+in reply, was assured that, if he could hold out two days
+longer, he should be so strongly reinforced as to enable
+him, not only to hold his position, but to take the offensive.</p>
+
+<p>It is needless to say that, with the exception of one or
+two small divisions, no reinforcements reached him within
+that time; and although General Porter reported to him
+by letter from Bealton on the 25th, it had been better for
+General Pope had he not come at all. On the night of
+the 26th, Jackson, coming through Thoroughfare Gap, got
+in the rear of Pope's army and cut the railroad at Kettle
+Run, near Warrenton Junction. Lee was still in front, in
+the vicinity of Sulphur Springs. General Pope, desiring
+at the same time to fall back toward Centreville and interpose
+his army between Jackson's and Lee's forces, ordered
+a retrograde movement. His troops were by this time
+fairly exhausted. In his report to the Secretary of War,
+he says: "From the 18th of August, until the morning<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>
+of the 27th, the troops under my command had been continually
+marching and fighting night and day; and during
+the whole of that time there was scarcely an interval of
+an hour without the roar of artillery. The men had had
+little sleep, and were greatly worn down with fatigue;
+had had little time to get proper food or to eat it; had
+been engaged in constant battles and skirmishes, and had
+performed services, laborious, dangerous and excessive,
+beyond any previous experience in this country." Jackson
+had succeeded in burning fifty cars at Bristow Station,
+and a hundred more at Manassas Junction, heavily laden
+with ammunition and supplies. On the afternoon of
+the 27th, a severe engagement occurred between Hooker's
+division of Heintzelman's corps, which had arrived
+the evening before, and Ewell's division of Longstreet's
+corps, near Bristow Station. Ewell was driven back;
+the loss on each side being about three hundred. During
+the night, General McDowell with his corps, and
+Generals Reno and Kearney with their divisions, took such
+positions as effectually to interpose between Jackson's
+forces and Lee's, and no alternative was left Jackson but
+to turn upon Hooker and rout him, or to retreat by way
+of Centreville. Hooker's men had exhausted their ammunition,
+so that there were but five rounds per man left.
+General Pope, fearing that Hooker would be attacked, dispatched
+an aide to General Porter with orders to join
+Hooker at once. The aide was instructed to inform General
+Porter of the immediate necessity of moving at once,
+and to remain and guide him to the place. But Porter
+utterly refused to obey the order. Most fortunately for
+our army, Jackson, ignorant of Hooker's weakness, determined
+to retreat by way of Centreville; a mistake which
+prevented most serious consequences to us. Jackson in
+his retreat was hotly pursued, and on the 28th a severe
+battle took place between McDowell's corps and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>
+retreating column, in which our forces gained decided
+advantages. On the 29th, Jackson was again near the
+old Bull Run battle-ground, and a terrific battle ensued,
+which lasted with great fury from daylight until dark.
+The rebels were driven from the field, which was occupied
+by our men. General Pope sent peremptory orders to
+Fitz John Porter to move at once upon Centreville; which
+would have cut off Jackson's retreat; but again this commander
+refused to obey orders, and Jackson was enabled
+to unite with Lee, who had by this time reached Thoroughfare
+Gap, and was pushing on toward him. Had the
+orders of General Pope been carried out, Jackson must
+without doubt have been crushed before Lee's forces could
+by any possibility have reached the field of action.</p>
+
+<p>On the following day the whole of both armies were
+brought face to face with each other. General Pope, by
+this time hopeless of any aid from the fresh troops he had
+expected long before this from Washington, and aware of
+the disaffection of the largest and freshest corps in his
+command, although nearly discouraged, determined to
+give battle and inflict as much damage as possible upon the
+enemy. His force now, including Porter's corps, was
+about forty thousand. The whole of Lee's and Jackson's
+forces now pressed upon our lines with terrible effect.</p>
+
+<p>The action raged with great fury for several hours; the
+rebels constantly massing heavy columns against our lines,
+especially upon the left, where McDowell's and Sigel's
+corps resisted the onset with great bravery, but were at
+length forced to yield, when an utter rout took place; the
+whole army falling back upon Centreville in great disorder.
+On this day, for the first time in all these long series
+of battles, Porter's corps was brought into action. The
+conduct of the corps, in the early part of the day, showed
+a determination on the part of its leaders not to fight, and
+the men fell back in disorder; but being rallied later in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>
+the day, the pride of the men overcame the obstinacy of
+their commanders and the corps did good service. Hooker's
+and Kearney's divisions, and Reynolds' Pennsylvania
+reserves had rendered most gallant services from the time
+they reached General Pope's army.</p>
+
+<p>Returning now to our Sixth corps under General Franklin.
+The corps remained quietly at Alexandria, from the
+morning of the 24th until the afternoon of the 29th.
+Rations and ammunition were as well supplied when we
+reached Alexandria as when we left. The booming of
+cannon was heard on the 26th and 27th, and contrabands
+and white refugees informed us that terrible fighting was
+in progress beyond Manassas. We wondered that we were
+not ordered to go to the relief of the little army which
+we knew was resisting the whole of Lee's and Jackson's
+forces.</p>
+
+<p>On Thursday afternoon, August 28th, the corps received
+marching orders. Tents were struck, knapsacks packed,
+rations provided, and many regiments, shouldering their
+knapsacks, stood in line ready to move. But sunset came
+and no further orders. The men waited impatiently, only
+a few venturing to unpack their knapsacks or pitch their
+tents, until long after dark.</p>
+
+<p>Friday morning brought few indications of an advance.
+Head-quarter tents remained standing, artillery horses stood
+unharnessed, and everything showed an intentional delay.
+At length the corps moved. Marching quietly and easily,
+the old ground of Camp Misery was passed, and the corps
+reached Annandale, where it halted and encamped after an
+easy march of six miles. Saturday morning the corps
+again moved leisurely along, making very frequent halts.
+The firing in front indicated a hardly contested battle,
+and our men, knowing that Pope must be in need of
+reinforcements, were anxious to push forward rapidly.
+Every hour the corps halted for at least twenty minutes,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>
+and sometimes even longer. At this snail pace we passed
+Fairfax Court House, the roar of musketry and artillery
+becoming constantly louder in front, and arrived at
+Centreville. Orders immediately came for the corps to
+proceed to Cub Run, about two miles beyond Centreville.
+Here, wounded men by hundreds and stragglers in greater
+numbers passed across the little bridge over the run, a
+dismal crowd, hastening toward Centreville.</p>
+
+<p>As usual at such times, scores of cowardly villains were
+attempting to pass to the rear as wounded men.</p>
+
+<p>An amusing encounter occurred between one of this
+class, a coward in captain's uniform, and one of our own
+officers, Captain Deyoe, as brave a fellow as ever drew a
+sword. The demoralized captain, his sword thrown away
+and its sheath after it, came hurriedly upon the bridge,
+where Deyoe was sitting, coolly filling his pipe. The
+fugitive captain turned his face, pale with fright, to the
+imperturbable Deyoe, and, striking him on the shoulder,
+said with as much composure as he could muster, "Captain,
+we have had hard times of it out there, but <i>don't be
+afraid, don't be afraid</i>." Deyoe, turning his face toward
+that of the straggler with a look of unruffled coolness and
+unmitigated contempt, replied, "Well, who the d&mdash;is
+afraid? Oh, yes, I see, <i>you are</i>. Well, you had better
+get away from here then!"</p>
+
+<p>The corps remained at Cub Run until nightfall, when it
+was ordered to return to Centreville, where it encamped.
+Regiments from our Third brigade were sent to the rear
+of Centreville to arrest stragglers, who were hurrying
+toward Alexandria in great numbers.</p>
+
+<p>The regiments were drawn up in line across the turnpike,
+where they remained all night, turning back hundreds
+of stragglers at the point of the bayonet.</p>
+
+<p>The scene at Centreville on the next day was one of
+the utmost confusion. Thousands of stragglers wandered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>
+about without knowing or caring what had become of
+their commands; long columns of shattered regiments and
+batteries filed past to take up new positions, either within
+the intrenchments or on the flanks. The appearance of
+these skeletons of regiments and batteries gave evidence
+of the terrible experiences of this long series of engagements.
+Their ranks, thinned by the fortunes of battle,
+and still more by the disgraceful skulking which had
+become so universal, the worn and weary appearance of
+the men, their flags, each surrounded by only enough men
+to constitute a respectable color-guard, all showed that
+even the hard experiences of the Army of the Potomac
+had never had so demoralizing an effect as this.</p>
+
+<p>The skulkers were loud-mouthed in their denunciations
+of General McDowell. Hundreds of them, who had in all
+probability not been near enough to the front during the
+whole retreat to know anything that was going on there,
+declared that they had seen him waving that mystic white
+hat as a signal to the rebels; and all knew that it was
+through his treachery that the army had been destroyed.
+Others declared positively that they had seen, with their
+own eyes, General McClellan, with a small body of faithful
+followers, dash against the advancing foe, and arrest
+the pursuit! Such wild and improbable stories filled the
+whole atmosphere, and, strangest of all, were believed by
+thousands, not only in the army, but throughout the whole
+north.</p>
+
+<p>Long trains of ambulances were bringing from the
+battle-field wounded men, who had been, since Saturday,
+exposed to the burning sun and the storm which had prevailed
+during Sunday night.</p>
+
+<p>Temporary hospitals were established, and surgeons
+were actively employed in ministering to the relief of the
+unfortunate. Monday evening the battle of Glendale or
+Chantilly was fought, in the midst of a terrific thunder<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>
+storm. The enemy, in attempting to turn our right, had
+been met by Hooker, Reno, McDowell and Kearney, and
+repulsed with heavy loss, from our entire front. But the
+victory was a costly one for us. The brave, earnest and
+accomplished soldier, Major-General Kearney, and the
+gallant Stevens, were both killed while leading their commands
+against the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The Sixth corps, on Monday evening, was marched back
+to Fairfax Court House; but early next morning returned
+within a mile of Centreville, when it took possession of
+the heights, and lay in line of battle until three o'clock
+<span class="smcap">P.M.</span>, when orders were received to march back to our old
+camp at Alexandria, which we reached at ten o'clock the
+same night; thus making in a single evening, a distance
+that had required two full days and a part of another, to
+march, in going out.</p>
+
+<p>Thus ended General Pope's campaign in Virginia.
+Never was a campaign so misrepresented or so little
+understood; and never were the motives of men so falsely
+judged as were those of the generals connected with this
+campaign.</p>
+
+<p>General Pope had fallen a victim to the foulest treachery
+of ambitious rivals, rather than to the strength of his
+open foes. Any one who will in candor trace the movements
+and the handling of that little army, when beset
+by an enemy now known to have been double its own
+strength, must concede that his plans were well conceived,
+and his generalship in this campaign fully equaled that
+which had won him so great renown in the west.</p>
+
+<p>That the defeat of General Pope was brought about by
+the rivalry and jealousy of generals of the Union army
+cannot now be doubted. We know why Porter withheld
+the largest and freshest corps in the command from the
+fights, while its eleven thousand men were within sight of
+the battles; but why was the Sixth corps delayed? Some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>
+one was equally culpable with Porter. Was it worse
+to keep a corps out of the fight, when on the field, than to
+keep another corps off from the field altogether without
+any good reason? There can be but one question&mdash;who
+was responsible for the criminal neglect to send the Sixth
+corps to the assistance of Pope's army?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xiii" id="chapter_xiii"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>General McClellan restored to command&mdash;March through Washington&mdash;Leisurely
+campaigning&mdash;Battle of Crampton Pass&mdash;Death of Mathison&mdash;Battle of South
+Mountain Pass&mdash;Death of Reno&mdash;Surrender of Harper's Ferry&mdash;March to
+Antietam.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>General Pope, at his own request, was relieved from
+the command of the army, and General McClellan resumed
+the direction. Whatever might have been the real fitness
+of General Pope to command, his usefulness with the
+army just driven back upon the defenses of Washington,
+had departed. The return of General McClellan was
+hailed with joy by a large portion of the army.</p>
+
+<p>On the 5th of September, Lee crossed the Potomac into
+Maryland, and occupied Frederick City. General McClellan
+was ordered to push forward at once and meet him.
+It was on the evening of the 6th that orders were issued
+to move. It was but short work to pack up our limited
+supply of clothing, cooking utensils and the few other
+articles which constituted our store of worldly goods, and
+prepare to march. We left Alexandria, and proceeding
+toward Washington, passed Fort Albany and crossed the
+Long Bridge, the moon and stars shining with a brilliancy
+seldom equaled, rendering the night march a pleasant one.
+As the steady tramp of the soldiers upon the pavements
+was heard by the citizens of Washington, they crowded
+upon the walks, eager to get a glance, even by moonlight,
+of the veterans who had passed through such untold hardships.
+Many were the questions regarding our destination,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>
+but we could only answer, "We are going to meet the
+rebels." Passing through Georgetown, we reached the
+little village of Tanleytown, where, weary from the short
+but rapid march, we spent the remainder of the night in
+sleep. The morning passed without orders to move, and
+it was not until five o'clock in the afternoon that we again
+commenced the march, when, having proceeded six miles,
+we halted. At daybreak on the morning of the 8th, the
+corps was moving again, and passing through Rockville
+we halted, after an easy stage of six miles.</p>
+
+<p>On the 9th we marched three miles, making our camp at
+Johnstown. On the following morning, at 9 o'clock, we
+were again on the move, driving before us small bodies of
+rebel cavalry, and reaching Barnesville, a small village,
+ten miles from our encampment of the night before. Our
+Third brigade, of the Second division, was quartered on the
+plantation of a noted secessionist, who, on our approach,
+had suddenly decamped, leaving at our disposal a very
+large orchard, whose trees were loaded with delicious
+fruit, and his poultry yard well stocked with choice fowls.
+Our boys were not slow to appropriate to their own use
+these luxuries, which, they declared, were great improvements
+on pork and hard tack. In the enjoyment of ease
+and abundance, we remained here until the morning of the
+12th, when we resumed the march, proceeding ten miles
+farther, halting near Urbana, at Monocacy bridge, which
+had been destroyed by the rebels, but was now rebuilt.
+On the same day General Burnside, having the advance,
+entered Frederick, encountering a few skirmishers of the
+enemy, which he drove. On the 13th, we arrived at
+the lovely village of Jefferson, having made ten miles
+more, and having driven a detachment of rebels through
+Jefferson Pass.</p>
+
+<p>The advance was sounded at ten o'clock on the morning
+of the 14th, and at three we found ourselves near the foot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>
+of the South Mountain range, having marched about fifty
+miles in eight days. Upon the advance of Burnside into
+Frederick, the rebel force had fallen back, taking the two
+roads which led through Middletown and Burkettsville,
+and which crossed the South Mountains through deep
+gorges, the northern called South Mountain or Turner's
+Pass, and the other, six miles south of it, Crampton Pass.</p>
+
+<p>These passes the rebels had strongly fortified, and had
+arranged their batteries on the crests of neighboring hills.
+The Sixth corps came to a halt when within about a mile
+and a half of Crampton Pass, and a reconnoissance was
+ordered.</p>
+
+<p>General Franklin was now directed to force the pass
+with the Sixth corps, while the remaining corps should
+push on to the South Mountain Pass and drive the enemy
+through it. We formed in line of battle and advanced.
+Before us lay the little village of Burkettsville, nestling
+under the shadow of those rugged mountains, its white
+houses gleaming out of the dark green foliage. Beyond
+were the South Mountains; their summits crowned with batteries
+of artillery and gray lines of rebels, while the heavily
+wooded sides concealed great numbers of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>A winding road, leading up the mountain side and
+through a narrow defile, known as Crampton's Gap, constituted
+one of the two passages to the other side of the
+range; South Mountain Gap being the other. The enemy
+had planted batteries and posted troops behind barricades,
+and in such positions as most effectually to dispute our
+passage.</p>
+
+<p>At the foot of the mountain, was a stone wall, behind
+which was the first rebel line of battle, while their skirmishers
+held the ground for some distance in front. The
+position was a strong one; admirably calculated for
+defense, and could be held by a small force against a much
+larger one.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/burkettsville-charge.png">
+<img src="images/burkettsville-charge-small.png" width="400" height="254" alt="Charge of the Sixth Corps at Burkettsville" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">Charge of the Sixth Corps at Burkettsville
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The day was far advanced when the attack was ordered.
+No sooner had the lines of blue uniforms emerged from the
+cover of the woods, than the batteries on the hill tops opened
+upon them. The mountains, like huge volcanoes, belched
+forth fire and smoke. The earth trembled beneath us, and
+the air was filled with the howling of shells which flew over
+our heads, and ploughed the earth at our feet. At the
+same time, the line of battle behind the stone wall opened
+upon us a fierce fire of musketry. In the face of this storm
+of shells and bullets, the corps pressed forward at double
+quick, over the ploughed grounds and through the corn
+fields, halting for a few moments at the village. The citizens,
+regardless of the shells which were crashing through
+their houses, welcomed us heartily, bringing water to fill
+the canteens, and supplying us liberally from the scanty
+store left them by the marauding rebels.</p>
+
+<p>Patriotic ladies cheered the Union boys and brought them
+food; and well might they rejoice at the approach of the
+Union army, after their recent experience with the rebels,
+who had robbed them of almost everything they possessed
+in the way of movable property.</p>
+
+<p>After a few minutes, in which our soldiers took breath,
+the advance was once more sounded, and again we pushed
+on in face of a murderous fire, at the same time pouring
+into the face of the foe a storm of leaden hail. Slocum's
+division, of the Sixth corps, advanced on the right of the
+turnpike, while Smith's division pushed directly forward
+on the road and on the left of it. After severe fighting
+by both divisions, having driven the enemy from point to
+point, Slocum's troops, about three o'clock, succeeded in
+seizing the pass, while our Second division pressed up
+the wooded sides of the mountain, charging a battery
+at the left of the pass and capturing two of its guns.
+The confederates fled precipitately down the west side
+of the mountain, and our flags were waved in triumph<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>
+from the heights which had so lately thundered destruction
+upon us. As we advanced, we wondered, not that
+the foe had offered such stubborn resistance, but that the
+position had been yielded at all. Their dead strewed our
+path, and great care was required, as we passed along the
+road, to avoid treading upon the lifeless remains which
+lay thickly upon the ground. On every side the evidences
+of the fearful conflict multiplied. Trees were
+literally cut to pieces by shells and bullets; a continual
+procession of rebel wounded and prisoners lined the roadsides,
+while knapsacks, guns, canteens and haversacks
+were scattered in great confusion. The rebel force made
+its way into Pleasant Valley, leaving in our hands their
+dead and wounded, three stand of colors, two pieces of
+artillery and many prisoners. Our troops scoured the
+woods until midnight, bringing in large numbers of
+stragglers.</p>
+
+<p>We had lost quite heavily; some of our best men had
+fallen. Colonel Mathison, who commanded the Third brigade
+of Slocum's division, whose heroism at Gaines' Farm,
+and bravery in all our campaign on the Peninsula, had
+endeared him to his division, was among the killed.</p>
+
+<p>The corps moved down the road to the western side of
+the mountains, our men resting on their arms for the night,
+expecting that the battle would be renewed at dawn. But
+the morning revealed no enemy in our front; we were in
+quiet possession of the valley.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile on the right, at South Mountain Pass, a still
+more sanguinary battle had been in progress.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 14th, the Ninth corps, Burnside's
+veterans, the heroes of Roanoke and Newbern, under the
+command of the gallant Reno, advanced from Middletown;
+and coming near the base of the mountains, found the
+enemy strongly posted on the crests of the hills, thronging
+the thickly wooded sides, and crowding in the gap. No<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>
+matter what position the brave boys occupied, they were
+submitted to a murderous fire from the crests and sides
+of the mountains. Under this galling fire, the First division
+of the corps formed in line of battle, and advanced toward
+the frowning heights. It was an undertaking requiring
+more than ordinary valor, to attempt to wrest from an
+enemy strong in numbers, a position so formidable for
+defense; but the men approaching those rugged mountain
+sides had become accustomed to overcome obstacles, and
+to regard all things as possible which they were commanded
+to do. Under cover of a storm of shells, thrown
+upward to the heights, the line of battle advanced, with
+courage and firmness, in face of terrible resistance, gaining
+much ground and driving the rebels from their first line
+of defenses. Now, the corps of Hooker rushed to the
+assistance of the Ninth. As the gallant general and his
+staff rode along the lines, enthusiastic cheers for "Fighting
+Joe Hooker," greeted him everywhere. Forming his
+divisions hastily, he pushed them on the enemy's lines at
+once.</p>
+
+<p>Thus far, the battle had been principally maintained by
+artillery; the rattle of musketry coming occasionally from
+one or another part of Reno's line. But now, the whole
+line was pushing against the rebel line, and the continued
+roll of musketry told of close work for the infantry.
+Reno's troops on the left and Hooker's on the right, were
+doing noble fighting. The advancing line never wavered;
+but pressing steadily forward, pouring volley after volley
+into the enemy's ranks, it at last forced the rebels to
+break and fly precipitately to the crests, and, leaving their
+splendid position on the summit to retreat in great haste
+down the other slope of the mountain. The engagement
+had been of three hours duration; and the bravery of
+the Union troops was rewarded by the possession of the
+mountain tops. Darkness put an end to the pursuit.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>
+Thus the two chief passes through the mountains were in
+the possession of the Union army.</p>
+
+<p>While his corps was striving to dislodge the enemy from
+the stronghold, the gallant Reno was struck by a minie
+ball, and expired. The loss of this hero threw a gloom not
+only over his own corps, but throughout the army.</p>
+
+<p>In the many battles in which he had taken a brilliant
+part, he had won an enviable fame, and his private virtues
+and kindly qualities of heart added lustre to the brilliancy
+of his military record.</p>
+
+<p>While the fight was in progress in Crampton Pass, the
+booming of guns at Harper's Ferry, only seven miles
+distant, told us of an attempt, on the part of the rebels,
+to capture that important point; and while we lay upon
+our arms on the morning of the 15th, two miles nearer
+than we were on the day before, the firing was heard to
+be still more fierce. Our Sixth corps was ordered to press
+forward to the relief of the beleaguered place; but before
+we had started the firing suddenly died away. General
+Franklin concluded that the place had been surrendered;
+and his conclusion was verified by reconnoissances. So
+the corps remained in Pleasant Valley, at rest, all of the
+15th and 16th.</p>
+
+<p>The surrender of Harper's Ferry was a terrible blow to
+our cause. Had it continued in our possession it must
+have insured, with any respectable energy on the part of
+our commanders, the destruction of the rebel army in
+its retreat. As it was, our loss was over eleven thousand
+men, and a vast amount of war material.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, the surrender of Harper's Ferry, at this
+critical period, was owing directly to the imbecility and
+cowardice, not to say treachery, of the officers in command
+at Harper's Ferry and on Maryland Heights. But,
+while we condemn the weakness and cowardice of these
+commanders, can we relieve from a share in the responsibility,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>
+the general who marched his army in pursuit of the
+enemy at a snail pace, traveling but six miles a day upon
+an average, when by a few brisk marches this important
+point might have been reinforced?</p>
+
+<p>Early on the morning of the 17th, the Sixth corps was
+on its way, hastening to the scene of conflict which had
+commenced on the banks of Antietam creek. A part
+of the Seventy-seventh had constituted one-third of the
+picket line which had extended across the valley between
+the corps and Harper's Ferry.</p>
+
+<p>These companies, by a hard march, much of it at double
+quick, succeeded in overtaking the division just as the
+Third brigade was making a charge over ground already
+thrice won and lost by Sumner's troops. Without waiting
+to form the companies, the detachment joined the command,
+and, all out of breath and faint from their forced
+march, rushed with their companies against the foe.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xiv" id="chapter_xiv"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Valley of the Antietam&mdash;Gathering of the hosts&mdash;The battle-field&mdash;The battle
+commenced&mdash;Splendid fighting of Hooker's forces&mdash;Successes and reverses of
+Sumner's troops&mdash;Timely arrival of the Sixth corps&mdash;A gallant charge&mdash;Losses
+of the corps&mdash;Burnside's attack&mdash;Hours of suspense&mdash;The enemy defeated at all
+points&mdash;Retreat of the rebels&mdash;Scenes on the battle-field&mdash;At the hospitals&mdash;At
+Sharpsburgh&mdash;A division of militia&mdash;Couch's division joins the Sixth corps&mdash;Visit
+of the President&mdash;Recruits&mdash;Energy at the north&mdash;At rest&mdash;Want of
+clothing&mdash;Stuart's raid&mdash;Delays&mdash;Clear Spring&mdash;General Brooks.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Among the delightful and fertile valleys which beautify
+the State of Maryland, none is more charming than the
+one through which the Antietam winds its tortuous course.
+Looking from some elevation down upon its green fields,
+where herds of sleek cattle graze, its yellow harvests
+glowing and ripening in the September sun; its undulating
+meadows and richly laden orchards; its comfortable
+farm houses, some standing out boldly upon eminences,
+which rise here and there, others half hidden by vines or
+fruit trees; the ranges of hills, rising on either side of the
+stream, diversified by charming vales or deep gullies;
+the turnpikes winding along the sides of the hills and
+through the valleys; the lovely stream itself, now flowing
+smoothly over its dark bed and anon tumbling noisily in
+rapids over a stony bottom, winding here far up to one
+range of hills and then turning back to kiss the base of the
+other; the whole scene is one of surpassing beauty, upon
+which the eye rests with untiring delight. Who would
+have selected this lovely valley as the scene of one of the
+most bloody struggles ever recorded? Who, looking
+down from some height of land on the morning of the 13th<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>
+of September, would have dreamed that those stacks of
+grain, which dotted the fields here and there, would soon
+become the only protection from the heat of the sun and
+the storm of battle, to thousands of wounded, bleeding
+men? or, that from those lovely groves of oak and maple,
+now reposing like spots of beauty upon the landscape,
+were to belch forth fire and smoke, carrying destruction to
+thousands? Yet, here on these smiling fields, and among
+these delightful groves, one of the grand battles which
+should decide the march of events in the history, not only
+of our own country but of the world, was to be fought.
+These green pastures were to be stained with blood, and
+these peaceful groves marred and torn by shot and shell.</p>
+
+<p>Driven from the towns along the Potomac, from
+Frederick, from Hagerstown, and from Boonsboro; and
+forced from the strong passes in the South Mountains, the
+detached portions of the rebel army were concentrated
+along the banks of the Antietam creek, in the vicinity of
+the little town of Sharpsburgh. Hither Jackson and Longstreet,
+Hill and Stuart, with their hosts, had gathered to
+offer combined resistance to the Union army; boastfully
+proclaiming that now, upon northern soil, they would
+hurl our army to final destruction. One hundred thousand
+men, flushed with recent victories, and eager for one grand
+crowning success, proudly defied the Union army.</p>
+
+<p>Their position was well chosen. A line of steep hills,
+forming a half circle, with the convexity in front, rising at
+some distance back from the creek, and nearly parallel with
+it, afforded admirable advantages for posting batteries, in
+such a manner as to sweep the plain below, from right to
+left. Upon their left, wooded fields afforded protection
+to their infantry; while upon their right, the undulating
+nature of the grounds near the base of the hills, covered
+them from the fire of our guns. In their rear was Sharpsburgh;
+and two fine roads leading to the Potomac, afforded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
+safe lines of retreat in case of disaster. From the crest
+of the hills, on which Lee had thus posted his army, the
+ground sloped gently back; concealing the movements of
+his forces from the view of the army in their front, allowing
+them to maneuver unobserved by their opponents. Owing
+also to the form of their line of battle, it was an easy matter
+to throw troops from one part to another. Thus, strongly
+posted and confidently anticipating victory, they waited
+the approach of the Union army.</p>
+
+<p>Our own forces were also gathering toward this point.
+Richardson's division of the Second corps, pressing closely
+upon the heels of the retreating rebels, had passed
+through Boonsboro and Keedeysville, and had overtaken
+them here.</p>
+
+<p>Porter, with his regulars, was close at hand, and took
+position. Then came Burnside, with his favorite Ninth
+corps; and the white-haired veteran, Sumner, with troops
+worthy of their leader; fighting Joe Hooker and his
+gallant men; and Mansfield, with Banks' corps. The
+afternoon and most of the night was spent in getting into
+position. Brisk skirmishes were occurring with sufficient
+frequency to excite the men on both sides; but no general
+engagement took place. The morning of the 16th
+found our army ready to give battle. On our right was
+Hooker; then Sumner with his own and the Twelfth,
+Mansfield's corps; and far to the left was Burnside.
+Porter's corps, secure behind an elevation in the rear, was
+held in reserve.</p>
+
+<p>The night had passed with but now and then a little
+picket firing; but all felt that, before many hours, must
+commence a battle, which must determine the fate at least
+of that campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Crossing the Antietam, in front of the line of our army,
+were three bridges. The first, on the Hagerstown road;
+the next on the road to Sharpsburgh; and the third on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>
+the left, three miles below, on the road from Harper's
+Ferry to Sharpsburgh.</p>
+
+<p>This last bridge, crossed the stream at a point where
+steep and high hills crowded closely on every side; the
+summits of those on the western side of the stream,
+crowned with rebel batteries, and their steeply falling
+sides covered with infantry. Over the first of these
+bridges, on the right, Hooker was to cross his forces;
+while on the left, Burnside was to attempt to dislodge the
+enemy from his commanding position. Far in the rear, a
+prominent hill rose above the surrounding country; here
+was a signal station, and here the commander of the army
+established his quarters. Hour after hour of the 16th
+passed away, the two armies facing each other, watching
+and waiting; troops moving this way and that, maneuvering
+like two giant wrestlers, each willing to try the movements
+and feel the gripe of the other before coming to the
+sharp grapple. At four o'clock, Hooker crossed his corps
+and occupied a position on the west side of the creek, and
+Mansfield soon followed; a little fighting, but not severe,
+and then darkness closed over the scene again. The skirmishes
+and artillery practice here, developed, to the quick
+eye of General Hooker, the position of the enemy in his
+front, and their plan of defense. Satisfied with this knowledge,
+he was willing to allow his corps to rest until
+morning. Our lines were now very near those of the
+rebels; so near that the pickets of the opposing forces
+could hear conversation from one line to the other.</p>
+
+<p>At an early hour on the morning of the 17th, the great
+battle commenced in earnest. Hooker formed his line
+with Doubleday on the right, Meade in the center, and
+Ricketts on the left. Opposed to him was Stonewall
+Jackson's corps. First, Meade's Pennsylvania reserves,
+of Hooker's corps, opened upon the enemy, and in a
+few moments the firing became rapid and general along<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>
+the line of both Meade's and Rickett's divisions. The
+rebel line of battle was just beyond the woods, in a cornfield.
+The hostile lines poured into each other more
+and more deadly volleys; batteries were brought up on
+each side which did terrible execution. Each line stood
+firm and immovable. Although great gaps were made in
+them, they were closed up, and the opposing forces continued
+to pour fearful destruction into each other's ranks.
+General Hooker, riding everywhere along the front line,
+knew exactly the position and the work of every regiment
+in his command. Cheer after cheer greeted him as he
+passed along the line, inspiring the men by his presence.
+Thus for half an hour the two lines stood face to face in
+deadly conflict; at length the general directed a battery
+to be placed in a commanding position, and the shells and
+shrapnel were seen to work fearful havoc in the rebel ranks.
+The gray line wavered; then back through the cornfield
+and over the fences the confederates rushed, seeking shelter
+from the terrible storm, under cover of the woods, on
+the other side of the field. "Forward!" shouted General
+Hooker, and his divisions pressed rapidly through the
+cornfield, up to the very edge of the wood, while the
+welkin rang with their cheers. Here, the fleeing foe,
+reinforced by fresh troops, made a determined stand.
+Terrific volleys poured from the woods, thinning out the
+Union ranks at a fearful rate. Unable to sustain the
+deadly fire, they fell back&mdash;this time the rebels following
+with yells and shouts; but before the cornfield was
+crossed, our troops made another stand, and the swarthy
+foe was brought to bay; yet the thinned line seemed
+hardly able to sustain the fearful shock much longer.
+Hooker, fearing that his center was doomed to destruction,
+sent to his right for a brigade, although his right
+was hard pressed and in danger of being flanked.</p>
+
+<p>The fresh brigade pressed steadily to the front, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>
+rebel line again fell back to the woods. Mansfield's corps
+now came to the support of the right wing, and well did
+those troops, so lately demoralized at Bull Run, stand their
+ground. General Mansfield received here his mortal wound.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this time, when Hooker saw his forces gaining
+a decided advantage and felt that their part of the work
+was well done, that a rifle ball passed through his foot
+inflicting a painful wound. Lamenting that he could not
+remain to see the end of what he hoped would prove a
+great victory, he left the field. The battle lulled at this
+point; but in the center it raged with terrible energy.
+There, Sumner the white-haired veteran, led his corps into
+the very jaws of death. If he seemed reckless of the
+lives of his men, he had no more care of his own. Across
+the ploughed ground, over ditches and fences, with unsurpassed
+ardor, sweeping over all obstacles, the corps pushed
+forward, driving the enemy before it; but the right became
+hard pressed, and a terrible fire on that part of the
+line and on the center, forced the corps back. Again
+the ground was taken; and again the enemy, with wild
+yells of triumph, drove our men back. Still determined
+to win, the veteran hero ordered a third charge; and the
+third time the field was ours, but only to be lost again.
+The brave General Sedgwick, who then led one division
+of Sumner's corps, whom we were afterward proud to call
+the commander of the Sixth corps, thrice wounded, was
+at length obliged to leave the field. Richardson and
+Crawford were carried wounded to the hospitals.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this critical moment, when Sumner's troops,
+weary and almost out of ammunition, were for the third
+time repulsed; the remnants of the shattered regiments no
+longer able to resist the overwhelming forces opposed to
+them; the artillery alone, unsupported, holding the enemy
+for a moment in check; that the Sixth corps, our second
+division in advance, arrived upon the field.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The scene before us was awful. On the left, as far as
+the eye could reach, the lines of the contending forces,
+stretching over hills and through valleys, stood face to face;
+in places, not more than thirty yards apart. The roar of
+musketry rolled along the whole extent of the battle-field.
+The field upon which we had now entered, thrice hotly
+contested, was strewed with the bodies of friend and foe.</p>
+
+<p>Without waiting to take breath, each regiment as soon
+as it arrives on the field, is ordered to charge independently
+of the others. The third brigade is first; and first
+of its regiments, the Twentieth New York, with their sabre
+bayonets, are ready; and the shout, "Forward, double
+quick!" rings along the line. The Germans waver for a
+moment; but presently with a yell they rush down the
+hill, suddenly receiving a volley from a rebel line concealed
+behind a fence; but the Germans, regardless of the storm
+of bullets, rush forward; the rebels breaking and flying to
+the rear in confusion, while the Germans hotly pursue them.
+Next, on the left of the Twentieth, the gallant Seventh
+Maine charges; rushing forward into the midst of the
+cornfield, they, too, are met by concealed foes. Although
+they are concealed from our view, the crashing of musketry
+tells us of the struggle which they maintain.</p>
+
+<p>The gallant regiment makes its way down the slope,
+almost to the earthworks of the enemy, when the men
+throw themselves upon the ground behind a rail fence.
+Here, subjected to the shells from the Union and rebel
+batteries, the regiment can neither advance or retreat;
+but our batteries, finding that their shots are as fatal to
+our men as to the rebels, allow the remaining fragments
+of the regiment to retire from the perilous position.</p>
+
+<p>On the right of the Seventh Maine comes the glorious
+Forty-ninth and our own Seventy-seventh, Captain Babcock
+in command. On the right of all is the old Thirty-third,
+within supporting distance. The men of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>
+Seventy-seventh rush forward over their fallen comrades,
+making toward a small school house which stands upon
+the Sharpsburgh and Hagerstown turnpike, behind which
+is a grove swarming with rebel troops. Our boys are
+almost on the road, when, at a distance of less than
+thirty yards, they find themselves confronted by overwhelming
+numbers, who pour a withering fire into their
+ranks. The Seventy-seventh receives the fire nobly, and,
+although far ahead of all the other regiments, stands its
+ground and returns the fire with spirit, although it is
+but death to remain thus in the advance. The brave
+color-bearer, Joseph Murer, falls, shot through the head;
+but the colors scarcely touch the ground when they
+are seized and again flaunted in the face of the enemy.
+Volley after volley crashes through our ranks; our comrades
+fall on every side; yet the little band stands firm
+as a rock, refusing to yield an inch. At this juncture,
+General Smith, riding along the line and discovering
+the advanced and unprotected position of the regiment,
+exclaims, "There's a regiment gone," and sends an aide
+to order it to retire. The order was timely, for the
+rebels were planting a battery within twenty yards of
+the left of the regiment, which would, in a moment
+longer, have swept it to destruction.</p>
+
+<p>The regiment reformed behind the crest, in line with
+the other regiments of the brigade, all of which had been
+forced to fall back; but the line held was far in advance
+of that held by Sumner's troops when the division
+arrived. Thirty-three of the little band had fallen; they
+were less than two hundred men when they came upon
+the field. In the Seventh Maine the loss was still greater;
+of the one hundred and seventy men who went into the
+fight, one-half were killed or wounded; more than eighty
+of those noble forms were prostrated like the slashings in
+their own forests. The Thirty-third lost fifty in killed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>
+and wounded. The total loss to our Third brigade was
+three hundred and forty-three; of the Second division, three
+hundred and seventy-three; of the corps, four hundred and
+thirty-eight.</p>
+
+<p>Our men lay down behind the ridge to protect themselves
+from the rebel batteries; yet even here the shells
+came, carrying death to many of our number. The Vermont
+brigade was sent to the assistance of French's
+division, who, having expended their ammunition, were
+making feeble resistance to the enemy. The Vermonters
+behaved with their usual gallantry, resisting the advance of
+the enemy; and although frequently subjected to the fire
+of artillery, they held their ground bravely. The brigade
+was composed of men who could always be depended on
+to do what they were ordered to do.</p>
+
+<p>The advent of the Sixth corps upon the field had decided
+the contest upon the right of the line, and after the first
+charge by the Third brigade the battle lulled. Of all the
+brilliant charges made in the army on that memorable day,
+none was more gallant or more important in its results
+than this noble charge of the Third brigade of Smith's
+division. Although the infantry on both sides became
+comparatively quiet, artillery thundered from every eminence
+in possession of our own or the enemy's batteries.
+Shells and cannister tore through the Union ranks, making
+in parts of the line fearful havoc. Thus, for nine long
+hours, our Sixth corps endured this fiery ordeal, when
+darkness closed over the field of strife.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, on the left, Burnside became hotly engaged.
+At nine o'clock in the morning, his troops moved down
+toward the stone bridge, over which they hoped to cross.
+The hills on either side slope down almost to the water's
+edge; the road leading to the bridge winding through a
+ravine, and then on the other side ascending through
+another ravine to the highlands. No sooner had the head<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>
+of the column descended into this amphitheater of hills,
+than the rebels opened a destructive fire from behind
+defenses which they had thrown up along the hillsides.
+Rifle pits, and breastworks of rails and stones, concealed
+thousands of infantry, who, from their secure position,
+poured volley after volley into the advancing column;
+while batteries, placed upon the heights, brought an enfilading
+fire upon the bridge and its approaches. In the face
+of this reception, the Ninth corps formed in line of battle.
+One brigade with fixed bayonets charged upon the bridge;
+but the concentrated fire of the enemy forced it back.
+Charge after charge was ordered and executed by different
+portions of the command with like success. At length a
+battery was brought to bear directly upon the enemy's
+position at the farthest end of the bridge, and, aided by
+these guns, fresh troops charged with great enthusiasm,
+carrying the bridge and planting their colors on the opposite
+side of the stream. Sturgis' division immediately
+advanced up the slope, driving the enemy before it.
+Meanwhile Rodman's division had succeeded, after a desperate
+fight, in crossing the stream below, and had also gained
+a position along the crest of the hills. The enemy having
+the range perfectly, made the position along the crest of
+the hills untenable, and the men were forced to fall back
+a little; lying close upon the ground to avoid the shells
+that burst about them.</p>
+
+<p>At length, at three o'clock, General Burnside ordered a
+general advance. The divisions moved in fine order, but
+were soon met by the enemy in overpowering numbers.
+The whole line became hotly engaged. All the reserves
+were brought into action, and still the rebels poured upon
+the Union men in increasing numbers; pressing their flank
+and turning the attack into a doubtful defense. It seemed
+impossible for the corps to hold its position against the
+overwhelming force opposed to it. At this juncture General<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>
+Burnside sent to General McClellan for aid. Porter's
+troops were still in reserve; but McClellan refused to
+relieve the hardly pressed corps. Again Burnside sends
+word, "I cannot hold my position half an hour longer,
+unless I am reinforced;" and again the appeal is met with
+refusal. Contrary to his own expectations, Burnside's
+forces held their ground until darkness put an end to the
+strife.</p>
+
+<p>Thus our own Sixth corps, and Burnside's corps, held
+the ground they had each by most desperate fighting
+wrested from the hands of the enemy; and in spite of the
+peril which had threatened the right, when Hooker's braves
+were forced back, the center, where Sumner's brave men
+fell back for the third time with empty cartridge boxes,
+and the left, where Burnside was so hardly pressed, the
+advantage remained with our army; and the weary soldiers
+lay down in the expectation of renewing the battle
+in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>Their valor had saved them from defeat; they hoped to
+make the battle that should come, a complete victory.</p>
+
+<p>But the battle was ended. Toward morning, it was
+known to officers of our corps that the rebels were moving
+back, and the fact was reported; but no attention was paid
+to it. A truce, under pretense of burying the dead, gave
+the rebels a quiet day, in which to prepare for their escape,
+by sending their trains and much of their artillery to the
+rear; and on the night of the 18th, the whole rebel army
+disappeared. So this memorable and sanguinary battle
+ended. A defeat for the rebels, but not the decided victory
+to our arms that could have been hoped for.</p>
+
+<p>The Second division of the Sixth corps was relieved soon
+after noon of the 18th by Couch's division, which was soon
+afterward joined to the Sixth corps. Until now our corps
+had consisted of but two divisions, the First and Second.
+Our men were glad to fall back enough to allow them to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>
+cook their coffee once more, and they proceeded to the
+work of preparing a good meal with great spirit.</p>
+
+<p>The scene on the battle-field was past description. The
+mangled forms of our own comrades lay stretched upon
+the ground, side by side with those of the rebels. On
+almost every rod of ground over one hundred acres, the
+dead and wounded, some clad in the Union blue and some
+in confederate gray, were lying. A ghastly sight, presenting
+all the horrible features of death which are to be seen
+on such a field. At one point in our own front, for more
+than half a mile, the rebels lay so thickly as almost to
+touch each other. On the field where Hooker's men had
+won and lost the field, the dead and dying were scattered
+thickly among the broken cornstalks, their eyes protruding
+and their faces blackened by the sun. Wherever the
+lines of battle had surged to and fro, these vestiges of
+the terrible work were left. In the edge of the wood,
+where the rebels had made a stand against Hooker's
+advancing divisions, the bodies lay in perfect line, as
+though they had fallen while on dress parade. Further to
+the left there was a narrow road, not more than fifteen
+feet wide, with high fences on either side. Here a regiment
+of rebels was posted; when our batteries getting an
+enfilading fire upon them, and the infantry at the same
+time opening a murderous fire, the regiment was literally
+destroyed; not more than twenty of their number escaping.
+Their bodies filled the narrow road. Some were
+shot while attempting to get over the fence; and their
+remains hung upon the boards. A more fearful picture
+than we saw here, could not be conceived.</p>
+
+<p>Broken caissons, wheels, dismounted guns, thousands of
+muskets, blankets, haversacks and canteens, were scattered
+thickly over the field; and hundreds of slain horses, bloated
+and with feet turned toward the sky, added to the horror
+of the scene.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>While the excitement of battle lasts, and we hear the
+roar of artillery, and the shock of contending armies,
+the terrible reality of the occasion hardly presents itself
+to our minds, and it is only when we survey the bloody
+field, strewed with the mangled, lifeless remains of friend
+and foe, or walk through the hospitals, where the unfortunate
+victims of battle writhe in the agony of their wounds,
+that we realize the terrible nature of a great battle.</p>
+
+<p>Sickening as is the sight of the battle-field, the scenes
+about the hospitals are worse, except to those who are
+actually engaged in ministering to the relief of the
+wounded. To these the excitement and labor incident to
+their duties, crowd out the thoughts of the ghastly surroundings.
+They see only so many demands upon them
+for assistance, and have no time to indulge in sentimental
+emotions.</p>
+
+<p>Here in the rear of the army for miles, was a succession
+of hospitals. Every house, and barn, and haystack, formed
+the nucleus of a hospital, where men, shot through the
+head, through the limbs, through the body; with every
+conceivable variety of wounds, lay groaning in anguish.
+Surgeons toiled day and night with never lagging zeal to
+relieve these sufferings, but all their labor could only
+afford slight relief. The labors of medical officers after a
+great battle are immense, and there is no respite from
+their toils so long as a wounded man remains uncared
+for. While others find repose from the fatigues of
+battle in sleep, the surgeons are still at work; there is no
+sleep for them so long as work remains to be done.</p>
+
+<p>The rebel army had fallen back; yet a skirmish line had
+been left to cover the movement. At length even this
+suddenly disappeared, and, firing a few solid shots, as a
+parting salute, the enemy took a final leave of the field.
+Our forces were ordered on. We passed over the scene of
+carnage, where hundreds of dead lay still unburied; and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>
+pioneers were on every part of the field throwing the
+mangled, disfigured forms into shallow graves. Along
+the roadsides, under the fences, and where the confederate
+hospitals had been, still these gory objects met our view.
+We reached Sharpsburgh, and here the evidences of the
+terrible conflict were to be seen everywhere. Houses riddled
+by shells and bullets; some of them destroyed by fire,
+and some battered into shapeless masses; the streets filled
+with disabled wagons; horses galloping about without
+riders; knapsacks, guns and equipments cast away in the
+hasty flight; churches filled with rebel wounded; all
+helped to make up a scene of destruction such as has
+been rarely witnessed. The people of the village welcomed
+us as their deliverers, and brought water, and such
+other refreshments as they had been able to conceal from
+the rebels. We passed the village and bivouacked for the
+night.</p>
+
+<p>On the 20th, we, of the Sixth corps, retraced our steps,
+passing again over the battle-field, where the stench was
+now unendurable. We reached Williamsport at daylight,
+where Couch's division was face to face with the enemy,
+who were said to be recrossing the river, and who had
+last night forced back part of the division.</p>
+
+<p>The rebel force had, however, consisted of about four
+thousand cavalry, who, finding the Unionists in force,
+quickly returned to the south side of the Potomac. Here
+we found an immense division of Pennsylvania militia
+drawn up in line of battle. Its regiments were larger
+than our brigades. They were armed with every variety
+of fire-arms, from light sporting shot-guns to Sharpe's
+rifles. Their uniforms had quite as little uniformity as
+their arms. Some were dressed in gray pants and jackets,
+others in light blue; and still others in the various fashions
+which constituted the wearing apparel at home.
+Grave gentleman in spectacles, studious young men in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>
+green glasses, pale young men who were evidently more
+at home behind the counter than in line of battle, roughs
+who had not been tamed by the discipline of military
+life, and boys who, for the first time, had left the paternal
+mansion, made up the heterogeneous division.</p>
+
+<p>Remaining at Williamsport until the morning of the
+23d, we marched on the Hagerstown turnpike to Bakersville,
+where we remained about three weeks. Here it was
+that Couch's division was joined to the Sixth corps.
+(The regiments of this division were, the 36th, 55th, 62d, 65th, 67th and
+122d New
+York; the 23d, 82d, 93d, 98th and 102d Pennsylvania; the 7th, 10th and 37th
+Massachusetts,
+and the 2d Rhode Island.) On
+the 3d of October the corps was ordered out for review
+by President Lincoln. The line was formed on a fine
+plain, and the booming of cannon announced the approach
+of the Commander-in-Chief of the armies of the United
+States. The illustrious visitor was accompanied by Generals
+McClellan, Franklin, Smith and other notable men,
+with an immense retinue. Conscious of the fatigues
+already endured by these veterans, the President simply
+passed along the line of the divisions, acknowledging
+the salutations which greeted him, without requiring the
+columns to march in review. The soldiers manifested
+their appreciation of the interest taken by the Chief
+Magistrate in their welfare, by loud and repeated cheers.
+Sumner's, Burnside's and Porter's corps had already been
+reviewed by the President.</p>
+
+<p>While at this camp, large accessions were made to our
+thinned ranks. Before the army left Harrison's Landing,
+efforts had been set on foot for filling up the skeleton regiments
+of our army. Recruiting officers had been detailed
+from every regiment, to go to the localities from which
+their respective regiments had been raised, and bring in
+recruits, to fill the places made vacant by death and
+disease. The critical condition of affairs when the army<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>
+was withdrawn from the Peninsula, and, afterward, when
+Pope was so disastrously forced back upon the defenses
+of Washington, had roused to most earnest action, many
+patriots, who hoped to avert further disaster by forwarding
+men to the field. Under these influences, and as the
+result of these patriotic efforts, many recruits offered
+themselves; but after the battle of Antietam, new life was
+added to the recruiting service. Many who then supposed
+that the war was nearly ended, gladly accepted the large
+bounties, and in the hope of soon being "in at the death"
+of the rebellion, enrolled themselves among the soldiers of
+the Union. War meetings were held in every town, and
+the utmost enthusiasm was created. In Saratoga, a large
+concourse of people, among whom were many of the visitors
+at the Springs, gathered for a war meeting. Stirring
+speeches were made. Ladies offered their diamond rings,
+their watch chains, their watches and other valuables to
+those who should come forward and enter the service.
+Under the influence of such enthusiasm, many came forward
+and enrolled their names, and received the jewels
+from the fair hands of the patriotic donors. By such
+efforts as these, all over the country, from two to three
+hundred recruits were raised for each regiment in our
+corps, and large accessions were made to the ranks of the
+whole army.</p>
+
+<p>The advent of the new comers was hailed with joy by
+the veterans, who had become sadly discouraged by their
+small and constantly decreasing numbers.</p>
+
+<p>Our men were enjoying the welcome rest and the abundant
+supply of food obtained in this delightful country,
+and many varieties of diet, well remembered as familiar in
+former years, but unknown to them since their campaigns
+commenced, adorned their humble mess tables. Among
+other luxuries, "hasty pudding" and johnny cake became
+common articles of diet. The process of producing these<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>
+articles, was after the rude manner of men who must invent
+the working materials as they are needed. One-half of
+an unserviceable canteen, or a tin plate perforated by
+means of a nail or the sharp point of a bayonet, served
+the purpose of a grater or mill for grinding the corn. The
+neighboring cornfields, although guarded, yielded abundance
+of rich yellow ears; which, without passing through
+the process of "shelling," were rubbed across the grater,
+yielding a finer meal than is usually ground at the grist
+mills. The meal being obtained, it was mixed with a
+large or small quantity of water, as mush or cake was
+desired, and cooked.</p>
+
+<p>The men complained of want of proper and sufficient
+clothing, and many of them were absolutely barefooted.
+On whom the blame for the long delay in furnishing these
+necessary articles should rest, we can only refer to the controversy
+between the Major-General commanding the
+armies of the United States and the Major-General commanding
+the Army of the Potomac.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after midnight, October 11th, the corps was
+ordered to move to Hagerstown. In the midst of a
+heavy shower the march was made, and Hagerstown
+was reached soon after daylight. Here a new cause of
+excitement occurred. Stuart, with his cavalry, was in
+our rear; Chambersburgh was burned, and other towns
+sacked. The Vermont brigade was hastily loaded into
+cars and sent to Chambersburgh in pursuit of the cavalry,
+which was already far on its way to the Potomac. Of
+course they could only return, having had an excursion
+through the country at government expense. The Third
+brigade of Smith's division marched hastily to the Maryland
+and Pennsylvania line, to where a stone bridge
+crossed the Antietam; a battery of artillery was also
+here, and the brigades and battery prepared to defend the
+crossing. But no enemy appeared, and the two brigades<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>
+returned to Hagerstown; the Vermonters to occupy the
+town as provost guard, the other to encamp in a delightful
+grove a mile beyond.</p>
+
+<p>Thus ended the famous campaign of Antietam; which
+had humbled the pride of the boastful confederates, and
+had turned back their hordes to their mountain fastnesses
+in Virginia for safety. A campaign which, while conducted
+with great hesitancy and a total want of that
+celerity of movement usually considered absolutely necessary
+to brilliant success in military operations, yet had
+preserved the north from imminent and immediate danger
+which threatened it. Our losses in killed, wounded and
+missing, in this campaign, amounted to fifteen thousand
+two hundred and twenty.</p>
+
+<p>The army was posted, two corps, the Second and
+Twelfth, at Harper's Ferry; the remaining corps along
+the Potomac, above and below that point, for twenty
+miles. Here, six weeks were spent in getting ready for
+another campaign; the President, meanwhile, constantly
+ordering an advance across the river; General McClellan,
+constantly offering excuses for delay. It is not our purpose
+to discuss the merits of these excuses, but it may not
+be out of place to mention, that although the Sixth corps
+was represented as being in worse condition, in regard to
+clothing and shoes, than any other corps, that corps finally
+crossed the river before it received its clothing, showing
+that even the corps least supplied with these important
+articles could undertake the campaign even after another
+month's wear of the old clothes and the advent of the
+cold weather. On the 18th of October, that portion of
+the Third brigade able to perform duty, was marched to
+Clear Spring to perform picket duty, leaving in camp the
+recruits, who were unarmed, and the invalids. Thus
+the brigade occupied two distinct camps several miles
+apart. The duty on picket was by no means severe, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
+the country was delightful. The boys found little difficulty
+in procuring abundant supplies of luxuries, such as
+soft bread, hoe cakes and other articles, from the farmers;
+and as the enemy was at Winchester, they were not in
+great alarm from rebel raids.</p>
+
+<p>The Hagerstown camp was indeed a pleasant one. The
+people were generally loyal, and seemed glad to furnish the
+soldiers with all the comforts possible. There was little
+duty, and the invalids had time for recovering their
+exhausted strength, while the recruits were afforded an
+opportunity for drill.</p>
+
+<p>General Slocum, who had commanded the First division
+of our corps since the corps was organized, was assigned
+to the command of the Twelfth corps, in place of General
+Mansfield, who lost his life at Antietam.</p>
+
+<p>In the Vermont brigade an important change occurred,
+General Brooks, the old and tried commander of the
+brigade, was assigned to the command of the first division
+of the corps, succeeding General Slocum, who took
+command of the Twelfth corps. General Brooks was
+one of the most energetic and brave brigade commanders
+in our army, and notwithstanding his abrupt and sometimes
+very stern manners, had endeared himself by his
+excellent discipline and fighting qualities, not only to
+his brigade, but to the whole division.</p>
+
+<p>An amusing incident, well calculated to illustrate the
+mingled sentiments of love and fear entertained for the
+general by even those in his own command, occurred
+at a meeting of the officers of the brigade, immediately
+after the order for the transfer. The object of the meeting,
+was to make arrangements for presenting the general
+with a suitable testimonial of their regard. Some discussion
+occurred in regard to the character of the gift.
+Some proposed a silver service, some a sword. At length
+it was proposed, that a fine horse and equipments be purchased.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>
+An officer rose and said that it was all very well
+to talk about buying a horse for General Brooks, but he
+would like to know who would be so bold as to undertake
+to present it to him! Another officer suggested that the
+horse might be saddled and bridled and hitched in front
+of the general's quarters during the night, with a note
+tied to the bridle stating for whom it was designed, and
+by whom presented.</p>
+
+<p>A magnificent silver service was finally presented to the
+general, who, forgetting his rough manners, received
+the beautiful gift of his loved brigade with tears standing
+on his brown cheeks.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xv" id="chapter_xv"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SECOND ADVANCE INTO VIRGINIA, AND THE
+BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Marching in Maryland&mdash;Arrival at New Baltimore&mdash;General McClellan superseded
+by General Burnside&mdash;Thanksgiving in camp&mdash;The grand divisions organized&mdash;The
+march resumed&mdash;Fatal delays&mdash;In order of battle&mdash;The crossing&mdash;Fredericksburgh
+bombarded&mdash;Situation of Fredericksburgh&mdash;Scenes of activity&mdash;The
+Bernard house&mdash;Scenes at the hospital&mdash;The battle on the right&mdash;Charges
+of the Pennsylvania reserves&mdash;The river recrossed&mdash;Reflections.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Thus, for nearly six weeks, the army remained at Hagerstown,
+and on the line of the Potomac, resting and waiting
+for clothing. On the 28th of October, orders came to clear
+all the camps of sick; and all from our Sixth corps were
+sent to hospitals in Hagerstown. At dark, we set out, and
+making a night march of a few miles, reached Williamsport,
+where we bivouacked and remained two days, and
+thence went to Boonsboro.</p>
+
+<p>The march from Williamsport to Boonsboro led us
+through a magnificent country. On either side of the
+road, the long lines of corn shocks and the vine-clad houses,
+formed a picture of wealth and comfort. We halted at
+Boonsboro in sight of the field of Antietam, and passed
+our bi-monthly muster. At daybreak in the morning we
+were again on the road. The first part of our way led
+through a beautiful open country, but we were soon winding
+among the hills that form the slopes of "Pleasant
+Valley."</p>
+
+<p>The forests on the hillsides, glowing with the brilliant
+colors of autumn, the fine old residences, appearing here
+and there among the trees, and the plethoric stacks of hay<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>
+and grain, combined, indeed, to make it a "pleasant valley,"
+and, as the lines of troops filed along the roads, the
+spectacle was beautifully picturesque. We passed South
+Mountain, where the rebels had met with such a bloody
+reception from our forces, and not long after we were on
+the ground of the battle of Burkettsville, where our Sixth
+corps had charged up the hill and had driven the enemy
+in confusion. Every tree bore lasting marks of a terrible
+fight. For more than a mile, the forest was completely
+scarred by bullets and shells; not a tree had escaped, and
+many of them were pierced like the cover of a pepper-box.
+We halted near Berlin, in a charming valley, where we
+staid over Sunday. Monday morning, we crossed the
+Potomac to Virginia, on pontoon bridges, passed through
+the little towns of Lovettsville and Purcellville, Union
+Town and Upperville, then crossing the valley almost
+from west to east, from the Blue Ridge to the Kittoctan
+mountains, at length, on Thursday, reached White Plains,
+a station on the Front Royal and Manassas railroad, not
+far from Thoroughfare Gap. Here we were overtaken by
+a cold storm of rain, sleet and snow, gloomy enough, but
+not so gloomy as was the news that here reached us of
+the elections in New York. Whatever the attitude of the
+political parties may have been before or since that time
+in reference to the war, in our army the result of the New
+York elections was regarded, at that time, as a repudiation
+of the war.</p>
+
+<p>We reached New Baltimore on the 9th, and the next
+morning we were notified that, by order of the President,
+General McClellan was relieved from the command of the
+army of the Potomac, to be superseded by Major-General
+Burnside.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had the farewell order of General McClellan
+been read to the troops, than the whole army was ordered
+into line for review by corps. The retiring and the incoming<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>
+generals, each with his long train of followers, galloped
+along the whole of the line of the army, while batteries
+fired salutes and bands played "The Star Spangled Banner"
+and "Hail to the Chief." Many of the regiments
+cheered the departing general with great enthusiasm,
+while others observed a studied silence.</p>
+
+<p>A week was spent at New Baltimore, and then another
+week on the banks of Aquia creek, not far from Stafford
+Court House.</p>
+
+<p>The 27th of November was Thanksgiving day, in nearly
+all the loyal States, and doubtless our friends at home, as
+they gathered in many a family circle that day, to partake
+bounteous Thanksgiving dinners, spoke of those who were
+away at the war, and thought, that with them, Thanksgiving
+could only be a hard day's march in the rain or mud,
+with rations of hard bread and pork; and so, many kind
+hearts pitied the soldiers as they thought that we were
+deprived of the luxuries which they were enjoying.</p>
+
+<p>But we, too, enjoyed a pleasant Thanksgiving. In the
+morning, throughout the corps, there was brigade inspection;
+we put on our good clothes and presented ourselves
+to our generals, looking our best; then as we marched
+back into the various camps, we found dinner smoking in
+many a cook-tent, and the odor of roast meats rising
+throughout the whole corps like an odor of sweet incense.
+Fresh sheep pelts hanging here and there in considerable
+profusion, told of good cheer among all the men.</p>
+
+<p>As evening approached, the voice of singing was heard
+from all the camps, and groups were gathered under the
+shadow of the chestnut trees, where many pairs of government
+shoes were shuffling to the music of violins.
+Throughout the limits of the corps, good humor and
+mirth prevailed; the sick forgot their pains, and the homesick
+ones, for the time, looked bright, as they yielded to
+the general feeling of happiness.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>General Burnside, immediately upon taking command,
+consolidated the army into three grand divisions, of two
+corps each. The Right, to consist of the Second corps,
+General Couch, and the Ninth, General Wilcox; General
+Sumner to command the grand division. General Hooker
+was placed in command of the Center division, which consisted
+of the Third corps, General Stoneman, and the Fifth,
+General Butterfield. The Left grand division consisted of
+the Sixth corps, under General Smith, and the First corps,
+under General Reynolds; General Franklin was assigned
+to the command.</p>
+
+<p>The command of the Second division, Sixth corps, was
+given to Brigadier-General A. P. Howe.</p>
+
+<p>At length, we resumed our march, reaching Brooks'
+Station the first night; then, after a day's delay, we
+started again. The weather was intensely cold, and the
+mud almost unfathomable. The troops, with much difficulty,
+moved about six miles, reaching the rear of Falmouth
+Station, opposite Fredericksburgh; but the trains,
+at midnight, had only proceeded two miles. In the ambulances,
+the sick suffered beyond description. Six soldiers
+from the Third brigade, Second division, died in the ambulances
+that night. Even the well men in camp could
+hardly manage to keep warm. Few persons in that vast
+army slept, and the ring of hundreds of axes and the falling
+of trees, which were to be piled on the fires, were
+heard all night.</p>
+
+<p>The Right and Center grand divisions, had arrived in the
+vicinity of Falmouth several days before; and it had been
+the design of General Burnside to cross his army over the
+Rappahannock, seize the heights of Fredericksburgh, and
+push on toward Richmond, before the enemy could throw
+a sufficiently strong force in his front, to offer serious
+resistance. In this, doubtless, he would have been
+successful, but "some one had blundered," and the Commander-in-Chief<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>
+suffered the mortification of seeing his
+plans foiled, and his series of forced marches a failure,
+because the pontoons which were to meet him on his
+arrival before Fredericksburgh were still at Washington;
+and this through the criminal neglect of some one. This
+campaign, which promised more than any previous campaign
+of the Army of the Potomac, was now destined to
+prove a failure.</p>
+
+<p>From the time that the first troops appeared in front of
+Fredericksburgh, nearly three weeks were spent in waiting
+for pontoons; while General Lee had abundant time to
+bring together all his forces and post them in such positions,
+as to dispute our passage at any point, for twenty miles up
+and down the river. In guarding this extensive front,
+General Lee had stretched out his army to such an extent,
+that Burnside hoped, by throwing his whole army across
+at one point, to pierce the weak line before his enemy
+could concentrate his forces.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 11th of December, we marched
+to a point about two miles below Fredericksburgh. The
+whole army was in motion. The ground had become
+hardened by frost, and a light coating of snow lay upon
+it. The wheels no longer sunk in the mire; but artillery
+rolled easily over the frozen ground.</p>
+
+<p>The Right grand division, Sumner's, had already taken
+its position immediately in front and above the city of
+Fredericksburgh; the Center, Hooker's, and the Left division,
+Franklin's, now took position below the town.</p>
+
+<p>As we descended from the heights of Stafford, into the
+valley of the Rappahannock, dense clouds of fog obscured
+the view of the opposite bank, and it was only at noon
+that we could distinguish objects on the farther side of the
+river. Engineers were hard at work laying pontoon
+bridges, being submitted to a brisk musketry fire from the
+rebel skirmishers, who at times charged upon them, killing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>
+and wounding several of the workmen, and greatly hindering
+the work. A few volleys from our batteries, which
+were brought forward presently, put these troublesome
+parties to flight, and the work went on. Still, during all
+the day, the enemy strove with artillery and infantry to
+prevent the laying of the bridge, but to no avail.</p>
+
+<p>On the right, where the veteran Sumner commanded,
+the task of throwing the bridges across, was far more difficult
+than at the lower crossing. In the storehouses and
+dwellings along the banks of the river, swarms of rebel
+soldiers were concealed; and these, by pouring murderous
+volleys into the midst of the pontoniers, compelled them to
+desist from the attempt to finish their bridge. Determined
+no longer to be thwarted by these concealed foes, General
+Burnside, having previously notified the civil authorities
+of the town, that if the houses were used as covers for men
+who were shooting our soldiers, the town must suffer the
+consequences, ordered our batteries to concentrate their
+fire upon it and batter down the walls. Soon after noon,
+the bombardment commenced. One hundred and seventy
+cannon belched forth the huge iron missiles upon the
+devoted city. The roar of the artillery was terrific, and as
+the winds rolled away the huge columns of smoke, we saw
+that the city was on fire, the flames leaping to the skies.
+The spectacle was one of awful grandeur. The bursting
+bombs, shooting forth their flashing coruscations from the
+columns of smoke, the great tongues of flame from the
+burning buildings, leaping to the heavens, the clamor of
+the bursting shells and the shock of the artillery which
+shook the earth, made up one of the most terribly magnificent
+of scenes.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of all this direful tumult, and while the
+conflagration of the city drove the confederates out of
+their places of concealment, Sumner's forces succeeded in
+laying their bridge and crossing troops; not, however,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>
+until two brave regiments had crossed in boats and captured
+or dispersed the rebel sharpshooters, who had given
+so much trouble. Hooker also effected a crossing at the
+same time. We had now bridges across at three points;
+"Franklin's Crossing" being nearly two miles below the
+town.</p>
+
+<p>The city of Fredericksburgh is upon the south bank of
+the Rappahannock river. Fronting the city, on the north
+side of the stream, rises a steep bluff&mdash;Stafford Heights&mdash;which
+approaches near the river above and opposite the
+town, and gradually recedes from it below. This was the
+side held by our army. Behind the town, on the south,
+the ground rises in several successive terraces until it
+reaches an elevation called "the mountain." Each terrace
+commands all below it, and the whole forms a position
+of unsurpassed advantages for defense. Here, between
+these high grounds, and stretching on either side of the
+river, is the valley of the Rappahannock&mdash;almost a level
+plain of six miles in length, and averaging two and a half
+miles in breadth, narrowing in front of the town to less
+than a mile, and spreading out, at the point where our
+lower bridges were thrown across, to at least three miles.
+On the crest of the heights, north of the river, were posted
+our batteries in great numbers. On the plain and on each
+of the terraces south of the river, the enemy was intrenched
+in most formidable positions.</p>
+
+<p>The advance of the enemy fell back, as our forces crossed
+the river, leaving us in possession of the plain on both
+sides, and of the town. Night came on, and the spectacle
+was unutterably grand, as the sheets of fire burst from the
+mouths of the opposing batteries; but at length the roar
+of battle subsided, and except the firing of pickets, all
+was quiet. Franklin threw but a small force across the
+river; a strong picket line, well supported, holding a
+semi-circular tract of the plain. The Eighteenth and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>
+Thirty-first New York were the first of the Sixth corps to
+cross the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>The Sixth corps returned to the heights and bivouacked
+for the night, leaving a few regiments to hold the plain in
+front of the bridge. It was the intention of the commanding
+general to press the enemy closely in front with the
+Right and Center grand divisions, while the Left division
+was to make a flank movement on the right of the enemy's
+line, seizing the road to Bowling Green, and rendering the
+rebel position untenable.</p>
+
+<p>Before dawn on the following morning, we made our way
+again to the river. Thousands crowded upon the banks,
+or hurriedly dashed across the bridge. The rumble of
+wheels upon the frozen ground, the tramp of thousands
+of men, the neighing of innumerable horses, mingled with
+the roar of musketry. The sun rose in splendor, and the
+spires of the city, two miles to our right, shone brightly,
+for only the lower part of the town had been destroyed
+by the conflagration of the day before, and tens of thousands
+of muskets gleamed in the morning light. The
+broad plain, on the south bank, swarmed with the hosts
+of Franklin and Hooker. Musketry fire became more and
+more brisk, as our forces moved into position, but no general
+engagement came on. Shells from the rebel batteries
+came bursting in our midst, and in reply, our own guns
+on Stafford Heights sent their shells screaming over our
+heads, to burst in the midst of the rebel artillerists.</p>
+
+<p>A fine stone mansion of large dimensions, situated on
+the south bank of the river, and a little below the bridge,
+was taken by the surgeons of our Second division, for a
+hospital. The position was exposed to the rebel fire, but
+it was the best that could be found. Just in front of it
+the gallant General Bayard, of the cavalry, was struck by
+a shell, and killed instantly. Others, some of whom had
+been previously been wounded, received fatal shots at the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>
+very doors of the house. The owner of this magnificent
+mansion still remained in it. He was an old secesh
+bachelor, very aristocratic in his notions, and highly
+incensed at the use his house was put to by the "hireling
+Yankees." But he was taken care of by a guard. His
+servants cooked for the wounded and our surgeons; his
+fine larder furnished us delicacies and his cellar rich old
+wines.</p>
+
+<p>Doubtless his feelings on delivering to us the keys of
+his wine cellar were not unlike those of Sir Hugh Berkley
+in "The Wagoner;" who</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"&mdash;only knew they drank his wine;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Would they might hang, a scarecrow line,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">On the next lightning blasted tree."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Saturday, the sun appeared, bright and warm as on a
+spring morning. The battle now commenced in terrible
+earnest. First, on the left, the booming of heavy guns and
+the rattle of musketry told of hot work in our own front.
+Then gradually the battle rolled on to the right; and
+while it thundered there, our forces on the left remained
+comparatively quiet. Then, back again came the roar of
+cannon, the shrieking and cracking of shells and the din
+of musketry.</p>
+
+<p>The hills in our front were thickly wooded, and in these
+woods "Stonewall" Jackson had concealed his forces.
+General Meade, with his division of Pennsylvania reserves,
+and Gibbons, with his division, both of Reynolds' First
+corps, were sent to take and hold the Bowling Green road,
+which lay in the edge of the wood. Gallantly and in
+splendid order, the two divisions moved up toward the
+edge of the wood. Gibbons' division halted at the railroad,
+near the wood, Meade's pressed forward, and presently
+disappeared among the trees. Although considerable resistance
+was met with, the gallant division continued to press<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>
+forward, the rebels steadily giving way. Suddenly, the
+roar of cannon became awful, and the fire of musketry
+almost deafening. The rebels had opened an enfilading fire
+upon the division, which made fearful havoc. The men who
+had so gallantly marched into the woods, came hurrying
+back in disorder; not, however, until they had succeeded
+in capturing several hundred prisoners from the enemy. A
+flag, one or two mounted officers, and a squad of a dozen
+or twenty men were all that could be recognized as a regimental
+organization; all others had fallen before the deadly
+fire that met them, or had lost their commands. The men
+quickly rallied about their flags and again charged into the
+woods, and again they were sent back in disorder. They
+were now withdrawn, and the rebels charged upon the line
+of the Sixth corps. The troops of our Second division
+were lying down behind a slight elevation of ground,
+and, as the rebels charged down furiously upon us, our
+men suddenly rose and poured a deadly volley into them.
+At the same time the troops of the First division met
+their attack with spirit, and sent them reeling back
+to their cover in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded poured into our hospitals, and well did
+those surgeons, who had seized the stone mansion, earn
+that day, lasting gratitude from their division.</p>
+
+<p>Never had wounded men been so quickly or so well
+cared for. It was the beginning of an era of <i>organized</i>
+labor in that department. Among the earliest of the
+wounded was General Vinton, commanding the Third
+brigade, Second division. A ball had passed into the
+abdomen, and was cut out from his back. The unfortunate
+men were stowed in every part of the great house,
+and in the smaller buildings surrounding it, and tents
+furnished shelter for those unable to find room in the
+buildings. After General Vinton was wounded, Brigadier-General
+Thomas H. Neill was ordered to assume the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>
+command of our brigade, which he did on the battle-field.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, on the right, Sumner's and Hooker's forces
+were striving, with herculean efforts, to dislodge the
+enemy from his strongholds, but to no avail. His position
+was impregnable, and the Union forces only advanced
+against the works to meet with deadly repulse from the
+savage fire of the concealed foe, and to fall back with
+fearful losses. Thus the struggle lasted until evening,
+when the roar of battle was hushed, and our tired troops
+slumbered upon their arms.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday morning the rattle of musketry and the
+thunder of artillery commenced again, but, as little reply
+was made by the enemy, the demonstration on our part
+soon ceased, and the day was spent in comparative quiet.
+It was said that General Burnside, unwilling to give up
+the struggle, had ordered an advance of the Ninth corps,
+which he was personally to lead, against one of the rebel
+strongholds, but that he had yielded to the advice of the
+grand division commanders to refrain from the attempt.</p>
+
+<p>Monday still found us on the battle-field. The thumping
+of artillery was renewed, but not fiercely. Our wounded
+were removed to the other side of the river. A kind
+providence had favored them, for the weather had been
+delightful. Had such weather prevailed as we experienced
+a few days before, many of the wounded, faint and
+exhausted from the loss of blood, must have perished with
+the cold. During the night the whole army was withdrawn,
+with as much secrecy as possible, across the pontoon
+bridges. No sooner had the troops crossed to the
+north side of the river than the bridges were taken up, and
+the two armies were again separated by the Rappahannock.
+As the bridges were being taken up, the rebels rushed to
+the bank and fired into the pontoniers, but were repelled
+by the men of the Seventy-seventh New York. That regiment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>
+formed a picket line along the bank of the river, but
+were ordered not to fire unless the enemy did. "A pretty
+order," said Terry Gray, of Company B, "to wait till a man
+is killed before he can fire his gun!" The army went into
+camp on a line from Falmouth to Belle Plain; the Sixth
+corps occupying nearly the center of the line, at a place
+called White Oak Church, from a little whitewashed meeting
+house, without bell or steeple, in the midst of a clump
+of white oak trees.</p>
+
+<p>The attempt to capture the heights of Fredericksburgh
+by a direct assault was indeed a daring undertaking, and
+one involving a fearful risk. The only hope of success lay
+in the active and hearty co&ouml;peration of all the commands
+of the army. Such co&ouml;peration was not to be had. To
+the Left grand division was assigned an important work
+which it failed to accomplish; not because it was defeated
+in the attempt, but because the attempt was not made in
+earnest. The troops were brave and eager to meet the
+enemy. None were ever more brave or more desirous to
+test their valor. The heroic deeds of those who did
+advance against the enemy will ever redound to the glory
+of our arms; and had all the forces of the Left grand division
+been brought fairly into action, the result might have
+been different. Surely such troops as composed the grand
+old Sixth corps were fitted for a nobler work than standing
+upon an open plain, exposed to fierce artillery fire, without
+ever being allowed to turn upon the enemy. Our defeat
+had cost us more than twelve thousand men, in killed,
+wounded and missing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xvi" id="chapter_xvi"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WINTER AT FALMOUTH.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Camp at White Oak Church&mdash;"The mud march"&mdash;Return to camp&mdash;General
+Neill&mdash;General Hooker supersedes General Burnside&mdash;Burnside's magnanimity&mdash;General
+Hooker as a soldier&mdash;Reconstruction&mdash;The cavalry organized&mdash;Business
+departments renovated&mdash;The medical department&mdash;Ambulance system&mdash;Quartermasters'
+and commissary departments&mdash;Life in camp&mdash;Snowball battles&mdash;In
+the Seventy-seventh&mdash;The Light division&mdash;Review by General Hooker&mdash;General
+John Sedgwick&mdash;Scene at head-quarters&mdash;Review of the army by the
+President&mdash;Preparing for the campaign.</p></div>
+
+<p>The men built huts,
+and made themselves
+as comfortable as they
+could, in their camp at
+White Oak Church, but
+disease spread rapidly,
+especially among the recruits.
+The regiments
+were crowded closely
+together on ground too low and wet for
+good camping ground, and the men,
+having never before erected winter quarters
+from shelter tents, were not so
+expert as they became in the succeeding
+winters; so they suffered from inconvenient
+quarters, as well as from the low
+ground and crowded camps.</p>
+
+<p>Our army was now composed in large part, of the recruits
+sent from the north during the preceding summer and
+autumn, and thousands of these had never had any idea
+of fighting or of suffering the privations of army life.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
+They had enlisted for the large bounties which were paid
+at that time, with the determination to leave the service as
+soon as their bounties were paid, and a favorable opportunity
+offered itself for escape. Desertions became alarmingly
+frequent; indeed, when a few weeks later General
+Hooker assumed command, there were more than eighty-four
+thousand absentees, with and without authority. The
+great number of desertions, we think, should be attributed
+to the fact that so large a proportion of the new recruits
+had enlisted for money, rather than to the demoralization
+of the army.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the inconveniences to which the men
+were subjected, and the advance to midwinter, the weather
+was in our favor. The sun shone brightly, the days were
+warm and the roads dry. It became evident that General
+Burnside was determined not to allow the delightful
+weather and the excellent roads to pass unimproved.
+Indications of a general movement crowded upon us, and
+on the 20th of January came the order to march.</p>
+
+<p>The whole army broke camp and moved toward Banks'
+Ford, two miles up the river from White Oak Church.
+On the march, an order from the commanding general
+was read to the troops, announcing to them that the auspicious
+moment had at length arrived when we were to
+reap the glorious fruits of our long toils. At five o'clock
+we halted in the thick woods at Banks' Ford, the point
+selected for crossing the river, and in a few minutes were
+quietly and comfortably bivouacked out of sight of rebels
+on the opposite side. Scarcely had we settled ourselves
+for a comfortable night's rest, when the clouds, which
+had been gathering since morning, broke in rain, and the
+delightful Indian summer gave way to the rainy winter
+of the south. All night long the rain poured, and all the
+next day. It was evident we had waited too long. But
+the commander was determined not to abandon his effort<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>
+to outflank the enemy. By morning, the roads were so
+softened by the rain, that horses could not haul artillery
+or pontoons into position. Men took the place of horses.
+The whole Vermont brigade was detailed to drag the pontoons
+and guns to the river. All day long, working and
+tugging with the mud above their knees; here a hundred
+men pulling at a pontoon boat, there a party prying a
+cannon out of the mire with long levers, and still other
+parties laying strips of corduroy road. The Vermonters
+passed a disagreeable day.</p>
+
+<p>General Burnside was not idle all this while. Riding
+from one point to another, now personally superintending
+the placing of a battery in position on the bank of the
+river, now encouraging the men who lugged at the boats
+and guns, and now selecting places to cut new roads, he
+passed the night and the day in fatiguing and anxious
+labor. As he rode through the camp of our division in
+the afternoon, with only two staff officers, himself and his
+horse completely covered with mud, the rim of his hat
+turned down to shed the rain, his face careworn with this
+unexpected disarrangement of his plans, we could but
+think that the soldier on foot, arm oppressed with the
+weight of knapsack, haversack and gun, bore an easy load
+compared with that of the commander of the army, who
+now saw departing his hopes of redeeming the prestige
+he had lost at Fredericksburgh.</p>
+
+<p>Men were detailed from each of the regiments of the
+corps to return to Falmouth, a distance of five miles, to
+bring on their backs two days' rations; those brought by
+the men being nearly exhausted. But during the night it
+was determined to abandon the attempt to cross the river.
+The enemy, by this time fully aware of our intention,
+was prepared for us, and a crossing could only be made at
+great sacrifice, perhaps with defeat. So at sunrise in the
+morning we were on the road back to our old camp; this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>
+time for permanent winter quarters. All along the road
+lay a multitude of dead horses and mules, which had fallen
+in the tremendous but unavailing efforts of the day before.
+Artillery and wagons still stuck fast in the mud, and
+cannoniers and teamsters lifted and tugged with rails
+and with poles to raise the piece or the wagon from the
+mire.</p>
+
+<p>The mud was deep, the day was gloomy and the men
+were discouraged. They straggled badly. Regiments
+were not to be distinguished. The whole column became
+an unorganized crowd, pressing toward the old camps.
+Tired and discouraged as were the men, they kept up their
+lively sallies and jokes, as though all was smooth work.
+Toward evening the troops of our corps arrived on their
+old ground, now to be our home until the opening of
+spring, and at once fell to work to restore to some degree
+of comfort that most desolate of scenes, an abandoned
+camp. Unfortunately, on leaving the place, little thinking
+that they were so soon to return, they had burned
+everything combustible, and thus a strip of board or a
+piece of timber could hardly be found within the limits of
+the corps. Nevertheless, comfortable quarters were soon
+erected, and the routine of drills and picket was resumed.</p>
+
+<p>Brigadier-General Neill, who was assigned to the command
+of the Third brigade, was active in encouraging his
+men to provide good quarters, and in furnishing every
+facility in his power to make them comfortable. The
+general was a portly gentleman, with light red hair and
+whiskers, and a small blue eye, ceremonious in his style,
+and a perfect pattern of courtliness. He had, at West
+Point, won the appellation of "Beau Neill," a title which
+never left him. He was a good commander in camp. He
+originated the brigade dress parade that winter, often calling
+out the brigade on fine evenings, and substituting the
+brigade for the regimental parade. The custom was at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>
+length adopted in many brigades in the army of the Potomac;
+but few gave credit for the improved parade to the
+originator of it.</p>
+
+<p>The second failure of General Burnside rendered his
+removal from the command of the army a thing to be
+expected; and no one was surprised when the order came
+relieving him, and assigning General Hooker to the command.
+It must be confessed that our failure at Bank's
+Ford had done much to demoralize the army and destroy
+the confidence in the commanding general so absolutely
+necessary to success. On our way back from Bank's Ford,
+as we passed Fredericksburgh, we saw huge placards posted
+up by the rebels with taunting inscriptions, such as "Burnside
+stuck in the mud," printed in conspicuous letters.
+The men caught up the words, and "Burnside stuck in the
+mud" passed from one end of the disordered column to
+the other. When we had failed at Fredericksburgh, the
+men were as willing as ever to try again under the same
+commander. They believed him to be at least earnest and
+brave. They knew that he was noble and self-sacrificing.
+In the noble letter to General Halleck, in which he assumed
+all the responsibility for the failure at Fredericksburgh,
+they found renewed assurance that he had all the qualities
+of a true soldier&mdash;bravery, integrity and true manhood;
+but an army must have success, or it cannot long repose
+confidence in the general. So, while the Army of the
+Potomac regarded General Burnside with great respect, it
+gladly welcomed the advent of "Fighting Joe Hooker"
+to the command.</p>
+
+<p>General Hooker had fairly won the title of "Fighting
+Joe" at the slaughter of Williamsburgh, where, almost
+single-handed with his division, he had stemmed the tide
+of battle for hours, until reinforced by Kearney, and then,
+with the help of that hero, had held the whole rebel army
+until it was outflanked by our Second division.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In all the battles of the Peninsula he had been conspicuous,
+and at South Mountain and Antietam his fighting
+propensities were exhibited in more than their wonted
+splendor. In person he was of large stature, with fine
+features, brilliant eye, his side whiskers and ruddy countenance
+giving a more youthful appearance than his light
+gray hair would indicate. His gleaming eye told of the
+spirit which animated the man, and his determined air
+betokened the persistent and fearless soldier. In battle
+or on review he rode a magnificent milk white steed, a
+powerful animal and of extraordinary fleetness. Mounted
+on this superb war horse, he was the most conspicuous, as
+he was always one of the handsomest men in the army.</p>
+
+<p>The energy of the new commander soon began to be
+manifested in the reconstruction and reorganization of
+the whole army. The first step in the progress of reconstruction,
+was the revocation of the order making three
+grand divisions of the army. By the abolition of the grand
+divisions, Generals Sumner and Franklin were relieved
+from their commands; and the corps commanders, no
+longer subject to intermediate commanders, were again
+directly responsible to the general-in-chief of the army.
+Doubtless General Hooker had seen that the creation of
+these grand divisions had much to do with the failures
+of General Burnside.</p>
+
+<p>The cavalry next engaged the attention of the general.
+The whole force was thoroughly reorganized and put in
+an efficient condition, under command of Major-General
+Stoneman. Hereafter, men were not to ask, "Who ever
+saw a dead cavalryman?" To General Hooker, the cavalry
+of the Army of the Potomac owes its efficiency and
+the glorious record it from that time made for itself.</p>
+
+<p>The superiority of the rebel cavalry, in the early part
+of the war, was generally attributed to the supposed fact
+that the young men of the south were so much better<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>
+horsemen than those of the north. In reality, this had
+little, if anything, to do with it. It is even very doubtful
+if there was any difference in favor of the superior horsemanship
+of the southern cavalry. Their strength lay in
+their union. The rebel cavalry was organized from the
+beginning; ours was an incoherent mass of men, having
+no proper relations or dependencies within itself. From
+the day that it became organized, the superiority of the
+rebel cavalry passed away forever. We had always better
+horses, and our men were certainly never inferior to the
+rebels. All that was needed was the proper combination
+of action; and, as soon as this was secured, our cavalry
+became the finest in the world.</p>
+
+<p>The business departments were also thoroughly renovated.
+The changes in the medical, quartermasters' and
+commissary departments were such as to bring each to a
+standard of perfection, which had never before been
+reached by those departments of any army in the field.
+No army had ever been provisioned as was ours that
+winter. Soft bread, potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, fresh
+beef, flour, sugar and coffee, constituted the regular rations
+of the men, and facilities were afforded for procuring
+luxuries not in the regular supply.</p>
+
+<p>The medical department became so thoroughly systematized,
+that wounded and sick men were cared for better
+than they had ever been in an army before. This radical
+change had commenced under General Burnside; but was
+perfected under General Hooker, by the efficient and
+earnest medical director of the army, Dr. Letterman; to
+whom belongs the honor of bringing about this most
+desirable change.</p>
+
+<p>By the new system, the surgeons were enabled to accomplish
+a far greater amount of work, and in much better
+order than under the old; and the wounded were better
+and more quickly cared for. By this system the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>
+hospital of the division was the unit. From the division,
+a medical officer of good executive ability was selected, to
+whom was assigned the general oversight of the hospital.
+One or more surgeons of well known skill and experience
+were detailed from the medical force of the division, who
+were known as "operating surgeons;" to each of whom
+was assigned three assistants, also known to be skillful
+men, who were either surgeons or assistant surgeons. To
+the operating surgeons all cases requiring surgical operations
+were brought, and thus the wounded men had the
+benefit of the very best talent and experience in the division,
+in the decision of the question whether he should be
+submitted to the use of the knife, and in the performance of
+the operation in case one was required. It was a mistaken
+impression among those at home, that each medical officer
+was the operating surgeon for his own men. Only about
+one in fifteen of the medical officers was intrusted with
+operations.</p>
+
+<p>From each brigade an assistant surgeon was detailed to
+provide food and shelter for the wounded. His duty was
+to superintend the erection of hospital tents as soon as
+there was a prospect of an engagement, and to have hot
+coffee and rations of food ready for the wounded as soon as
+they came to the hospital; he was to attend to their clothing,
+bedding and rations as long as they remained in the
+hospital.</p>
+
+<p>Another assistant surgeon from each brigade was selected
+to keep the records; to take the name and character of
+wound of every one who was brought to the hospital, with
+the operation, if any; and the list of deaths, the place of
+burial, and all other matters necessary to record. An
+assistant surgeon was to remain with each regiment,
+and attend to getting the wounded from the field into
+the ambulances, and to arrest hemorrhage in case of
+necessity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Thus, all labor was systematized. Every officer and
+nurse knew exactly what to do: each had his own part of
+the work assigned to him, and there was no conflicting
+of orders or clashing of opinions.</p>
+
+<p>Our ambulance system was also very perfect&mdash;so complete,
+indeed, that, after a year of trial in the Army of the
+Potomac, congress adopted it as the ambulance system of
+the United States. To Doctor Letterman, also, belongs
+the honor of originating this system.</p>
+
+<p>The ambulances of each corps were under command of a
+captain, who acted under directions from the medical
+director of the corps. A lieutenant commanded the ambulances
+of a division, and a second lieutenant those of a
+brigade. To each ambulance was assigned a driver, and
+two stretcher-bearers; and to three ambulances a sergeant,
+mounted. The ambulances of a division always went
+together, behind the division, and on the march were
+attended by a surgeon, an assistant surgeon, a hospital
+steward, a cook, and three or more nurses, who were to
+attend to the wants of the sick in the ambulances, and at
+night, if any were unable to return to their regiments, to
+erect tents for them, and supply them with food and bedding.
+In an engagement, the stretcher-bearers of each
+regiment, with the sergeant, reported to the assistant surgeon
+in attendance with the regiment. As soon as a man
+was wounded, he was brought to the medical officer, put
+into an ambulance, and taken to the division hospital. By
+this means, ordinarily, every man was carried to the hospital
+of his own division.</p>
+
+<p>The improvements in the quartermasters' department
+were nearly as great; and we have already alluded to the
+abundant supplies furnished by the commissary department.</p>
+
+<p>Great difficulty was experienced by the troops of our
+corps in getting wood. The men of our Second division<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>
+lugged wood on their backs a mile and a half, with which
+to do their cooking and warm their tents. But notwithstanding
+the hardships they endured, the inclemency of
+the winter, and their severe picket duty, the men were
+gay. In many of the regiments, the sounds of the guitar
+and accordion could be heard every evening; and on
+pleasant afternoons and evenings, parties assembled in the
+company streets and danced cotillions, and polkas, and jigs,
+to the music of violins. When snow covered the ground,
+mimic battles with snowballs were a frequent amusement.
+At times, one regiment would challenge another, and a
+general melee would follow. Snowballing was, particularly,
+a favorite amusement with our friends of the Twenty-first
+New Jersey, who never let an opportunity pass for
+indulging in their favorite sport. Each party carried its
+flags and was led by officers chosen for the occasion. The
+capture of a flag, or of a number of prisoners, from an
+opposite party, caused great glee among the victors. A
+good deal of interest was excited throughout the Second
+division by a snowball battle between one of the Vermont
+regiments and the Twenty-sixth New Jersey. Both regiments
+formed in line of battle, each officered by its line
+and field officers, the latter mounted. At the signal, the
+battle commenced; charges and counter-charges were
+made, prisoners were taken on either side, the air was
+filled with the white missiles, and stentorian cheers went
+up as one or other party gained an advantage. At length
+victory rested with the Vermonters, and the Jersey boys
+surrendered the field, defeated.</p>
+
+<p>Another favorite amusement in the corps was the game
+of base ball. There were many excellent players in the
+different regiments, and it was common for the ball-players
+of one regiment or brigade to challenge another
+regiment or brigade. These matches were watched by
+great crowds of soldiers with intense interest.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In our Seventy-seventh regiment, matters went on much
+the same as in other regiments of the corps. We had our
+share of disease and desertions. We had our ball-players
+and our violinists; our singers and our story-tellers, as
+every regiment had. At regimental head-quarters, matters
+went on gaily. It was the custom of the officers of the
+field and staff to collect in one of the tents as evening
+came on, and, in company with friends from other regiments,
+pass the hours in lively converse, in singing and
+relating amusing stories.</p>
+
+<p>We had a glee book and an old copy of the "Carmina
+Sacra," and then our friend, Colonel, now Major-General,
+Connor, was never at a loss for a song, and Colonel French
+often displayed his genius with the violin, and our friend,
+the chaplain, could always tell a good story or perpetrate
+a joke. Chaplain Norman Fox was an accession to our
+staff, who joined us when we first encamped at White
+Oak Church. He was a gentleman of enterprise and
+talent, who, soon after his arrival in camp, instituted a
+series of religious meetings on week days, in addition to
+the regular services of the Sabbath, and a good deal of
+religious interest was awakened among the men.</p>
+
+<p>Among other changes, we lost one of our most valuable
+and beloved officers. Dr. Campbell, who had for weeks
+been declining in health, was obliged to resign. The
+doctor was a most genial and companionable man, and an
+excellent officer. We greatly missed his hearty laugh,
+his fund of stories and ready wit in our social gatherings.
+The doctor was afterward appointed surgeon of the Fortieth
+New York, but was attacked with spotted fever,
+from which he recovered only after a long illness, during
+which he again resigned.</p>
+
+<p>The First brigade, Second division, which for some time
+past had been under command of General Calvin A. Pratt,
+was broken up, and a new brigade, called the "Light<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>
+division," was formed from the regiments of the First
+brigade, and one regiment from each the First and Third
+divisions. The regiments were, the Fifth Wisconsin, the
+Sixth Maine, the Thirty-first and Forty-third New York,
+and the Sixty-first Pennsylvania. Colonel Burnham, of
+the Sixth Maine, was placed in command.</p>
+
+<p>Among other reviews in the Sixth corps during the
+winter, was one by General Hooker, of our Second division
+and the Light division. The troops were formed in
+line, and the general and staff were escorted to the ground
+by the Twentieth New York, of Neill's brigade, in splendid
+style. The regiment was composed entirely of German
+Turners. Their drill surpassed that of any regiment of
+regulars, and the exquisite neatness they displayed in their
+dress and in the care of their equipments, together with
+the perfection of their movements, made them the finest
+appearing regiment in the service, when on parade. It is
+to be regretted that the prestige of the regiment was not
+always sustained on the battle-field. As the regiment and
+cavalcade appeared on the field, it was a brilliant pageant;
+first came our brigade band, one of the finest in the army,
+then the pioneers of the Twentieth, their axes, shovels
+and picks polished so that they glistened in the sunlight
+like burnished silver; then the Twentieth regiment, in
+column by company, marching with step as perfect as
+though all were directed by a single will; following the
+regiment, rode General Hooker on his superb white horse,
+a head and shoulders above all his cavalcade. The
+immense suite, consisting of General Hooker's own staff,
+and a large number of major-generals and their staffs,
+completed the brilliant column. The division was drawn
+up in a line, stretching a half a mile across the field,
+straight as the flight of an arrow, with artillery on either
+flank. The general and his brilliant retinue, rode to the
+right of the line, and advanced slowly along the front of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>
+the whole division, inspecting closely each regiment as he
+passed, the bands playing "Hail to the Chief," the colors
+dipping, and the bugles pealing notes of welcome.
+Having passed the entire front of the line, the chief now
+rode at a rapid pace along its rear to the point of beginning.
+He then, with his attendants, took a position on a
+slight elevation of ground at a distance from the line,
+when the whole division, in column, marching to the
+place, passed in review before him, and the pageant was
+ended.</p>
+
+<p>An important change in the command of our corps
+occurred about this time. General Smith, who had so long
+commanded our division, and for some time past our Sixth
+corps, was relieved of his command, and ordered to the
+department of North Carolina. His successor was General
+John Sedgwick, then well known as one of our best division
+commanders, and one of the sternest soldiers in the
+Army of the Potomac. Bred as a soldier, he had served
+with great distinction in Mexico, and at the breaking out
+of the rebellion he had joined the Union army, and was
+soon placed in command of a division in Sumner's corps,
+which, under his command, became the best division of
+the corps, as the Sixth corps became the best in the army.
+Modest and retiring in his ordinary intercourse with his
+fellows, he exhibited the most brilliant qualities in time of
+battle. The dignity of his bearing fitted him to command,
+and he needed not the insignia of rank to command the
+deference of those about him.</p>
+
+<p>None who witnessed the farewell reception of General
+Smith, will forget the scene at corps head-quarters. The
+two generals, the old and loved leader of the Second division
+and of the corps, and the new commander, stood side
+by side. General Smith, tall, well dressed, his regulation
+coat buttoned closely about him, his easy and graceful
+manner and conversation; General Sedgwick, of stouter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>
+build, wearing a loose blouse and coarse blue pants, such
+as are furnished the private soldier, strong and manly in
+his appearance, and somewhat abrupt in his manner.
+Officers returned to their camps satisfied that although
+the corps had lost a favorite commander, it had also
+gained a brave leader.</p>
+
+<p>One of the grand events of the winter was the review
+of the whole army by President Lincoln. The review continued
+two days. The first was occupied in reviewing
+the Second, Fifth, Sixth and Third corps; the second of the
+remaining corps. It was a most imposing spectacle, never
+to be forgotten by those who were actors or spectators.
+The President, in his civilian's dress and tall hat, accompanied
+by General Hooker, and followed by an immense
+suite, was welcomed by the thundering of artillery as it
+fired the national salute. The different corps were drawn
+up in line, each occupying a plain within sight of the
+others. Riding in front of the corps, the President and
+the immense cavalcade passed along the whole line,
+inspecting carefully each regiment, then returned in the
+rear. This inspection over, the President and staff stationed
+themselves in some favorable position, and the
+whole corps passed in review before him. The same process
+was repeated with each corps.</p>
+
+<p>How one unaccustomed to such physical fatigues could
+endure such labor, commencing early in the morning and
+only resting at dark, was a wonder. It seemed as if the
+President's physical, like his mental constitution, could
+bear up under the most trying and continued labors. As
+the warm weather of spring appeared, the men adorned
+their camps with evergreen trees and beautiful arches, so
+that the camps presented a pleasant appearance; but we
+had little time to enjoy these, for as soon as the roads
+began to be passable, preparations were pushed forward
+for the spring campaign.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xvii" id="chapter_xvii"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Orders to move&mdash;The river crossed&mdash;Sedgwick's command&mdash;The First corps withdrawn&mdash;Gallant
+conduct of the Light division&mdash;Advancing to the heights&mdash;The
+line of battle&mdash;The columns of attack&mdash;Attack of Howe's columns&mdash;Of Newton's
+column&mdash;Of Burnham's&mdash;Misfortune following victory&mdash;Fight of Bartlett's
+brigade&mdash;The First division at work&mdash;A critical position&mdash;The Sixth corps
+surrounded&mdash;Savage fight of Neill's brigade&mdash;The corps withdraws to Banks'
+Ford&mdash;Recrosses the river&mdash;Hooker's operations on the right&mdash;Position of the
+corps&mdash;Rout of the Eleventh corps&mdash;The rebels repulsed&mdash;Jackson renews
+the attack&mdash;The rebels again repulsed&mdash;Hooker recrosses the river.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>On Tuesday, the 28th of April, the Sixth corps received
+orders to break up its camp and be ready to march at a
+moment's notice. Eight days' rations had been issued to the
+men, who were in the highest spirits, having forgotten all
+their former discouragements, and were now only anxious
+for an encounter with the enemy. A storm of rain of some
+violence set in on the morning of the 28th, which rendered
+marching difficult. At twelve o'clock we received the order
+to "fall in," and in five minutes we were on our way to
+take our place in the line of battle. A march of six miles
+through thickets and bogs, brought us to the rear of Falmouth
+Station, at a short distance from the river. Here we
+bivouacked for the night, and were awakened before daylight
+in the morning by the sound of artillery and
+musketry at the river, where Russell's brigade, of the First
+division, was forcing a passage across the stream. The
+Second division only had been allowed to rest quietly
+during the night. The men of the Light brigade had
+toiled from dark until nearly dawn, carrying the pontoon
+boats on their shoulders to the river side, and launching
+them in the stream. So noiselessly had they conducted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>
+their operations, that the pickets of the enemy took no
+alarm until they suddenly saw the braves of Russell's
+brigade approaching in the boats, just as dawn was breaking.
+The astonished confederates fired a few volleys of
+musketry, and our guns threw among them a few charges
+of cannister, and the rebels fled precipitately. A number of
+prisoners were captured, among them the officer of the
+picket-guard. Colonel Irwin, of the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania,
+who had, at Antietam, commanded the Third
+brigade of the Second division, was among the wounded
+on our side.</p>
+
+<p>At sunrise the Second division filed down to the river side,
+and took position in line of battle. Our horses cropped
+the green blades which had sprung from the grain scattered
+for their food nearly five months before. The division
+was upon the very spot where it lay before, at the first
+battle of Fredericksburgh. The bridge also was in the
+same place that Franklin's bridge had been. The point
+was known as Franklin's Crossing.</p>
+
+<p>The First division of our corps (Brook's) was on the
+other side of the river, holding the plain for some distance.
+The pickets of that division formed the half of a circle of
+about three-fourths of a mile in diameter, the center being
+at the pontoon bridge, where some earthworks were thrown
+up. At our left, about a mile down the river, the First
+corps had also effected a crossing. The rebels had offered
+strong resistance, but the crossing was gallantly accomplished
+by Wadsworth's division in boats. Like the First
+division of our own corps, Wadsworth's division was
+holding a semi-circular portion of the plateau; but being
+able to maintain the position by some fighting.</p>
+
+<p>Sickles' Third corps was upon the high ground in the rear,
+ready to come to the assistance of the corps at the river.
+The three corps, First, Third and Sixth, were under command
+of General Sedgwick.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The rebels spent the day in throwing up intrenchments
+and shelling Reynolds' position. Toward night the artillery
+practice ceased, and the First and Sixth corps
+bivouacked where they had stood during the day, but
+Sickles and his corps were ordered to the assistance of
+Hooker, on the right.</p>
+
+<p>The morning of the 30th was lowery, but the clouds
+dispersed as the day advanced. About noon the troops
+were massed by brigades, and a congratulatory order from
+General Hooker was read to them, amid great cheering.
+"The enemy," said the order, "must now come out and
+fight us on our ground, or retreat ingloriously." Nothing
+more of interest occurred that day; but, in the afternoon
+of the following day, the First corps became engaged in a
+fierce artillery duel with the enemy, in which the corps
+lost a large number of its men in killed and wounded. At
+sunset an order came from General Hooker, at Chancellorsville,
+for General Sedgwick to assume a threatening attitude&mdash;to
+make a severe demonstration&mdash;but to make no
+attack. There was much marching and getting into
+position, and regiments and divisions were marched and
+countermarched in such a manner as to convey to the
+rebels the impression that a grand attack was to be made
+at that point. The enemy was evidently deceived by these
+maneuvers, and heavy columns of rebel infantry commenced
+to form upon the old battle-field. While we stood
+in line of battle, one of our bands near the skirmish line
+struck up the air, "Dixie." The rebels, hearing the strains,
+set up defiant cheers, which were answered by our army in
+the most tremendous shouts imaginable. The contest
+seemed for the time to depend on strength of lung, and
+our boys certainly beat them at shouting.</p>
+
+<p>As the sun disappeared behind the hills, when Hooker's
+guns were thundering, we retired to our tents. All day
+long the earth had been shaken by tremendous firing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>
+of artillery on the right; and now, as darkness gathered
+over the scenes of conflict, the thundering of the guns
+and the trembling of the earth seemed like a succession of
+earthquakes. The spirit of our boys rose, as the battle on
+the right progressed, and there seemed to be indications
+of work for them. Groups might be seen at any time,
+when we were not standing in line of battle, telling yarns,
+singing songs, playing ball and pitching quoits, while they
+momentarily looked for the order to advance upon the
+heights, into the very jaws of death.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday morning, May 2d, the First corps was withdrawn
+from its position; its bridges were taken up, and
+the corps moved past us up the river to join the main body
+of the army under Hooker, on the right. The Seventy-seventh
+was sent to do picket duty on the ground occupied
+by the First corps the night before. Our reserve was
+posted a little way from the river, in a pleasant field, where
+the fresh clover furnished a soft bed for the men, and a
+dainty bite for our horses. Just in front of us was a lovely
+spot&mdash;the residence of Doctor Morson, for fifteen years a
+surgeon in the United States navy. The place was in
+remarkable order; the gardens in full bloom, the mocking
+birds building their nests, and the greenlets warbling
+sweetly among the flowering shrubs.</p>
+
+<p>We strolled along the banks of the beautiful river,
+gathering flowers and glancing at our "secesh" neighbors
+on the opposite bank, only a few yards distant;
+or we lounged in the shade of our tents, enjoying the
+charms of a lovely May day, while the terrible din of
+battle on the right, where Hooker's forces were contending,
+shook the ground beneath us, and we knew that ere
+the sun set, thousands of our brave comrades must be
+sacrificed.</p>
+
+<p>As the evening drew near, we who were on the north
+side of the river saw our skirmishers, of the "Light division",<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>
+drive back the skirmish line of the enemy. It was
+a gallant feat, and finely executed. Our hearts leaped
+for joy as we watched our brave fellows, their line as perfect
+as though on drill, advance, firing rapidly, and pressing
+the enemy at "double-quick." They made no halt until
+they had crossed the whole breadth of the plain and
+reached the base of the hills.</p>
+
+<p>Few who were then in the Sixth corps will ever forget
+that scene. The sun, just sinking behind the hills where
+Hooker was at work, threw a beautiful golden light over
+the plain, and crowned the heights with brilliant hues. It
+was one of those evenings of surpassing loveliness, such as
+gladdened our hearts only at long intervals. Prominent in
+the foreground of the beautiful scene was a noble white
+steed, with its gallant rider, dashing from one end of the
+skirmish line to the other. None who witnessed the spectacle
+will forget the white horse and the fearless rider; and
+few of the Second or Light divisions need be reminded that
+the horseman was Colonel Baker, of the Forty-third New
+York, who was then in charge of the skirmish line.</p>
+
+<p>The "Light division" was, as we have before stated,
+the First brigade of our Second division, with regiments
+from the First and Third divisions which had been, a short
+time before leaving camp, detached to form an independent
+organization. The arrangement was broken up immediately
+after this battle, and the regiments put in the First
+and Second divisions again.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately after the brilliant advance of the "Light
+division," the Seventy-seventh regiment was ordered to
+leave the picket line and join its brigade. The Second
+division crossed the river and took position, the Third brigade
+in front, the Vermont brigade in rear. The Thirty-third
+and Forty-ninth New York, of the Third brigade,
+went forward as pickets in front of the hills, relieving
+pickets of the "Light division," which moved to the right.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>
+We remained in line all night, sometimes throwing ourselves
+upon the ground to catch a moment's sleep, then
+roused in expectancy of an advance.</p>
+
+<p>At four o'clock in the morning we did advance. Straight
+across the plain we went, until we came nearly to the base
+of the heights, where the hosts of the enemy awaited us,
+then taking the Bowling Green road, filed to the right and
+proceeded to the rear of Fredericksburgh; the Seventy-seventh
+in front, the Twenty-first New Jersey, the Forty-ninth
+New York, Twentieth New York, Seventh Maine
+and Thirty-third New York, constituting the Third brigade,
+under command of General Neill, following in
+the order mentioned. Then came the Vermont brigade,
+Colonel L. A. Grant commanding; these two brigades
+forming the whole of Howe's (Second) division of the
+Sixth corps since the First brigade was detached.</p>
+
+<p>As we gained the rear of the eastern part of the town,
+the batteries of the enemy opened upon us, and swarms
+of infantry rose up in our front and poured volleys of
+bullets into our ranks. The "Light division" and Newton's
+Third division of our corps had passed through the
+streets of the town, and were now on our right. The
+skirmishers from Wheaton's and Shaler's brigades had
+struck those of the enemy near a large mansion, where,
+each party dodging behind the garden fence, the cherry
+trees and the outhouses, they kept up a lively engagement
+for several minutes, but Newton's advance was
+forced to yield the ground.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, the long line of rifled cannon which
+surmounted Stafford Heights, on the north side of the
+river, as at the first battle of Fredericksburgh, were throwing
+huge shells across the wide valley and stream into the
+works of the enemy. One or two field batteries near the
+head of our own column, and some attached to the other
+divisions, got into position and opened a fierce cannonade.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>General Howe quickly formed his troops in line, as did
+the other division commanders.</p>
+
+<p>The line of battle of the corps extended from the pontoon
+bridge at Franklin's Crossing to the right of the
+town of Fredericksburgh. First, on the left, Brooks'
+division held the plain in front of the crossing. Next, on
+the right, in front of Marye's Heights, was Howe's Second
+division; then the "Light division," Colonel Burnham;
+and on the extreme right was Newton's Third division.
+Gibbon's division of the Second corps, which, because its
+encampment was in plain view of the enemy, had been
+left behind, also crossed into the town by a bridge which
+it threw over, and took position on the right of the corps.</p>
+
+<p>General Sedgwick, finding that the heights could only
+be carried by direct assault, directed storming columns to
+be formed in the Second and Third divisions and the Light
+division, which order was at once carried into execution.</p>
+
+<p>In the Second division, General Howe directed General
+Neill to lead the advance. The plan of attack of the
+division was in two lines of battle of three regiments each.</p>
+
+<p>The first line consisted of the Thirty-third New York,
+Colonel Taylor, the Seventh Maine, Colonel Connor, and
+the Twenty-first New Jersey, Colonel Van Houten, preceded
+by the Seventy-seventh New York, Colonel French,
+as skirmishers. The line was commanded by General
+Neill<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>. The second line consisted of the Sixth Vermont,
+Colonel Barney, the Twenty-sixth New Jersey, Colonel
+Morrison, and the Second Vermont, Colonel Walbridge,
+and was under command of Colonel L. A. Grant. Both
+lines were arranged from right to left, in the order above
+mentioned.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a>
+"I was ordered to form three regiments as the <i>advance of a column of assault</i>
+against the heights of Marye's Hill, back of Fredericksburgh. I led the Thirty-third
+New York, Twenty-first New Jersey and Seventh Maine Volunteers, preceded
+by the Seventy-seventh New York, who were acting as skirmishers, under
+a heavy fire of shot and shell."&mdash;<i>Neill's Report.</i></p></div>
+
+<p>The Forty-ninth and Twentieth New York formed the
+right reserve, and the Third, Fourth and Fifth Vermont,
+under Colonel Seavor, the left reserve.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The next column was composed of the Seventh Massachusetts,
+Colonel Jones, and the Thirty-sixth New York,
+Colonel Walsh; both under the command of Colonel
+Jones&mdash;the Fifth Wisconsin, Colonel Allen, acting as
+skirmishers. Supporting the column, in line of battle,
+were the Sixth Maine, Colonel Harris, Thirty-first New
+York, Colonel Jones, and the Twenty-third Pennsylvania,
+Colonel Ely.</p>
+
+<p>The right column of all consisted of the Forty-third New
+York, Colonel Baker, and the Sixty-first Pennsylvania,
+Colonel Spear&mdash;the two regiments under command of
+the latter officer, who fell, mortally wounded, while leading
+the charge. The Sixty-seventh New York, Colonel
+Cross, and the Eighty-second Pennsylvania, Major Bassett,
+under command of Colonel Shaler, supported this right
+column.</p>
+
+<p>At half-past ten, the arrangements for storming the
+heights were completed, and Newton's batteries opened
+upon the enemy. At the sound of Newton's first gun,
+General Howe ordered his batteries to direct their fire
+upon the heights, and then ordered the storming column
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>The division advanced toward the bold bluffs, which,
+bare of trees as well as the plain below, allowed the
+enemy an excellent view of all our movements. A railroad
+traversed the plain near the bluffs, and in a deep cut
+through which the road passed, were rebels. They rose
+up as we advanced, and poured showers of leaden hail into
+our line; but one of our batteries, getting an enfilading
+fire on the road, sent the gray-coated occupants hurriedly
+to the rear. For a moment we halted, the batteries on
+either side playing into each other with spirit.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was a moment of contending emotions of pride, hope
+and sadness, as our gallant boys stood face to face with
+those heights, ready to charge upon them. At double-quick,
+and in splendid style, they crossed the plain. Our line was
+perfect. The men could not have made a more orderly
+appearance had they been on drill. Proud of their commands,
+Generals Howe and Neill, and Colonel Grant,
+cheered the men onward, while Lieutenant-Colonel French,
+in charge of the skirmish line, inspired, by his own intrepid
+behavior, the utmost confidence and bravery in his men.
+They took the matter as coolly as though on parade.</p>
+
+<p>Just in rear of the division, three batteries of Parrott guns
+were playing into the works of the enemy, while from the
+heights above, all the opposing batteries poured a terrible
+and destructive fire upon the advancing lines. Having
+gained the rifle pits at the base of the hills, they pushed
+forward to capture the heights.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/maryes-heights.png">
+<img src="images/maryes-heights-small.png" width="400" height="258" alt="Storming of Marye's Heights by Howe's Division" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">Storming of Marye's Heights by Howe's Division.</p>
+
+<p>A more grand spectacle cannot be imagined. There
+were the hills, enough to fatigue any man to climb them
+without a load and with no one to oppose. At the foot
+of the hills were thousands of the enemy, pouring into them
+volleys of musketry, and on the heights were their lines
+of earthworks, with their artillery, from which poured
+grape and cannister in a frightful storm. But the boys
+pushed nobly, steadily on, the rebels steadily retreating,
+the division coming up in splendid style. Generals Howe
+and Neill and Colonel Grant directing the movements and
+cheering on the men, as they pressed undauntedly against
+the murderous storm of iron and lead that met them from
+above. Our men were falling in every direction, but the
+lines were immediately closed, and on they passed. With
+shouts and cheers that drowned the roar of artillery, the
+noble division, with bayonets fixed, mounted the heights,
+the rebels retreating in confusion. Of that noble column
+the skirmishers of the Seventy-seventh first reached the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>
+heights of Marye's Hill, the Thirty-third New York, in line
+of battle, followed, and then the Sixth Vermont,<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> the
+other regiments of the two brigades being but a moment
+behind. But the work was not all done yet. On our left
+was an earthwork of strong profile, from which now the
+rebels turned their guns upon us. Against this the column
+turned, and soon gained possession of it also. A third
+stronghold then fell into our hands, and we were in undisputed
+possession of the heights. While the troops under
+Neill and Grant had thus nobly stormed the works in
+front, Colonel Seaver, with his three regiments, had scaled
+the heights further to the left.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a>
+General L. A. Grant, in his report, does unintentional injustice to a brave regiment.
+He says: "The Sixth Vermont followed the Thirty-third New York, <i>and
+was the second</i> to gain the heights of Fredericksburgh." The Thirty-third was not
+the first to gain the heights on that part of the line. The testimony of General Neill,
+as well as of the members of the regiment, and the many trophies it captured, fully
+establish the claim of the Seventy-seventh to the honor.</p></div>
+
+<p>With one or two exceptions, every regiment in the division
+had behaved with great gallantry.</p>
+
+<p>The Seventy-seventh New York captured a stand of
+colors belonging to the Eighteenth Mississippi regiment,
+two heavy guns, a large number of prisoners, among
+whom was Colonel Luce of the Eighteenth Mississippi,
+and great numbers of small arms.</p>
+
+<p>As the regiment reached the heights, and took possession
+of the guns, General Howe rode up, and, taking off
+his hat, exclaimed: "Noble Seventy-seventh! you have
+covered yourselves with glory!" The general's words
+were greeted with tumultuous cheers.</p>
+
+<p>In the second work, the Thirty-third New York captured
+a piece of heavy ordnance and a number of prisoners.
+The regiment had exhibited great spirit and bravery. Six
+color-bearers had been shot down successively.</p>
+
+<p>It was at the signal of the first gun in Newton's front that
+General Howe had ordered the charge of the Second division.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>
+The Third division and the Light division had not
+been idle while the events we have described were going
+on. It will be remembered that the column on the right
+consisted of the Forty-third New York and the Sixty-first
+Pennsylvania, supported by a line of battle; and that the
+other column consisted of the Seventh Massachusetts and
+Thirty-sixth New York, also supported by other regiments.</p>
+
+<p>The ascent in front of the Third and Light divisions,
+though steep, was less precipitous than in front of Howe's
+column, and a good road led to the heights. But a stone
+wall skirted the base of the hills, behind which the rebels
+swarmed in great numbers.</p>
+
+<p>Under the fire of the rebel batteries, Newton's and Burnham's
+regiments lay, some in the outskirts of the town,
+some in the cemetery, until General Sedgwick gave the
+order for the advance. Then, almost at the same time,
+both commands moved up the glacis towards the heights.
+Colonel Jones, with his two regiments, the Seventh Massachusetts
+and Thirty-sixth New York, pushed forward up
+the telegraph road, against the stone wall, bearing to the
+right of the road; their knapsacks and haversacks were
+left behind that they might be unencumbered with needless
+burdens. As they approached within three hundred
+yards of the wall, a murderous volley checked the advance,
+and threw the head of the column into disorder. In two
+minutes the men were rallied, and again they approached
+the wall, this time nearer than before; but again they were
+broken. A third time they were rallied; this time they
+pushed straight forward to the works.</p>
+
+<p>The column under Colonel Spear started briskly forward,
+divested, like the others, of knapsacks and haversacks.
+Sallying from the town at double quick, in column of four
+ranks, they crossed the bridge just outside the city, when
+the gallant Colonel Spear received his mortal wound, and
+fell at the head of his men. The Sixty-first, which led the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>
+column, shocked at the death of their beloved leader, broke,
+and in confusion turned toward the town. This unfortunate
+confusion spread to the men of the Forty-third, who,
+checked by the disordered mass in front, and submitted to
+a galling fire, also commenced falling back. Finding any
+attempt to get the men through the disordered mass in
+front, the gallant Wilson drew his colors to the right and
+rallied his regiment around them. Then, bounding forward,
+the regiment reached the heights scarcely behind
+any of the regiments on the left, capturing a gun and
+many prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>The line of battle under Colonel Burnham advanced on
+the left of the road; the Fifth Wisconsin on the skirmish
+line, the Sixth Maine, the Thirty-first New York, and the
+Twenty-third Pennsylvania in line. Four more gallant
+regiments could not be found in the service. Leaving
+everything but guns and ammunition, they started forward,
+encountering a shower of bullets, grape and canister,
+as soon as they rose above the slight knoll which had
+concealed them. We of the Second division looked with
+admiration upon the advancing line; our flag&mdash;it was the
+flag of the Sixth Maine&mdash;in advance of the others, its
+brave color-guard bounding forward, then halting a moment
+while the men came up, then dashing forward again, and
+finally gaining the heights before us all! It was a noble
+spectacle, and filled our hearts with pride for our brave
+comrades of the Light division. The Light division secured
+as trophies about seven hundred prisoners and five cannon.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the heights were won. It was a glorious day for
+the Sixth corps. Never was a charge more gallantly
+made. But it was a sad day, for many scores of our
+brave comrades lay stretched in death, along the glacis,
+and on the steep ascent, in the ravines and along the road.</p>
+
+<p>The Seventh Massachusetts, the Sixth Maine, the Fifth
+Wisconsin, the Second Vermont, and the Seventy-seventh,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>
+Thirty-third and Forty-third New York, were among the
+greatest losers. The Sixth Maine reached the rebel works
+with the loss of six captains and the major, and a proportional
+number of enlisted men. Two color-bearers and
+Lieutenant-Colonel Newman were shot in the Thirty-first,
+and Colonel Jones, of the Seventh Massachusetts, was
+seriously wounded, while one hundred and twelve of his
+brave men were either killed or wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded had been taken to the city, where they
+were kindly cared for by the surgeons of the corps, who
+had seized the town for hospital purposes. Churches and
+private dwellings swarmed with the unfortunate men,
+whose mangled forms told of the fearful work of the day.
+Surgeons were hard at work ministering relief to the suffering,
+binding up the wounds or removing the mangled
+limbs which offered no hope of recovery; while nurses
+administered food and coffee, and prepared beds, such as
+could be extemporized from blankets spread upon the floors.
+More than three thousand wounded were brought into the
+city before nightfall.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the very heels of the brilliant success of the corps
+commenced disaster. An order from General Hooker had
+directed General Sedgwick to advance toward Chancellorsville,
+and form a junction with the main army. So
+the corps which had so nobly won the heights pressed on
+for further achievements. The heights were left behind.
+Brooks' division, which now took the lead, had advanced
+as far as Salem Church, on the Chancellorsville pike, when,
+instead of meeting any portion of Hooker's army, a few
+shells from rebel guns warned the division of the presence
+of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>A dense thicket was in front, and Bartlett's brigade,
+which had the advance, was deployed to skirmish and
+ascertain the position of the concealed foe. Presently,
+having fallen upon a strong line of skirmishers, the brigade<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>
+was formed in line of battle; the Twenty-seventh
+New York on the right, then the Fifth Maine, then the
+One Hundred and Twenty-first New York, and on the
+left the Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania; the Sixteenth New
+York holding the skirmish line in front. General Bartlett
+advanced his line to the thicket, the Sixteenth driving the
+rebel skirmishers, the brigade following closely. At
+the edge of the thicket General Bartlett halted the line,
+but being ordered by General Brooks to advance rapidly,
+he pushed on again.</p>
+
+<p>Advancing through the thicket about thirty rods, the
+brigade suddenly found itself face to face with a rebel
+line. The confederates were lying down in a road which
+traversed the thicket; and, when the Union line was within
+twenty yards, they suddenly discharged a volley, which,
+had it been well aimed, must have almost annihilated the
+brigade; but the fire was returned with effect, and presently,
+the confederates were glad to leave the road, which
+was almost filled with their dead and wounded, and seek
+shelter behind rifle pits. The rifle pits were but a few
+yards in rear of the road, and here a very strong force
+was posted. The Union forces occupied the road, and
+directed their fire against the works; but the rebel fire
+cut down their unprotected ranks like grass before the
+scythe. For fifteen minutes the gallant regiments endured
+this murderous fire, and then fell back in good order, having
+lost, within twenty minutes, nearly seven hundred
+men; of whom two hundred and seventy-three were from
+the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York.</p>
+
+<p>The New Jersey brigade, and the whole division, had
+by this time been brought into action, and great slaughter
+was made in almost every regiment. Newton's division
+was also fiercely engaged on the right, Wheaton's brigade
+holding its position only by the most stubborn fighting.
+The enemy having forced the First division to retire,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>
+advanced against our line; but the batteries under Williston,
+Rigby and Parsons, by splendid practice, repulsed the
+onset. The Second division, forming the rear of the column,
+had not been brought into the engagement.</p>
+
+<p>Darkness came to the relief of the corps, and the men
+slept soundly on their arms after the arduous duties of the
+day; but there were many misgivings among officers in
+regard to what to-morrow might bring forth.</p>
+
+<p>While we rested, the enemy was bringing up reinforcements
+from the direction of Richmond. Very early in the
+morning the siege guns on Stafford Heights, opposite the
+town, sent some shells screaming across the valley to
+the heights of Marye's Hill, giving the alarm to those in the
+town and to those who had so recently left it. Lines of
+rebels were seen all along the outskirts of the town and on
+the crests above. Fifteen thousand confederate troops
+were between the Sixth corps and Fredericksburgh Heights.
+The surgeons immediately prepared to send the wounded
+across the river, but, supposing that to accomplish the
+whole before the rebels should take possession of the town
+would be impossible, made every preparation for being
+themselves taken prisoners. A small detachment of Gibbon's
+division still guarded the town, but nearly all his
+troops had recrossed the river and were on Stafford Heights.
+But the small force in the town seemed sufficient to convey
+to the rebels the impression that it was well guarded, for
+they made no attempt to seize the immense amount of
+hospital stores which was at their mercy, or to molest the
+wounded or the surgeons.</p>
+
+<p>The Sixth corps was now in a critical position; its communications
+entirely cut off, and surrounded by hosts of
+the enemy. The corps was sandwiched between the rebels
+on the heights and Lee's whole army; while on its left was
+a strong force, and on its right an impassable river. Dispositions
+were at once made to meet the emergency.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Brooks' division was drawn back, and Howe's, still in the
+rear, changed front and quickly extended the line of battle
+to the river, so as to include Banks' Ford, six miles above
+the city, over which communications were at once established.</p>
+
+<p>The whole of Early's rebel division occupied the crest
+of Marye's and Cemetery Hills; the divisions of Anderson
+and McLaws were on our flank; and the brigades of Hays,
+Hoke and Lawton, supported by Lee's whole army, were
+in our rear. We were in the vicinity of Salem Church,
+and our only line of retreat was upon the road leading to
+Banks' Ford.</p>
+
+<p>The first demonstration of the rebels, on the morning of
+the 4th, was against the position held by Neill's brigade.
+A company from the Seventh Maine, and two companies
+from the Forty-ninth New York, in conjunction with a
+part of Martin's battery, and supported by the remaining
+companies of the Forty-ninth, gallantly repulsed and
+routed a whole brigade of rebels, capturing two hundred
+prisoners, and the colors of the Fifty-eighth Virginia
+regiment; which last trophy was borne off by the men of
+the Forty-ninth, and was the second stand of colors taken
+by that gallant brigade in this engagement, the Seventy-seventh
+having captured the other.</p>
+
+<p>The day wore away with little fighting till five o'clock.
+General Howe had so disposed his troops as to occupy two
+positions.</p>
+
+<p>In front was the Third brigade, holding a crest which
+overlooked a ravine through which the rebels must pass.
+Behind the brigade was another ravine, in which was a
+thin skirt of woods. In rear of this second ravine, and
+behind a swell of ground, the Vermont brigade was
+strongly posted, forming the second line of battle. There
+were in each of these two brigades about three thousand
+men.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Now came the most fearful struggle of the campaign.
+At five o'clock the rebel hordes came, with deafening yells,
+upon the division. The divisions of Early, Anderson and
+McLaws rushed upon the single brigade of less than three
+thousand men, massing their troops in the ravine, and
+charging with impetuous fury. But the noble regiments
+heroically withstood the shock, the Germans of the Twentieth
+only going to the rear in confusion. The stubborn
+resistance of the brigade prevented the rebels from piercing
+our lines, and cutting off our retreat, and thus, by its gallantry,
+enabled the corps to cross at Banks' Ford. But
+one thousand men&mdash;more than one-third of the brigade&mdash;fell
+on that crest. Colonel Van Houghton, of the Twenty-first
+New Jersey, was mortally wounded, and many other
+choice spirits were among the fallen. General Neill was
+injured by the fall of his horse, which was shot. General
+Howe now ordered the brigade to fall back, and the decimated
+regiments left the front line, and fell behind the
+strong position held by the Vermonters. The rebels,
+thinking this a retreat, followed with yells of exultation,
+but were met by the second line of battle, which, from its
+position behind the swell of ground, was concealed, with
+a murderous fire, which sent them reeling back to the
+cover of the first ravine. Their charge had inflicted little
+damage upon the Union line. It was now nearly dark, and
+the reception which the rebels had received had so completely
+routed and broken them, that they made no further
+attempt upon our lines.</p>
+
+<p>About nine o'clock, the division was ordered to fall back
+to Banks' Ford, now two miles distant from us. We fell
+back quietly, and found that the other divisions had preceded
+us, and were snugly behind rifle pits. They had
+fallen back as soon as it was dark, leaving the Second
+division to cover the retreat.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, comparatively little fighting had been done<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>
+by the other divisions, though a constant skirmish was
+kept up, and in the evening the confederates managed to
+get in the rear of a part of the picket of the Light division,
+capturing a large number of prisoners from the
+Forty-third and Thirty-first New York, and Sixty-first
+Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p>The position at Banks' Ford might have been held until
+reinforcements could have reached the corps from Hooker;
+but, unfortunately, that general, receiving from General
+Sedgwick first, intelligence that he could not safely hold
+the position, then that he could, ordered the corps to be
+withdrawn, and afterward countermanded the order; but
+the last order was only received when the movement had
+been accomplished.</p>
+
+<p>Toward morning the corps recrossed the Rappahannock
+on pontoon bridges; not without the utmost difficulty;
+one bridge being destroyed by rebel artillery, and the
+other barely saved from destruction long enough to allow
+the troops hurriedly to pass over.</p>
+
+<p>The corps had passed through a fearful ordeal, and had
+shown itself to be made of heroic material. No two more
+brilliant feats had been performed during the war, than
+the storming of the heights of Fredericksburgh, and the
+splendid resistance when surrounded and attacked by
+overwhelming forces. The men came out of the fight, not
+demoralized, but as ready to scale those terrible heights
+again, if called upon, as they had been on the 3d of May.</p>
+
+<p>General Sedgwick had manifested during the fights,
+those masterly qualities which made him one of the
+greatest soldiers of the age. His conduct on the retreat
+was cool and unimpassioned. Personally examining every
+part of the ground in front and rear, riding from one end
+of the line to the other, now ordering a battery placed at
+some commanding point, and now looking out a new
+position to which his troops might fall back in case of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>
+necessity, he was everywhere present, full of energy, as
+determined to save as he had been to win.</p>
+
+<p>Throughout the land the glorious deeds of the Sixth
+corps became household words; but its glory had been
+dearly purchased. Five thousand of the heroes who
+crossed the Rappahannock on the 2d of May, were either
+dead or wounded. Colonel Van Houghton, one of New
+Jersey's bravest sons, had received a mortal wound, from
+which he died in the hands of the enemy. Captain Luther
+M. Wheeler, of the Seventy-seventh, was shot while we
+halted at the foot of Marye's Hill. It was a sad loss to his
+regiment, and the corps. Few more gifted young men
+could be found in the army. He was one of our bravest
+and most efficient officers. Gentle in his relations with his
+fellows, cool and daring in battle; his youthful face
+beaming with fortitude, was a continual joy to his men in
+time of danger. He died as he had lived, a hero.</p>
+
+<p>The Forty-third had lost Captain Knickerbocker and
+Lieutenant Koonz. Two young men of brilliant promise,
+greatly loved and respected in their regiment and in their
+native city, Albany.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded men in the hospitals exhibited the same
+heroic fortitude in their sufferings that they had manifested
+in the charge and in the retreat. A few instances
+are given as illustrations of many: Erskine Branch of
+Company D, Seventy-seventh New York, when his leg was
+torn to shreds by a shell, hobbled off on the sound one and
+his gun, singing "The Star Spangled Banner." Corporal
+Henry West was shot through the thigh, and he was
+brought to the rear. "I guess," said he "that old Joe
+West's son has lost a leg." The corporal died soon after.
+While in the hospital, suffering from extreme anguish, a
+wounded man at his side lamented that he had come to the
+war. "I am not sorry that I came," instantly responded
+the brave corporal.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Let us now turn back and glance hastily at the maneuvers
+of the main army at Chancellorsville. We, of the
+Sixth corps, could only see by the balloon which, like
+some huge bird, hovered over the army, where it held its
+position, and the unceasing roar of artillery told us of a
+severe struggle with its foe; while rumor brought, now
+reports of brilliant success, and anon tales of sad defeat.
+We knew little of the true state of affairs at the right,
+and it was only when we mingled with our comrades of
+the other corps that we learned the details of the battle
+of Chancellorsville. We now repeat it as it was given to
+us. On the day that the army broke up its winter camp,
+General Hooker led the Fifth, Eleventh, Twelfth and
+Second corps, except Gibbon's division of the latter, up
+the river, until he reached Kelley's Ford, about twenty
+miles above Fredericksburgh. Here he crossed his whole
+force, and pushing southward and eastward, uncovered
+the United States Ford eight miles below, which was
+guarded by a brigade of rebels, and struck the intersection
+of the Gordonsville plank road with the Orange
+county turnpike, about five miles from United States
+Ford; having by great exertions crossed two rivers and
+marched twenty miles. At the crossing of the two roads,
+west of the turnpike, and south of the plank road, stood
+a single large mansion, the Chancellor house. Here General
+Hooker made his head-quarters, and from this point
+he disposed the corps of the army so as to form a line of
+battle, which should face south and east, with a single
+corps to guard against an advance from the west. The
+Third and First corps soon joined Hooker's forces, and
+the corps were posted as follows: The Eleventh corps,
+under General Howard, was on the right of the line, three
+miles southwest of Chancellorsville, facing westward;
+next, to the left of Howard, but far to the south, and holding
+the turnpike five miles in front of Chancellorsville, was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>
+Sickles with his Third corps; back almost to the plank
+road, and left of the turnpike, was Slocum with the
+Twelfth corps; and still to the right, and behind the plank
+road, the Fifth corps, under General Meade, faced toward
+the southwest; behind Meade and Slocum, the Second
+corps was posted, one division guarding the approach to
+the bridge. The country was densely wooded. Except an
+open space about the house, it was a tangled wilderness.
+The ground was low and marshy, and nearly level. Earthworks
+were thrown up in front of all the corps, and
+everything seemed in readiness for the enemy, for whom
+General Hooker now waited, hoping, that by fruitless
+assaults upon what seemed an impregnable position, the
+enemy would be so exhausted that he might turn upon
+him with fresh divisions, and rout the retreating forces.
+His programme was to secure a position in the rear of the
+rebel positions at the fords, while that portion of the army
+left at Fredericksburgh was to divert attention from the
+principal movement. Stoneman, with the cavalry, was to
+make a grand raid on the communications of the rebel
+army, burning the bridges and tearing up railroads. The
+main body of the army having secured its position, and
+accomplished its work, the Sixth corps was to press
+forward and harass them in their retreat toward Richmond.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday afternoon, almost at dark, the First corps,
+Reynolds', which had that morning parted company with
+the Sixth corps, crossed the river and took position
+near the ford, four miles in rear of Howard.</p>
+
+<p>The rebel army had been on the southeast of ours.
+Sickles, on the afternoon of Saturday, discovered a train of
+wagons and ambulances moving across the pike far in his
+front. He sent a force to cut it in two, and was successful
+in taking a large number of prisoners and in creating
+a panic in the train. He advanced, and was met by a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>
+strong force of the enemy. He now sent to General
+Howard for reinforcements. General Howard led a brigade
+to his assistance in person, and then at full speed
+galloped back to his corps. He was just in time. Bursting
+shells on the right of his line told of the presence of
+the enemy. "Stonewall" Jackson, with an immense force,
+had passed round our army, and now came like an avalanche
+upon the right division of the Eleventh corps,
+General Devins. The men were cooking their coffee,
+when suddenly the whizzing of innumerable bullets aroused
+them from their culinary engagements. The hosts of
+Jackson, with yells and shouts, fell like a thunderbolt upon
+the astonished division, and it melted away like a snowflake
+in summer. The next division, Shurz, tried to
+maintain the ground, and did what men could do, but
+could not withstand the shock of fifty thousand men.
+General Hooker, fearing that the flying Germans would
+stampede the whole army, directed the cavalry which was
+with him, to charge upon the fugitives and arrest their
+flight; but no power could halt them. The commanding
+general at once directed General Sickles to attack the
+enemy on the flank, and, if possible, check his farther
+advance.</p>
+
+<p>General Howard, with great presence of mind and perseverance,
+succeeded in stopping the rout at a stone wall,
+behind which he posted his line. Forty pieces of artillery
+were also, by General Hooker's order, concentrated
+to oppose the confederates, who again rushed forward with
+mad desperation, and were met with terrific fire from this
+long line of guns. They staggered back, but soon rallied,
+and again charged, and again met with a terrible repulse.
+The conflict now ceased for the night. Hooker drew in
+his lines, making them more compact, changed the disposition
+of some of the corps: throwing the Eleventh corps
+from the right to the left of the line, and bringing Meade,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>
+with the Fifth corps, to the right. Sickles and Slocum, with
+the Third and Twelfth corps, were near the Chancellor
+house. Artillery was massed to command the approaches
+to the turnpike, and earthworks went up in the night as if
+by magic. At daylight, Sunday morning, Jackson, with
+all his forces, advanced on the turnpike, against the Chancellor
+place, not with the thin line of battle, but in solid
+mass. His men poured from the woods like a torrent,
+their shouts and yells making a pandemonium of the wilderness.
+Suddenly, from the mouths of forty cannon was
+hurled against them a cruel storm of grape and canister,
+which ploughed through the advancing column, carrying
+death and destruction in its course, while the infantry
+from the Third corps poured into the faces of the desperate
+foe a terrible hail storm of bullets which almost
+decimated the heavy column. With the desperation of
+madness, the rebels rushed against this terrible fire, almost
+reaching the muzzles of the guns, only to be hurled back
+again by the fearful tornado in front. The Third corps
+seemed hardly able to hold its position, but now General
+Hooker sent two divisions of the Second corps to attack
+the enemy in the flank. These, with the Fifth corps, came
+with great force upon the left of the column. It reeled,
+the huge mass wavered to and fro, and then fell back in
+flight. The troops at the house, however, had been forced
+back, and General Hooker again shortened his lines,
+making his forces still more compact.</p>
+
+<p>Again, in the afternoon, the rebels came on exultingly,
+but not with the desperation that marked the attack of
+the morning. Hour after hour they strove to drive back
+or break in two the Union line, but it was immovable.
+Artillery poured into the ranks of the assailants the most
+deadly fire, until they fell back, long before nightfall,
+disheartened and defeated. Hooker had at length succeeded
+in accomplishing a part of his object. He had allowed his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>
+enemy to fight him until his army was exhausted and dispirited,
+while he himself had half his army fresh and ready
+to charge upon the weakened foe. Now came the time
+for action. If he now succeeded in putting the enemy to
+flight, the rebel cause was destroyed; if, on the contrary,
+he suffered a repulse, what would be the result? The
+river was swelling rapidly; the pontoons could even now
+with difficulty be held together. If, haply, they were to
+be swept away, all means of retreat would be cut off, and
+a repulse would amount to annihilation. Sedgwick and the
+Sixth corps were driven back, and Stoneman, who had gone
+with his cavalry toward Richmond, was not heard from.
+In the midst of these doubts, he called a council of corps
+commanders, who agreed, not unanimously, that it was
+advisable to recross the river. So the army, on Wednesday,
+was withdrawn across the river, when victory
+seemed ready to rest on our banners.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> Without doubt,
+had the general known of the panic created by the cavalry
+in the rear, or had he been sure that his communications
+would remain intact, the result would have been far different.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> The author makes no attempt to discuss the merits of the controversy, which
+grew out of this battle, between two of the best soldiers of our army. The reader
+will find, in the Report on the Conduct of the War, 1865, all the facts and arguments
+on both sides, by those most competent to give them&mdash;Generals Hooker and
+Sedgwick.</p></div>
+
+<p>The loss to the whole army, in this campaign, was over
+seventeen thousand in killed and wounded.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> Very many
+of these were left in the hands of the enemy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> The following statement exhibits the loss to the various corps in killed, wounded
+and missing:
+</p>
+<p><br />
+1st,         292<br />
+2d,        2,025<br />
+3d,        4,039<br />
+5th,         699<br />
+6th,       4,925<br />
+11th,      2,508<br />
+12th,      2,883<br />
+Cavalry,     145<br />
+</p></div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xviii" id="chapter_xviii"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>SECOND ENCAMPMENT AT WHITE OAK CHURCH AND
+THE PENNSYLVANIA CAMPAIGN.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The army in its old position&mdash;A trip to Dixie&mdash;The wounded at the hospitals&mdash;Introduction
+of army badges&mdash;Adornments of the camps&mdash;The "Third crossing"&mdash;The
+Barnard mansion&mdash;Exchanging papers&mdash;A broken lieutenant&mdash;The
+Pennsylvania campaign commenced&mdash;Restriction of baggage&mdash;A severe march&mdash;An
+army bathing&mdash;At Centreville&mdash;Bristow Station&mdash;March to Maryland&mdash;General
+Hooker succeeded by General Meade&mdash;Position of the army.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>The army now turned back to its old position, encamping
+in line nearly as before, only all the troops which had
+encamped on our left, between the Sixth corps and Belle
+Plain, were placed far to the right, leaving the Sixth corps
+on the left of the army, instead of being nearly in its
+center. The corps occupied a line nearly a mile in rear of
+the old camp, where the ground had been unoccupied, and
+where a growth of young pines, and, in places, considerable
+groves of oak timber, afforded far more attractive
+surroundings than the old quarters.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded were taken to an immense field hospital at
+Potomac creek, where hospital tents sufficient to accommodate
+eight thousand wounded men were erected in a locality
+where cool breezes could play freely among the encampments,
+and where pure water could be obtained. On the
+9th, many of our wounded were brought to the side
+of the river at Fredericksburgh and sent over to us by
+the enemy, in pontoon boats, under flags of truce. On the
+morning of the 10th, the surgeon of the Seventy-seventh
+was ordered to proceed at once to Banks' Ford to receive
+wounded officers who were to be removed from the enemy's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>
+lines. The doctor was soon at the ford, where he found
+a boat and a flag of truce at his disposal. He crossed the
+river and met the officer in command, who received him
+courteously, but declared that he knew nothing of any
+officers to come there. The surgeon addressed a note to
+General Wilcox, commanding the brigade at Banks' Ford,
+but he knew as little about it as the officer at the river.
+"There are plenty of federal officers here," said he, "and
+we shall be glad to send them across to your lines at any
+time when General Hooker shall apply to General Lee for
+them; but I know of no arrangement of the kind now."
+Believing that some arrangements had been made for the
+transfer of the wounded officers, but that the order had
+not yet reached General Wilcox, the surgeon spent the day
+among the rebels, conversing with their officers, while his
+boatmen, having with them a canteen of brandy, soon
+made themselves very popular with the crowd of rebel
+soldiers who gathered about, dressed in motley colors, buff,
+blue, gray, butternut, and colors indescribable. They were
+all in good humor and lively, and the hours passed pleasantly,
+as the men from the two opposing armies chatted in
+the shade of some oak trees. Finding little prospect of
+executing his peaceful mission, the surgeon obtained permission
+from General Wilcox to get the remains of Colonel
+Van Houghten, of the Twenty-first New Jersey regiment,
+who was shot at Salem Church, and died from his wound
+next day. Doctor McNiel, of the Twenty-first, with a
+party of men, proceeded to the place where the colonel
+was buried, a mile and a half from the ford, and brought
+the remains to the river and across to our own lines. On
+reporting at General Hooker's head-quarters, the surgeon
+found that no agreement had been concluded until late in
+the day for the delivery of the wounded officers; so he had
+spent the day in rebeldom to little effect, except the restoration
+of the body of the colonel to his friends, and leaving<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>
+a company of nurses to assist our surgeons who were
+already in attendance upon our prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>Nearly all our wounded were at length returned to us,
+and were sent to Potomac Creek, or to Washington. At
+Potomac Creek, the co&ouml;peration of the Sanitary Commission
+was of great assistance to the surgeons; and many
+comforts and luxuries, the gifts of our friends at home,
+cheered the hearts of the wounded and suffering heroes.
+Sheets, pillow cases, handkerchiefs, with jellies and canned
+fruits, were distributed in profusion. Here was the place
+for manifesting the overflowing interest and noble generosity
+of the people of the north, and thousands blessed
+them for their munificence.</p>
+
+<p>A mistaken idea prevailed among friends at home, that
+the agents of the Sanitary Commission resorted to the
+battle-field, ministering to the wants of the wounded,
+dressing the wounds, bringing the crippled from the field,
+and feeding the hungry. Our illustrated papers were
+filled with fine engravings, representing these acts of
+mercy on the battle-field. These were pictures of the
+imagination. Nothing of the sort was done. No Sanitary
+or Christian Commission agents frequented the battle-field.
+All wounded were brought from the field by
+soldiers, placed in ambulances of the government and
+taken to the field hospitals, where all the wounds were
+dressed by surgeons or their nurses, and where all were
+fed by officers selected for this special duty. The Sanitary
+and Christian Commissions had a great mission. They
+were the representatives of the lively interest felt by the
+people of the north, for the army it had sent forth to
+maintain the institutions of their country. They found
+abundant opportunity for accomplishing their mission at
+the large hospitals after the roar of battles had passed
+away; but they had nothing to do with the care of the
+wounded on the battle-field.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Just before leaving camp for the campaign just closed,
+General Hooker had issued an order assigning to each
+corps and division its badge, which was to be worn by
+every officer and soldier connected with either of the corps.
+The men of the Sixth corps now regarded their cross with
+greater pride than had ever ancient knight looked upon
+the heraldry which emblazoned his arms. It had been
+baptized in blood, and amid wonderful achievements of
+heroism. Every member of the noble corps felt an exulting
+pride in his relation to it, and regarded his badge
+as a mark of great honor.</p>
+
+<p>The introduction of these badges became of great service
+to the army. Every man could easily recognize the
+corps and division of any other one in the army; and
+each corps learned to feel a pride in its own badge.</p>
+
+<p>We had seven corps in the army; First, Second, Third,
+Fifth, Sixth, Eleventh and Twelfth. The badge of the
+First corps was a lozenge, that of the Second a shamrock,
+of the Third a diamond, of the Fifth a Maltese cross, of
+the Sixth a Greek cross, the Eleventh a lunette, and of the
+Twelfth a star. The badge of the First division of each
+corps was red, that of the Second white, and of the Third
+blue. All wagons and ambulances were marked with their
+appropriate badge, and the sick soldier who fell to the rear
+with a pass to the ambulances, had no difficulty in finding
+his own train; and quartermasters and others connected
+with the trains were greatly assisted in their duties by this
+ingenious device.</p>
+
+<p>The camps of all the regiments of our divisions were
+pleasantly located, and great pains were taken in laying
+them out and in decorating them. When regiments were
+not sheltered in groves, pines were transplanted in the
+company streets in great profusion; and arches and bowers
+of the most elaborate and elegant designs, formed of the
+boughs of the red cedar and pine, exquisitely entwined<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>
+with the bright green holly, formed a most attractive and
+beautiful feature of our second camp at White Oak Church.
+At division head-quarters, General Howe had caused to be
+erected a most elegant hall of these rural materials, which
+was a wonder of architectural beauty as well as exquisite
+taste and ingenuity. Its alcoves, its vestibules and its
+arches, were marvels of elegance. Here came officers,
+high in command, and brilliant dames, and passed a night
+in the service of Terpsichore, while bands discoursed stirring
+music.</p>
+
+<p>In the camp of the Seventy-seventh, the adornments
+were profuse and beautiful. At head-quarters, a palace of
+green arose among the trees near our tents. For days,
+mule teams hauled huge loads of cedar boughs, which
+were woven into massive pillars or elegantly turned
+arches, and the structure rose like one of those fair bowers
+we read of in fairy tales. Our surgeon and quartermaster
+were preparing the elegant structure for the reception of
+their wives. It was almost complete, needing only a few
+finishing touches, and the anxiously awaited guests were
+expected on the following day; when, alas for the expectations
+of men, an order came to be ready to march at
+daylight next morning! The ladies, although too late to
+enjoy this rustic palace, arrived in time to find the corps
+in line of battle, and witness fierce artillery duels between
+the opposing armies. In their eagerness to watch the flight
+of the shells, they sometimes manifested greater bravery
+than their companions, whose experience had taught them
+to regard with suspicion the shrieking missiles.</p>
+
+<p>We had passed a pleasant month at this camp, and the
+men were eager, notwithstanding their comfortable quarters,
+for active campaigning. The health and spirits of
+the soldiers of the corps had never been better, and in spite
+of the failure at Chancellorsville, they felt a great deal of
+confidence. So the order to move was received with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>
+pleasure, and we turned away from our pleasant camps
+willingly.</p>
+
+<p>We left camp on the morning of June 5th, one of the
+loveliest of days, and, taking the road we had already trod
+on two occasions, halted in the valley of the Rappahannock,
+on the very spot where we had rested at the first
+and second battles of Fredericksburgh, and prepared, for
+a third time within six months, to cross the river. A
+correspondent of one of the daily journals, writing from
+head-quarters of the army, says: "Howe's splendid division
+of the fighting Sixth corps was selected for the work of
+crossing, and the point for laying the bridges was just
+below the mouth of Deep Run, at the identical spot where
+we had crossed twice before."</p>
+
+<p>Pontoons and batteries of artillery formed long lines
+behind the little ridge which runs parallel with the river,
+and the infantry marched and countermarched to get in
+right positions. Here, behind the little ridge, we rested,
+until about five o'clock in the afternoon, our men mounting
+the ridge, and gazing across the river, where the enemy
+had turned the rifle pits thrown up by our First division,
+to their own use; and, in return, the rebels raised their
+heads above the breastworks, or ventured to the river side,
+wondering what could be the intention of the army, so
+recently driven from these grounds, in making such preparations
+for another crossing. There seemed but a small
+force opposed to us; a strong picket on the bank, and the
+reserve posted behind the breastworks, were all that could
+be seen, though we well knew that the heights beyond
+swarmed with opposing hosts, as they had twice before.
+At length the engineers drew the pontoons to the edge of
+the river, the Seventy-seventh being detailed to assist in
+unloading. The rebels betook themselves to the rifle pits,
+and opened a brisk fire; but presently they were glad to
+draw their heads behind the earthworks, for five of our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>
+batteries, Williston's, McCartney's, Cowen's, Haines' and
+McCarthey's, were run out upon the plain, and opened a
+fierce fire, whole batteries firing by volleys, until the whole
+plain, on the further side, was a sheet of flame from the
+bursting shells, and huge clouds of dust, plowed up by
+the shrieking missiles, rose so as to obscure the heights.
+The rebels could only load, and thrust their guns above
+the earthworks, firing at random, for no man could raise
+his head without coming in the way of the fiery messengers
+of death, which filled the air. Still their fire,
+although at random, was annoying, and it was evident
+that the safest method was to cross men in boats, enough
+to drive the rebels from their pits, or capture them, and
+then build the bridge without opposition.</p>
+
+<p>The Twenty-sixth New Jersey and Fifth Vermont regiments
+leaped into the boats, quickly crossed, and, rushing
+from the bank, charged upon the pits. The rebels were
+now, for the first time offered an opportunity for flight;
+for while the artillery was filling the whole plain with
+bursting shells, there remained no alternative but to hug
+the earth behind the rifle pits; now that the artillery
+ceased, they scattered across the plain in hot haste, before
+the rapid charge of our boys. The two regiments pursued
+the fugitives, and many of them threw down their
+arms; we captured about seventy-five prisoners; of these,
+thirty-six were captured by Captain Davenport, who, with
+eighteen of his men, was marching up the ravine through
+which passes the Deep Run, when they came upon the
+rebels, whom they obliged to surrender, their captain
+delivering his sword to Captain Davenport. Five or six
+men of the engineers were killed, and some wounded.
+The Vermonters and New Jerseymen, also, had a few men
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The Seventy-seventh had one man killed. Sergeant
+Rex Haines was shot through the head. He was a brave<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>
+man, and one of the best soldiers in the regiment. He
+had, until that very day, been confined to the hospital
+with severe illness. A few of our men, also, received
+slight wounds.</p>
+
+<p>The engineers proceeded at once to lay the bridges, and
+on the following morning the whole division crossed. Our
+picket reserve made their rendezvous at the ruins of the fine
+mansion which we had used for our Second division hospital
+at the first battle. Now nothing but the bare walls and
+heaps of rubbish marked the place where the beautiful
+residence had stood. A regiment of Mississippians had
+occupied the place, and had ruthlessly and willfully burned
+it. Yet the fine chestnuts and broad-spreading oaks
+afforded as luxurious a shade as in the palmy days when
+the old bachelor proprietor lounged beneath their shadow.</p>
+
+<p>The picket line extended nearly to the railroad, and, as
+before, formed a semi-circle, radiating from the pontoon
+bridge. The enemy had also formed a strong picket to
+oppose us, and the two lines of skirmishers were within a
+few yards of each other.</p>
+
+<p>It was a beautiful Sabbath, and all day long the troops
+lay upon the plain, wondering what was to be done.
+There were the frowning batteries of the enemy on the
+hills in front, apparently able to blow the whole division
+into the air, and we could, with our glasses, discover
+great numbers of infantry at the base of the hills, half
+hidden by the low growth of pines. The main body of
+our army still remained in camp; only our Sixth corps had
+moved. Evidently the enemy concluded that the advance
+was rather one of observation than attack, and quietly
+awaited our movements. Some firing was for a time kept
+up on the skirmish line, and now and then a shell would
+come crashing through some of the houses at the right,
+where our pickets were concealed; but at length, by
+mutual consent, the pickets of each army watched the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>
+movements of their opponents without molesting them.
+During this quasi-truce, a spirit of sociability manifested
+itself, and our boys soon struck up an acquaintance with
+their dangerous neighbors. At length an exchange of
+papers was proposed, and upon mutual agreement of temporary
+amity, a Yankee and a Johnnie would step into
+the open space between the two lines, shake hands, inquire
+each other's regiment, trade papers and retire.</p>
+
+<p>There came at this time, to each company of one regiment,
+a copy of the New York Observer, Independent,
+Christian Examiner, Evangelist and other papers, and Mr.
+Alvord, the agent of the Tract Society, had just been
+among the men, distributing copies of the American Messenger.
+These were soon collected and carried over to be
+exchanged for copies of the Richmond Enquirer, Sentinel,
+and Examiner. The trade was not kept wholly within the
+limits of literary exchange, but sugar and coffee passed
+into the rebels' hands in return for plugs of tobacco. At
+length an order came from division head-quarters, stopping
+this illicit practice. Our boys declared that they were
+acting the part of colporteurs to the barbarian rebels, and,
+if they had been allowed to continue the distribution of
+religious papers among them, they would soon be convinced
+of the error of their ways, and desist from further
+fighting.</p>
+
+<p>During the night of the 8th, our division was withdrawn
+to the north side of the river, our place being taken by
+the Third division. We retired to Stafford Heights and
+bivouacked. Our bivouac became our encampment for a
+week. There we lay, wondering what was next to be
+done, while the artillery on either side exchanged shots.
+The 32-pounders on our hills sending their huge shot
+across to the opposite heights, and the rebel guns replying,
+sometimes with shells of most improved pattern, and
+at other times throwing over huge pieces of railroad iron.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>An incident of much interest to Neill's brigade occurred
+while we were here. A lieutenant, belonging to the
+Twenty-first New Jersey regiment, had been tried by a
+court-martial, and convicted of cowardice at the battle on
+May 3d. The whole brigade was brought out at the hour
+for evening parade, and formed in a hollow square. To
+the center of the inclosure the culprit was brought. His
+sentence was then read to him, which was that he be dismissed
+the service in disgrace. The adjutant-general of
+the brigade then proceeded to execute the details of the
+sentence. The sword of the cowardly officer was taken
+from him and broken over his head; his shoulder-straps
+and buttons were then cut off, and his pistol broken and
+thrown away. The sentence, and the manner of its execution,
+were ordered to be published in the newspapers of the
+county where the regiment was raised. A similar sentence
+was executed in the Seventy-seventh regiment on the same
+evening. Lewis Burke, of Company F, was convicted of
+cowardice at the same battle. He was brought before the
+regiment, which stood in line; his sentence read, his buttons
+and the blue cord on his coat cut off, and a placard
+marked "<span class="smcap">Coward</span>" hung to his back. A guard, with fixed
+bayonets pointing at his back, then marched him off, the
+band playing "The Rogues' March." Burke went to
+serve out his time at the Dry Tortugas at hard labor,
+without pay or allowance.</p>
+
+<p>As we looked upon the execution of these humiliating
+sentences, we could not help feeling how much better it
+would have been to have fallen nobly on that field of
+battle, honored and lamented, than to live to be thus
+degraded and despised. It had never been so forcibly
+impressed upon our minds, how much better it was to die
+nobly than to live in disgrace. When we thought of the
+noble Wheeler and his brave companions, who had given
+their lives for their country on yonder heights, and then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>
+turned to the sickening scene before us, we could but
+exclaim, "How are the dead to be envied!"</p>
+
+<p>At length, on Saturday night, June 13th, we withdrew
+from Fredericksburgh, and commenced the memorable
+Pennsylvania campaign. There had been, for several
+days, indications that General Lee was throwing his army
+to our right, and was crossing the Rappahannock in the
+vicinity of Culpepper. At length this had become a certainty;
+and the whole army was quickly moved to come
+up with him. All day long the hurrying of trains, the
+movements of troops, the intense activity at the railroad
+station, where everything was being hastily thrown into
+cars, had indicated a sudden leave-taking.</p>
+
+<p>At length the trains were off, and the whole army in
+motion. Our own corps being rear-guard, started at ten
+o'clock at night. The darkness was intense, and a thunder
+shower prevailed. Our route for a long time lay through a
+thick woods, where the branches of the trees, meeting over
+our heads, shut out the little light that might have penetrated
+the thunder clouds, and the column was shut in
+perfect darkness. The road was terribly muddy, and the
+batteries which were trying to pass over the same route,
+were frequently stuck in the mire. Our men stumbled
+over stones and fallen trees, often falling beneath the feet
+of the horses. Men fell over logs and stones, breaking
+their legs and arms. Thus we continued the hasty
+and difficult march, while the rain poured in torrents
+upon us. Later in the night the road became more open,
+and the rain ceased. The darkness was not so black, still
+it was difficult to see the road. We were passing over
+corduroy; some of the logs were a foot, and others a
+foot and a half through. They were slippery from the
+rain, and the men, heavily laden with knapsacks, guns and
+cartridges, tumbled headlong, many of them going off
+at the side, and rolling far down the steep embankments.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>
+A laugh from the comrades of the luckless ones, while
+some one would call out, "Have you a pass to go down
+there?" was the only notice taken of such accidents; and
+the dark column hurried on, until at three o'clock in the
+morning, we halted at Potomac creek, where we slept
+soundly upon the ground until morning.</p>
+
+<p>The following day was Sunday. Our corps did not
+march until evening; we lay resting from the fatigues of
+the night before, and watching the immense army trains
+hurrying by, the horses and mules lashed to their full
+speed, or viewing the destruction of the great hospitals
+which had been established here.</p>
+
+<p>There were here immense quantities of stores; bedding,
+glass and earthenware, instruments and medicines, with
+cooking and other utensils which could not, in the haste
+of breaking up, be transported; so they were thrown in
+great heaps and burned.</p>
+
+<p>All day long the trains crowded by, four and five wagons
+abreast; the drivers shouting and lashing their beasts to
+their greatest speed. No one who has not seen the train
+of an army in motion, can form any just conception of its
+magnitude, and of the difficulties attending its movements.
+It was said that the train of the Army of the Potomac,
+including artillery, at the time of which we speak, if
+placed in a single line, the teams at the distance necessary
+for the march, would extend over seventy miles.</p>
+
+<p>At Fairfax Court House, soon after this, the trains were
+greatly reduced, and again at Fairfax Station; and after
+General Meade took command of the army they were still
+further reduced. Yet, notwithstanding all these curtailments,
+our trains were said to be between thirty and forty
+miles long.</p>
+
+<p>How little did the impatient people, who clamored at
+all times, in winter as well as summer, for an immediate
+"advance" of the army, consider that this immense body<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>
+must always advance with the army; that it must always
+be protected; that the army on every march and at every
+halt must be so disposed as to prevent the enemy from
+reaching it from front, flank or rear; and that when an
+advance was commenced, if the trains were to become
+blocked up, or stuck fast in mud, the whole army must
+wait for them, no matter whether it had reached a favorable
+position for a halt or not. It was no small undertaking
+to move an army with such a train; yet there were many
+at home who thought the army could move from one place
+to another with the greatest ease.</p>
+
+<p>It is true that the enemy got along with smaller trains
+than ours, and it is true that the rebel army on that
+account was more easily moved than our own. It was
+one of the disadvantages of too liberal a government that
+our movements for two years were weighed down with
+these cumbersome trains; and even after so long an experience
+of their evil it was with strong feelings of opposition
+that the reduction was acquiesced in.</p>
+
+<p>A captain or lieutenant of the line was allowed a small
+valise, in which to carry his company books and his clothing;
+and a staff officer was but little better off. Must this
+little be reduced? Surely the ammunition and the commissary
+trains could suffer no diminution. The amount
+of hospital supplies carried in the wagons was already
+limited; could it be reduced? The people were clamoring
+to have wagons of the Sanitary and Christian Commissions
+admitted to the hospital trains, to carry articles which,
+although they were gratefully received by the soldiers,
+yet were not absolutely necessary. The ambulance
+train was surely not too large, and we could spare no
+artillery.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the train was reduced. Small as was the valise of
+the line officers, it must be still smaller; little as was the
+baggage of the staff officer, it must be less; and inconveniently<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>
+contracted as was the size of the mess chests, they
+must be still further reduced.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, through the day, we watched the hurrying trains
+as they swept by with immense clatter and tumult; and
+the files of troops, guards to the trains, pressing forward,
+amid the clouds of dust and the rattle and noise of the
+wagons. As the sun sunk in the west, we gathered about
+a green knoll, in the shade of a pine grove, and sung old
+familiar hymns; then the chaplain made a prayer; thus
+was offered the evening sacrifice for the Sabbath. Few
+who gathered&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Where through the long drawn aisle or fretted vault,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The pealing anthem swells the note of praise,"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>offered more heartfelt thanksgiving, or more earnest supplications
+for future protection, than the band of veterans
+seated on that mossy bank, while about them was the confusion
+of a great army, pressing to meet its foe.</p>
+
+<p>At length, at nine o'clock at night, we took the road,
+and, joining the mighty column, marched rapidly forward.
+The night was dark, and the roads uneven, yet the men
+pressed forward with wonderful spirit. They had heard
+during the day that Lee with his army, avoiding us on the
+right, and moving with secrecy, had already eluded us,
+and was rapidly making his way into Maryland, taking
+his route through the Shenandoah Valley. This was
+enough to stimulate men whose greatest desire was to
+meet their opponents in open fight, even on rebel ground.
+But now the rebels were invading northern soil; Maryland,
+Pennsylvania, and even New York, were threatened,
+and the men knew no limit to their enthusiasm. "We
+can whip them on our own soil," said they. "There is no
+man who cannot fight the better when it is for his own
+home." Such expressions passed from lip to lip as the
+dark column pushed on during the whole night. At times<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>
+there would be a halt; not for rest, for the men, expecting
+momentarily to move on, would stand in the ranks;
+then, on again. Here and there were the camps of troops
+who had occupied the extreme right of the army. Fine
+arbors and avenues had been erected from the cedar
+boughs; these were set on fire, and the whole heavens
+were aglow with the flames. Morning dawned, the
+march was becoming tedious. The men were faint, and
+wanted rest and coffee; but there was no halt.</p>
+
+<p>Faint and weary, yet with determination, the masses of
+men toiled along. At length, as the morning advanced,
+the heat of the sun was almost intolerable, and the dust
+suffocating. Not a leaf stirred on the trees. Vegetation
+drooped under the scorching rays, and the clouds of dust
+was so dense, that one could not see half the length of
+a regiment.</p>
+
+<p>The men at length began to fall from exhaustion. One
+after another, with faces burning with a glow of crimson,
+and panting for breath, would turn to the surgeons of
+their regiments, and receive passes to the ambulances and
+a draught from the surgeon's flask; but at length no more
+passes could be given; the ambulances were crowded,
+and so many were falling on every side, that it became
+useless to require or attempt to give passes, or even for
+the surgeons to attempt to relieve the sufferers.</p>
+
+<p>In every corner of the rail fences, and under every tree
+and bush, groups of men, with faces glowing with redness,
+some with streams of perspiration rolling down their
+cheeks, and others with their red faces dry and feverish,
+strewed the wayside and lined the hedges. Here the
+color-bearer of a regiment, his color lying beside him, lay
+gasping for breath; there a colonel, his horse tied to the
+fence, strove to fan the air into a little life with his broad-brimmed
+hat. Under one little clump of cedars might
+be seen an exhausted group of line officers, captains and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>
+lieutenants, and under the next, a number of enlisted men
+who could no longer keep the road. The spectacle along
+the roadside became appalling. Regiments became like
+companies, and companies lost their identity; men were
+dying with sunstroke; and still the march was continued.
+This could not last much longer, for the brave men
+who still held out were fast losing strength, and soon
+there would be no troops able to move. At length, at
+nearly three o'clock, we came in sight of the little, old,
+depopulated town of Dumfries. Here, to the joy of all,
+we saw men filing into the fields for a halt. There was
+no cheer, no expression of gladness; for the tired men,
+with feet blistered and raw, worn out by seventeen hours'
+constant march, almost melted and smothered, cared
+little for demonstrations. Throwing themselves upon the
+ground, they rested for half an hour, and then, rousing
+long enough to cook their coffee, they refreshed themselves
+with their hard tack, pork and coffee, and were ready to
+sleep. Here the Vermont brigade was drawn up in line,
+and some half a dozen men, skulkers, principally from the
+Twenty-sixth New Jersey, were drummed out of camp,
+the bands of the brigade playing "The Rogues' March."
+All who were participants of that day's work, remember it
+as the most trying march of the Army of the Potomac.
+Very grateful to the weary army was sleep that night,
+but, at two o'clock in the morning, the shout passed along
+the line, "fall in! fall in!" And so, without coffee, we
+rolled our blankets and fell into line. But, as often happens,
+when the whole army is to move, some parts must
+wait long before the others are out of the way. So we of
+the Sixth corps waited until four o'clock, and got our
+coffee finally before the rest of the column had made way
+for us. It was another hot, dusty day, but not so intolerable
+as the day before, and about two or three o'clock we
+arrived at Occoquan creek, crossing at Wolf Run Shoals.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>
+Here we had two or three hours' rest. The men had no
+sooner halted than they plunged into the stream, and the
+wide creek was soon alive with swarms of men splashing
+and diving in the cooling element.</p>
+
+<p>It was a novel sight. An army bathing. A brigade of
+nine months Vermont troops, had been stationed here during
+the winter. They were full regiments, never thinned
+by exhausting labors, hard campaigns or the trying ordeal
+of battle. They now bade farewell to their comfortable
+quarters and picket duty, and joined the Grand Army on
+a real campaign. Although we had already made a long
+march, at four o'clock we were again on the road, and
+before dark we reached Fairfax Station, six miles from
+Wolf Run Shoals. This was a more cheerful march than
+the others. The men, refreshed by their bath, and strengthened
+by a good dinner and two hours' rest, now went
+shouting, singing and laughing, as though marching was
+but play.</p>
+
+<p>This day we heard that some part of Lee's army was in
+Pennsylvania! The men were as anxious to go forward as
+were their commanders. The corps bivouacked in groves
+on the turnpike, which led from Fairfax to Manassas, resting
+for the night and the following day. Here our train
+underwent a process of purging. Needless articles, and
+many useful ones, which could be disposed of, were sent to
+the rear. The trains were to go with smaller loads, and
+many teams were to be taken from them.</p>
+
+<p>We had marched, since setting out from before Fredericksburgh,
+through a country, well enough by nature, but
+neglected, barren and depopulated. How large a portion
+of this great State was in this sad condition? Its naturally
+rich fields were grown up to scrub pines, mugworts
+and wormwood. Its fair valleys desolate of inhabitants,
+or inhabited by low white trash, as idle as ignorant. The
+groves and fields where we now rested were pleasant for a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>
+bivouac, but the fields were waste land, and the oak timber
+was all that seemed of any value, as far as we could see.
+Yet we were now within a few miles of Washington, where
+articles of food brought fabulous prices, and wood could
+scarcely be procured. Why were these fine lands desolate?
+Was it because agriculture was unprofitable? Surely, with
+Washington and Alexandria so near, and Baltimore at a
+short distance farther, there should be a good market for
+produce. Was it because the war had put a stop to agricultural
+pursuits? The scrub pines and dwarf oaks
+growing upon deserted tobacco fields, where the ridges
+were still plainly visible, showed that before the war
+indolence prevailed.</p>
+
+<p>At five o'clock on the morning of June 19th, we were
+again on the march, reaching Fairfax Court House before
+noon. Again our train was overhauled, baggage reduced,
+and teams sent to the rear. By this time the train began to
+assume more reasonable dimensions. General officers were
+strictly forbidden the use of ambulances, henceforth all
+ambulances were to be used for their legitimate purposes,
+and general officers and their staffs were to get along with
+a more reasonable amount of baggage, while regimental
+officers were to be allowed only the most limited amount of
+transportation. A single small valise only was the extent
+of baggage for each regimental officer, and a mess chest of
+the size of a cracker box, was to be the allowance for all
+officers of a single company.</p>
+
+<p>About Fairfax Court House was stationed a division of
+cavalry and some infantry, under the command of General
+Stahl. These troops, like the brigade of Vermont troops,
+had been employed in guarding the country against the
+inroads of guerilla bands. These were now also to join
+the Army of the Potomac, and their gallant conduct at
+Falling Waters, a few days after, showed them to be
+composed of the best material.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>General Hooker, unwilling to favor General Lee, by
+uncovering the capital, and wisely judging of his wary
+enemy's motives, instead of pushing rapidly forward to
+Maryland, as Lee desired, threw the different corps into
+positions, which should at once be favorable for watching
+his movements, and resisting any attack. Accordingly,
+our own corps, turning partly back from our line of
+march, on the 20th, marched towards Bristow Station.</p>
+
+<p>We passed through Centreville, its powerful forts and
+redoubts garrisoned by large regiments of men, who wore
+bright new uniforms, and whose officers had red tufts
+upon their caps. These new uniforms were soon to be as
+grimy and dusty as those of the veterans, at whom they
+now gazed with so much interest, and the full regiments
+were soon to find their ranks thinned by the same terrible
+process which had made those passing by them only
+fragments of regiments.</p>
+
+<p>The works about Centreville were of most powerful
+character, having been made even stronger than at the
+last battle of Bull Run. In the forts and redoubts upon
+the commanding positions, was mounted heavy artillery,
+and the long lines of trenches and breastworks, stretching
+far to the flanks, and commanding declivities where
+musketry and artillery could sweep an advancing force
+with terrible effect, rendered the position impregnable
+from any direct assault. The few dilapidated houses
+still remaining to mark the site of the village, presented a
+forlorn and pitiful appearance. Deserted by their owners,
+occupied as stables and storehouses some of them falling
+in ruins, and all dirty and dilapidated, they were
+a mournful commentary on the ruthless destruction which
+follows in the footsteps of war. Still further on, our
+route led us along the Manassas Gap railroad. Here were
+more sad pictures of the havoc of war. The track was
+torn up, the ties burnt. Every now and then, numbers of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>
+car wheels and axles, iron bands and braces, couplings
+and reaches, showed where whole trains had been burned.</p>
+
+<p>Here and there, the incombustible materials among the
+debris showed the lading of particular cars. The remains
+of fruit cans, tin plates, blacking boxes and glassware,
+told of sutlers who had disposed of their wares at less than
+the usual exorbitant prices. Heaps of spikes and handleless
+hammers, and iron bars, reminded us of disconcerted
+plans in railroad extension, while numberless solid shot,
+bullets and fragments of shells, showed where car loads
+of ammunition had been consumed in harmless explosions.</p>
+
+<p>At length, after a hard day's march, we arrived at Bristow
+Station, where the corps turned into the fields and
+bivouacked.</p>
+
+<p>The tower and wind-mill which had been used for raising
+water to the tank, remained alone to show where the
+station had been; all the other buildings being destroyed,
+except where still remained the dismantled ruins of what
+had once been a hotel.</p>
+
+<p>Here, as for miles back on the road, were the remains
+of ruined cars and their contents.</p>
+
+<p>The surrounding country was delightful. A mile or
+two south of us was a little church in the midst of an oak
+grove. It is an agreeable peculiarity with the southern
+people, that they are accustomed to locate their country
+churches in the midst of pleasant groves, sometimes at a
+distance from any residence. In this respect, they certainly
+exhibit better taste than the people of most of our
+northern States, who have such a propensity for setting
+the church on the summit of some high hill where not a
+tree or shrub adorns the grounds, and the aspiring steeple
+seems, like Babel, to be striving vainly to reach the
+heavens.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning after our arrival here, we heard the
+sounds of cannonading not far off, and learned that the cavalry<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>
+under General Pleasanton were hotly engaged at
+Aldee and Upperville, with Stuart's rebel cavalry, and
+that our forces were getting the best of the desperate
+encounter, winning laurels for themselves and gaining
+another of that series of victories which was destined to
+remove the derision in which that arm of the service had
+been held, not from any previous want of good fighting
+qualities on the part of our cavalry. General Pleasanton
+had attacked Stuart's forces near Middleburgh, driving
+the rebels in confusion through Upperville to Ashby's
+Gap, taking some pieces of artillery and a large number
+of prisoners. General Kilpatrick, in this engagement, had
+exhibited fighting qualities of the first order, riding in
+front of the men and leading the way when they hesitated.
+His gallant conduct inspired for him the confidence and
+admiration of his men. It was the commencement of a
+brilliant career which made him one of the first cavalry
+commanders in the army. His dashing ride from the Peninsula
+to Fredericksburgh, with but a handful of men,
+eluding the watchfulness of the wily Stuart, had already
+established his talent for bold adventure, and his conduct
+on this occasion proved his personal bravery. These are
+the two great qualities needed for a cavalry officer, and
+Kilpatrick's name at once became a tower of strength
+among his men.</p>
+
+<p>In this pleasant locality the corps remained, an outpost
+for the army, guarding the passes from the Shenandoah, for
+five days. The weather was delightful, and the men
+enjoyed, to the utmost, the needed rest. They lounged in
+the shade of their tents or in the neighboring groves, or
+strolled along the railroad track, examining curiously the
+ruined remains of the trains. In a delightful spot at a
+distance from the camps, almost surrounded by a grove of
+oak trees, the hospital tents of our Second division were
+erected. To this quiet and lovely spot, where cool breezes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>
+always played, were brought the sick and weary, and
+carefully nursed.</p>
+
+<p>But General Lee despaired of inducing General Hooker
+to uncover the capital, so, leaving Virginia with his whole
+army, he pushed toward Pennsylvania, determined at least
+to draw our army as far away from Washington as possible,
+and to reap rich harvests of spoils among the overflowing
+granaries of the Keystone State. No sooner had the
+movement of the main body of Lee's army into Maryland
+commenced, than General Hooker, with his forces, commenced
+the pursuit.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xix" id="chapter_xix"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE GETTYSBURGH CAMPAIGN.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The rebels in Pennsylvania&mdash;Panic at Harrisburgh&mdash;Alarm at Baltimore and
+Washington&mdash;Sixth corps leaves Bristow Station&mdash;A surprise&mdash;General Meade
+takes command&mdash;Position of the army&mdash;Marching through Pennsylvania&mdash;An
+unprecedented march&mdash;Exciting news&mdash;Battle of Gettysburgh&mdash;Death of Reynolds&mdash;First
+and Eleventh corps fall back&mdash;Second day's battle&mdash;The battle-field&mdash;Fighting
+at Round Top&mdash;On the right&mdash;The grand onset&mdash;The battle
+decided&mdash;Rebel and Union wounded.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Meanwhile, great excitement prevailed at the north,
+especially in Maryland and Pennsylvania, on account of
+the invasion of the rebel army. As early as the 15th
+of the month, more than a thousand rebel cavalry had
+reached Chambersburgh, which they had sacked. Two
+days before, the battle of Winchester was closed. Ewell,
+with overwhelming numbers had fallen upon General Milroy's
+force, which had unwisely been, by order of somebody,
+thrust far away from its base, and out of the reach
+of reinforcements, routing the division, and in its flight
+capturing its artillery and a large portion of the infantry.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing now opposed the march of the invaders through
+the Shenandoah Valley. In Harrisburgh, the excitement
+rose almost to a panic. All the paintings, books, papers,
+and other valuable articles, were removed from the capitol,
+packed in boxes and loaded into cars, ready to be sent
+off at the first sign of immediate danger. The citizens
+formed themselves into military companies, and worked
+day and night throwing up redoubts and rifle pits about
+the city. Men unaccustomed to manual labor vigorously
+plied the pick and the spade, and kept up their unwonted
+toil with an earnestness worthy of veteran soldiers. To<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>
+add to this confusion and alarm, the trains of Milroy's
+division that had escaped capture were rattling through
+the streets in search of a resting place. Throughout the
+State of Pennsylvania business was suspended. The governor
+was calling loudly for men to rush to arms in defense
+of their homes; and General Couch was striving to organize
+the militia which presented itself.</p>
+
+<p>Baltimore and Washington were like besieged cities.
+Stuart was threatening the Baltimore and Ohio road, and
+bodies of rebel cavalry had penetrated within half a dozen
+miles of Washington. Bells rung out the alarm, and the
+affrighted citizens rushed to arms. Loyal leagues were
+now of service, forming the nucleus of many an improvised
+company of defenders. All these facts we learned
+from the newspapers, a few stray copies of which fell
+within the path of the army, and from the highly
+colored accounts of citizens, who, with expressions of the
+utmost alarm and anxiety, related what they had heard
+or seen.</p>
+
+<p>On the night of the 26th of June, the Sixth corps left
+Bristow Station. The darkness was intense, and a drizzling
+rain rendered marching disagreeable. The march was
+rapid, and some of the men fell behind, and were next day
+collected and marched off to Richmond, by the guerilla
+parties that constantly hung upon our flanks and rear.
+Before daylight we halted at Centreville. The men threw
+themselves upon the wet ground, and slept for two hours,
+while the rain beat upon them. Then, at six o'clock, they
+were again roused, by the order to be ready to move at
+once. While taking our coffee, and waiting for the final
+order to march, some villain, belonging to the troops
+stationed at Centreville, set fire to the little Episcopal
+chapel that stood not far from us, and was the only building
+remaining in the little village which pretended to any
+appearance of modern architecture. Those vandals who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>
+follow an army, bent on nothing but destruction, are
+among the unavoidable evils of war, and even the most
+severe discipline is insufficient to effectually arrest all mischief
+of the kind.</p>
+
+<p>Our march was a severe one for men who had been
+on the road all night, and the men were glad when we
+bivouacked a little before dark, in a beautiful oak grove
+near Drainsville. Very early next morning, descending
+into the lovely valley of the Potomac, we reached Edwards'
+Ferry, where troops were crossing; after a delay of one
+or two hours, waiting for troops of another corps to cross
+the pontoon bridge, we followed, and were in Maryland
+again. All day long troops were passing over the bridges
+and taking their positions upon the neighboring hills,
+ready for starting anew in the morning; for nearly the
+whole army was crossing at this point, and as the process
+was necessarily slow, those who went over first waited for
+those behind.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday, we left Edwards' Ferry; marched through
+Poolesville and Barnstown to Hyattstown. A halt was
+made at Barnstown for dinner, and the Sixth corps left
+the road and occupied a pleasant valley, where the chestnut
+trees afforded a grateful shade for the men. They had
+just unslung knapsacks, when we were all startled by
+the sound of a church bell, which seemed in our midst.
+The boys gazed for a moment in mute astonishment in the
+direction from which the sound came, when they discovered
+at a short distance from them, a little church half
+hidden among the trees, and the parishioners gathering
+for service. When the first surprise was over, the word
+passed from one to another, "It is Sunday!" "It is Sunday!"
+and they set up a shout that demonstrated that
+they had not forgotten to love the institutions of civilization,
+even after so long an absence from a civilized
+country. Few who were present at this time, will ever<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>
+forget the thrill of pleasurable surprise which we all
+experienced at hearing once more the sounds which so
+forcibly reminded us of home.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the men attended the service. It was a Catholic
+church, a small edifice which had once been white,
+but, by the action of the weather for many years, it had
+now become brown. The seats and altar had never
+been painted, and the plaster of the inner wall had, in
+places, fallen from the lath. The parishioners seemed
+quite devout people, and the pastor a sincere man. In
+his prayers he remembered the President and the government,
+and he supplicated for peace. The reverend father
+said that, owing to the confusion in town, there would be
+no sermon, but he wished the good people to pray for
+sister A., who was at the point of death, and for the
+repose of the soul of brother B., who was already dead.
+Some of our officers engaged in a pleasant conversation
+with the pastor after service. He was an agreeable, shrewd
+man, and professed to be a good Unionist.</p>
+
+<p>It was at Hyattstown that we first learned that General
+Hooker had been superseded, in the command of the
+army, by General George B. Meade. The announcement
+of this unexpected change at such a time, was received
+with astonishment, and by many with indignation. To
+deprive the leader of a great army of his command just
+upon the eve of a great battle, when, by the most brilliant
+marches and masterly strategy, he had thrown this army
+face to face with his enemy, thwarting his designs of
+moving upon the capital, without some offense of a grave
+character, was an act unheard of before in the history of
+warfare. It seemed, from later information regarding this
+extraordinary measure, that a difference had arisen between
+General Hooker and his superior at Washington in regard
+to the disposition of troops at Harper's Ferry, and that,
+each refusing to surrender his opinion, General Hooker<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>
+was relieved. His successor demanded the same disposition
+on the very next day, and it was granted!</p>
+
+<p>The army was not dissatisfied with the appointment of
+General Meade; the soldiers would as readily fight under
+Meade as under Hooker. They were anxious to retrieve
+what had been lost at Chancellorsville, and would have
+been glad could General Hooker have shared in the victory
+which they believed they were about to achieve; but the
+men of the Union army fought for their country and not
+for their leaders. So they at once transferred their hopes
+and their obedience to the new commander. General
+Meade was well known to the army as a good soldier, the
+brave general who had, with his single division, dashed
+upon the rebels at the first Fredericksburgh, and as the
+leader of a corps which behaved gallantly at Chancellorsville.
+All were willing to try him, and hoped for the best.</p>
+
+<p>The movement from Fredericksburgh had been conducted
+with consummate skill and energy, and now the army was
+moving in several columns by roads nearly parallel, with
+the twofold object of greater rapidity of movement, and
+of sweeping a greater extent of country.</p>
+
+<p>The Sixth corps was now upon the extreme right, marching
+toward Manchester; next, on our left, was the Twelfth
+corps, at Taneytown, a little hamlet named in honor of the
+chief justice of the United States, whose residence was
+there. At a point a dozen miles north and west of us,
+was the head-quarters of the army, and the Second and
+Third Corps. Further to the left, at Emmitsburgh, were
+the First, Fifth and Eleventh corps. Upon either flank
+of this line, extending twenty miles, was cavalry. Thus
+the army was guarding a great extent of country, at the
+same time that the different corps were within supporting
+distance of each other.</p>
+
+<p>The rebel army under General Lee, one hundred thousand
+strong, occupied an equally extended line to the north<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>
+and west of us, stretching from Harrisburgh through
+Chambersburgh and Cashtown.</p>
+
+<p>At five o'clock, Monday morning, 28th, the corps
+marched again, passing through Monroville, New Market,
+Ridgeville and Mount Airy Station, halting for the night
+at Sam's creek. As the corps passed through Westminster
+on the following day, the people welcomed us with demonstrations
+of joy, which were all the more earnest, as the
+rebel cavalry had, but two hours before, taken a hasty
+leave of them. At night we were at Manchester, at least
+twenty miles from the left of the army, and between the
+line of march of the enemy and Baltimore. We rested
+here until evening of the next day. The plot was thickening,
+and the hostile forces were moving cautiously, each
+watching the movements of the other, and each ready to
+seize any opportunity for rushing upon its enemy to destroy
+it. Thus far our marches had been of most fatiguing
+character. We had, in the last four days, passed over one
+hundred miles of road. It is to be remembered that these
+marches were made under burning suns, and that each
+soldier carried with him his gun, knapsack, haversack,
+containing five days' provisions, and forty rounds of cartridges.
+The men had kept up wonderfully during this
+trying campaign, but the great march of all, in which this
+magnificent corps was to outdo all that was ever recorded
+of wonderful marches, was yet in store for it.</p>
+
+<p>We waited at Manchester until evening. The inhabitants
+were well supplied with rye whisky, and it must be
+confessed that soldiers have a way of finding out the
+existence of that luxury, and of supplying themselves
+with it; and as the men of the old Sixth corps were in no
+respect behind their comrades of the other corps, many
+of our brave fellows became, long before dark, considerably
+inebriated.</p>
+
+<p>At nine o'clock in the evening of the 1st of July, we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>
+were on the road, but it was eleven before we were fairly
+under headway. Those who during the day had indulged
+so freely in the rye whisky of the farmers, as to disable
+them from marching or even standing in line, were quietly
+thrown into the clumps of bushes by the roadside, and left
+to be gathered up by cavalry squads that were scouring
+the country for stragglers. Those that were left by our
+own provost-guards were picked up by rebel scouts.</p>
+
+<p>The column now pushed rapidly on; all night the
+weary march was kept up. A halt of ten minutes for
+breakfast, and then on again. Now we heard that a part
+of the army, the First corps, had already engaged the
+enemy at Gettysburgh, with doubtful issue, and that its
+commander, General Reynolds, was killed.</p>
+
+<p>New ardor was now kindled in the breasts of the men
+of the Sixth corps at these tidings, and they pressed
+forward at a pace unusual, even for them. The day was
+bright, the sun pouring scalding rays from a cloudless sky.
+The men strove hard to keep in the ranks, for few in
+that corps were willing to be left behind in a fight.</p>
+
+<p>Yet some gave out from exhaustion, but even these, at a
+slower pace, followed the rapidly moving column.</p>
+
+<p>At the houses on the roadsides, the citizens, their wives
+and daughters, were bringing water, from which the
+soldiers filled their canteens as they passed. At Littletown
+we saw citizens bringing the wounded from the
+field in their carriages, and many wounded soldiers who
+could walk were making their way to the village. The
+marching was more rapid. Our friends were waiting for
+us. Soon we saw above the valley that lay before us,
+clouds of smoke and the white puffs of bursting shells.
+As yet we could distinguish little of the sound of battle,
+but those small fleecy clouds which appeared so suddenly,
+flashing forked lightning, told us of work ahead. It
+was five o'clock when the Sixth corps arrived on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>
+battle-field, having made an unprecedented march of
+thirty-four miles! We halted in reserve, not to rest, but
+to wait a few moments until our place should be assigned
+us in front. We had more marching to do! Four miles
+more of marching and countermarching that night, made
+thirty-eight miles in a single day. Such marching as had
+been done by the Sixth corps since leaving Bristow
+Station, is unparalleled in the history of armies.</p>
+
+<p>The roar of battle was terrific. On our left, where
+rose a hill covered with timber on the top and side,
+a fearful struggle seemed in progress, and the roll of
+musketry and the rapid discharge of artillery was almost
+deafening.</p>
+
+<p>Let us now turn back and review the operations of the
+First and the Eleventh corps since yesterday morning.
+We give it as it was related to us by members of the First
+and Eleventh corps. General Buford, commanding the
+cavalry on the left flank of the army, had advanced north
+of the town of Gettysburgh, and had fallen in with large
+bodies of cavalry, supported by infantry. He became
+hotly engaged with this force, and at once reported the
+information to General Meade that he had found the enemy
+in large force. General Reynolds, who, with the First
+corps had by this time reached Marsh creek, within easy
+striking distance of Gettysburgh, was directed to urge his
+troops forward to Gettysburgh as rapidly as possible.
+The corps pushed on, and reaching Gettysburgh, filed
+through the town, leaving it to the rear. General Buford
+was found fiercely struggling to maintain his position
+against the infantry of the enemy. At once, General
+Reynolds proceeded to select a position for his line of
+battle. Without a moment's hesitation, the corps was
+deployed; the division of Wadsworth, leading the van,
+was in position; a battery which had been brought to the
+front was slowly forced back, but the gallant Wadsworth,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>
+bringing more infantry into line, arrested the retreat, and
+in turn forced back the hostile forces, who were now found
+to be in large numbers. It was at this time that General
+Reynolds, riding forward with a few members of his staff,
+to inspect the field with the view of bringing the rest of
+his troops into favorable position, was shot through the
+neck, the enemy having, at the moment, opened a full
+volley of musketry. The noble commander, feeling the
+wound, turned to his soldiers and shouted, "Forward
+men! for God's sake, forward!" and fell, dying, into the
+arms of one of his companions.</p>
+
+<p>This sad loss only fired the hearts of the soldiers to
+more desperate determination, and they rushed into line
+upon the run, burning to avenge their beloved leader.
+General Doubleday, of the Second division of the corps,
+was next in rank, and took command. The encounter was
+sharp, and the rebels were giving way. Three hundred
+prisoners were brought in, and the corps was put into
+position to hold its ground. The force of the enemy now
+engaged, proved to be the corps of General A. P. Hill,
+and the prisoners declared that the rest of the confederate
+army was close at hand. A column of the enemy now
+moved toward the left of our line, debouching from a
+piece of woods, and occupying a close proximity to our
+forces. Volley after volley was poured into the advancing
+column, without avail, except to stretch many of its men
+upon the ground, wounded and dying.</p>
+
+<p>At length the brigades of Doubleday's own division
+were ordered to charge upon the obstinate line. They
+obeyed with alacrity, their cheers and shouts ringing
+above the roar of musketry. The rebels gave way before
+this impetuous charge, and several hundred more prisoners
+were brought in.</p>
+
+<p>Thus far the First corps was victorious, but its ranks
+were becoming terribly thinned.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, General Howard, with the Eleventh
+corps, was hastening to the assistance of the First. Just
+before receiving his fatal wound, General Reynolds had
+sent a messenger to Howard, who, with his corps, was ten
+miles behind, to hasten forward as rapidly as possible.</p>
+
+<p>The men of that corps were burning to wipe out the
+unfortunate record of Chancellorsville, and the roar of
+artillery before them, inspired vigor in their movements
+and urged them forward; but the noise of the battle was
+heard by others.</p>
+
+<p>Ewell, with his confederates, was but three miles off; and
+while the Unionists looked for the coming of help, a fresh
+corps reinforced the rebels. But the opposing forces were,
+for the time, willing to allow a lull in the battle. So, from
+ten o'clock until half-past two the First corps held the
+enemy at bay. By this time a division of the Eleventh
+corps was on the ground and another on the other side of
+Gettysburgh. General Howard took command. The
+Union reinforcements were just arriving; those of the
+rebels had already taken their position, and were ready for
+a desperate charge.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, rushing from the cover of the woods in which
+they had debouched from the York road, the old corps of
+Stonewall Jackson, now under Ewell, charged, with yells,
+down upon the Eleventh. The Germans, this time stood
+their ground, returning with spirit, the volleys of their old
+antagonists.</p>
+
+<p>On the left, Hill was also charging fiercely upon the First
+corps, and the sturdy divisions of Wadsworth and Cutler
+were almost destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>The rebel line now overlapped that of the Union forces
+on either flank, and the two corps under Howard were in
+danger of being surrounded by the greater numbers of
+their adversaries. The lines began to waver under the
+fearful storm of lead and iron, and the order was given to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>
+fall back. The lines retired in good order until they
+reached the town. There, in passing through the streets,
+the Germans became confused and alarmed, and the retreat
+of the corps became a rout. Twelve hundred were taken
+prisoners in the streets. The First corps maintained its
+line of battle and held its foe at a distance in spite of the
+deadly fire which was decimating its ranks. The heroic
+Wadsworth cheered and encouraged his men by his own
+noble example, while the messengers of death shrieked
+thickly about him. On the right of the corps, Hill had
+already forced back the line, and now the Eleventh corps
+having left him, both flanks of his division were exposed.
+It was useless to protract the hopeless struggle, and these
+sturdy troops also fell back, retiring slowly and firmly,
+while the rebels, flushed with victory, were pouring into
+front and flank the most deadly fire. It was a moment of
+vital importance to our army and our cause. A rout
+of these two corps, while the remaining two-thirds of the
+army was separated in columns far distant from each other,
+must insure the destruction of each column in detail, and
+give to the rebels undisputed sway throughout the north.
+But the christian hero, whose empty sleeve testified
+of hard fought fields before, was still sufficient for the
+crisis. Halting the retreating divisions as they reached
+the line of hills upon the south side of the town, and
+selecting a ridge called Cemetery Hill for his second line
+of battle, he reformed his disordered ranks, and planting
+batteries so as to sweep the declivity in front and on right
+and left, awaited the onset of the victorious hosts. On
+they came, until half through the town, when, from the
+whole line of guns on the crest, burst a murderous fire,
+from which the assailants staggered in consternation.</p>
+
+<p>The tide was turned; for now a part of Hancock's Second
+corps was coming up, and in half an hour the rebels retired,
+and the one-armed general was master of the situation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>
+But the day had been a fearful one for the two corps.</p>
+
+<p>The First corps had lost its general, loved and admired
+for his bravery. Hundreds from the ranks of the corps,
+lay beyond the village stretched in death. Of those who
+went into the fight in the morning, but one-half remained.</p>
+
+<p>The havoc was almost as fearful in the Eleventh corps.
+Hundreds had been killed and a greater number captured.
+Yet there was no faltering among those veterans, and when,
+toward evening, the Third and Twelfth corps arrived upon
+the field, their confidence and hope rose, and all now
+believed that our army was yet destined to achieve a
+grand victory.</p>
+
+<p>No further demonstrations were made on either side
+that night. Each party was gathering its strength for
+the grand conflict. Late in the evening General Meade
+arrived on the field, and with General Howard proceeded
+to inspect the ground, and make arrangements for posting
+the troops of the army.</p>
+
+<p>The Eleventh corps was still to occupy Cemetery Hill,
+just opposite the town. Upon a knoll to the right of
+the Eleventh corps was the First corps, and still farther,
+and forming the extreme right of the army, was the
+Twelfth corps, General Slocum. On the left of Cemetery
+Hill, occupying the extension of the ridge and a prominent
+hill, Round Top, the Third corps, General Sickles,
+was posted, and the Second corps, General Hancock.
+The Fifth corps was to be held in reserve until the arrival
+of the Sixth corps. Thus through the night, the two
+armies lay upon their arms, each watching the other, to
+wake to a contest more fearful than the last.</p>
+
+<p>At daylight Thursday morning, July 2d, the rebel skirmishers
+opened fire upon parts of our lines of pickets,
+but there was little betokening any general engagement.
+Occasionally a few of the skirmishers of the enemy, would
+make a charge upon parts of our line forcing back the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>
+pickets, but a gun from some one of our batteries would
+hastily send them to the rear again. Doubtless it was for
+the purpose of disclosing the positions of our batteries,
+that their dashes were made. Thus the day wore on until
+four o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>General Sickles, with the Third corps, had moved out
+beyond the general line of battle nearly a mile, and had
+come upon the advance of the enemy, where Longstreet,
+with one-third of the rebel army, was concentrating his
+forces against the left flank, with the hope of turning it
+and seizing the ridge.</p>
+
+<p>The battle opened at once. Seven batteries of artillery
+opened upon front and flank of the exposed corps, and
+large bodies of infantry in column by division. The corps
+withstood the shock heroically, and was soon strengthened
+by troops from the Second corps. Our artillery now
+opened upon the rebels from the ridge, and hurled destruction
+upon them. The valley was filled with bursting
+missiles, and the smoke rolled up in huge columns. It
+was at this stage of the great battle that the Sixth corps
+arrived on the ground, after its unparalleled march, and
+the Fifth corps was at once ordered into the fight. For an
+hour the Sixth corps was the reserve of the army, but even
+this reserve was soon called into action.</p>
+
+<p>The writer, while our corps waited for orders, rode along
+the front, from where the Second and Third corps were
+engaged in their deadly struggle with the enemy, across
+Cemetery Ridge and to the hill where, on the right of the
+line, Slocum had established his head-quarters, and he will
+attempt to describe the field as he saw it.</p>
+
+<p>To form a correct idea of the position of the armies, one
+should imagine two ranges of hills, between which was the
+valley and the village of Gettysburgh.</p>
+
+<p>These ridges are nearly parallel, and are from a mile to
+a mile and a half asunder. Their course is not a direct<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>
+line but curving. The ridge on which our forces are
+posted, bend outward and backward, so that the line is in
+the form of a half circle, fronting from the center, while
+the rebels were forced to occupy an exterior line facing
+towards the center.</p>
+
+<p>At Gettysburgh several roads converge, first, on the
+right is the Baltimore turnpike, next is the road to Taneytown,
+and further to the left is the Emmitsburgh road.
+These all meet at Cemetery Hill, which is the key to the
+whole situation.</p>
+
+<p>Cemetery Hill is in the center of a range of hills running
+south and west from Gettysburgh, and considerably
+in front of the others. Standing upon its summit, the spectator
+looks down upon the village, a little to his right and
+upon the long declivity stretching between the crest
+and the town.</p>
+
+<p>The crest of this ridge is bristling with batteries, which
+are so arranged as to sweep the declivity, the valley below,
+and the opposite range of hills. Here, by the side of the
+Baltimore pike, General Howard has his head-quarters,
+and just in front lie long lines of infantry, who wear the
+crescent badge, which distinguishes the Eleventh corps.</p>
+
+<p>Stretching to the left and rear, Cemetery Ridge gradually
+diminishes in elevation, until it reaches an abrupt
+peak which rises considerably above the other hills of the
+range. This is Round Top. It is covered with timber at
+its summit, its sides are rugged, and, toward the enemy,
+quite steep. On the north slope of Round Top, the
+Second and Third corps are maintaining the unequal
+struggle with one-third of the rebel army. The roar of
+musketry is awful beyond description, and the whole valley
+trembles with the thunder of the artillery. On the
+right of Cemetery Ridge is another elevation, Slocum's
+Hill, where the commander of the Twelfth corps sits
+among the huge fragments of rock, watching his own and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>
+the enemy's line in his front, and where is another battery,
+which from time to time is sending its screaming messengers
+to the hills beyond or across a little stream which
+winds along the right of his position.</p>
+
+<p>In rear of Slocum's Hill is a little whitewashed cottage,
+surrounded by a picket fence. There are two or three
+wall tents in the yard, and many horses are tied to the
+fence. This is the head-quarters of the army. From this
+point General Meade is directing all the movements of the
+Union forces.</p>
+
+<p>It will be seen that our troops could be sent from one
+point to another of the line, easily and quickly, while the
+rebels, who occupied the exterior of the circle, must make
+long circuits in order to reinforce one part of the field with
+troops from another. For the first time since Malvern
+Hill, our forces had the advantage of position.</p>
+
+<p>The rebel lines which had so fiercely attacked the Third
+corps, steadily advanced, pouring destruction before them,
+while the two corps, unable to resist the weight of the
+advancing columns, steadily fell back. At the moment
+that the Sixth corps reached the field, the Fifth were rushing
+to the assistance of the wavering lines on Round Top.</p>
+
+<p>It was a glorious spectacle, as the veteran wearers of the
+St. Andrew's cross rushed along the rear of the peak and
+among the rocks, at double-quick, and then suddenly moving
+by the flank, formed in line of battle. Through the
+woods and down the slope they rush, fall upon the advancing
+columns, and check their progress. The Union line
+now advance upon the rebels, who fall back more. Shot
+and shells pour in a fearful storm from the rebel batteries,
+sweeping the slope of Round Top and the crest of Cemetery
+Hill. Here, near Howard's quarters, a train of
+ambulances and army wagons attract the fire of the
+enemy, and the bursting shells soon send them hurrying
+through the narrow defile in the rocks through which the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>
+road passes, panic stricken. For more than two hours
+the desperate battle rages on the left, while the right,
+except that on either side artillery belches forth its thunders,
+is quiet. The Sixth corps, the only reserve of the
+army, is also put into the line on the left; only one brigade,
+Neill's, is sent to the right to reinforce Slocum, who has
+also sent a great portion of his corps to the left, and
+against whom the rebels are now charging. The doubtful
+contest ceases as darkness gathers over the battle-field,
+leaving the rebels still in possession of some of the ground
+occupied by Sickles' corps at four o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>Both armies again lay upon their arms, waiting for daylight,
+by which to renew the contest. The losses in the
+Second and Third corps had been fearful, and scarcely
+less were those of the Fifth. From our own Sixth corps,
+there were many killed and wounded, but compared with
+these others, the loss was slight. General Sickles had
+been wounded early in the fight, and suffered amputation
+of a leg. The morning of July 3d dawned brightly, and
+at once the rattle of musketry told of the renewal of
+strife. On the right, where Slocum with a single division
+of his own troops and our Third brigade of Howe's division,
+Sixth corps, held the long line, an attempt was made
+to retake the rifle pits which the rebels had captured yesterday.
+The rebels in turn charged furiously. They had
+possession of some of our pits, and now they hoped to turn
+our flank and rout the army; but the small force replied
+to the desperate charge of the whole of Ewell's corps with
+the most stubborn resistance. Charge after charge was
+made, but to no avail. At length Neill's brigade passed
+far to the right of the rebel line, and poured an enfilading
+volley into the gray-coats. They, supposing that a heavy
+force had got on their flank withdrew, when our forces
+charging in turn, drove them with great loss from the rifle
+pits, which were held during the remainder of the engagement<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>
+in spite of repeated efforts to dislodge our forces.
+By noon quiet prevailed along the whole line, except that
+now and then a shot from some of our batteries screamed
+across the valley, but eliciting no reply. The rebel lines
+could be seen moving here and there as if preparing for a
+desperate struggle. The men at our batteries declared
+that so completely had they got the range of the other
+crests that the rebels dare not open a piece. Little did
+they imagine that more than a hundred guns were concentrating
+just behind the little strip of woods below them.</p>
+
+<p>This unwonted silence continued until about one o'clock,
+when suddenly, as though pandemonium had broken loose,
+the air was filled with the shrieks, screams, howls and
+clangor of bursting shells. The sky was filled with smoke,
+amid which flames darted in every direction, and the valley
+and hills quaked with the thunders of artillery. Never
+on this continent had been heard such cannonading as this.
+For two hours this storm of shell and shot raged in all its
+fury. At the first opening of the storm, parts of our line
+were forced back, but they quickly advanced again. Horses
+and men fell together, mangled and torn by the screaming
+missiles. In some of our batteries every horse was destroyed,
+and the men drew back the pieces by hand to save
+them from capture. One hundred and twenty-five guns
+were concentrated against our left center, which continued
+for two hours to belch forth death and destruction. At
+length, when it was supposed that our guns were silenced,
+and our infantry confused by the fearful cannonade, came
+the expected charge of infantry. Longstreet's corps,
+massed, with Picket's division in front, rushed forward with
+the well known yells, which rang above the clangor of musketry
+and artillery, and threw themselves with utmost fury
+upon the Union lines. Our men had waited the onset with
+unflinching courage, and now poured into the assailants a
+most murderous fire, which hurled them back and strewed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>
+the ground with their dead and dying. Again, with the
+fierceness of desperation, they rush forward, and again are
+met with the same deadly reception. Hundreds from the
+attacking columns, in order to escape the certain doom,
+threw down their arms and came in as prisoners. The
+tide of battle lulled for a time.</p>
+
+<p>Again artillery did its work alone, until about four
+o'clock, when the last desperate charge was made, the
+grand effort which was to sweep the Union lines in confusion,
+or result in the total defeat of the rebel army.</p>
+
+<p>The heavy masses swept up as before, with the desperation
+of madness. They advanced until they were fairly
+on our lines, and, at some points, actually pushed them
+back. Then they were met with enfilading fires, from
+which the carnage exceeded all that had been before.
+Nearly the whole of Picket's division, finding itself unable
+to retreat through the fiery storm, was captured, and the
+remaining divisions reeled back in confusion, leaving
+the ground literally covered with dead.</p>
+
+<p>This decided the fate of the battle. The enemy had
+staked all upon this last desperate charge, and had been
+hurled back in confusion and with enormous losses.</p>
+
+<p>No pursuit was attempted, but, although the rebels
+were not at once driven from their position, they had
+suffered a terrible defeat, and they must retreat with all
+speed to their defenses in Virginia, or submit to the
+destruction of their army. Our wounded were collected
+in great numbers in and about the field hospitals, which
+were composed chiefly of hospital tents, some farm house
+with its large barns, serving as a nucleus for each. To
+these, thousands of our brave comrades were brought
+with mangled limbs, torn bodies or bleeding heads, yet,
+notwithstanding their terrible wounds, exhibiting their
+accustomed heroism. Long trains of ambulances were
+bringing in crowds of poor fellows with arms or legs torn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>
+to shreds, yet who never uttered a word of complaint, and
+who, indeed, appeared cheerful, and some even gay.</p>
+
+<p>In this respect there was the greatest contrast between
+the wounded of the Union and the rebel armies. A Union
+soldier, if so severely wounded that he could by no possibility
+assume a cheerful countenance, would shut his teeth
+close together and say nothing. While a rebel, if he
+could boast of only a flesh wound, would whine and cry
+like a sick child. One unaccustomed to such scenes as
+can only be witnessed about a field hospital in time of
+battle, would be filled with astonishment at the stoical
+bravery manifested by the northern troops. If one had
+passed along where our men were lying in rows, he would
+only now and then have heard a groan escape from some
+poor fellow who had received a bullet through the abdomen
+or some such fatal and painful wound. But let a group of
+wounded rebels be placed in some part of the hospital, and
+their groans were heart-rending. This contrast is not overdrawn.
+Every surgeon who has had opportunities to
+observe the difference in the bearing of wounded men of
+the two armies, can testify to the greater heroism of the
+northern soldier at such times.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xx" id="chapter_xx"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h3>PURSUIT OF LEE'S ARMY.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Scenes of the field of Gettysburgh&mdash;The rebel hospitals&mdash;The sightless rebel soldier
+boy&mdash;The Sixth corps at Fairfield&mdash;"Hurrah for the Union"&mdash;Kilpatrick's
+handiwork&mdash;At Waynesboro'&mdash;On picket&mdash;A division of militia&mdash;The Vermonters
+at Funkstown&mdash;The army at Funkstown&mdash;Meade's failure to attack&mdash;New
+York riots&mdash;Return to Virginia.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>The battle was over and the invading army which had
+suffered such a crushing defeat, had only to gather up
+its shattered remnants and hastily retrace its steps southward.
+We were in no condition to renew immediate
+hostilities. Every man and every gun had been brought
+into service. Never before had all of our army been
+fought at once. At Gettysburgh, every man of the infantry
+reserve, and every gun of the reserve artillery had been
+brought into action. The men were exhausted by their
+tedious marches and hard fighting, while our ammunition
+was well nigh spent.</p>
+
+<p>During the night of the 4th of July, Lee's army
+retreated, and on the morning of the 5th, our Sixth corps,
+Sedgwick's cavalry as the corps was called, was sent in
+pursuit on the Fairfield road. The battle-field was horrible.
+Dead men were thickly strewed over the fields
+with their faces blackened, and eyes starting from their
+sockets; and upturned, swollen horses lay, sometimes in
+groups of six or eight, showing where some battery had
+suffered fearfully. As we passed the scene of the conflict
+on the left, at the foot of Round Top, was a scene more than
+usually hideous. Blackened ruins marked the spot where,
+on the morning of the third, stood a large barn. It had
+been used as a hospital. It had taken fire from the shells<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>
+of the hostile batteries, and had quickly burned to the
+ground. Those of the wounded not able to help themselves
+were destroyed by the flames, which in a moment
+spread through the straw and dry material of the building.
+The crisped and blackened limbs, heads and other portions
+of bodies lying half consumed among the heaps of ruins
+and ashes, made up one of the most ghastly pictures ever
+witnessed, even on the field of battle. But we passed these
+direful scenes to meet with others of less shocking but
+still sad character. Every house and barn from Gettysburgh
+to Fairfield was a hospital; and about most of the
+large barns, numbers of dilapidated hospital tents served
+to increase the accommodations for the wounded.</p>
+
+<p>All of the worst cases were left in these hospitals, the
+number being estimated, by the rebel surgeons in charge,
+at no less than fifteen thousand. Never had we witnessed
+such sad scenes as we were passing through to-day. The
+confederate surgeons were doing what they could for their
+wounded, but they were destitute of medicines and surgical
+appliances, and even food sufficient to supply those in
+their charge. At one of these barns some of our officers
+stopped, and as they passed among the gray-clad sufferers
+who were lying in rows upon the barn floors, one, a boy
+apparently not more than sixteen years of age, attracted
+the notice of one of the company, a surgeon. The lad
+looked more like a delicate girl than a soldier; his hair
+fell from his fair forehead in long flaxen curls upon his
+pillow of straw, some of them matted with blood; his cheek
+was rosy, and his soft white hand told of a youth spent
+amid more tender scenes than those of the camp. A piece
+of linen laid across his face covered a ghastly wound
+where a ball had passed through his face, and had torn
+both his eyes from their sockets.</p>
+
+<p>The surgeon spoke a kind word to the youth, who
+stretched out his hand, saying, "Come near me, I want<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span>
+to touch you." The doctor stooped over him, and the boy,
+pressing his hand in his own, said, "You are a friend, are
+you not?" "Yes, I am a friend to all the unfortunate."
+"But are you not a confederate?" "No." The boy
+clung to the hand of the surgeon in silence for a moment,
+and then said slowly, "I did not think a federal would
+speak so kindly to me; your voice sounds like that of a
+friend, and your hand feels like one; will you not stay
+with me?" When the other told him that he must follow
+his command, he replied: "Oh! I shall never hear any one
+speak so kindly to me again; my mother lives in North
+Carolina, but she will not see me. Can you not stay?"
+The doctor was far from being a rebel sympathizer, yet he
+turned away from the poor boy, with a sad face and a
+deep drawn sigh, to join the moving column.</p>
+
+<p>Early next morning we passed through the somewhat
+dilapidated village of Fairfield. Our advance threw a few
+shells down the street, scattering a body of cavalry, which
+had been left in town, and killing some of the horses
+attached to their battery. A mile beyond the town the
+South Mountain range rose in our front, the road running
+through a narrow pass. Here the rear guard of the rebel
+army was strongly posted. Neill's and the Jersey brigade
+advanced against the rebel skirmishers, but after losing
+some six or eight men they were ordered to halt. General
+Sedgwick deeming the position too strong to assault with
+his corps from the front, reported to General Meade that the
+pass was very strong, and one in which a small force of
+the enemy could hold in check for a considerable time, a
+force much larger than its own. The main body of the
+army, therefore, was moved around their flank by way of
+Frederick; while Neill's brigade, with Colonel McIntosh's
+brigade of cavalry and two light batteries, all under command
+of General Neill, were made to form a flying division
+to harass the enemy in the rear.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Our march over the mountain that day was by a wild,
+romantic route, than which none more charming could be
+asked by tourist in search of nature's wildest moods.
+Before each little log house by the roadside would stand a
+wondering group, astonished at seeing such multitudes of
+men in those secluded regions, where scarcely a dozen travelers
+usually passed in a week. At one place, as the column
+was passing a cottage half hidden by sunflowers and flowering
+beans, those at the head of the column were heard
+cheering heartily; and, as we advanced, other voices took
+up the cheer, exciting the curiosity of those behind. In
+the midst of the noise, sounded a shrill voice; and as we
+approached, we saw, sitting upon the fence in front of the
+cottage, a little boy, about four years old, his face flushed
+with excitement, his flaxen hair flying in the wind, as he
+was waving his little hat, and with childlike indistinctness
+shouting in his shrill tones, "Hurrah for 'e Union! Hurrah
+for 'e Union!"</p>
+
+<p>Soon those in the rear of the line heard those ahead
+shouting again, and another shrill voice was heard between
+the cheers of the men. There by the roadside stood an old
+man, over whom more than eighty years had passed, with
+voice indistinct with the tremor of age, all excited as the
+little boy had been, his hair tossed about by the breeze, as
+with hat swinging he too was shouting, "Hurrah for the
+Union! Hurrah for the Union!" And the cheers of
+the multitude again rang in response to the old man's shout.
+We could but note the similarity and the disparity. One
+vaguely dreamed of those blessings which the other had
+fully realized, and for which he had struggled; and the
+same shout was lifted up by those two children&mdash;the one
+of four, and the other of fourscore&mdash;the one with the flaxen
+curls of childhood, and the other with the white locks of
+age&mdash;the one voice with the shrill treble of infancy, and
+the other with the high-keyed tones of decrepitude. Those<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>
+people, who had seen the rebel army pass a few hours
+before, now felt the value of the Union.</p>
+
+<p>On the summit of the mountain we passed Monterey
+Springs, a charming summer retreat, where the Pennsylvanians
+resort to indulge in the sports of trout-fishing and
+deer-hunting. Passing down the western slope of the
+mountain, the handiwork of Kilpatrick was strewed along
+the roadside for miles. As the battle of Gettysburgh drew
+to a close, and General Meade knew that Lee must retreat
+toward Virginia, he had sent the dashing Kilpatrick with
+his brigade of cavalry to harass the rebels in their flight.
+Reaching these mountains, the cavalry had come upon a
+long rebel train of wagons and ambulances, hastening with
+all speed, with their lading of stolen goods and provisions
+and their wounded men, towards the Potomac. With shouts
+and cheers the horsemen dashed from the cover of the woods,
+upon the flying train, shot the leading horses and mules,
+captured the drivers and remaining animals, appropriated
+the stolen goods to their own use, and burned the wagons.
+Now, as we marched down the forest road, the wildness
+of the scene was heightened by the remains of the ruined
+wagons which lined the wayside, some burned, some with
+the wheels disabled by cutting the spokes, others tumbled
+off the steep embankment. For more than three miles,
+these remnants of the rebel trains met our view.</p>
+
+<p>It was near the middle of the afternoon when the
+column, the army under General Neill, descended into
+the beautiful Cumberland valley, and arrived at the village
+of Waynesboro. The people gave our little army a
+joyous reception, and we encamped at a little distance
+from the village. One regiment, the Seventy-seventh, was
+sent on picket on the banks of the Antietam creek, and so
+pleasant was the duty that the regiment petitioned to be
+allowed to remain until the army moved, to which request
+General Neill very graciously assented. Our picketing on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>
+the Antietam became one of the bright sports in the
+history of our campaigning. We were a mile in advance
+of the other troops, and the picket line was two miles long,
+so that we were not at all crowded. The weather was fine,
+the country delightful, and the people kind and hospitable.
+The most friendly relations sprang up at once between
+the people and the soldiers, the inhabitants supplying the
+boys with luxuries, and taking them into their houses as
+welcome guests, the soldiers on their part guarding the
+people against the depredations of stragglers and militia.</p>
+
+<p>The grain was ripe for the harvest, and the farmers
+were short of help; but the boys laid aside their guns,
+and swung the cradle and the scythe with a zest that
+showed that they worked with a good will. Day after
+day the boys of the Seventy-seventh reaped and bound in
+the fields, while the good ladies worked day and night to
+make bread and cakes for the veterans, who had so long
+been accustomed to diet on pork and hard tack. Soft
+bread, milk, poultry and the staple luxury of Pennsylvania,
+apple butter, was a glorious improvement on the
+usual bill of camp fare, and kind sympathizing Union
+people were much better calculated to render our stay
+among them agreeable, than the bitter rebels among whom
+we had so long been.</p>
+
+<p>The left wing of our extended picket line was under
+command of Major Babcock, who, with the line officers
+of his part of the picket, established head-quarters at the
+house of a miller, whose comfortable rooms and well filled
+larder afforded substantial inducements to our friends;
+but the great attractions at the miller's house were doubtless
+the three charming daughters, whose merry faces and
+bewitching eyes rejoiced the hearts of our gay major
+and his associates. Word came to the right of the line
+that our friends on the left were in the enjoyment of far
+more than the usual allowance of pleasure for men on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>
+picket, and thither started the colonel and the doctor, and
+our friend, Colonel Connor, of the Seventh Maine, to
+investigate the matter. Riding through a lovely region,
+now rising to the summit of some gentle eminence, from
+whence they could look away upon the surrounding
+country, its rich fields of grain ready for the harvest, its
+charming groves of oak, and its neat farm houses, making
+up a most delightful landscape, now descending into
+some green valley where babbling brooks danced over
+pebbly beds, and now reining up to listen to the complaint
+of some cottagers, who said that "the militia were robbing
+them of their pigs and their poultry, and but for the
+old soldiers, who were perfect gentlemen, they would be
+stripped of everything they had;" now fording the bright
+waters of the Antietam, and anon halting to converse
+with some group of men who were reclining beneath the
+shadow of some clump of chestnuts or oaks, doing picket
+duty as amateurs, the party at length arrived at the
+miller's house, nestled in a pleasant grove by the side
+of the beautiful river. Here was the major, and here were
+the happy line officers, and here was the main reserve
+of the left wing of the picket, all exhibiting the most
+abundant good humor. Here, also, they found our chaplain,
+and Chaplain Osborn, of the Forty-third New York.
+It was evident, at a glance, that the reports of gay soldiering
+which had reached the right of the line were in no
+way exaggerated. The miller took the horses, and the
+party was ushered into the house, when the good lady and
+her merry daughters welcomed them heartily. The miller
+brought out his best wines and his biggest apples. The
+ladies were smiling, the wines were good, and the apples
+delicious, and the hearts of the soldiers were gladdened.
+The ladies retired, leaving the gentlemen in possession of
+the airy sitting-room. They sung Old Hundred, and Coronation,
+and Lenox, and Cambridge. Now our friend,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>
+Colonel Connor, would lead off in a rollicking soldiers'
+song; then our chaplain would follow with "Benny
+Havens, Oh!" and all would join in the chorus. Chaplain
+Osborn, of the Forty-third, could tell a good story,
+and relish a glass of wine; and so they passed a happy
+hour, singing and chatting, till called to dinner, where
+the long table was loaded from the abundance of the
+miller's stores. Dinner over, the company strolled among
+the fruit trees and along the banks of the river; but
+at length, as an end must come to all pleasures, our
+party, who had left the right of the line in the morning,
+galloped back to their quarters, satisfied that picket duty
+was not necessarily the most vexatious in the service.</p>
+
+<p>The Forty-ninth was provost guard for the town, and a
+merry time the men had of it. Here in the principal
+hotel, General Neill established his head-quarters, and in
+regal style amid flowers and fruits he received the homage
+of the citizens and soldiers. The remaining regiments of
+the brigade were stationed in a lovely grove half way
+between the town and the picket line. They lounged in
+the shade of their beautiful camp, or strolled to the village
+or to the picket line on the Antietam. They purchased
+from the people fruit and bread, apple butter and other
+luxuries, enjoying a pleasant respite from labors, while the
+Forty-ninth guarded the town and the Seventy-seventh
+the river. But notwithstanding all the pleasures of this
+bright episode in our campaign, the boys were not without
+a source of annoyance.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after our arrival at Waynesboro, we were joined by
+a large division of New York and Pennsylvania militia,
+under our old commander General W. F. Smith, who still
+held a prominent place in the affections of the boys. The
+militia was composed mostly of young gentlemen who had
+left their places behind the counter or at the desk, for the
+double purpose of lending their aid to their country<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>
+in its hour of need, and of enjoying a month of what
+they hoped would be amateur soldiering.</p>
+
+<p>On the evening of their arrival, they were all complaining
+bitterly of the terrible marches they had endured, and
+swore they would shoot the general if they ever got into
+a fight. They had marched all the way from Harrisburgh,
+to which point they had been brought in cars, at the rate
+of from eight to fifteen miles a day! In addition to the
+severe marches, they had been subjected to great privations;
+many of them had not tasted any <i>butter</i> for more
+than a week, and nearly all declared that they had absolutely
+nothing to eat for several days. The writer, who
+listened to these grievous complaints from some who had
+been his friends in civil life, pointed to their trains of
+wagons loaded with boxes of hard bread. "What,"
+replied the militia-men, "You don't expect us to eat that
+hard tack do you?"</p>
+
+<p>These regiments of militia were undisciplined and unaccustomed
+to the hard fare of the soldier's life, and the
+majority of the men took to plundering the inhabitants
+of the neighboring country, and perpetrating other depredations
+equally dishonorable in the eyes of the old soldiers.
+As the veterans constituted the picket and the guard of
+the town, and were intrusted to guard many of the houses
+of the citizens outside of the village, they found great
+annoyance in attempting to resist the incursions of the
+militia, and rather frequent collisions resulted, in which
+the old soldiers usually got the best of the encounter.</p>
+
+<p>The citizens very soon learned to look upon the veterans
+as their friends and their protectors, while they regarded
+with dread any squad of soldiers that might approach, if
+they were clad in new uniforms.</p>
+
+<p>But, on the 11th of July, we drew in our picket line,
+the brigade assembled, and at dark the troops, veterans
+and militia, were fording the Antietam, the water nearly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span>
+to their waists. We marched rapidly all night, halting at
+a place called Leytirsburgh. At daylight next morning,
+we were again marching. The day was extremely hot,
+and large numbers of the men fell by the wayside from
+sun-stroke. At Smithville we fell in with the First corps,
+which was moving towards Hagerstown, and the hearts of
+the men were gladdened by the sight of the old familiar
+flags of the Army of the Potomac. We had been absent
+from the main body of the army for a week, and it seemed
+now as though we had fallen in with old friends from whom
+we had been long separated. Falling in the rear of the
+First corps, we marched toward Hagerstown. At 2 o'clock
+a most terrific thunder-storm arose, such as had never overtaken
+our army, even in Virginia. Huge black clouds rose
+from the north and from the west and south, and meeting
+overhead poured down great volumes of water, until the
+road through which we were marching, and which was
+bordered by high banks on either side, was filled with a
+mad torrent which reached to the knees, and in places to
+the waists of the men. At sunset we reached Funkstown,
+where the main body of our corps was in line of battle,
+having yesterday met the rebels and driven them more
+than a mile. Our friends of the Vermont brigade had,
+as usual, given a good account of themselves; and the
+head-boards of pine, here and there among the trees,
+showed that the victory had not been gained without a
+struggle.</p>
+
+<p>In marching from Boonsboro towards Funkstown, the
+Vermont brigade in advance of the corps, the little stream,
+Beaver Creek, was passed, and General Howe found
+Buford's cavalry in his advance holding a strong position
+against the skirmishers of the rebel infantry. At General
+Buford's request, General Howe sought and obtained permission
+to send the Vermont brigade to relieve the cavalry.
+Colonel Lewis with his Fifth Vermont and part of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span>
+Second, and Colonel Barney with the Sixth regiment, at
+once deployed as skirmishers, forming their line two miles
+long. The Third and Fourth regiments were supporting
+a battery, and the balance of the Second was held in
+reserve. They saw the rebel infantry approach a strip of
+woods in front, and at once advanced and occupied it
+themselves. Against this long thin line of skirmishers,
+the rebels opened a severe fire of artillery and musketry,
+and advanced to drive the skirmishers from their position;
+but the brave mountaineers never dreaming that a Sixth
+corps skirmish line could not hold a rebel line of battle, resolutely
+refused to leave and sent the presumptious rebel line
+of battle to the rear in confusion; not, however, until Colonel
+Stoughton with the Fourth and Colonel Seaver with the
+Third, came forward to the support of the Fifth and Sixth.
+Again, the rebels, disgusted at being repulsed by a skirmish
+line, came up in several lines of battle and charged
+upon the Vermonters and they again went to the rear in
+confusion. A third charge was made against the obstinate
+skirmish line, and a third time the attack was broken.
+Meanwhile a strong force attempting to cross the Antietam
+and come in on the flank, was repelled by the Second
+Vermont.</p>
+
+<p>The gallant brigade had repelled Anderson's brigade, of
+seven large regiments, from its front, and another from its
+flank.</p>
+
+<p>An instance of a skirmish line, a mile and a half from
+any support, resisting repeated attacks of troops in line
+of battle, is rarely found in the history of armies.</p>
+
+<p>The men used from sixty to eighty rounds of cartridge,
+and when the first supply was exhausted, a fresh one was
+brought to the front on stretchers.</p>
+
+<p>The victory cost the brigade a loss of nine men killed
+and fifty-nine wounded, while the enemy lost more than
+two hundred men.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The men of Neill's brigade were rejoiced to find themselves
+once more with the glorious old corps, and when their
+brigade flag, bearing the insignia of the Greek cross, was
+once more thrown to the breeze, it was greeted with vociferous
+cheers. Brisk skirmishing was going on along the line,
+and frequent charges were made by our Union pickets
+upon the rebel line, which usually resulted in the capture
+of a greater or less number of the enemy's pickets. All
+things indicated a great battle on the morrow. The two
+armies were facing each other in a line in front of Hagerstown,
+near a hamlet called Funkstown, the line of battle
+extending several miles. The rebels had occupied the
+higher grounds, and had thrown up strong earthworks to
+dispute our progress. Night came on with rain, and all
+expected to be roused early by the sound of battle. But
+morning came and passed, and the day wore on with little
+activity on our part. Here and there skirmishers kept up
+a rattle of musketry, but no general engagement came on.
+Much as the veterans, who knew too well the risks of
+battle, usually dreaded a general engagement, this time
+there seemed a universal desire, on the part of the men,
+now to strike a blow which should destroy their adversaries
+before they should be able to cross the river again.</p>
+
+<p>Deserters and prisoners from the rebel army represented
+it in a deplorable condition; and the men of the ranks in
+our army believed that this was the grand opportunity for
+striking a final blow. And notwithstanding the assertion
+of general officers that the Potomac was so swollen as to
+prevent the crossing of the rebel army, there were few
+privates in our ranks who were not ready to declare that,
+unless we gave battle at once, the prey would surely escape.
+Thus, as the day wore on, great dissatisfaction was expressed
+all along the ranks&mdash;men openly and freely cursing the
+hesitancy which held them back, as they believed, from a
+certain victory. So, when they arose on the morning of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span>
+the 14th, to find that there was no enemy in our front,
+they were more incensed than surprised. There was certainly
+a very general ill-feeling pervading our army at this
+easy escape of the rebel army, which even the glorious
+news of Vicksburg and Port Hudson failed to pacify.</p>
+
+<p>Brisk firing in the vicinity of the Potomac, however,
+warned us that there were still rebels enough left on the
+north side of the river to offer some resistance. We learned,
+late in the day, that the firing was caused by a brilliant
+charge of Kilpatrick's cavalry upon the rear guard of the
+rebels at Falling Waters, where they captured several
+hundreds of prisoners; thus adding one more brilliant
+success to their many daring achievements during this
+campaign. Marching until nightfall, we reached Williamsport,
+and encamped very near the spot that had been our
+resting-place on a former occasion, nearly a year before.</p>
+
+<p>Why General Lee and his army were allowed to cross
+the Potomac unmolested, we do not attempt to explain;
+nor do we condemn the determination of General Meade
+not to give battle. When men of such well-known military
+ability and bravery as General Sedgwick advise against
+a movement, it may be well to hesitate; yet it will doubtless
+be the verdict of history, that the hesitancy of General
+Meade at this time was his great mistake.</p>
+
+<p>A hard march on the 15th brought the Sixth corps to
+Boonsboro, where our Second division encamped on precisely
+the same ground that we had occupied on the 31st
+of October last. Neill's brigade made the march at a
+breakneck pace, leaving the Vermonters far to the rear,
+who declared that the recent associations of the former with
+the cavalry had transformed them into a flying brigade.
+While resting here, a large body of rebel prisoners was
+marched past. They were mostly those who had been
+captured by Kilpatrick's men at Falling Waters. The
+rebels were hungry and destitute of rations. Our men at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span>
+once divided their rations of hard bread and coffee with
+them, who, officers and all, declared that it was the best
+meal they had enjoyed for several days, and expressed
+themselves greatly pleased with the generosity of their
+guardians.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding our glorious success at Gettysburgh,
+and the good news from the west, we were now hearing
+news that made our hearts sick, and caused the cheeks of
+the New York soldiers to burn for the disgrace of their
+native State. It was a source of the deepest mortification
+to the brave New Yorkers, to feel that their own State
+and the great metropolis had been outraged by the most
+disgraceful riot that had ever stained the annals of any
+State or city in the Union, all for the purpose of overawing
+the government in its efforts to subdue the rebellion.
+Our companions from other States, with the generosity
+that characterizes soldiers, never derided us with this disgrace,
+but alluded to the riot as an uprising of foreigners,
+who had for the moment overpowered the native element.
+Even the fact that the governor of that great State had,
+in the midst of these terrible scenes, addressed the miscreants
+as his "friends," was alluded to with a delicacy
+that won our hearts.</p>
+
+<p>It was one of the pleasant indications of a union of
+hearts as well as of States, that the soldiers of our sister
+States looked upon these riots in the light of a general
+calamity, rather than a disgrace to a particular State.</p>
+
+<p>Crossing the South Mountain range, from Boonsboro to
+Middletown, the Sixth corps reached Petersville, three or
+four miles north of Berlin, where the army was to cross
+the Potomac. Here, nearly the whole army was crowded
+into a space of not more than three miles, all waiting for
+the orders to cross. The men were universally eager to
+push forward, and the necessary delay caused by crossing
+the men and material of so large an army seemed to them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>
+a wearisome expenditure of time. While waiting here,
+the Second division was honored by the presence of several
+ladies, wives of officers of different regiments, who
+had been waiting in Washington an opportunity of
+visiting their husbands, and had met them here. As a
+memento of this brief visit, the Seventy-seventh New York
+received from the wife of the surgeon the gift of a pair
+of beautiful guidons, which the regiment boasted were
+unequaled in the army. The design was a white cross,
+the badge of our division, upon a ground of deep blue
+silk. In the center of the cross were wrought the figures
+"77." These beautiful guidons were carried by the regiment
+until its final discharge from the service, when, with
+the old banner, the tattered national flag, and the magnificent
+new flag which was presented afterward by the
+ladies of Saratoga, they were presented to the State of
+New York, on the Fourth of July, 1865, in the presence
+of General Grant and a great concourse of illustrious
+men.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday, the 19th, the Sixth corps crossed the pontoon
+bridge to Virginia, the bands playing "O carry me
+back." As usual, while the corps was crossing a bridge
+or passing a difficult place, General Sedgwick stood at the
+farther end of the bridge preventing confusion and hurrying
+up teams which might obstruct the way. We climbed
+the rocky defile, and, at four o'clock, found ourselves well
+on the Virginia side of the Potomac. On our march we
+passed through the little village of Lovettsville, and, much
+to the surprise of all, the doors and windows of the dwellings
+were filled with ladies, whose hair and dresses were
+decked with ribbons of red, white and blue, and scores of
+Union flags waved a welcome to our soldiers. Such a
+sight had not greeted us before in Dixie, and it was most
+refreshing to witness such a demonstration of loyalty in
+Virginia.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The corps encamped about ten miles from the river, near
+a beautiful clear stream of water, which was very soon
+filled with bathers. Here orders came for each regiment
+in the army to send, to the State in which the regiment
+was raised, a certain number of commissioned
+officers and enlisted men for recruiting duty.</p>
+
+<p>The march on the 20th was slow and through groves
+and pleasant meadows. Twelve miles were made, and
+we halted for the night and the next day. Wednesday we
+passed through Union town and Snickersville, reaching the
+base of Cobbler's mountain, a high spur from the Blue
+Ridge, not far from Ashby's Gap. Thursday the Sixth
+corps proceeded to Ashby's Gap, and, halting there for
+a few hours in a most delightful valley, again started
+southward. Vines of the trailing blackberry covered the
+ground, and the delicious fruit grew in such profusion that
+the men enjoyed a continual feast. Never had we, in our
+wanderings in the south, found such an abundance of fruit,
+and the effect upon the health of the men was marvelous.
+By the time that we reached Warrenton the occupation
+of the surgeons was almost gone. At no time, perhaps,
+in the history of the Army of the Potomac, did the medical
+reports exhibit a more general state of health than during
+our stay in the vicinity of Warrenton.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, marching along at the foot of Blue Ridge, now
+turning aside to enter some mountain pass, and again proceeding
+on the general course, the army, on the 25th of
+July, reached the vicinity of Warrenton, our Sixth corps
+occupying a line from Warrenton to Waterloo, the scene
+of some of the early engagements of General Pope's army
+at the first rebel invasion. The First division was stationed
+in and about Warrenton; the Jersey brigade being provost
+guard of the town, where the gentlemanly conduct of
+the men, and the strict order preserved in the town, won
+for them the good opinions of the town's people, as well<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span>
+as of army officers. The Third division was in the rear
+of the other two divisions, and guarding the flank. The
+Second division encamped about an old Baptist church,
+which, inclosed by a thick growth of trees, large and small,
+had been, before the war, the only house of worship for
+miles around. No paint had ever stained its seats or
+casings, and no steeple from its roof had ever pointed
+toward heaven. The pulpit, the white folks' seats and the
+black folks' seats, were all in ruins now. The Rappahannock
+river was but a half a mile distant, and the Seventy-seventh
+and Fifth Vermont were sent to perform picket
+duty along its banks. On the following day the camps of
+the two regiments were moved to the vicinity of the river,
+in front of the remainder of the division, and we were
+ordered to perform picket duty while the division remained
+in its present camp. The camp of the Fifth Vermont was
+established a fourth of a mile from that of the Seventy-seventh,
+its lines joining ours on the left. On the bank of
+the river just below our camp, was the residence of Mr.
+Hart and a grist-mill; hence the place was called "Hart's
+Mills."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxi" id="chapter_xxi"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>CAMPS AT WARRENTON, THE CENTREVILLE CAMPAIGN
+AND THE BATTLE OF RAPPAHANNOCK
+STATION.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Camp at Hart's Mills&mdash;A ride to the Sulphur Springs&mdash;Contrabands going north&mdash;The
+Vermonters go to New York&mdash;Jersey Brigade at Warrenton&mdash;The Sixth
+corps at Cedar Mountain&mdash;Retreat to Centreville&mdash;Battle of Bristoe Station&mdash;Advance
+to Warrenton&mdash;Battle of Rappahannock Station&mdash;Flight of Lee's army.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>The camp at Hart's Mills was truly a pleasant one. It
+was situated in the midst of a most delightful oak grove,
+on a projecting hill, around whose base the Rappahannock
+coursed in a beautiful curve. Along its banks was our
+picket line. Westward the view extended over a charming
+valley to the Blue Ridge, some ten miles away; and
+at evening, when the sun sank behind those fine hills,
+tinging them and the clouds with gorgeous colors, the
+prospect was truly delightful. The village of Warrenton
+was some four miles distant, and the celebrated Warrenton
+Sulphur Springs about three miles down the river.</p>
+
+<p>Under the direction of Chaplain Fox, a place in the
+grove was selected, a speaker's stand was erected, surrounded
+by rows of log seats, and here services were held
+on the Sabbath; and on other days of the week there were
+other regimental gatherings, which the men greatly enjoyed.
+At evening, the place would be lighted by Chinese lanterns
+of various colors, hung among the boughs of the oak trees,
+giving to the grove a most romantic appearance.</p>
+
+<p>On one evening the regiment, with many invited guests
+from the division, assembled in this lovely spot and listened
+to speeches from several gentlemen of eloquence, the brigade<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span>
+band lending the aid of fine music to the evening's
+entertainment.</p>
+
+<p>Thus pleasantly passed the time of the two regiments&mdash;the
+Seventy-seventh and Fifth Vermont&mdash;in doing picket
+duty for the Second division, along the banks of the Rappahannock.
+Our friends of the Fifth Vermont were, in
+addition to the pleasant location of their camp and their
+easy picket duty, favored with the presence of the wives
+of some of their officers. A ride to the Sulphur Springs
+was always a pleasant pastime; and we recall with pleasure
+one of these excursions. A small party, including one
+of these ladies, enjoying a morning's drive, turned their
+horses' heads towards the Springs. A merry gallop across
+three miles of delightful country, through pleasant groves
+and over rolling meadows, fording clear sparkling streams
+and leaping fences, brought the party to the former Saratoga
+of the south.</p>
+
+<p>The morning had been cool and cloudy, but as our
+friends reached the little settlement the clouds were breaking
+away, and the sun began to pour blazing rays upon
+them. They secured their horses and walked into the
+grounds, in the midst of which General Birney, commanding
+a division of the Third corps, had established his
+head-quarters; and as it was then the dinner hour, the
+general and his staff were gathered around the board
+under the shade of the chestnut trees, while a band discoursed
+sweet music for the benefit of those at table.</p>
+
+<p>Oak, chestnut and ailanthus trees form a rich and grateful
+shade for the grounds, which dip so as to form a kind of
+basin, in the center of which rises the cupola which covers
+the spring. As we step down into the inclosure of the
+cupola, indeed as we approach it at a distance, a strong
+sulphurous odor is perceived; but there is a delightful
+coolness as we sit down upon the benches which are placed
+around the area of the cupola. Several Vermont officers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>
+greeted our friends as they approached, offering the odorous
+drink to the lady. There are two springs or vats within
+the cupola, each inclosed by marble sides; and the water
+stands so high that we may dip it ourselves, thus dispensing
+with the necessity of the "dippers," such as take our
+dimes at Saratoga.</p>
+
+<p>A glass of the sparkling fluid was presented to our lady
+friend, who raised it to her lips, and then turning her face
+away, with an expression of infinite disgust, and saying,
+with a good deal of energy, "I don't want any," handed
+back the glass. The gentlemen endeavored to convince
+her that the water was good; but even after adding a little
+fine brandy, she could not be induced to quaff the liquid,
+which she declared carried with it such powerful suggestions
+of unserviceable eggs.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends lingered about the grounds for some hours,
+enjoying the cool shade and examining the old buildings,
+the principal one of which was originally a fine structure,
+but it had been burned the year before by our soldiers.
+The massive columns and high walls were still suggestive
+of the hilarious old times when the chivalry used to congregate
+here in all its glory. Encircling the grounds was a
+row of long one and two story buildings, most of them
+painted yellow. These were divided into small apartments
+which had been used as lodging rooms. There were
+a dozen or more of these buildings, all dilapidated by age
+rather than suffering from the ruthless usage of war.
+They inclosed the grove which occupied ten or twelve
+acres of land.</p>
+
+<p>Except the circle of buildings immediately surrounding
+the grove and springs, there were but very few dwellings
+in the neighborhood, those evidently intended for the
+purpose of receiving summer boarders. It was said that
+about five hundred boarders used to spend the summer
+here every year, and double that number of visitors took<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span>
+rooms at Warrenton, a mile and a half distant, from which
+place they rode to the springs morning and evening to
+quaff the odorous fluid, or to stroll about the groves. The
+new White Sulphur Springs in the Shenandoah Valley
+had, for some years past, diverted the patronage from the
+Warrenton springs, and thither, at the foot of the Blue
+Ridge mountains, great numbers of fashionable southerners
+had resorted.</p>
+
+<p>It was evidently a blessing that this resort had been
+despoiled by war. It sadly needed renovating and modernizing,
+and so long as the old buildings stood, no southerner
+had the enterprise to pull them down and replace them
+with better ones. A few thousands of dollars in the hands
+of an enterprising Yankee would soon make this one of
+the most delightful resorts in the southern states.</p>
+
+<p>One of the characteristic features of our picket duty on
+the Rappahannock, was the great number of contrabands
+who came through our lines.</p>
+
+<p>Squads of gray-headed old negroes, young negro women
+and children, carrying in bundles all their worldly store,
+constantly applied for permission to enter the lines on
+their way to the north. The cavalry who scouted in front
+on the south side of the river, returned with wagons
+loaded with little darkies, whose mothers and elder sisters
+and grandsires trudged along on foot. All wagons going
+to Warrenton without other lading were filled with these
+refugees from slavery, old and young, some black, some
+olive and some white; some with black curly wool,
+some with wavy black hair, and some with brown ringlets.</p>
+
+<p>Our northern soldiers had, by this time, begun to look
+upon slavery in its true light. They had also learned that
+the negroes were their friends. It required a long schooling
+to teach them this lesson, but it was thoroughly
+learned at last. We heard now no jeering and hooting
+when a negro or wagon load of negroes went by. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span>
+soldiers treated them with the greatest kindness, and aided
+them in every way to get off to the north.</p>
+
+<p>While our boys did not hesitate long to take from the
+white inhabitants any articles that they thought they were
+in need of, it was considered an act of outrageous meanness
+to take a chicken or any other property from the negro
+people.</p>
+
+<p>While passing through Orleans, on our way to the present
+camp, a great many slave children were standing
+along the streets watching us. Many of these children
+were nearly white. The attention of one our captains,
+who was one of the last relics among us of that class
+of men who were loyal to their country but despised
+the negro, was fixed upon a beautiful child of olive complexion
+and wavy hair, who stood gazing in innocent
+wonder at the passing column. The child was indeed a
+picture of unadorned beauty, in her long coarse garment
+of "negro cloth." The captain turned to a staff officer
+and as a tear stole down his rough cheek at the thought
+of the degradation of the beautiful child, he exclaimed,
+"Isn't it horrible."</p>
+
+<p>It is hardly necessary to say that the captain's sentiments
+from that moment underwent a radical change, and
+ever after there were none more ready to afford assistance
+to the needy refugees, than our generous but hitherto prejudiced
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>Many of these colored refugees had the greatest faith in
+what they deemed the promises of the Bible. There was
+an almost universal faith in the ultimate overthrow of
+the south by the north, and this belief was founded in
+most cases upon their supposed Bible promises.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/ole-missus.png">
+<img src="images/ole-missus-small.png" width="400" height="258" alt="What'll Ole Missus Do Now?" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">"What'll Ole Missus Do Now?"</p>
+
+<p>One of these people, a gray-haired negro, bent with age
+and leaning heavily upon his staff, who hoped to spend
+the evening of his life in freedom, said to the writer:
+"Our massas tell us dat dey goin to whip de Yankees and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span>
+dat Jeff. Davis will rule de norf. But we knowd it warnt
+so cause de Bible don't say so. De Bible says that de
+souf shall prevail for a time and den de norf shall rise
+up and obertrow dem."</p>
+
+<p>Where the old man found this strange prophecy he did
+not say, but many of the slaves declared this to be Bible
+truth and all asserted it in the same way.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a>
+Since the above paragraph was in print, a friend has called my attention to the
+passage in Daniel, chap. xi, verses 13-15, as the probable origin of this belief among
+the negroes. He further assures me that he is informed that the negroes in North
+Carolina entertained the same belief.</p></div>
+
+<p>Among those who were thus fleeing from bondage, were
+two fine boys, each about twelve years of age and from
+the same plantation. Each gave his name as John, and
+as they were both remarkably bright little fellows, they
+were at once adopted into our head-quarters family.
+Their sprightly manners, their ready wit and their
+kindly good nature soon brought them into general favor.
+We were very early one morning startled by an extraordinary
+commotion in front of head-quarters, where
+the two Johns stood swinging their hats, leaping and
+dancing in most fantastic manner, and screaming at the
+top of their voices the wildest exclamations of delight.
+Looking in the direction to which their attention was
+turned, we saw a group of eight or ten negro women and
+small children accompanied by an aged colored patriarch.
+One of the Johns suddenly forgetting his ecstacy of delight,
+rolling up the whites of his eyes and holding his hands
+above his head, exclaimed with impressive gravity, "Oh
+my Lor a massa! What'l ole missus do now?"</p>
+
+<p>The party consisted of the mothers and younger brothers
+and sisters of the two boys with their grandfather. Forgetting
+for a moment their joy at the escape of their
+friends from slavery, the boys were overpowered with the
+vision of "ole missus" left desolate, without a slave to
+minister to her many wants.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 6th of August, we were astonished
+to find the camp of our neighbors of the Fifth
+Vermont deserted, and their picket line occupied by a
+regiment from the Third division. The surprise was still
+greater when we learned that the whole of the Second
+brigade had been ordered to New York city to guard
+against any resistance which might be offered to the
+enforcement of the draft. The order had reached the
+brigade after midnight, and at three o'clock it was on its
+way to the north. Thus the Third brigade was now all
+that was left of the Second division of the Sixth corps.
+Up to this time General Howe had kept the division,
+except the two regiments on picket, hard at work at division
+drills. It is safe to say that no division in the army
+performed more labor in drills than Howe's during the time
+that it was under command of that officer. The whole
+division was encamped in one of those charming localities
+which make this part of Virginia more beautiful than
+almost any other, and aside from the continual round of
+drills, the time passed most agreeably. The Jersey boys
+here spent the time in pleasant alternation of guard duties
+and social enjoyments; a part of the time being devoted to
+military affairs, and a much greater part spent in agreeable
+attentions to the winning young ladies of Warrenton.</p>
+
+<p>But, like every other brief respite for the army of the
+Potomac, this was destined to come to an end. On the
+15th of September the army moved toward Culpepper,
+which was reached on the 16th; the Sixth corps taking
+position at a place called Stonehouse Mountain, three miles
+west of Culpepper.</p>
+
+<p>Here we remained three weeks; the camps were by no
+means so delightful as those about Warrenton and Waterloo,
+and the weather was becoming quite cold, so that our
+three weeks stay at Stonehouse Mountain had little about
+it to make us desire to make it longer. Some pleasing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>
+incidents, however, relieved the monotony of our stay at
+this place, the presentation of an elegant sword to Colonel
+French, by the line officers of the Seventy-seventh, was
+the first. The presentation was followed by festivity and
+merriment, and in the evening our friends of the Seventh
+Maine, forming a torchlight procession, marched to the
+camp of the Seventy-seventh to congratulate the colonel
+and line officers upon the mutual trust and confidence
+existing between them. The next was the return of the
+Vermont brigade from New York. The Third brigade
+was drawn up in line to receive our returning comrades,
+and with much ceremony welcomed them back to the
+division. It must be acknowledged that both brigades
+would have been better pleased with the unrestrained
+welcome which would have been expressed in cheers than
+by the formal military salute.</p>
+
+<p>On Monday, October 5th, the Sixth corps marched to
+Cedar Mountain on the Rapidan, the scene of General
+Banks' conflict with Jackson. The First corps was already
+stationed in the vicinity of Raccoon Ford, and the two
+corps now occupied a line of five or six miles along the
+bend of the river, holding the roads to Culpepper and
+Stevensburgh. The two corps were thus thrown out ten
+miles in front of the main army, having little communication
+with the rear. Few wagons were allowed to follow
+us, and those were ordered to the rear under a strong
+escort. On Friday, the 11th, the signal officers stationed
+on the summit of Cedar Mountain, while watching the
+rebel signals, read the message sent by their flags: "I am
+at James City. J. E. B. S." Thus it was known that
+Stuart was making for our rear, and as long trains of
+wagons had also been discovered moving in the direction
+of James City, it became evident that Lee was endeavoring
+to throw his whole army in the rear of our own.
+General Meade determined to draw the rebel army back<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span>
+if possible; accordingly the Sixth and First corps were
+ordered to build extensive fires and be in readiness to
+march at a moment's notice. On the following morning,
+Buford, with a division of cavalry, appeared at Germania
+Ford, some twelve miles below us, while our infantry
+advanced as though about to cross at Raccoon Ford and
+the fords in front of the Sixth corps. The ruse of threatening
+to cross the river by the two corps, succeeded in
+calling the rebel infantry back to check our advance; and
+at night, after building large fires, the two corps hastily
+withdrew toward Culpepper, which we reached at daylight,
+after a severe march. After a brief halt for breakfast,
+the corps, with the whole of the infantry, was on its
+way toward Brandy Station, leaving the cavalry force
+under Pleasanton to cover the retreat. A rapid march,
+in which the army moved in several parallel columns,
+brought the infantry all safe across the Rappahannock
+at Rappahannock Station. But the cavalry were not
+allowed to retreat without some hard fighting. Their
+guns could be heard by us during the afternoon, and
+toward evening the firing became more rapid and nearer.
+Indeed, the rebels advanced almost to the banks of the river.</p>
+
+<p>Gregg, with a brigade of cavalry, was overtaken by a
+considerable force of the enemy, near Jefferson, early in
+the day, and after a severe engagement of two hours, fell
+back, crossing the river at Sulphur Springs.</p>
+
+<p>Kilpatrick with his brigade, following the trail of the
+infantry, and designing to form a union with Gregg,
+found, on passing Brandy Station, that his way was
+blocked by a whole division of rebel cavalry, which had
+slipped in between him and the rear of the infantry.
+Halting for a moment to take a single glance at the
+situation of affairs, the dashing general shouted to his
+men, "Boys, there are the cusses!" Then, springing
+to the head of the column, he led his men to such a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span>
+charge as has rarely been witnessed even in our cavalry
+service.</p>
+
+<p>The road was strongly guarded by three regiments of
+cavalry in solid column, flanked on either side by a regiment
+in line. Directly upon this strongly posted force,
+the gallant general and his brave fellows rushed with
+shouts and oaths, and sabre thrusts, trampling down
+everything in their way. Unable to withstand this impetuous
+and unexpected onset, the rebels gave way, allowing
+the Union brigade to pass between their broken ranks.
+Dead men and horses lay thickly scattered upon the ground
+when the victorious brigade left the field to join the
+infantry at the river.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, hotly pursued, General Meade determined to offer
+battle to the pursuing army, making the Rappahannock his
+immediate base of operations. Accordingly, early the following
+morning, a large portion of the infantry and artillery
+was countermarched across the river, where, within a mile
+of the stream, the line of battle was formed, and we waited
+the onset of the enemy until past noon. Then, Buford's
+cavalry having engaged the enemy in front, three corps,
+the Second, Fifth and Sixth, commenced to advance in
+line of battle. It was a grand spectacle. During two
+years of service we had not seen its like. Our line of
+battle stretched across the vast plain, nearly three miles
+in length, straight as the flight of an arrow. At each
+flank were several battalions <i>in echelon</i>. In the rear of
+the center of each wing of the line, was a heavy reserve
+in solid square, and, following in the rear of each square,
+a large column, stretching back to the river and across the
+pontoon bridges to the farther side of the stream.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the line of battle moved forward across the plain,
+never for a moment losing its perfect form. Brisk cannonading
+and musketry were kept up by the cavalry in
+front, and the army earnestly hoped that General Lee<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span>
+might accept our challenge to an open field fight, but the
+rebel general was too wary to accept battle on such equal
+terms, and pushed on toward Sulphur Springs, hoping to
+reach Centreville before us.</p>
+
+<p>Our line of battle halted at dark, at Brandy Station.
+But there was no time to be lost; resting there until
+eleven o'clock, we were ordered to retrace our steps to
+the river; this time not in line of battle, but in all haste.
+The night was dark, and the troops had already made long
+marches; so when they reached and crossed the river at
+daylight, they were fairly worn out. An hour for sleep
+and breakfast was allowed, the railroad bridge was blown
+up, and again we were on a grand race northward.</p>
+
+<p>It was a great medley; baggage wagons, pontoons,
+ambulances, artillery and troops, all thrown together in
+splendid confusion. Drivers cursing, cannon rattling, soldiers
+singing and shouting, horses racing, and all that
+sublime confusion which can never be seen except in a
+hasty but well directed retreat of a vast army.</p>
+
+<p>We passed Warrenton Junction and Bealton Station,
+and at eight o'clock halted near Kettle Run, having
+marched more than thirty miles within twenty-four hours.</p>
+
+<p>We had not long to rest, for at daylight, October 14th,
+we were again on the road, making quick time. We
+passed our old camp at Bristoe, and the familiar scenes at
+Manassas Junction, and crossed Bull Run at Blackman's
+Ford. We reached Centreville at three <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> The booming
+of cannon in the rear, the huge clouds of smoke, and
+the heavy rattle of musketry, told us there was hot work
+on the ground we had lately passed over; and as we
+formed in line of battle in front of Centreville, the soldiers
+said, "Here is the third Bull Run, but this time the run
+will be on the other side."</p>
+
+<p>To the Second corps had been assigned the duty of
+guarding the rear of the army. About twelve o'clock, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span>
+the rear of that corps was crossing Broad Run, a wide
+and muddy stream at Bristoe Station, the rebel corps of
+A. P. Hill suddenly appeared from the cover of the woods
+in the vicinity, and, running out a battery, opened a severe
+fire of artillery and musketry upon the column, which was
+in a degree of confusion, owing to the difficult crossing of
+the stream.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment order was restored, and the troops so
+placed as to defy the advance of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The rebels, finding that their attack upon the advance
+was fruitless, now turned their attention to the rear division,
+which was advancing toward the run. Opening
+upon the column a fierce cannonade and a storm of
+bullets, they hoped to throw the division into confusion,
+but again they were disappointed. After a severe fight,
+the rebels were forced to flee across the run in great disorder,
+leaving in the hands of the Second corps five pieces
+of artillery, two stands of colors, and four hundred and
+fifty prisoners. Such was the battle of Bristoe Station.</p>
+
+<p>At dark that evening the Sixth corps moved to Chantilly,
+where we rested for the night. Next morning we took a
+new and stronger position, where we waited, listening to
+the roar of cannon where the cavalry was contending
+with the advance of the enemy, and wondering how soon
+our own turn would come. Suddenly, at three o'clock, the
+doubts seemed to be removed. An officer came dashing
+along the line, with the order to "Strip for the fray! the
+enemy are coming down upon us!" The men stood to
+arms, and again we waited for the attack, but none was
+made: our cavalry had arrested the advance of the enemy.
+At night the firing died away, and we pitched our tents
+and slept undisturbed.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon of the 16th, the Seventy-seventh being
+on picket, a horseman suddenly rushed in front of the
+head-quarter tents, saying that the left of our picket line<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span>
+was attacked. It proved that a body of rebel cavalry
+had discovered some wagons outside the picket line, and had
+made a dash upon them. Our boys drove them back in
+haste, but the line was strengthened in the expectation of
+a more important demonstration. This, however, was the
+last we saw of the rebels on our part of the line.</p>
+
+<p>Lee, finding himself too late to occupy the works around
+Centreville before us, and hopeless of the success of any
+flank movement, turned his army again towards the Rappahannock.</p>
+
+<p>On the following morning, October 17th, our army started
+in pursuit, the rain falling upon us in torrents, rendering
+the mud deep and the marching hard. We halted that
+night at Gainesville, marched the next day through New
+Baltimore, and reached Warrenton at night. On our
+march we had passed the bodies of many of our cavalrymen,
+who had been killed in the constant skirmishes which
+had been going on since our advance. Near New Baltimore,
+where Kilpatrick's brigade had been forced back, the
+bodies of his men lay scattered along the roadside, nearly
+all of them stripped of their clothing by the rebels.</p>
+
+<p>The army encamped in the vicinity of Warrenton; the
+Sixth corps occupying a pleasant ridge just in front of
+the town. Here we remained a fortnight.</p>
+
+<p>Our first week at Warrenton was anything but agreeable.
+The cold northwest winds swept through our camps,
+carrying chilly discomfort everywhere. The men shivered
+over their log fires; but while the fitful wind drove the
+smoke and fire into their faces, it froze their backs. At
+our head-quarters, as we drew closely about our fire, dreading
+equally the chilly winds and the provoking clouds of
+smoke, one of the party, perhaps reading for the amusement
+of the others from a volume of Saxe's poems, a stranger,
+had one chanced to drop in among us, would have imagined
+that Saxe must have written most grievous tales of woe,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>
+and that our hearts and eyes were all melted by the sad
+stories. At length, having suffered these disagreeable
+exposures for a week, the men of the corps fell to work
+to erect comfortable quarters, and thinking that the present
+camp might possibly become winter quarters, they
+made for themselves much more comfortable huts than
+had served them in their winter's camp at White Oak
+Church. Generals Neill and Grant reviewed their brigades,
+and then Generals Howe and Wright reviewed
+their divisions, and last of all, General Sedgwick had a
+grand review of the whole corps, which was a very splendid
+affair.</p>
+
+<p>The weather became again mild and agreeable. Pontoons
+were arriving and there were many indications that
+we must soon leave our comfortable quarters. At length,
+at ten o'clock at night, November 6th, came the order,
+"Reveille at half-past four; move at daylight." So good-bye,
+fine quarters and comfortable fire-places, we must
+be off.</p>
+
+<p>We were in line and commenced moving from camp at
+daylight, November 7th. We marched rapidly, taking
+the road to Rappahannock Station. The Sixth and Fifth
+corps only had taken this road, the remaining corps were,
+however, either on the move or under orders to move, the
+Third corps having taken the road to Ely's Ford, and
+the others following. General Sedgwick was placed in
+command of the Fifth and Sixth corps, while General
+Meade accompanied the left wing.</p>
+
+<p>At noon we halted within a mile of the Station, and the
+corps was immediately thrown into line of battle. The
+men were allowed to rest on their arms for an hour or
+two, wondering what was to come.</p>
+
+<p>In front of us was a line of low hills, stretching parallel
+with our line of battle, and on the slope toward us, and
+within pistol shot of us, were rebel cavalry pickets, sitting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span>
+upon their horses and facing us with the coolest impudence;
+but not a shot was fired at them. We had not
+rested here long before we heard the booming of cannon
+on our left, where, three miles down the river, the Third
+corps had already engaged the enemy. At length the
+order came to move forward. The Second division, under
+General Howe, held the right, the Third brigade constituting
+its front line, the Vermont brigade its second, the
+Forty-third New York as skirmishers. On the left, was
+the First division, the Sixth Maine on the skirmish line,
+the Second and Third brigades in the advance, the New
+Jersey brigade in the reserve; and in the center the Third
+division, under General Terry.</p>
+
+<p>In this order the corps pushed forward up the hills, the
+rebel horsemen whirling and flying before our advance.
+As our skirmishers gained the summit of the hills, the
+rebel infantry delivered their fire upon them, but the brave
+boys of the Forty-third and of the Sixth Maine pushed
+on, never halting or wavering for a moment, driving the
+enemy before them until they had pushed the rebel skirmishers
+close upon their line of battle.</p>
+
+<p>The First division at once became hotly engaged, the
+rebels disputing the advance with unavailing obstinacy.
+That noble division bore the brunt of the battle. While
+the Second and Third divisions behaved with great gallantry,
+doing all that was required of them, and doing it
+with that fighting joy so characteristic of the whole corps,
+the First division, from its position, was called upon to
+perform unusual feats of valor. As General Sedgwick was
+that day in command of the right wing of the army, General
+Wright, of the First division, commanded the corps, and
+General Russell, the brave, unassuming and beloved commander
+of the Third brigade, commanded the division.</p>
+
+<p>The skirmishers of our Second division, the Forty-third
+New York, pushed gallantly forward, their brave Colonel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span>
+Baker riding rapidly from one end of the line to the other,
+his white horse making a prominent mark for the rebels.
+The line of battle of the whole corps followed closely
+upon the skirmishers. As we reached the summit of the
+hills, a grand panorama of the battle opened before us.
+The whole battle-field could be seen at a single glance; a
+rare occurrence. On one side were the eminences occupied
+by our own line of battle, and on the other, a line of
+hills of equal elevation, covered with swarms of rebels.
+Between the two ranges of hills, stretched a plain one-fourth
+of a mile wide and from one to two miles long,
+which was occupied by the skirmishers of the opposing
+forces.</p>
+
+<p>The rebels were posted in strong positions behind extensive
+earthworks, forts, redoubts and rifle pits; and their
+artillery was posted so as to sweep the plain and the
+sloping grounds confronting them. Their gray lines of
+infantry were pouring out from behind the earthworks to
+meet us at the edge of the plain.</p>
+
+<p>As our line of battle appeared on the crest of the hills,
+the rebel batteries opened a terrific fire upon us. The air
+was filled with the shriekings of these fearful projectiles,
+which exploded with startling frequency above our heads
+and just behind us; but, fortunately, the rebels aimed
+high, and many of the shells ploughed the ground in our
+rear or burst about our hospitals. The First division was
+pressing toward the rebel works at double quick, under a
+terrible fire of musketry and artillery, the boys with the
+red crosses pushing everything before them. They neared
+the rebel works, and the skirmishers along the whole line
+threw themselves upon the ground waiting for the line of
+battle to come up. The rebel skirmishers did the same.
+Each moment the scene became more exciting. Rebel
+infantry crowded the opposite side of the plain, the slopes
+of the hills and the rifle pits. The whole line was ablaze<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span>
+with the fire of musketry, and the roar of battle constantly
+increased.</p>
+
+<p>At length, toward evening, the rebels having been
+driven back to the cover of their rifle pits, the Third
+brigade of the First division, consisting of the Sixth
+Maine, the Fifth Wisconsin, the Forty-ninth and One
+Hundred and Nineteenth Pennsylvania, regiments whose
+fame already stood high in the army, was ordered forward.</p>
+
+<p>First the Maine and Wisconsin regiments rushed forward,
+the intrepid Russell riding at the very front. At his
+order to "charge," the two regiments quickened their pace
+to a run, and, with bayonets fixed, without ever stopping to
+fire a gun, the gallant fellows ran forward. They seized
+the fort, but the rebels rallied and drove them out. Again
+they charged; a hand to hand encounter followed. The
+boys leaped over into the fort, using their muskets for
+clubs, and, when the work was too close for that, dropping
+their guns and pommeling their adversaries with their
+fists. The general had sent back for the remaining regiments
+of the brigade, but, in the ten minutes that elapsed
+before the Pennsylvanians could come up on a run, half
+the men of the Sixth Maine, and nearly as many of the
+Wisconsin regiment, had fallen. The whole brigade leaped
+over the embankments, capturing hundreds of the rebels.</p>
+
+<p>Not less gallant was the charge of the Second brigade,
+led by the young, ambitious Colonel Upton. His regiments
+were the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York,
+his own, the Fifth Maine, and the Ninety-fifth and Ninety-sixth
+Pennsylvania. The brigade occupied the left of the
+Sixth corps, joining the Fifth corps. Under cover of
+the growing darkness, the courageous Upton led the One
+Hundred and Twenty-first New York and Fifth Maine
+within a few yards of the rebel rifle pits, when the order
+to charge was given. Instantly the rifle pits were ablaze,
+and a destructive volley was poured into the two regiments.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span>
+Another moment and the Union boys were leaping into the
+rifle pits, sweeping everything before them. All this while
+not a shot had been fired by Upton's men, but, charging
+with the bayonet, they carried all before them.</p>
+
+<p>The confederates took to their heels, and attempted to
+flee to the other side of the river, but their pontoon bridge
+was in possession of our troops, and hundreds of panic-stricken
+rebels leaped into the rapid stream and attempted
+to swim across. Some succeeded, but many were drowned
+in the attempt. Sixteen hundred prisoners, eight pieces of
+artillery, four battle-flags, and more than two thousand
+stand of small arms, were the trophies of this splendid
+victory.</p>
+
+<p>The credit of this brilliant success belongs mainly to
+the First division; yet the Second and Third divisions,
+while less actively engaged, performed their part with
+alacrity and bravery, and the many dead and wounded
+from these two divisions attested the severity of the fight
+along their portions of the line. The loss to the corps, in
+killed and wounded, was about three hundred, among
+whom were many choice spirits. The commander of the
+Fifth Wisconsin, Captain Walker, was killed. Captain
+Ordway succeeded to the command. He leaped upon the
+parapet, and fell dead inside the rebel fort.</p>
+
+<p>All this time the Third corps was actively engaged
+at Kelly's Ford, three miles to our left. It had found
+the rebels strongly posted on the opposite side of the
+river, well protected by forts and rifle pits. The artillery
+of the corps was taken to the river side and brought to
+bear upon the rebel works. At length a storming party
+was selected and massed on the banks. At the word, the
+brave fellows plunged into the stream, and rushing across,
+charged the strong works of the rebels with great fury.
+The occupants were obliged to flee, but five hundred of
+them were left as prisoners.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Owing to the depth and force of the stream between
+the works the Sixth corps had taken, and those still occupied
+by the rebels on the other side, it was impossible to
+push our victory further that night. The confederates,
+finding our troops in possession of their pontoon bridge,
+had set it on fire at the end still held by them; thus all
+pursuit was for the time cut off. But on the following
+morning the rebels had retreated, leaving us to rebuild the
+bridge and cross at our leisure.</p>
+
+<p>Without further delay we pushed on toward Brandy
+Station, which we reached toward evening, the cavalry
+having preceded us.</p>
+
+<p>The whole of Lee's army, except the forces stationed
+at Rappahannock Station and Kelly's Ford, had been
+encamped in the vicinity of Brandy Station, and their
+recently deserted camps, where they had erected comfortable
+huts and made many other preparations for a winter's
+stay, showed that their hasty leave was entirely unexpected
+to them. In many instances officers had forgotten to take
+their valises and trunks with them, and Union soldiers
+strutted about in the garb of rebel brigadiers and colonels.</p>
+
+<p>It was said, by the rebel prisoners taken by the cavalry,
+that while the fights were in progress on the Rappahannock,
+General Lee was holding a grand review of his
+army, when suddenly the information reached him that the
+Yankees were coming. The review was broken off, and
+there was hurrying of regiments to their respective camps,
+each regiment, independently of its division or brigade,
+making hot haste for its own quarters. Baggage was
+quickly thrown into wagons, and a general stampede
+toward the Rapidan commenced at once.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxii" id="chapter_xxii"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ARMY AT BRANDY STATION.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Encampment at Brandy Station&mdash;The Mine Run campaign&mdash;Crossing the Rapidan&mdash;Battle
+of Locust Grove&mdash;The army on Mine Run&mdash;The order of battle&mdash;The
+army withdraws&mdash;Back at Brandy Station&mdash;Reconnoissance to Madison Court
+House&mdash;Ladies in camp&mdash;Chapel tents.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>The Sixth corps went into camp on the right of the
+army, two miles from Brandy Station. We occupied land
+belonging to John Minor Botts. Mr. Botts boasted that
+he owned six hundred miles of fence when we came upon
+his possessions. He could not say that when we had been
+there a week! His fences were burned, and his forests
+cut down; and it was generally known that our chief
+quarter-master was paying him immense sums of money
+for the wood used by our army.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of a week it became pretty evident that our
+stay at Brandy Station might be of considerable duration,
+possibly for the winter. Accordingly, the men proceeded
+once more to build houses for the winter; and never, since
+we had been in service, had they constructed so comfortable
+quarters as they now built. All about us were the
+rebel camps, in which they had vainly hoped to spend
+the winter; and these furnished timbers already hewn,
+fine stones ready for use in making chimneys, and hewn
+saplings ready prepared for bunks. The Sixth corps was
+encamped in a fine forest, which should have furnished not
+only great abundance of timber for use about the quarters,
+but for fuel for the winter; but owing to the wasteful manner
+in which the wood was at first used in building log fires
+in the open air, the forest melted away before the men had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>
+fairly concluded that there was any necessity for using it
+economically.</p>
+
+<p>Preparations were hurried forward for another advance.
+The railroad, which had been destroyed by the rebels at
+the time of the raid to Centreville, from the Rappahannock
+to Bristoe Station, was to be rebuilt, and the bridge across
+the Rappahannock, which we had ourselves destroyed,
+was to be replaced, before the army could safely undertake
+another advance. It is one of the mysteries which
+people who have never been connected with a great army
+have greatest difficulty in comprehending, that an army
+advancing into such a country as we were now threatening,
+must have ample and easy communications with its
+base of supplies. Could such people for a moment realize
+the vast amount of material consumed by such an army as
+ours, the mystery might be solved. To attempt to advance
+into a desert country without first either providing a supply
+for many days, or opening ready communications with
+our base of supplies, would have been suicidal. General
+Sherman might lead his army through a fertile country,
+where the ravages of war had not appeared, and, by
+sweeping across a territory forty miles wide, collect
+abundant supplies for his men; but our army was now to
+march into a wilderness where even a regiment could not
+find subsistence. The newspapers at the north that condemned
+the delay at Brandy Station, and sneered at the
+idea that the army needed a base of supplies, simply
+exhibited their profound ignorance of the first principles
+of campaigning.</p>
+
+<p>By the 25th the road was completed as far as Brandy
+Station, the bridge rebuilt, and a large amount of supplies
+brought up; and the army was ordered to move at an
+early hour on the 26th.</p>
+
+<p>The hour for moving was assigned each corps, and the
+order in which it was to march, that no delay or confusion<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span>
+might occur. The Third corps was to start as soon as
+daylight, and the Sixth was to follow it.</p>
+
+<p>Our Sixth corps was moving at sunrise, the hour designated,
+toward Brandy Station. Presently the head of the
+column halted in the midst of the camps of the Third
+corps, which were yet undisturbed. According to the
+order for marching, the Third corps was to precede
+the Sixth, and should have been out of camp before we
+arrived, but as yet not a tent was struck nor a wagon
+loaded, and most of the men were asleep in their quarters.
+The Sixth corps was obliged to halt and stand in the mud
+for hours, waiting for the delinquent corps to get out of
+the way. Here was the first blunder of the new campaign.</p>
+
+<p>At length at eleven o'clock we moved again, taking the
+road to the Rapidan. Our march was slow and tedious,
+and instead of reaching the river at noon as was expected,
+and as General Meade's orders contemplated, the head of
+the Third corps only reached the river at Jacobs' Ford
+long after dark, and here again a delay was occasioned by
+a mistake of the engineers, who had not brought a sufficient
+number of boats to this point to complete the pontoon
+bridge; a part of the bridge had therefore to be
+extemporized out of poles.</p>
+
+<p>The road for several miles was merely a narrow passage
+cut through the forest; a dense growth of stunted pines
+and tangled bushes, filling up the space between the trees
+of larger growth. Our corps moved along very slowly,
+halting for a moment, then advancing one or two rods,
+then standing still again for perhaps several minutes, and
+again moving forward for a few steps. This became very
+tedious. The men were faint and weary, and withal discouraged.
+They were neither advancing nor resting.</p>
+
+<p>From one end of the column of the Sixth corps to the
+other, through the miles of forest the shout, coffee! coffee!
+passed from one regiment to another, until there could be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span>
+heard nothing but the vociferous demand for coffee. At
+eleven o'clock at night the order "ten minutes rest for
+coffee," passed down the line and was received with shouts
+of approval. Instantly the roadside was illuminated with
+thousands of little fires, over which the soldiers were cooking
+their favorite beverage.</p>
+
+<p>We crossed the Rapidan at Jacobs' Ford at midnight,
+leaving Upton's brigade on the north side as rear-guard,
+and in another hour the men had thrown themselves upon
+the ground without waiting to erect shelter tents, and
+were sleeping soundly notwithstanding the severity of the
+cold. The Fifth and First corps had crossed at Culpepper
+Ford and the Second corps at Germania Ford about noon,
+and were in the positions assigned them.</p>
+
+<p>The position assigned to the Third and Sixth corps was
+not reached. These corps were ordered to proceed to
+Robertson's Tavern, a point some seven miles beyond the
+ford, but the night was far advanced, the men exhausted
+and the country little known, so these two corps did not
+seize this very important point as directed. Of course
+the responsibility for this delay was not with the Sixth
+corps or its commander, who was directed to follow the
+Third.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning the Third corps commenced the advance,
+and we of the Sixth were drawn out in line of march to
+follow; but it became evident that the advance was not
+unobstructed. Sharp picket firing and the occasional
+booming of cannon revealed to us the fact that that corps
+had fallen in with the enemy. Thus the day passed; the
+Sixth corps resting quietly, while the Third was skirmishing
+with the enemy in front, until about three o'clock,
+when the firing increased and there was evidently a severe
+engagement in front.</p>
+
+<p>The First and Second divisions of the Sixth corps were
+now hurried along the narrow and winding path to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span>
+support of the Third corps&mdash;our Third division being left
+near the river to cover the bridges and trains. That corps
+was now fiercely engaged. The sulphurous smoke filled
+the woods, and the roar of musketry became so general,
+and the forest echoed and re&euml;choed the sound, so that it
+lost the rattling usually heard, and became a smooth, uniform
+roll. Our corps at once took its position in line of
+battle, so as to support the Third corps and protect the
+interval between the Third and Second corps, with Ellmaker's
+brigade on the right, and Neill's and Upton's on the
+left, while the Vermonters and Torbert's Jersey brigade
+were held in reserve; but the corps was not called into
+action. The dense growth of young timber completely
+obscured all view of the operations at a little distance,
+and, indeed, rebel scouting parties were able to hang close
+upon our flanks, and even penetrate our lines, protected
+from view and from pursuit by the tangled forest.</p>
+
+<p>On our right, the Second corps also encountered a force
+of the enemy, and became engaged in the vicinity of Robertson's
+Tavern. They succeeded in driving the rebel force,
+which was small, back to the cover of the wilderness.
+Gregg, also, with his cavalry, became engaged, but drove
+the rebels back.</p>
+
+<p>It now appeared that the fight of the Third corps was
+brought on by a blunder. General French, in attempting
+to lead his corps to Robertson's Tavern, had mistaken the
+road, and, by bearing too far to the west, had encountered
+Ewell's corps, which was hastening to intercept our progress.
+The rebels made repeated charges upon the corps,
+but were each time repulsed, and under cover of the night
+they fell back, leaving their dead on the ground. The loss
+to the Third corps was between three and four hundred;
+that of the rebels, judging from the dead left upon the
+ground, must have been greater.</p>
+
+<p>While the fight was in progress, General Sedgwick and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span>
+his staff dismounted and were reclining about a large tree,
+when the attention of all was directed to two soldiers who
+were approaching, bearing between them a stretcher on
+which lay a wounded man. As the men approached within
+a few rods of the place where the general and his staff
+were, a solid cannon shot came shrieking along, striking
+both of the stretcher bearers. Both fell to the ground&mdash;the
+one behind fatally wounded, the other dead. But the
+man upon the stretcher leaped up and ran away as fast as
+his legs could carry him, never stopping to look behind at
+his unfortunate companions. Shocking as was the occurrence,
+neither the general nor the members of his staff
+could suppress a laugh at the speedy restoration of the man
+who was being borne disabled from the field.</p>
+
+<p>The two corps moved during the night to Robertson's
+Tavern, the destination which they should have reached
+twenty-four hours before.</p>
+
+<p>The unexpected encounter with the rebels in the Wilderness
+had hindered the two corps thus long, and as might
+have been expected the time was not left unimproved by
+General Lee. On moving in the morning on the road to
+Orange Court House, Lee's whole army was found strongly
+posted along the banks of a muddy stream called Mine
+Run. Our army was brought into position on the north
+side of the stream, and arrangements commenced for a
+general assault. Sharp picket firing and the occasional
+roar of artillery, warned us that we were on the eve of a
+great battle. A cold storm of rain rendered the situation
+cheerless and uncomfortable, but the excitement of getting
+into position, regiments and brigades marching from one
+part of the line to another, now approaching where the
+bullets of the rebel skirmishers whistled about them, and
+then withdrawing a little to the rear, kept up the spirits
+of the men notwithstanding the tedious storm.</p>
+
+<p>The greater part of the lines of both armies were in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span>
+midst of forests. Between the two lines and in the midst
+of a deep valley, was the little stream Mine Run, bordered
+on each side by marshes in which were luxuriant growths
+of reed grasses. The marshes and slopes on either side
+were thickly set with low pines and scrub oaks, offering
+concealment to both parties.</p>
+
+<p>Darkness closed over the two armies, neither of which
+was yet prepared for battle. The night was spent by both
+parties in throwing up earthworks, and the morning
+revealed several strong lines of rifle pits on the rebel side
+of the stream, one commanding another so that in case
+they should be driven from one the next would afford an
+equally strong or even stronger position.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the two armies remained during Sunday. General
+Meade still waiting to perfect his arrangements.</p>
+
+<p>During the day the disposition of the line was completed.
+General Warren with his Second corps occupied
+the extreme left of the line. His position fronted a very
+strong position of the enemy, where the hills rose abruptly
+to the rear. This being considered by far the strongest
+portion of the enemy's line. Warren was supported by
+the Fifth corps, two divisions of the Third corps, and the
+Third division of the Sixth corps, under General Terry.
+In the center was the First and Fifth corps, and, forming
+the right, were the two remaining divisions of the Sixth
+corps and what was left of the Third. Our Second division
+constituted the extreme right of the line; the Third brigade
+the right of the division; and the Seventy-seventh New
+York the right of the brigade.</p>
+
+<p>At two <span class="smcap">A.M.</span>, the Sixth corps and the division of the
+Third, covered by the woods, moved about two miles to a
+position on the left flank of the enemy. The dense thicket
+and a gentle eminence concealed the corps from the view
+of the rebels, who were but a few yards distant; and in
+order to insure secresy, orders were issued that the men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span>
+should avoid all noise, as far as possible, and refrain from
+lighting fires.</p>
+
+<p>It was arranged that the grand attack should be made
+on Monday; and early in the evening the commanders of
+corps were summoned to General Meade's head-quarters,
+where the plan of the battle was laid before them.</p>
+
+<p>At a given signal, very early in the morning, General
+Warren with his strong force was to press forward on the
+right of the rebel line. At the same time forces in the
+center were to open a fierce fire upon the enemy, while
+the Sixth corps, at the same moment, was to rush from
+its concealed position and turn the left flank of Lee's army.</p>
+
+<p>The commanders of the divisions of the Sixth corps
+summoned the commanders of brigades and regiments,
+and communicated to them also the plan of the battle, and
+assigned to each his part.</p>
+
+<p>The night was bitter cold, and the men of our corps
+were without fires. It was vain to attempt to sleep, and
+the men spent the night in leaping and running in efforts
+to keep warm.</p>
+
+<p>No one doubted that the morning was to bring on one of
+the most terrific struggles in the history of warfare. No
+man knew what was to be his own fate, but each seemed
+braced for the conflict. It was a glorious moonlight, and
+the stars looked down in beauty from the cold skies upon
+the strange scene. Thus all waited for the day.</p>
+
+<p>The morning dawned; and soon after daylight the signal
+gun for the grand attack was heard near the center of the
+line, and an active cannonade commenced there.</p>
+
+<p>In a short time the order came for the commencement
+of the movement on the right. The men were ordered to
+fall in; they were faced to the right, to move a little farther
+in that direction before making the direct assault;
+they stood, with their muskets on their shoulders, their
+hearts beating violently in anticipation of the onset to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span>
+made in another moment, when an aide rode hastily to
+General Howe with directions to suspend the movement!</p>
+
+<p>Warren, on advancing his line of skirmishers, and viewing
+the strong works thrown up by the enemy during the
+night, had sent word that he could not carry the position
+before him. And General Meade had ordered the whole
+movement to be discontinued for the time.</p>
+
+<p>Never before, in the history of our army, had such
+elaborate preparations been made for an attack. Every
+commander and every man knew exactly the part he was
+expected to take in the great encounter, and each had prepared
+himself for it. At the hospitals everything was in
+a state of perfect readiness. Hospital tents were all up,
+beds for the wounded prepared, operating tables were in
+readiness, basins and pails stood filled with water, lint
+and dressings were laid out upon the tables, and surgical
+instruments spread out ready for the grasp of the surgeon.</p>
+
+<p>All day the men remained suffering with cold, their
+hunger but partially satisfied with hard bread without
+coffee. It was a day of discomfort and suffering long to
+be remembered. It chanced that the hard bread issued
+to our division was old and very wormy. It was, in some
+cases, difficult for a man to know whether his diet was to
+be considered principally animal or vegetable. Our General,
+Neill, sat with his staff munching some of these
+crackers of doubtful character, when he was handed one
+unusually animated. The general broke the cracker,
+examined it for a moment, and, handing it back to the
+servant, said, "Jim, give us one that hasn't so many worms
+in it." Many of the men who were on the picket line that
+day and the night before, were found, when the relief came
+around, dead at their posts, frozen.</p>
+
+<p>During the night of December 1st and 2d, the army
+withdrew from Mine Run. The pickets were directed to
+build fires and keep up a show of force. Our Seventy-seventh<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span>
+being that night on the picket line, formed the
+rear of the rear-guard of the army on its retreat. It was
+three o'clock in the morning of December 2d when the
+picket line was silently withdrawn. After a rapid march,
+it crossed the pontoon bridge at Germania Ford at ten
+o'clock. Scarcely had the troops crossed the bridge, when
+the cavalry of the enemy made its appearance on the
+south side of the river. The Seventy-seventh New York,
+the Third Vermont and a battery of artillery were directed
+to remain and guard the ford, while the remainder of the
+army continued the march to the old camps. Next morning
+the two regiments and the battery started for Brandy
+Station, and that night slept in their old quarters.</p>
+
+<p>It was now evident that we were in permanent winter
+quarters. It is not our purpose to discuss the merits of
+this fruitless campaign, but it may not be out of place to
+recall some of the facts relating to it. The orders for
+marching on the 26th, were issued to all the corps commanders
+on the evening previous, indicating the time for
+leaving camp. The Sixth corps was to follow the Third,
+yet when the Sixth corps reached the camp of that corps,
+there were no signs of moving. Several hours were thus
+lost on the start. General French declared that the order
+to move did not reach him on the previous evening, yet
+he knew that the movement was expected that day. As
+the result of this and other delays, two corps did not
+reach the position assigned them on the 26th.</p>
+
+<p>When, on the morning of the 27th, General French moved
+his corps again, he took the wrong road, and thus brought
+on a premature engagement, which caused another delay of
+twenty-four hours. By this time Lee had ample opportunity
+to concentrate his whole army in a strong position on Mine
+Run. Had General Meade's orders been promptly obeyed,
+Lee could have offered no opposition to us at that point,
+and must have accepted battle much nearer Richmond.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Our campaigns for 1863 were now finished; the last two
+of these had certainly been remarkable episodes in the fortunes
+of our stout-hearted army. In October, the rebel
+army had followed us from the Rapidan to the defenses of
+Washington, and in turn we had pursued the confederates
+back to the Rapidan, all without a battle of any magnitude.
+Now, in November, our whole army had crossed
+the river and confronted the rebel army face to face for
+days, and again we were back in our old camps without
+an engagement, except the fight of the Third corps, and
+some skirmishing on the part of others.</p>
+
+<p>During the month of December, general orders were
+issued from the war department offering to soldiers of the
+army, who had already served two years, and who had
+still a year or less to serve, large bounties, a release from
+the term of their former enlistment and thirty-five days'
+furlough, as inducements for them to re&euml;nlist for three
+years from that time. Much excitement was created by
+the order throughout the army, and thousands accepted it,
+nearly all claiming that they cared little for the large
+bounties, but that the thirty-five days' furlough was the
+great inducement.</p>
+
+<p>The only military movement of the winter was Kilpatrick's
+great raid upon Richmond, in which the lamented
+Dahlgren lost his life.</p>
+
+<p>Simultaneous with this great raid, General Custer, with
+a division of cavalry, made a movement on Charlottesville,
+and the Sixth corps was ordered to move in that direction
+as support to the cavalry. On Saturday, February 27th,
+the corps, leaving its camp and sick in charge of a small
+guard, marched through Culpepper and proceeded to
+James City, a Virginia city of two or three houses, where
+the bivouac for the night was made. Next morning the
+corps marched slowly to Robertson's River, within three
+miles of Madison Court House, the New Jersey brigade<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span>
+alone crossing the river and proceeding as far as the latter
+village. Here the corps lay all the following day, and as
+the weather was pleasant, the men passed the time in
+sports and games, but at evening a cold storm of rain set
+in, continuing all night and the next day, to the great discomfort
+of all. Custer's cavalry returned at evening of
+the 1st of March, looking in a sorry plight from their long
+ride in the mud. Reveille sounded at five o'clock on the
+morning of March 2d, and at seven the corps turned
+toward the old camp, at which it arrived, after a severe
+march through the mud, at sunset the same day.</p>
+
+<p>There were, connected with our camp near Brandy Station,
+many pleasant remembrances; and notwithstanding
+a few severe experiences, this was the most cheerful winter
+we had passed in camp. One agreeable feature of this
+encampment was the great number of ladies, wives of
+officers, who spent the winter with their husbands. On
+every fine day great numbers of ladies might be seen riding
+about the camps and over the desolate fields, and their presence
+added greatly to the brilliancy of the frequent reviews.</p>
+
+<p>Great taste was displayed by many officers in fitting up
+their tents and quarters for the reception of their wives.
+The tents were usually inclosed by high walls of evergreens,
+woven with much skill, and fine arches and
+exquisite designs beautified the entrances to these happy
+retreats. The Christian Commission, among other good
+things which it did for the soldiers, and, indeed, this was
+among the best, made arrangements by which it loaned to
+nearly every brigade in the army, a large canvas, to be used
+as a roof for a brigade chapel. These chapels were built of
+logs and covered with the canvas, and were in many cases
+large enough to hold three hundred people. Here religious
+services were held, not only on Sunday, but also on week
+day evenings. A deep religious interest prevailed in many
+of the brigades, and great numbers of soldiers professed to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>
+have met with a change of heart. In our Third brigade,
+this religious interest was unusually great; a religious
+organization was formed within the Seventy-seventh, and
+Chaplain Fox baptized eleven members of the regiment in
+Hazel river. A course of literary lectures was also delivered
+in the chapel of our Third brigade, and Washington's
+birthday was celebrated in it with appropriate ceremonies
+and addresses. The chapel tent was also a reading room,
+where, owing to the energy of Chaplain Fox, all the principal
+papers, secular and religious, literary, military, pictorial,
+agricultural and scientific, were furnished; and these were
+a great source both of pleasure and profit to the men.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/church-call.png">
+<img src="images/church-call-small.png" width="400" height="302" alt="Church Call" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">Church Call.</p>
+
+<p>Our corps was reviewed by General Grant; by the
+Russian admiral and suite, who for the amusement of the
+soldiers, performed some most ludicrous feats in horsemanship;
+and by a body of English officers. Never had such
+general good health prevailed among our camps, and never
+were the men so well contented or in so good spirits.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxiii" id="chapter_xxiii"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Preparing to leave camp&mdash;General Grant in command&mdash;The last advance across
+the Rapidan&mdash;The battle-ground&mdash;Battle of the Wilderness&mdash;Noble fight of
+Getty's division&mdash;Hancock's fight on the left&mdash;Rickett's division driven back&mdash;The
+ground retaken&mdash;The wounded&mdash;Duties of the surgeons&mdash;The noble dead.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Many pleasant recollections cluster around the old camp
+at Brandy Station, which will never be effaced from the
+memory of the soldiers of the Army of the Potomac.</p>
+
+<p>But at length preparations were commenced for opening
+the spring campaign, and one of the first orders, looking
+toward the breaking up of our camps, was one directing
+that our lady friends should take their departure, then
+another to send all superfluous camp equipage to the rear.</p>
+
+<p>Our army had been reorganized, its five corps being
+consolidated into three. The three divisions of the First
+corps were transferred to the Fifth, retaining their corps
+badges. Two divisions of the Third were assigned to the
+Second, preserving their badges, while the Third division,
+Third corps, was transferred permanently to the Sixth
+corps, and became the Third division of that corps. Our
+old Third division was broken up, the brigades of Wheaton
+and Eustis being transferred to the Second division, and
+Shaler's brigade to the First. Our corps, as reorganized,
+consisted of three divisions, comprising eleven brigades.<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> The corps, as reorganized, was commanded as follows:
+</p><p>
+Major-General John Sedgwick commanding the corps.
+</p><p>
+First division, Brigadier-General H. G. Wright, commanding. First brigade,
+Colonel W. H. Penrose; Second brigade, Colonel E. Upton; Third brigade, Brigadier-General
+D. A. Russell; Fourth brigade, Brigadier-General A. Shaler.
+</p><p>
+Second division, Brigadier-General George W. Getty, commanding. First brigade,
+Brigadier-General Frank Wheaton; Second brigade, Colonel L. A. Grant; Third
+brigade, Brigadier-General Thomas H. Neill; Fourth brigade, Brigadier-General
+L. A. Eustis.
+</p><p>
+Third division, Brigadier-General James B. Ricketts, commanding. First brigade,
+Brigadier-General W. H. Morris; Second brigade, Brigadier-General Truman
+Seymour; Third brigade, Colonel Keiffer.</p></div>
+
+<p>During the winter, congress, recognizing the great
+ability of General Grant, had conferred upon that officer
+the rank of Lieutenant-General, giving him, under the
+President, command of all the armies of the United
+States. General Grant at once proceeded to adopt a plan
+for harmonious movements of all the armies. General
+Sherman, in the west, was directed to push vigorously
+southward, penetrating the enemy's country as far as possible,
+and prevent reinforcements being sent to Lee's army
+in the east. General Butler, on the Peninsula, was to
+advance on Richmond, taking Petersburgh, and, if possible,
+Richmond itself, while the Army of the Potomac
+was to attack Lee's army in the front, and force it back
+upon Richmond or destroy it.</p>
+
+<p>These co&ouml;perative movements having been all arranged,
+each commander of an army or department informed not
+only of the part which he was expected to perform himself,
+but what all were expected to do, the Army of the
+Potomac was ready to move. General Grant had established
+his head-quarters with that army.</p>
+
+<p>At length the order for moving came. On the morning
+of the 4th of May, reveille was sounded at half-past two
+o'clock, and at half-past four the Sixth corps moved, taking
+the road to Germania Ford.</p>
+
+<p>It was a lovely day, and all nature seemed rejoicing
+at the advent of spring. Flowers strewed the wayside,
+and the warble of the blue bird, and the lively song of the
+sparrow, were heard in the groves and hedges.</p>
+
+<p>The distance from our camps to Germania Ford was
+sixteen miles. This distance we marched rapidly, and
+long before sunset we had crossed the ford on pontoon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span>
+bridges and marched to a point three miles south of the
+river, where we bivouacked for the night.</p>
+
+<p>The Second corps, at an earlier hour, had crossed at
+Ely's Ford, and had reached a position near the old Chancellorsville
+battle-field, and the Fifth corps had led the way
+across Germania Ford.</p>
+
+<p>The infantry had been preceded by the cavalry divisions
+of Gregg and Wilson, under Sheridan. They had fallen
+in with a small picket force which, after exchanging a few
+shots, had beat a hasty retreat.</p>
+
+<p>Before night the army and the greater part of our trains
+had effected a crossing without opposition; and, doubtless,
+much to the surprise and chagrin of General Lee, we
+were holding strong positions, from which it would hardly
+be possible to force us.</p>
+
+<p>Except slight skirmishes in front of Hancock's Second
+corps, there was no fighting on the fourth of May. At
+seven o'clock on the morning of the fifth, the Sixth corps
+moved southward about two miles on the Wilderness plank
+road. Here the corps rested until eleven o'clock, while
+artillery and cavalry passed along the road in a continuous
+column. At eleven o'clock the corps faced to the front,
+and advanced into the woods which skirted the road.</p>
+
+<p>The Sixth corps now occupied the extreme right of the
+line, General Warren's Fifth corps the center, and Hancock's
+Second corps was on the left, near Chancellorsville.
+Between Warren and Hancock was an unoccupied space&mdash;a
+point of vital importance to our line. Thither General
+Getty, with the First, Second and Fourth brigades of our
+Second division, was sent to hold the ground till Hancock,
+who was ordered to come up, should arrive. Our Third
+brigade being all that was left of the Second division, it
+was assigned to the First division. General Meade's head-quarters
+were just in rear of the Fifth corps. The wood
+through which our line was now moving was a thick growth<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span>
+of oak and walnut, densely filled with a smaller growth of
+pines and other brushwood; and in many places so thickly
+was this undergrowth interwoven among the large trees,
+that one could not see five yards in front of the line. Yet,
+as we pushed on, with as good a line as possible, the thick
+tangle in a measure disappeared, and the woods were more
+open. Still, in the most favorable places, the thicket was
+so close as to make it impossible to manage artillery or
+cavalry, and, indeed, infantry found great difficulty in
+advancing, and at length we were again in the midst of
+the thick undergrowth.</p>
+
+<p>Warren's corps, on our left, was already fighting, and
+forcing the enemy to retire from his front, when our own
+corps struck the rebel skirmishers, who steadily fell back,
+disputing the ground. As our line advanced, it would
+suddenly come upon a line of gray-coated rebels, lying
+upon the ground, covered with dried leaves, and concealed
+by the chapparal, when the rebels would rise, deliver a
+murderous fire, and retire.</p>
+
+<p>We thus advanced through this interminable forest more
+than a mile and a half, driving the rebel skirmishers before
+us, when we came upon their line of battle, which refused
+to retire.</p>
+
+<p>Neill's brigade and the New Jersey brigade were in the
+first line of battle, at the foot of a slope, and in the rear
+of these two brigades were Russell's, Upton's and Shaler's.
+On the left of the First division were Seymour's and
+Keiffer's brigades, General Morris with his brigade remaining
+on the right.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy now charged upon our lines, making a desperate
+effort to turn our right flank, but without avail. Again
+and again the rebels in columns rushed with the greatest
+fury upon the two brigades in front, without being able to
+move them from their position. At half-past three o'clock
+our sufferings had been so great that General Sedgwick<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span>
+sent a messenger to General Burnside, who had now
+crossed his corps at Germania Ford, with a request that
+he would send a division to our assistance.</p>
+
+<p>The assistance was promised, but an order from General
+Grant made other disposition of the division, and what
+remained of the noble old Sixth corps was left to hold its
+position alone. At four, or a little later, the rebels retired,
+leaving many of their dead upon the ground, whom they
+were unable to remove. In these encounters the Seventh
+Maine and Sixty-first Pennsylvania regiments of Neill's
+brigade, who were on the right flank, received the heaviest
+onsets, and suffered most severely. At one time the
+Maine regiment found itself flanked by a brigade of rebels.
+Changing front the gallant regiment charged to the rear
+and scattered its opponents in confusion. The opposing
+lines were upon the two slopes of a ravine, through which
+ran a strip of level marshy ground, densely wooded like the
+rest of the wilderness. The confederates now commenced
+to strengthen the position on their side of the ravine, felling
+timber and covering it with earth. The woods
+resounded with the strokes of their axes, as the busy
+workmen plied their labor within three hundred yards,
+and in some places less than one hundred yards of our
+line, yet so dense was the thicket that they were entirely
+concealed from our view.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the battle had raged furiously along the
+whole line. The rattle of musketry would swell into a
+full continuous roar as the simultaneous discharge of ten
+thousand guns mingled in one grand concert, and then
+after a few minutes, become more interrupted, resembling
+the crash of some huge king of the forest when felled
+by the stroke of the woodman's axe. Then would be
+heard the wild yells which always told of a rebel charge,
+and again the volleys would become more terrible and the
+broken, crashing tones would swell into one continuous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span>
+roll of sound, which presently would be interrupted by the
+vigorous manly cheers of the northern soldiers, so different
+from the shrill yell of the rebels, and which indicated a
+repulse of their enemies. Now and then the monotony of
+the muskets was broken by a few discharges of artillery,
+which seemed to come in as a double bass in this concert
+of death, but so impenetrable was the forest that little
+use was made of artillery, and the work of destruction
+was carried on with the rifles.</p>
+
+<p>Warren's corps, first engaged, had nobly withstood the
+fierce assaults upon the center of the line, and had even
+advanced considerably. Hancock's command was also
+hotly engaged. In the commencement of the battle, three
+brigades of the Second division, the First, Second and
+Fourth, with our commander, General Getty, were taken
+from the Sixth corps and sent to the right of Warren's
+corps, to seize and hold the intersection of the Brock road
+and the Orange county turnpike, a point of vital importance,
+and which, as Hancock's corps was still far to the left
+near Chancellorsville, was entirely exposed. Toward this
+point Hill was hastening his rebel corps down the turnpike,
+with the design of interposing between Hancock and the
+main army. No sooner had the division reached the crossing
+of the two roads than the First brigade, General
+Wheaton's, became hotly engaged with Hill's corps, which
+was coming down the road driving some of our cavalry
+before it. The Vermont brigade quickly formed on the
+left of the plank road, and the Fourth brigade on the right
+of the First. The engagement became general at once, and
+each brigade was suffering heavy losses. The men hugged
+the ground closely, firing as rapidly as possible.</p>
+
+<p>Hancock's corps was advancing from the left, but thus
+far the division was holding the ground alone. An attack
+by the three brigades was ordered, and the line was considerably<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span>
+advanced. Again the men hugged the ground,
+the rebels doing the same.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, holding the ground against vastly superior numbers,
+the division sustained the weight of the rebel attacks
+until long after noon, when some of Hancock's regiments
+came to its support. With the heroic valor for which the
+division was so well known throughout the army, it withstood
+the force of the rebels until its lines were terribly
+thinned. The First brigade had held the ground with
+desperate valor, and our friends, the Vermonters, fought
+with that gallantry which always characterized the sons
+of the Green Mountain State. Their noblest men were
+falling thickly, yet they held the road.</p>
+
+<p>As Hancock joined his corps on the left of Getty's division,
+he ordered a charge along the whole line, and again
+the carnage became fearful. For two hours the struggle
+continued, and when the sounds of battle became less, and
+as darkness finally came over the wilderness, it brought a
+season of respite to the hard fought divisions.</p>
+
+<p>A thousand brave men of the Vermont brigade, and
+nearly as many of Wheaton's brigade, with hundreds from
+the Fourth brigade, had fallen upon that bloody field.</p>
+
+<p>In the evening the contest was renewed, especially
+along the line of the Sixth corps, and the dark woods
+were lighted with the flame from the mouths of tens of
+thousands of muskets.</p>
+
+<p>Charges and counter-charges followed each other in
+quick succession, and the rebel yell and northern cheer
+were heard alternately, but no decided advantage was
+gained by either party. At two o'clock at night the battle
+died away, but there was no rest for the weary soldiers
+after the fatiguing duties of the day. Each man sat with
+musket in hand during the wearisome hours of the night,
+prepared for an onset of the enemy. Skirmishing was
+kept up during the entire night, and at times the musketry<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span>
+would break out in full volleys, which rolled along the
+opposing lines until they seemed vast sheets of flame.</p>
+
+<p>The position of the two armies on the morning of the
+6th was substantially that of the day before; the Sixth
+corps on the right, its rear on Wilderness Run near the
+old Wilderness Tavern, the Fifth corps next on its left,
+and the Second corps with three brigades of the Second
+division Sixth corps, on the left; the line extending about
+five miles. Besides these corps, General Burnside was
+bringing his troops into the line.</p>
+
+<p>Between the two armies lay hundreds of dead and dying
+men whom neither army could remove, and over whose
+bodies the fight must be renewed.</p>
+
+<p>The battle was opened at daylight by a fierce charge
+of the enemy on the Sixth corps, and soon it raged along
+the whole line. The volleys of musketry echoed and
+re&euml;choed through the forests like peals of thunder, and the
+battle surged to and fro, now one party charging, and
+now the other, the interval between the two armies being
+fought over in many places as many as five times, leaving
+the ground covered with dead and wounded. Those of the
+wounded able to crawl, reached one or the other line, but the
+groans of others, who could not move, lent an additional
+horror to the terrible scene whenever there was a lull in
+the battle. At ten o'clock the roar of battle ceased, and
+from that time until five <span class="smcap">P.M.</span>, it was comparatively quiet
+in front of the Sixth corps, but from the left where Hancock's
+corps and Getty's braves were nobly battling, the
+war of musketry was incessant. There, Hancock had
+formed his troops in several lines of battle, and advanced
+them upon the plank road. Getty's troops, their ranks
+having been so terribly shattered the day before, were
+allowed to form in the rear. The attack was commenced,
+but presently the enemy came down in terrible fury upon
+Hancock's lines. One after another was swept away,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span>
+leaving no Union troops in front of Getty. Now the
+exulting rebels came with stunning force against the Sixth
+corps men. They had prepared breastworks of logs and
+decayed wood, and against these light defenses the rebels
+charged, but only to meet with a deadly repulse. Again and
+again the charge was renewed, and as often the brave men
+who had seen nearly three thousand of their comrades fall
+on the day before, sent the confederates back from the
+road. At length, the divisions on the right and left of
+Getty having fallen back to the Brock road, the division
+was forced to fall back to the road also, but only after
+exhibiting a steadiness and valor rarely equaled by any
+troops.</p>
+
+<p>The road was held, in spite of every effort of the enemy
+to take it; but the noble soldier and patriotic gentleman,
+General Wadsworth, lost his life while striving to rally
+his division to hold the ground against the confederates.</p>
+
+<p>Although the storm of battle had abated in our front, the
+rebels had stationed sharpshooters in the trees and other
+advantageous positions, who kept up an incessant and
+annoying fire, and now and then a shell from a rebel battery
+would drop into our ranks. By these, the corps lost
+many men.</p>
+
+<p>Until the evening of the 6th, our Third brigade of the
+Second division, and the New Jersey brigade of the First
+division of the Sixth corps, had occupied the right of the line
+of battle along the base of our slope of the ravine. Other
+portions of the First division, and the Third division, occupying
+a position in our rear, on the summit of the slope,
+had been engaged during the day in throwing up earthworks.
+At 5 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span>, the two advance brigades received
+orders to fall back to the cover of these breastworks.</p>
+
+<p>For thirty hours the Sixth corps, stripped of three brigades
+of its veteran troops, weary from fighting and fasting,
+had been patiently waiting for the relief promised it long<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span>
+ago, and steadily holding its ground until half of the
+advance brigades and almost half of the corps was
+destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>Thirty hours before, General Sedgwick had sent word
+that the rebels were trying to turn our flank, and begged
+that support might be sent; but no support had come.
+These breastworks had been prepared to give the exhausted
+corps a little protection, that they might, by falling back
+to their cover, occupy a stronger and less exposed position.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after five o'clock, the brigades commenced falling
+back to these works. The rebels discovered the movement,
+and thought it was a retreat. They were evidently
+already prepared for a desperate assault upon our flank; and
+now that there seemed a retreat, there was no longer any
+hesitation. Cheer after cheer arose from the rebel ranks,
+and, in fifteen minutes after, their yells were mingled
+with terrific volleys of musketry, as they poured in overwhelming
+numbers upon our flanks.</p>
+
+<p>A brief description of the position will explain the
+nature of the movement, which lost to the Sixth corps
+the position it had held for a day and a half.</p>
+
+<p>When the brigades which had occupied the base of the
+slope fell back to the breastworks, the line of battle was
+arranged thus: on the extreme right was the Third division&mdash;a
+division but a few days before joined to the corps&mdash;a
+division composed mostly of new troops who had never
+before faced an enemy, and none of them had ever had
+any connection with the already historic fame of that
+glorious corps. Next on the left was the First division,
+and joining this division on the left was our own Third
+brigade of the Second division.</p>
+
+<p>The assault of the rebels fell upon the green troops of
+the Third division, who, seized with consternation, fled in
+confusion without attempting resistance. General Seymour
+whose gallant conduct up to this time had won for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span>
+him the admiration of all, made desperate attempts to
+rally his panic-stricken brigade and refused to go to the
+rear with them. While thus striving vainly to restore
+order to his shattered command, rushing to the front and
+attempting by his own manner to inspire courage in his
+men, he was surrounded by the enemy and captured. He
+had but just returned from the rebel prisons where he had
+been since the unfortunate battle of Olustee.</p>
+
+<p>The hasty flight of the Third division opened the flank
+and rear of the First division to the charge of the rebels,
+who now rushed on with redoubled fury and with demoniac
+yells, carrying everything before them. The First
+division fell back, but not in the disorder and confusion of
+the other. General Shaler, with a large part of his brigade,
+which held that part of the line joining the Third
+division, was captured while vainly striving to resist the
+onset of the rebel forces.</p>
+
+<p>The regiments of our Third brigade were forced from
+the rifle pits, leaving the Seventy-seventh regiment and a
+part of the Forty-third alone contending the ground,
+exposed to a galling fire on front, flank and rear. The
+gallant regiments remained in the breastworks, pouring
+their fire into the enemy's ranks until ordered to withdraw,
+to save themselves from capture.</p>
+
+<p>The right wing, if not the whole army, was now in danger.
+It was at such times that the great spirit of the
+noble Sedgwick rose to the control of events. It seemed
+to require adversity to bring out all the grand qualities
+of his nature. We had witnessed his imperturbable
+bravery and determination on the retreat to Banks' Ford,
+his unsurpassed heroism at Antietam, when he kept the
+field after he was thrice wounded, was familiar to the
+nation, and now we were to see another manifestation of
+his indomitable courage.</p>
+
+<p>Rushing here and there, regardless of personal safety,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span>
+he faced the disordered mass of fugitives of the Third
+division, and with threats and entreaties prevailed upon
+them to halt; then turning to the veterans of the First
+division, he shouted to them to remember the honor of the
+old Sixth corps. That was an irresistible appeal, and
+the ranks of the First division and of our Third brigade
+were formed along the turnpike, which was at right angles
+to our former position. The corps now charged upon
+the exultant foe, and forced them back until our breastworks
+were recaptured; but our flank was too much
+exposed, and again the enemy charged upon our front and
+flank, forcing the corps to wheel back to the turnpike,
+where it had first rallied.</p>
+
+<p>General Sedgwick now ordered another charge, and
+bravely the men rushed forward, ready to obey any order
+from the revered lips of "<i>Uncle John</i>." The enemy was
+again forced back, and again the corps occupied the
+breastworks. It was now dark, but the roar of musketry
+mingled with the deep toned artillery shook the
+ground, and the dense forest was lighted by the scores of
+thousands of flashing rifles which sent death to unseen
+foes.</p>
+
+<p>The corps had not recovered its line of works without
+sacrifice, for the ground in our rear was covered with our
+fallen comrades, while many more had been captured by
+the enemy. But we were now able to hold the ground.
+The temporary disorder had arisen, and had been mostly
+confined to the new troops, and even these, when rallied
+from their momentary confusion, had fought with heroic
+valor. Although, for a time, forced back by the surprise
+of the rebel onset, the old troops of the corps had shown
+no want of courage. <i>The Sixth corps proper had not lost
+its pristine glory.</i> Something of a panic had been created
+among the teamsters in the rear, and before dark the trains
+were hurrying toward Chancellorsville.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Leaving the excitement of the battle, let us now turn
+where the results of this carnage are seen in their sober
+reality. While we stand in line of battle we see little of
+the frightful havoc of war. The wounded drop about
+us, but, except those left on disputed ground and unable
+to crawl away, they are carried instantly to the rear. The
+groans and cries of the wounded and dying, of which we
+so often read as filling up the grand discord of sounds on
+the battle-field, are things scarcely known in actual war.
+Rarely, as in the present battles, wounded men, unable to
+get away, are left between the lines in such numbers that,
+when the musketry dies away, their groans become heart-rending.
+But this is not usual.</p>
+
+<p>But at the field hospitals, the work of destruction
+is seen in all its horrors. There, wounded men by thousands
+are brought together, filling the tents and stretched
+upon every available spot of ground for many rods around.
+Surgeons, with never tiring energy, are ministering to their
+wants, giving them food, dressing their wounds or standing
+at the operating table removing the shattered fragments
+of limbs. Men wounded in every conceivable way, men
+with mutilated bodies, with shattered limbs and broken
+heads, men enduring their injuries with heroic patience,
+and men giving way to violent grief, men stoically indifferent,
+and men bravely rejoicing that it is <i>only a leg</i>. To
+all these the surgeons are to give such relief as lies in their
+power, a task the very thoughts of which would overcome
+physicians at home, but upon which the army surgeon
+enters with as much coolness and confidence as though he
+could do it all at once. He has learned to do what he can.
+Contenting himself with working day and night without
+respite, and often without food, until, by unremitting but
+quiet toil, the wants of all are relieved. No class of men
+in the army perform so great labors with so little credit as
+the surgeons.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Lest the author should be accused of undue partiality
+for his own staff, he will quote the words of an unprejudiced
+witness, who, in speaking of the labor, the anxiety
+and the responsibility imposed upon the surgeons after a
+great battle, says:</p>
+
+<p>"The devotion, the solicitude, the unceasing efforts to
+remedy the defects of the situation, the untiring attentions
+to the wounded, upon their part, were so marked as to
+be apparent to all who visited the hospitals. It must be
+remembered that these same officers had endured the privations
+and fatigues of the long forced marches with the
+rest of the army; they had shared its dangers, for one
+medical officer from each regiment follows it into battle,
+and is liable to the accidents of war, as has been repeatedly
+and fatally the case; that its field hospitals are often,
+from the changes of the line of battle, brought under fire
+of the enemy, and that while in this situation these surgeons
+are called upon to exercise the calmest judgment,
+to perform the most critical and serious operations, and
+this quickly and continuously. The battle ceasing, their
+labors continue. While other officers are sleeping, renewing
+their strength for further efforts, the medical are still
+toiling. They have to improvise hospitals from the rudest
+materials, are obliged to 'make bricks without straw,' to
+surmount seeming impossibilities. The work is unending
+both by day and night, the anxiety is constant, and the
+strain upon both the physical and mental faculties unceasing.
+Thus, after this battle, operators had to be held up
+while performing the operations, and fainted from exhaustion
+the operation finished. One completed his labors to
+be seized with partial paralysis, the penalty of his over
+exertion.</p>
+
+<p>"While his duties are as arduous, his exposure as great,
+and the mortality from disease and injury as large as
+among other staff officers of similar rank, the surgeon has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span>
+no prospect of promotion, of a brevet or an honorable
+mention, to stimulate him. His duties are performed
+quietly, unostentatiously. He does his duty for his country's
+sake, for the sake of humanity."<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> J. H. Douglass, Assistant Secretary Sanitary Commission.</p></div>
+
+<p>The labors of the medical officers had never been so
+great as at these battles. Thousands of wounded men
+were stretched in and about the several field hospitals,
+and long trains of ambulances, loaded with more bleeding
+victims, were constantly bringing in new subjects of care.</p>
+
+<p>The hospitals of the Sixth corps were located, that of
+the First division about a large house near the turnpike,
+in rear of the position of the division; that of the Third
+division was near by, and the hospital of our Second division
+was placed on the banks of Wilderness Run, near the
+old gold mine, and within a few rods of General Meade's
+head-quarters. The hospitals of the Fifth corps were also
+within a short distance, on the left.</p>
+
+<p>At the hospital of our Second division, the scene was
+one of activity and sadness. Never had so many of our
+choice spirits been brought to the rear, and never had
+the division been bereft of so many of its brightest ornaments
+by death.</p>
+
+<p>All the hospital tents belonging to the division were
+filled to overflowing with the unfortunate victims of the
+battle. There, all the space between the different rows of
+tents, and for many yards in front and rear, was covered
+with others, for whom there was no room under the canvas,
+and, finally, long rows of them were laid upon the ground
+at a little distance from the hospitals as close as they could
+lie, covering many rods of ground.</p>
+
+<p>In the operating tents, the surgeons assigned to the duty
+of performing operations plied their work without rest
+from the time the battle commenced until its close, day<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span>
+and night, while dressers, and those whose duty it was
+to supply the wounded with food, were untiring in their
+zeal.</p>
+
+<p>At midnight of the 6th, the operators were directed to
+cease their work. Ambulances and army wagons in great
+numbers were loaded with the wounded, and the whole
+train, accompanied by the surgeons, moved toward Chancellorsville,
+taking the turnpike along the rear of the army.
+But, with all the ambulances and army wagons at command,
+hundreds of these unfortunate heroes were left behind; and
+as it was known that our line of battle was to fall back
+within a few hours, preparations were made for their care
+when they should fall into the hands of the enemy. Four
+assistant surgeons from each division, a number of hospital
+tents, a supply of hard bread and beef, with dressings and
+instruments, were left behind; and with sad hearts, their
+companions bade them farewell. Like preparations were
+made by the other corps, for those of the wounded who
+must be left to their fate. The long train bearing the
+wounded reached the left of the old battle-field of Chancellorsville
+toward morning, and at once the labor of
+re&euml;stablishing the hospitals commenced. Tents were
+erected, the ambulances unloaded, and the surgeons,
+already worn out by forty hours of incessant toil, resumed
+their work.</p>
+
+<p>When the Sixth corps reoccupied the breastworks at
+dark on the 6th, it was desirable that the right flank
+should be protected by old and reliable troops. Neill's
+Third brigade was assigned to that position, the Seventy-seventh
+being upon the extreme right, the Sixty-first Pennsylvania
+thrown out at right angles to protect the rear.
+On the left of the Seventy-seventh was the Forty-ninth
+New York, the Seventh Maine was next, then the One
+Hundred and Twenty-second, and the Forty-third New
+York was on the left of the brigade.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>All was now quiet. No sound was heard except now
+and then the suppressed tones of officers in command.
+The stars shone through the openings among the trees
+upon a long line of dusky forms lying close behind the
+sheltering breastworks, as silent as death but ready at an
+instant to pour out a storm of destruction. A row of
+bayonets projected over the breastworks; an abattis
+of steel awaiting the momentarily expected onset of the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>At ten o'clock the low tones of command of the rebel
+officers were heard as they urged their men against our
+rear and flank. Colonel Smith of the Sixty-first Pennsylvania,
+ordered his men to lie down, for they had no
+breastworks, and to reserve their fire. Nearer and nearer
+came the dark line, until within twenty feet of the recumbent
+Pennsylvanians, but not a sound from them. Still
+nearer the rebel line approached, to within a distance of
+ten feet, when the sharp command rang out, "<i>Fire</i>;" and
+rising the Pennsylvanians delivered a withering fire into
+the rebel ranks that sent them reeling back into the darkness
+from whence they came; but a line of prostrate forms
+where the fire from our line had met the advancing column,
+told of its terrible execution. Twenty minutes after
+this repulse they advanced silently but in stronger force,
+directly in front of our breastworks. They advanced
+slowly and in silence until within a few feet of the Union
+line, when with wild yells they leaped forward, some even
+mounting the breastworks. But a sheet of flame instantly
+flashed along the whole line of our works; the astonished
+rebels wavered for a moment and then beat a hasty retreat,
+relinquishing with this last desperate effort the attempt to
+drive back the old Sixth corps.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely a man of the Union force was injured by
+this charge, but the dead and wounded from the rebel
+ranks literally covered the ground. There was no help for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span>
+them. Our men were unable even to take care of their
+own wounded which lay scattered through the woods in
+the rear. So the rebel wounded lay between the two
+armies, making the night hideous with their groans.</p>
+
+<p>The battle of the 6th was now at an end, neither party
+having gained any decided advantage.</p>
+
+<p>At midnight the Sixth corps fell back upon the plank
+road to the vicinity of the old gold mine mill, where our
+hospitals had been. Intrenchments were thrown up and the
+position was held without much annoyance from the rebels
+all the next day. The whole line of the army remained
+quiet on the 7th, only a few skirmishes along different parts
+of the line, relieving the monotony of the day.</p>
+
+<p>The two days of fighting had told fearfully upon our
+ranks. Our regiments which a few hours before were
+well filled, were now but fragments of regiments; and our
+hearts were weighed down with heavy grief when we
+thought of the many grand spirits who had left us forever
+since we crossed the Rapidan.</p>
+
+<p>We thought of the young colonel of the Forty-third,
+Wilson, beloved and admired throughout the corps. His
+death was a heavy blow to us all. We should miss his
+soldierly presence on the parade; his winning pleasantry in
+our social circles; we were no longer to enjoy his beautiful
+example of unswerving christian morality. His manly
+form was no longer to be our pride, and his heroic valor
+would never again be manifest on the field of battle.</p>
+
+<p>Major Fryer had received his mortal hurt. Fryer was
+young and gallant; his handsome form and brilliant eye
+were in fine harmony with those of his friend and superior.
+"In their lives they were beautiful, and in their death they
+were not divided."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Hickmot, too, of the Forty-ninth was among
+the slain. Surely death loves a shining mark, and with
+what terrible precision had he chosen his victims. Hickmot's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span>
+bright eye was glazed in death. His gayety was
+hushed forever. We remembered now his hearty laugh,
+his friendly words and his purity of character, and knew
+that they were ours only in memory.</p>
+
+<p>Wallace of the Forty-third and Terry of the Forty-ninth,
+too, were gone. Colonel Ryerson, the gallant commander
+of the Tenth New Jersey, was mortally wounded.</p>
+
+<p>In the Seventy-seventh we had lost Craig; a youth of
+rare qualities and of stern patriotism.</p>
+
+<p>The Vermont brigade had lost many of its brightest
+ornaments. Colonel Barney of the Sixth was one of Vermont's
+best men. A kind yet faithful commander in camp,
+gallant and fearless on the field. He was the highest type
+of a man; a christian gentleman. Colonel Stone had been
+killed instantly on the 5th. His urbane manners were
+remembered by all who frequented our division head-quarters,
+and his bravery had endeared him to his men.
+Colonel Tyler, too, of the Second was among the mortally
+wounded, and all felt his loss deeply.</p>
+
+<p>Captains Bixby, of the Second, Bartlett and Buck, of
+the Third, Carpenter and Farr, of the Fourth, Ormsbee
+and Hurlburt, of the Fifth, and Bird and Randall, of the
+Sixth&mdash;all men of bravery and patriotism, all beloved as
+companions and valued as officers&mdash;were among the dead
+or dying. But among Vermont's fallen sons was no more
+ardent patriot or gallant soldier than Captain George D.
+Davenport, of the Fifth. His manly bearing, his brilliant
+intellect, his ready wit, his social virtues and his well
+known bravery, combined to render him a favorite officer
+in his brigade, while to those who were bound to him by
+the ties of fellowship, his disinterested love and noble
+generosity rendered his friendship of inestimable value.</p>
+
+<p>These were a few among the many noble names of fallen
+heroes. Never were grander men sacrificed for a noble
+cause than they.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>General Getty and General Morris and Colonel Keiffer
+were among the wounded, and we had lost General Shaler
+and General Seymour, captured by the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>General Neill succeeded to the command of the Second
+division, and Colonel Bidwell assumed the command
+vacated by General Neill.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxiv" id="chapter_xxiv"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>SPOTTSYLVANIA.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Moving by the flank&mdash;The wounded abandoned&mdash;The Fifth Corps at Spottsylvania&mdash;Arrival
+of the Sixth Corps&mdash;Getting into line&mdash;Death of Sedgwick&mdash;General
+Wright in command&mdash;Battle of the 10th of May&mdash;Upton's splendid charge&mdash;Battle
+at "the angle"&mdash;Another flank movement.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>By this time General Grant, finding the rebel position
+too strong to force in front, and finding, by reconnoissance,
+that the enemy had fallen back to strong works where he
+awaited attack, determined to throw the army between
+Lee's army and Richmond, and accordingly ordered the
+first of that wonderful series of flank movements that have
+become the admiration of the world. The Fifth and Sixth
+corps withdrew with secrecy from the line held by them,
+and falling into the rear of the rest of the army, marched
+rapidly from the right to the left flank toward Spottsylvania.
+The Sixth corps, taking the Chancellorsville road,
+reached the old battle-field at daylight, and halted for
+breakfast near the ruins of the historic Chancellor House.
+The Fifth corps taking a more direct road to Spottsylvania,
+and being unencumbered with the train, marched rapidly
+and reached Piney Branch Church, a little hamlet in the
+midst of the woods, about five miles north of Spottsylvania
+Court House, at nine o'clock in the morning. These
+two corps were quickly followed by the Ninth and Second
+corps, leaving the old wilderness field entirely in the hands
+of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Another of those distressful necessities of war occurred
+on withdrawing from the Wilderness. Wounded men of
+the Fifth and Sixth corps had already been left on the site<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span>
+of the hospitals near the old gold mine mills, and now hundreds
+more from every corps were abandoned for want of
+sufficient transportation. Let it not be thought that the
+Army of the Potomac was deficient in ambulances. Our
+hospital train was immense, yet insufficient for such an
+emergency as the present. To have provided a train sufficient
+for such a time, would have been to incumber the
+army with an enormous establishment, which would so
+interfere with its movements as to defeat the very object
+in view. The present was one of those terrible but
+unavoidable contingencies which must sometimes occur
+in war.</p>
+
+<p>Trains had returned and brought away some of the
+wounded left at the old gold mine, but many were still
+there; and now, again, as we loaded ambulances and army
+wagons to their utmost capacity, making a train of many
+miles in extent, some two hundred of the wounded of our
+Sixth corps were left upon the ground. It was, indeed, a
+sickening thought that these noble fellows, who had nobly
+fallen in their country's cause, must be abandoned to the
+enemy, many of them, perhaps the majority of them, to
+die in their hands. All communication with their friends
+at home hopelessly cut off, and with no expectation of any
+but the roughest treatment from their enemies, it was a sad
+prospect for the unfortunate ones. Medical officers from
+each corps were directed to remain and care for those thus
+left behind, and a limited supply of rations and medicines
+were also left. Surgeon Phillips, of the Third Vermont,
+and Assistant Surgeon Thompson, of the Seventy-seventh
+New York, were the detail to remain behind from the
+Second division. They stayed with our wounded among
+the rebels for several weeks, faithfully ministering to their
+wants, until nearly all had been removed to Richmond,
+when, one day, learning that those remaining were to be
+sent south on the following day, they made their escape by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span>
+night. By traveling throughout the night and hiding in
+the woods by day, they made their way across the Rapidan,
+and finally reached Washington in safety.</p>
+
+<p>The Fifth corps, having taken the most direct road to
+Spottsylvania, arrived at Piney Branch Church at nine
+o'clock on the morning of the 8th, where the infantry skirmishers
+of the enemy were encountered. Gregg's division
+of cavalry had been for some time engaged with the rebel
+cavalry; but the cavalry had not discovered the infantry
+of the enemy before the approach of the Fifth corps. Two
+divisions of the Fifth corps were at once formed in line of
+battle, Bartlett's brigade of Griffin's division being sent
+ahead as skirmishers. As the corps advanced, the skirmishers
+of the enemy steadily withdrew, until they reached
+a large clearing, called Alsop's Farm, along the rear of
+which ran a small stream, the river Ny, about three miles
+north of Spottsylvania. Here the enemy was formed in
+force, with a line of strong earthworks. An attack was
+ordered, and bravely Warren's men advanced against
+the breastworks of the enemy; but their efforts to drive the
+rebels were unavailing. The field was composed of a succession
+of ridges, dotted here and there with clumps of
+pines and oaks, while the country in rear, through which
+the corps had already pressed the opposing skirmishers,
+was a wilderness of trees. The rebels had their artillery
+well posted, and they hurled a fierce storm of shells among
+the advancing lines, arresting their advance. The enemy
+in turn charged upon the Fifth corps, but the Union boys
+fought with desperation, repelling every charge and holding
+their ground. Our troops behaved magnificently, yet
+they were unable to push their advance further.</p>
+
+<p>It was now evident that Lee, anticipating Grant's
+strategy, had set about thwarting it. As soon as our
+troops were withdrawn from Wilderness Run, Lee had
+hastened Ewell's corps and a part of Longstreet's on an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span>
+inner road to Spottsylvania, and these troops now confronted
+us and disputed our advance.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the situation when the Sixth corps arrived on
+the field at two o'clock in the afternoon. The day had
+been the most sultry of the season, and many of the men,
+overcome by the intensity of the heat, and exhausted by
+the constant fighting and marching since the morning
+of the 4th, had fallen by the wayside. The corps halted
+for about two hours, and was then ordered to the front to
+the assistance of Warren's corps, which was again hotly
+engaged with the enemy. We pressed forward along a
+narrow road leading through a thick growth of timber,
+until we came where the Fifth corps was contending the
+ground. The corps was drawn up in line of battle, but
+did not at once commence an attack.</p>
+
+<p>Before us the ground was rolling and partially wooded,
+admirably adapted for defensive warfare. A wooded
+ravine, at a little distance from our front, concealed a
+rebel line of battle, and in our rear, were dense woods
+extending to the road along which our line was formed.
+These woods were on fire, and the hot blasts of air which
+swept over us, together with the burning heat of the sun,
+rendered our position a very uncomfortable one. Before
+long, however, the corps was ordered to the left, and took
+its position in the woods on the left of Warren's corps.
+Our Second division was formed in three lines with the
+view of attacking the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after dark all things being ready, the division
+moved forward to the attack, but after some desperate
+fighting on the part of both the Fifth corps and our own
+division, finding the enemy too strongly posted, the attack
+was relinquished.</p>
+
+<p>Toward midnight some changes of position were ordered,
+but, in the darkness, regiments lost their brigades, and wandered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span>
+about in the woods until daylight, some narrowly
+escaping capture within the lines of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>There was little hard fighting on Monday the 9th,
+though skirmishing was briskly kept up along the whole
+line throughout the day. Our line of battle was now
+extended from northwest to southeast with Hancock's
+Second corps on the right, Warren's Fifth corps on the
+right center, Sedgwick's Sixth corps on the left center, and
+Burnside's Ninth corps on the extreme left. Our Second
+division was formed in a clearing on the side of a hill
+which sloped gradually until it reached a swamp, which,
+however, turned and passed through our line at our left.
+About three hundred yards in front of us was a strip of
+woods one-fourth of a mile wide, and beyond the woods
+an open field where the rebel forces were posted behind
+formidable earthworks. Just in our rear and on the crest
+of the hill, our batteries were posted so as to fire over our
+heads. On our right was a dense forest where the Fifth
+corps were posted, and on our left Burnside's troops occupied
+a more open country.</p>
+
+<p>The whole line of the army was strengthened with
+breastworks of rails and logs, which the men procured in
+many cases from almost under the rebel guns, while the
+heavy mist of the morning concealed them from the view
+of their enemies. Over the logs and rails earth was thrown
+in quantity sufficient to protect the men from the shot and
+shell of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Although there was little fighting on the 9th, it was a
+sad day for the Sixth corps and for the army; for on that
+day our corps lost its beloved commander, and the army a
+most distinguished soldier.</p>
+
+<p>General Sedgwick, while standing behind an outer line
+of works, personally superintending and directing, as was
+his custom, the posting of a battery of artillery at an
+angle which he regarded as of great importance, was shot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span>
+through the head by a rebel sharpshooter, and died
+instantly. The ball had entered his head just below the
+left eye, and passed out at the back of the head.</p>
+
+<p>Never had such a gloom rested upon the whole army on
+account of the death of one man as came over it when the
+heavy tidings passed along the lines that General Sedgwick
+was killed.</p>
+
+<p>Major-General John Sedgwick, who had so long been
+identified with the Sixth corps, was a native of Connecticut.
+He graduated at West Point on the 30th of June,
+1837, and was at once assigned to the Second artillery,
+as second-lieutenant. In 1839, he was promoted to first-lieutenant.
+He served in Mexico, and was brevetted captain
+for gallant and meritorious conduct, in the battles
+of Contreras and Cherubusco. He was soon afterward
+brevetted major for gallant conduct, and greatly distinguished
+himself in the attack on Cosino gate, Mexico city.
+In 1845 he was made major of the First United States
+Cavalry, and served in Texas until the breaking out of the
+rebellion. In March, 1861, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel,
+Second United States Cavalry; and in April
+promoted to the colonelcy of the Fourth Cavalry. He
+was made a brigadier-general of volunteers in August,
+1861, and assigned to the command of a brigade in the
+Army of the Potomac.</p>
+
+<p>He was afterward assigned to the command of the Third
+division, Second corps, then under General Sumner. He
+participated in the siege of Yorktown, and greatly distinguished
+himself in many battles on the Peninsula. He
+was particularly noted at the battle of Fair Oaks, Savage's
+Station, and Glendale. His division was one of the few
+divisions of the Army of the Potomac that rendered any
+assistance to General Pope in his unfortunate campaign.</p>
+
+<p>At Antietam he led his men repeatedly against the
+rebels, and was as often forced back, until the ground over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span>
+which his division had fought was covered with dead. He
+was thrice wounded, but refused to be carried from the
+field until faintness from loss of blood obliged him to
+relinquish his command.</p>
+
+<p>In December, 1862, he was nominated by the President
+a major-general of volunteers, and was confirmed in March,
+1863, with rank from the 31st of May, 1862.</p>
+
+<p>In January following his promotion, he was assigned to
+the command of the Ninth corps, and, on the 5th of February,
+was transferred to the command of the Sixth corps,
+relieving General Smith, who was assigned to the Ninth
+corps.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after taking command of our corps, the famous
+charge upon Fredericksburgh Heights was made, in which
+both the corps and its commander acquired lasting renown.
+General Sedgwick was especially commended by General
+Meade for the manner in which he handled his corps at
+Rappahannock Station, and, in General Meade's absence,
+he was several times in command of the army. He was,
+on several occasions, offered the supreme command of the
+army, but his excessive modesty forbade him to accept so
+important a command.</p>
+
+<p>No soldier was more beloved by the army or honored
+by the country than this noble general. His corps
+regarded him as a father, and his great military abilities
+made his judgment, in all critical emergencies, sought
+after by his superior as well as his fellows. The command
+of the Sixth corps now devolved upon General
+Wright, who had long been well known in the corps as
+the commander of our First division, and who held the
+command of the corps from this time until it was disbanded
+in the autumn of 1865.</p>
+
+<p>Monday night passed quietly. An occasional volley on
+the picket line would rouse us to arms, but there was no
+general assault, and the tired soldiers would throw themselves<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span>
+again upon the ground to catch a few moments
+more of rest.</p>
+
+<p>Our position on Tuesday morning, May 10th, was the
+same as it had been the day previous. During the lull of
+battle on the 9th, both armies had gathered their strength
+and perfected their plans for a renewal of the contest, on
+a scale of magnificence seldom if ever witnessed by any
+army before. This was destined to be a day of most fearful
+carnage, and desperate attempts on the part of each
+antagonist to crush the other by the weight of its terrible
+charges.</p>
+
+<p>Active skirmishing commenced along different portions of
+the line early in the morning, and continued to grow more
+and more general until the rattle of the skirmishers' rifles
+grew into the reverberating roll of battle. From one end
+of the long line to the other the tide of battle surged, the
+musketry continually increasing in volume, until it seemed
+one continuous peal of thunder. During all the battles in
+the Wilderness, artillery had been useless, except when
+here and there a section could be brought in to command
+the roadway; but now all the artillery on both sides was
+brought into the work. It was the terrible cannonading
+of Malvern Hill with the fierce musketry of Gaines' Mills
+combined, that seemed fairly to shake the earth and skies.
+Never during the war had the two armies made such
+gigantic struggles for the destruction of each other.</p>
+
+<p>At first the heavy assaults were made against the right
+wing&mdash;Hancock's and Warren's corps sustaining the principal
+shock of the enemy's repeated charges. Massing
+their forces against particular points of the line held by
+these two corps, the rebel generals would hurl their gray
+legions like an avalanche against our breastworks, hoping
+by the very momentum of the charge to break through our
+lines; but a most withering storm of leaden and iron hail
+would set the mass wavering, and finally send it back to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span>
+the cover of the woods and earthworks in confusion, leaving
+the ground covered at each time with an additional
+layer of their dead. In turn, the men of the Fifth and
+Second corps would charge upon their adversaries, and in
+turn they too would be forced to seek shelter behind their
+rifle pits. Thus the tide of battle along the right of the
+line rolled to and fro, while the horrid din of musketry
+and artillery rose and swelled as the storm grew fiercer.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the Sixth and Ninth corps were quietly
+awaiting events, and it was not until six o'clock in the
+afternoon that the Sixth corps was called into action.
+Then it was to make one of the most notable charges on
+record.</p>
+
+<p>At five o'clock the men of the corps were ordered to
+unsling knapsacks and divest themselves of every incumbrance
+preparatory to a charge. Colonel Upton commanding
+the Second brigade of the First division, was directed
+to take twelve picked regiments from the corps and lead
+them in a charge against the right center of the rebel line.
+The regiments which shared the dearly purchased honor
+of this magnificent charge were, in the first line, the One
+Hundred and Twenty-first New York, the Fifth Maine, the
+Ninety-sixth and One Hundred and Nineteenth Pennsylvania;
+in the second line the Seventy-seventh and Forty-third
+New York, the Fifth Wisconsin, Sixth Maine and
+Forty-ninth Pennsylvania; and in the third line, the Second,
+Fifth and Sixth Vermont. It was indeed an honor to
+be selected for this duty, but it was an honor to be paid
+for at the cost of fearful peril.</p>
+
+<p>The twelve regiments assembled on the open space in
+front of our works, then silently entered the strip of
+woods which was between our line and that of the rebels.
+Passing through to the further edge of the woods, the
+twelve regiments were formed in columns of three lines,
+each line consisting of four regiments.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The regiments of the Second division, not included in
+the charging column, formed in the rear, to act as support,
+but did not advance to the charge.</p>
+
+<p>As the regiments took their places, they threw themselves
+upon the ground, and all orders were given in
+suppressed tones, for the rebels were but a hundred yards
+distant, in the open field, and the minies of their skirmishers
+were whistling among the trees and brushwood.</p>
+
+<p>The other corps of the army were prepared, in case this
+charging party succeeded in breaking the enemy's line, to
+rush in and turn the success into a rout of the rebels.
+Generals Meade, Hancock, Warren and Burnside stationed
+themselves on eminences, from which they could watch
+the success of the perilous enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>At six o'clock all things were ready, and the artillery
+from the eminences in our rear opened a terrific fire, sending
+the shells howling and shrieking over the heads of
+the charging column, and plunging into the works of the
+enemy. This was the signal for the attack, and Colonel
+Upton's clear voice rang out, "<i>Attention, battalions!
+Forward, double-quick!</i> <span class="smcap">Charge!</span>" and in an instant
+every man was on his feet, and, with tremendous cheers,
+which were answered by the wild yells of the rebels, the
+column rushed from the cover of the woods. Quick as
+lightning, a sheet of flame burst from the rebel line, and
+the leaden hail swept the ground over which the column
+was advancing, while the canister from the artillery came
+crashing through our ranks at every step, and scores and
+hundreds of our brave fellows fell, literally covering the
+ground. But, nothing daunted, the noble fellows rushed
+upon the defenses, leaping over the ditch in front, and
+mounting the breastworks. The rebels made a determined
+resistance, and a hand to hand fight ensued, until, with
+their bayonets, our men had filled the rifle pits with bleeding
+rebels. About two thousand of the survivors of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span>
+struggle surrendered, and were immediately marched to
+the rear, under guard.</p>
+
+<p>Without halting for breath, the impetuous column rushed
+toward the second line of works, which was equally as
+strong as the first. The resistance here was less stubborn
+than at the first line, yet the gray occupants of the rifle pits
+refused to fly, until forced back at the point of the bayonet.</p>
+
+<p>Our ranks were now fearfully thinned, yet the brave
+fellows passed on to the third line of defenses which was
+also captured.</p>
+
+<p>It was but a shattered remnant of that noble column
+that rushed from the woods against the hostile works, that
+reached this advanced point, and now, finding that re&euml;nforcements
+were reaching the enemy, while our column
+was every moment melting away, a retreat was ordered.</p>
+
+<p>There was not even time to bring away the six pieces
+of artillery which we had captured; they were filled with
+sods and abandoned.</p>
+
+<p>What remained of the twelve regiments retreated to
+the cover of our rifle pits, leaving the dead and most
+of the wounded in the enemy's hands.</p>
+
+<p>The corps lost, in this charge, some of its ablest men.
+In the First brigade of the Second division Lieutenant-Colonel
+Hamilton, of the Sixty-second New York, was
+killed. Captain Carpenter, of the Seventy-seventh, one of
+its first and best officers, and Lieutenant Lyon, a young
+officer of great bravery, were killed in the interior line of
+works, and many other noble fellows of that regiment
+were left on that fatal field. The regiment crossed the
+Rapidan six days before with over five hundred men, and
+now, after this charge, less than ninety men were left,
+and this is but an example of the losses to most of the
+regiments in that division.</p>
+
+<p>The noise of the battle gradually died away as night
+threw her mantle over the fearful scene of carnage, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span>
+both armies were glad of a respite from their severe
+labors.</p>
+
+<p>The 11th of May passed in making new arrangements
+and in sending the thousands of wounded to Fredericksburgh.
+Immense trains of ambulances and army wagons
+freighted with the mangled forms of wounded men were
+running day and night to Fredericksburgh, and returning
+with supplies.</p>
+
+<p>Skirmishing was kept up along the line, but no general
+engagement was brought on. During the night the Second
+corps, General Hancock, silently withdrew from the position
+it had occupied on the right of the line, and marching
+along in the rear of the army occupied a position between
+the Sixth and Ninth corps, which was not before occupied.
+With great caution and silence preparations were made
+for a desperate attack upon that part of the enemy's line
+fronting this position. This line made here a sharp angle
+and by seizing this angle, it was hoped to turn the right
+flank of Lee's army. Between the position of the Second
+corps and the rebel works, the ground was covered with
+pines and underbrush, and as it neared the defenses
+ascended abruptly to a considerable height.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the gray light of the morning began to
+streak through the mists, all was in readiness for the
+charge, and with strictest orders of silence the corps in
+mass advanced rapidly across the field, the thick fog concealing
+the movement. As the column neared the rifle
+pits a storm of bullets met it; but charging impetuously up
+the hill and over the works, the rebels, surprised and overpowered,
+gave way; those who could escaping to the
+second line in the rear, though thousands were obliged to
+surrender on the spot, so complete had been the surprise.
+The victorious column now pushed on toward the second
+line of works, but here, the enemy by this time fully prepared
+for the attack, the resistance became more stubborn.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span>
+The battle now raged with greatest fury. The Sixth
+corps was withdrawn from its position, leaving a strong
+picket line to guard its front, and marching along the
+rear of its works joined in the attack with the Second
+corps. The works taken by Hancock's corps, were occupied
+by the men of the Sixth corps, and the enemy
+commenced the most desperate efforts to retake them.
+Forming their troops in heavy columns they hurled
+them against our line with tremendous force. Russell's
+division held the center of the line of the corps at a point
+known as "the angle." This was the key to the whole
+position. Our forces held the rebel works from the left as
+far as this "angle," and the rebels still held the rest of
+the line. Whoever could hold "the angle" would be the
+victors; for with the angle, either party could possess
+themselves of the whole line of works. Hence the
+desperate efforts to drive us from this position. The
+First division being unable to maintain the position alone,
+the Second division was sent to its aid. And now, as the
+boys of the Second division took their places in the front,
+the battle became a hand to hand combat. A breastwork
+of logs separated the combatants. Our men would reach
+over this partition and discharge their muskets in the face
+of the enemy, and in return would receive the fire of the
+rebels at the same close range. Finally, the men began
+to use their muskets as clubs and then rails were used.
+The men were willing thus to fight from behind the
+breastworks, but to rise up and attempt a charge in
+the face of an enemy so near at hand and so strong in numbers
+required unusual bravery. Yet they did charge and
+they drove the rebels back and held the angle themselves.
+It was in one of these charges that the gallant Major Ellis
+of the Forty-ninth New York, was shot with a ramrod
+through the arm and in the side, from the effects of which
+he afterwards died. The trees in front of the position<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span>
+held by the Sixth corps during this remarkable struggle,
+were literally cut to pieces by bullets. Even trees more
+than a foot in diameter, were cut off by the constant action
+of bullets. A section of one of these was, and doubtless
+still is, in Washington, with a card attached stating that
+the tree was cut down in front of the position of the
+Second corps. Our gallant brothers of that corps won
+undying honors on that glorious day, but it was the long-continued,
+fearful musketry battle between the Sixth corps
+and the enemy which cut down those trees. We have no
+desire to detract from the well-deserved honors of the
+brave men of the Second corps, but this is a simple matter
+of justice. The conflict became more and more bloody,
+and soon the Fifth corps was also engaged, and at ten
+o'clock the battle rolled along the whole line. The terrible
+fighting continued till eleven o'clock, when there
+was a lull in the musketry, but the artillery continued
+its work of destruction. Thus the second line of works
+was taken, but not without fearful loss to both armies.
+Our corps had fought at close range for eight hours.
+Behind the works the rebel dead were lying literally piled
+one upon another, and wounded men were groaning under
+the weight of bodies of their dead companions. The loss
+to the rebels in prisoners and guns was also great.</p>
+
+<p>Major-General Edward Johnson with his whole division,
+General Stewart, a brigade from Early's division and a
+whole regiment, including in all between three and four
+thousand prisoners and between thirty and forty guns,
+were the trophies of this glorious but bloody morning's
+work. These captures were nearly all made by the Second
+corps in the first assault in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>The losses to the Sixth corps were great, but far less than
+on the 12th. The Seventy-seventh lost one of its finest
+officers. Captain O. P. Rugg was shot in the breast and
+died while being carried to the hospital. The captain was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span>
+a young man of great promise, of genial and lively temperament
+and greatly beloved by his regiment. He had been
+married but a few months before his death, and had
+parted from his bride at Elmira just before the spring campaign
+opened.</p>
+
+<p>The corps remained near the scene of action during
+the next day. Reconnoissances were made, and another
+attempt was made on the 14th to turn the right flank
+of the enemy. The Sixth corps, at three o'clock on
+the morning of that day, moved off to the left of our
+line about two miles and encamped about the Anderson
+House, but our pickets soon found the enemy in force in
+our front, and no attempt was made to bring on an
+engagement. The time passed quietly along the line, only
+occasionally the roar of artillery kept up something of
+excitement of battle. On the night of the 17th, the Sixth
+corps moved back to the scene of the battle of the 12th.
+At daylight three corps moved forward to attack the
+enemy's line. The Second corps forming the center of
+the line, the Sixth corps the right, and the Ninth corps the
+left. The first line of rifle pits were those which had
+been abandoned by us on the 12th. These were filled with
+rebel skirmishers, who readily gave way, leaving the works
+in our hands.</p>
+
+<p>Our line of battle advanced till it confronted the second
+line of the rebel works. This was a strong line behind a
+thick impenetrable abattis and held by a powerful force.
+The three corps pressed this formidable line, and a sharp
+engagement ensued, but without advantage to our forces,
+and it was concluded that an attempt to dislodge the
+enemy could only result in a fearful waste of life. Accordingly
+the troops were quietly withdrawn, though submitted
+to a galling fire, having lost in the morning's work about
+eight hundred men.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon the enemy attacked the Fifth corps on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span>
+the left, but was driven back. The same afternoon the
+Sixth corps returned to the vicinity of the Anderson
+House, from which it had started on the evening previous;
+and orders were issued to be ready to march toward the
+North Anna.</p>
+
+<p>General Grant, deeming it impracticable to make any
+further attempt to carry the rebel position at Spottsylvania
+by direct assault, had determined upon another flank movement;
+and his preparations were made for moving around
+the left flank of the enemy during the night of the 19th,
+and seizing a position on the North Anna. But late in the
+afternoon of the 19th, Ewell's rebel corps made a fierce
+assault upon the right of our line. Our forces gave the
+rebels a warm reception, and forced them back to the cover
+of their earthworks.</p>
+
+<p>On the 20th, Aaron B. Quincy, a young soldier, beloved
+by all who knew him, was shot through the breast, and
+died in a few minutes. His faithful Christian character,
+his undoubted bravery, and his ardent patriotism, had
+endeared him to all.</p>
+
+<p>On the night of the 21st, the flank movement was commenced.
+Withdrawing in silence, and first throwing the
+right corps in rear of the rest of the army and to its left,
+as at the Wilderness, the troops marched rapidly all night,
+halting for a few moments for breath once or twice, and
+then pressing forward again. During the next forenoon a
+halt of some hours occurred at Quincy Station, near the
+house where Stonewall Jackson died the year before. Then
+the march was renewed and continued till dark.</p>
+
+<p>The Fifth and Sixth corps reached the banks of the
+North Anna on the evening of the 23d, and was soon followed
+by the Second and Ninth corps. Again the enemy,
+aware of our intentions, and having the shortest line,
+confronted us, and disputed the crossing; but, after considerable
+artillery practice, the Fifth corps succeeded in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span>
+throwing their pontoon bridges and obtaining a position
+on the south bank. The enemy now attacked the corps
+with great vigor, but were repulsed with equal slaughter.
+The Sixth corps followed at four o'clock in the morning,
+and a little later the Second and Ninth corps also joined
+us. Strong breastworks were thrown up, and parties were
+sent to the front to reconnoiter the position.</p>
+
+<p>A further advance of a few miles was made on the 25th,
+but finding the enemy in a stronger position than he had
+occupied either in the Wilderness or at Spottsylvania,
+General Grant determined again to withdraw and try his
+favorite flank movement. Accordingly, on the night of
+the 26th, the army was withdrawn to the north bank of the
+river. The night was very dark, and the mud deep. Several
+days' rain had rendered the roads, proverbial for their
+mud, almost impassable; but heeding no difficulties, the
+army followed without hesitation wherever our great
+leader directed. The Sixth corps, with two divisions of
+cavalry under Sheridan, who had now rejoined the army
+from his great raid on which he had started from Spottsylvania,
+took the advance. On Saturday, the 28th, the corps
+and the cavalry divisions, after a good deal of hard fighting,
+crossed the Pamunkey river, at Hanovertown. The
+cavalry, at once advancing several miles beyond the river,
+encountered a large force of rebel cavalry, which was
+driven back. The army encamped at Hanovertown, stretching
+from the river several miles southward.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxv" id="chapter_xxv"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HOSPITALS AT FREDERICKSBURGH.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The journey from the battle-field&mdash;Sufferings of the wounded&mdash;A surgeon's letters&mdash;Rebel
+hatred&mdash;Assistance from the north&mdash;A father in search of his boy&mdash;The
+wounded sent to Washington.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Let us turn now from the field of battle to Fredericksburgh,
+that great depot for wounded men.</p>
+
+<p>It will be recollected that, from Piney Branch church,
+the trains, with the wounded from the Wilderness, were
+sent to Fredericksburgh. Over a rough road, nearly fifteen
+miles, these unfortunate men, with shattered or amputated
+limbs, with shots through the lungs or head or abdomen,
+suffering the most excruciating pain from every jar
+or jolt of the ambulance or wagon, crowded as closely
+as they could be packed, were to be transported. Already
+they had been carted about over many miles of hard road,
+most of them having been carried from the old gold mine
+to Chancellorsville, and now again loaded and brought to
+Spottsylvania. They were worn out with fatigue and suffering,
+and yet there was much misery in store for them.
+Slowly the immense train labored over the rough road,
+now corduroy, now the remains of a worn out plank road,
+and anon a series of ruts and mud holes, until, at three
+o'clock on the morning of the 9th of May, the head of the
+train arrived in Fredericksburgh.</p>
+
+<p>The train had been preceded by some three hundred
+men who were wounded but able to walk. Mayor Slaughter
+and other rebel citizens surrounded these unarmed men,
+made them prisoners and delivered them to some rebel
+cavalry, who took them to Richmond.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The process of unloading the wounded at once commenced;
+all the churches and other public buildings were
+first seized and filled. Negroes who could be found in
+town were pressed into the work, yet, with all the help
+that could be obtained, it was a slow process. All night
+and all the next day the work went on. The churches
+were filled first, then warehouses and stores, and then
+private houses, until the town was literally one immense
+hospital.</p>
+
+<p>The surgeons were too much engaged in transferring
+the men from the wagons to the houses to find time that
+day to dress many wounds, and many an unfortunate
+soldier whose stump of an arm or leg had not been dressed
+since the first day of the fighting, became the victim of
+gangrene, which set in as the result of this unavoidable want
+of care. No sooner were the men removed from the ambulances
+than surgeons and nurses addressed themselves with
+all the strength that remained to them to relieve the
+immediate wants of the sufferers. Never before had such
+herculean labors been thrown upon so small a body of
+men, yet nobly did they accomplish the task. All the
+buildings in town were full of wounded men, the walks
+were covered with them, and long trains of ambulances were
+filling the streets with more. Yet to relieve the wants
+of all these thousands of suffering men not more than
+forty surgeons had been sent from the field.</p>
+
+<p>It was one grand funeral; men were dropping away on
+every side. Large numbers of nurses were detailed as
+burial parties, and these plied their work day after day
+with hardly time for their needed rest.</p>
+
+<p>Surgeons were completely worn out, and many of them,
+had to be sent to Washington, fairly broken down with
+their labors.</p>
+
+<p>The following extract from a letter of a surgeon at
+Fredericksburgh to his wife, written on the 11th, may convey<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span>
+something of an idea of the experience of the medical
+officers during those terrible days. He says: "We are
+almost worked to death; my feet are terribly swollen;
+yet we cannot rest for there are so many poor fellows who
+are suffering. All day yesterday I worked at the operating
+table. That was the fourth day that I had worked at
+those terrible operations since the battle commenced, and
+I have also worked at the tables two whole nights and part
+of another. Oh! it is awful. It does not seem as though
+I could take a knife in my hand to-day, yet there are a
+hundred cases of amputations waiting for me. Poor fellows
+come and beg almost on their knees for the first
+chance to have an arm taken off. It is a scene of horror
+such as I never saw. God forbid that I should ever see
+another."</p>
+
+<p>Again, the same officer writing a day or two later, says,
+"It is fearful. I see so many grand men dropping one
+by one. They are my acquaintances and my friends.
+They look to me for help, and I have to turn away heartsick
+at my want of ability to relieve their sufferings. Captain
+Walker of the Seventh Maine is dying to-night. He
+is a noble good man, and he looks in my face and pleads
+for help. Adjutant Hessy and Lieutenant Hooper of the
+same regiment died last night. All were my friends, and
+all thought that I could save them. General Sedgwick is
+dead, and General Getty and General Torbert are my
+patients.... Mrs. Lewis has just come; what a
+blessing her presence will be to the colonel, who bears
+the loss of his arm so bravely. Colonel Barney of the
+Sixth Vermont died yesterday, and Major Fryer of the
+Forty-third is dying. The major says, 'Doctor, can nothing
+be done?' Major Dudley lies in the room where I am
+writing, seriously wounded.... I have to-day sent
+sixty officers of the Sixth corps to Washington....
+Oh! can I ever write anything beside these mournful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span>
+details? Hundreds of ambulances are coming into town
+now, and it is almost midnight. So they come every
+night."</p>
+
+<p>For a time it was almost impossible to obtain sufficient
+supplies either of food or dressings. Everything that
+could be spared from the field had been sent, but in the
+field they were still fighting terrible battles, and there was
+little to spare. Food was obtained in very limited quantities
+in town, and men went to the houses of citizens and
+demanded sheets, which were torn into bandages.</p>
+
+<p>But large supplies were sent from Washington by the
+government in a few days, so that all necessary articles
+were furnished in abundance, with a profusion of lemons,
+oranges and canned fruit. The Sanitary Commission was
+also on hand with large supplies of delicacies, which were
+joyfully received by the wounded heroes, who not only
+relished the luxuries, but remembered that they were the
+gifts of friends at home, who had not forgotten the soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the people of Fredericksburgh exhibited the
+most malignant spite against the "Yankee wounded;" but
+others, while they claimed no sympathy with our cause,
+showed themselves friends of humanity, and rendered us all
+the assistance in their power. No men, except negroes and
+white men unfit for military duty, were left in town, but
+the women were bitter rebels. Some of them made fierce
+opposition to the use of their houses as hospitals, but they
+were occupied notwithstanding their remonstrances.</p>
+
+<p>At one fine mansion a surgeon rang the door bell, and
+in a moment saw the door open just enough to show the
+nose and a pair of small twinkling eyes of what was evidently
+a portly women. "What do you want?" snarled
+out the female defender of the premises. "We want to
+come and see if we can place a few wounded officers in
+this house." "You can't come in here!" shouted the
+woman slamming the door together. A few knocks<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span>
+induced her again to open the door two or three inches.
+"Madam, we must come in here; we shall do you no
+harm." "You can't come here; I am a lone widow."
+"But I assure you no harm is intended you." Again the
+door was closed, and again at the summons was opened.
+"Madam, it will be much better for you to allow us to
+enter than for me to direct these men to force the door;
+but we must enter." The woman now threw the door wide
+open and rushing into the yard with as much alacrity as
+her enormous proportions would admit, threw her arms
+out and whirled about like a reversed spinning top shouting
+for help. She was again assured that no harm was
+intended her, but that unless she chose to show us the
+house we should be obliged to go alone. Concluding that
+wisdom was the better part of valor, she proceeded to
+show us the rooms.</p>
+
+<p>At another mansion, one of the finest in Fredericksburgh,
+a red-haired woman thrust her head out of the side
+window, in answer to the ring of the door bell:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want here?"</p>
+
+<p>"We wish to place some wounded officers in this house."</p>
+
+<p>"You can't bring any officers nor anybody else to this
+house. I'm all alone. I hope you have more honor than
+to come and disturb defenseless, unprotected women."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you no husband?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, thank God, he's a colonel in the confederate
+service."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if your husband was at home, where he ought
+to be, you would not be a defenseless woman."</p>
+
+<p>The woman refused to unbolt the door, in spite of all
+persuasion, but while she railed at the "detestable Yankees,"
+a soldier climbed in at a window in the rear, and
+unbolted the door. Her splendid rooms and fine mattresses
+furnished lodgings for twenty wounded officers.
+Day after day, the gloom of death hung over the town.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span>
+Hundreds of our brave fellows were dying. Some of
+the finest officers of our army were daily yielding to the
+destroyer.</p>
+
+<p>Among the severe losses to the Sixth corps were,
+Colonel Barney, of the Sixth Vermont, who had been
+shot through the head. He died on the 10th. He was
+one of the noblest of the sons of Vermont, a pattern of a
+brave soldier and Christian gentleman, respected for his
+ability as a commander, and loved for his social virtues;
+he was lamented by the whole corps. Major Fryer, of
+the Forty-third New York, one of the most promising
+young officers in the corps, died on the 12th, from wounds
+through the left arm and lungs. Captain Walker and
+Adjutant Hesse, of the Seventh Maine, and Lieutenants
+Hooper and Vining, of the same regiment, all died within
+a few hours of each other. Lieutenants Follensbee and
+Cook, of the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts, and Captain
+Kirkbride, of the One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania,
+were also among those who died. Major Dudley,
+of the Fifth Vermont, after suffering untold agony for
+many days, finally yielded, and died in the embraces of his
+youthful wife, who had arrived in Fredericksburgh just in
+time to be present during his last hours. The major had
+gone into the fight sick with a fever, but his determined
+bravery forbade him to remain quiet. Receiving a severe
+wound while thus depressed by disease, he gradually
+sunk, until his brave spirit took its departure.</p>
+
+<p>These were a few of the sad, sad scenes, which brought
+sorrow to our hearts day after day, of the hospitals at
+Fredericksburgh.</p>
+
+<p>Physicians and nurses from civil life came to our assistance
+in large numbers. Some were earnest men, wholly
+devoted to the object of relieving the distress which
+they saw on every side. Others had come for selfish
+purposes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Physicians who had never performed an important surgical
+operation came armed with amputating cases, and
+seemed to think that there was but one thing to be done,
+<i>to operate</i> as they said.</p>
+
+<p>Distressed fathers and brothers wandered about the
+town, in search of information regarding some son or
+friend who had been wounded, or perhaps, as they feared,
+killed.</p>
+
+<p>The following is but an example of many sad incidents
+of this kind: H. A. Bowers, of the Seventy-seventh New
+York, a young man much beloved and respected in his
+regiment, was wounded through the chest on the 5th of
+May, and with the other wounded brought to Fredericksburgh.
+His father, who resided in Albany, received the
+intelligence that his son was dangerously wounded, and
+hastened to Fredericksburgh in search of him. He arrived
+at that immense hospital, and at once commenced his
+inquiries after his soldier boy. Failing to learn anything
+of him, except the assurance that he had been placed in
+the ambulances, he sought out the quartermaster of the
+Seventy-seventh, who was with the army train just out
+of town. The quartermaster readily lent his aid in the
+search, and both at once sought the surgeon of that
+regiment for information, but he, having the care of a
+multitude, could tell them nothing of the object of their
+search. Thousands of wounded men were here, filling
+the city, but, thus far, the important duties of relieving
+their immediate necessities had occupied the attention of
+surgeons and attendants to the exclusion of everything
+else; and no record or register had been made by which
+a particular wounded man might be found. Unless some
+friend or acquaintance could direct to his place, the search
+was often long. The nurses were instructed to afford the
+anxious father every assistance in finding his son. Two
+more long weary days were spent in the fruitless search,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span>
+when word was sent to the father that his boy might be
+found in a certain church. Overjoyed at the thought
+that at last his search was to be crowned with success,
+he hastened to the place. Who shall attempt to tell the
+anguish of that father, when, on reaching the hospital, he
+found that his son had expired half an hour before!</p>
+
+<p>At length, by the 26th of May, all the wounded men
+were sent by transports to Washington, and the hospitals
+broken up. The surgeons, escorted by a squadron of cavalry,
+crossed the country by way of Bowling Green, and,
+after a three days' journey, rejoined the army at Hanover.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxvi" id="chapter_xxvi"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>COAL HARBOR.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>At Hanover Court House&mdash;The Eighteenth corps joins the Army of the Potomac&mdash;The
+armies meet at Coal Harbor&mdash;Battle of June 1st&mdash;Battle of June 3d&mdash;Terrible
+exposure&mdash;The army strikes for Petersburgh&mdash;Charles City Court House&mdash;A
+centenarian&mdash;Review of the overland campaign.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Early on the morning of the 30th, the army was again
+moving, advancing with heavy skirmishing toward Hanover
+Court House. Remaining here some hours the column
+retraced its steps a short distance, the rebels meanwhile
+opening a severe artillery fire upon our hospital trains.</p>
+
+<p>Toward evening the enemy attacked our left vigorously
+but were repulsed, and an attack was in turn made by our
+own troops which resulted in forcing the rebels from a
+part of their intrenchments. Except some changes of
+position and ascertaining that of the enemy, our army
+lay quietly confronting the rebels during the 31st, but on
+the 1st of June we were again on the road marching
+toward Coal Harbor. The march was a hard one. The
+day was sultry, and the dust, ankle deep, raised in clouds
+by the column, was almost suffocating. It filled the air
+and hung upon the leaves of the trees like snow. Seldom
+had our men experienced so severe a march. As we
+neared Coal Harbor our Sixth corps in advance, we fell in
+with the column of General Smith's command, the Eighteenth
+and Tenth corps. It was a relief to the old soldiers
+of the Army of the Potomac to see these full regiments,
+and they felt that with such large reinforcements our
+success must now be insured. It was also a source of
+much gratification to the old Second division to meet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span>
+again our friends Generals Smith and Brooks, whose
+names were so intimately connected with the division, and
+who still held a large place in the affections of the men.</p>
+
+<p>These two corps were a part of General Butler's command,
+which had advanced up the Peninsula as far as
+Bermuda Hundreds, but were unable to make further progress.
+General Grant had, therefore, directed General
+Butler to send them forward by way of transports to
+White House Landing, to join the Army of the Potomac.
+They reached us tired and almost discouraged by their
+unusual march of nearly sixteen miles, their trains and
+baggage being left behind.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon we had fallen in with ambulances
+returning with wounded cavalrymen, and learned from
+them that Sheridan had engaged the rebel cavalry at Coal
+Harbor early in the morning, and that he was now fighting
+both infantry and cavalry. Toward that point the troops
+pushed on rapidly, reaching the cavalry line at about four
+o'clock. The men halted a few moments, and then were
+ordered to fall in and advance against the enemy. Skirmishers,
+as usual, had advanced and prepared the way for
+the lines of infantry and the artillery. The shots of the
+skirmishers had become more and more frequent, till
+the sharp rattle of musketry told of the actual presence
+of the enemy. The artillery of the Sixth corps was at once
+run out, and a brisk fire opened upon the rebels, who replied
+with their guns, but with less vigor than that exhibited by
+our own. The commands of Wright and Smith were at
+once formed in line of battle, our Sixth corps on the left in
+line, Rickett's Third division holding the right of the line,
+Russell's the center, and Neill's Second division the extreme
+left of the whole line. On our right was Smith's command
+in single line.</p>
+
+<p>In front of our line was an open space two-thirds of a
+mile in width, beyond which was a strip of pine woods.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span>
+In these woods the enemy had intrenched, and was holding
+the position in strong force. Lee, again anticipating
+the design of Grant, had sent Longstreet's corps and other
+troops to occupy Coal Harbor, and now, with their rear
+resting upon the Chickahominy, at this point a shallow
+and easily forded stream, the rebels occupied a strong
+position between our advance and Richmond.</p>
+
+<p>The order for the charge was given, and these two commands,
+weary and exhausted, the veterans of the Sixth
+corps from many days and nights of most severe labor,
+and both corps by the tedious march of the day, dashed
+impetuously across the ploughed field with shouts and
+cheers, making for the rebel works.</p>
+
+<p>The storm of battle seemed suddenly to have broken
+without the usual warning. It was less than an hour
+since the Union troops had arrived on the field, and
+already a most bloody struggle was in progress. Volleys
+rang out upon the evening air, crashing louder and still
+louder. The First and Third divisions of the Sixth corps,
+in heavy columns, rushed across the field, cleared the abattis,
+and seized the rebel works, while the Second division,
+on the left, discovering a strong force of the enemy planting
+a battery on our flank, engaged them and forced them
+back. Smith's command, also, by a desperate charge,
+seized nearly the whole line in the front, that on the
+extreme right, in front of Brooks' command, alone remaining
+in the hands of the rebels. The whole line thundered
+with the incessant volleys of musketry, and the shot and
+shell of the artillery shrieked and howled like spirits of
+evil. The sun was sinking, red, in the west, and the
+clouds of dust and smoke almost obscured the terrible
+scene. Hundreds of our brave fellows were falling on
+every side, and stretcher bearers were actively engaged in
+removing the wounded from the field. The First division,
+after a stubborn resistance of a few minutes, was forced<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span>
+to give up the line of works it had captured and fall back;
+only the Third division held its ground. The others had
+advanced as far, but the ground was unfavorable, and in
+spite of most determined efforts to hold the line, they were
+forced to swing back.</p>
+
+<p>This was the first experience of Smith's command in a
+great battle, and well did his men earn the confidence of
+the veterans who fought by their side. Their courage
+and impetuosity were the subjects of admiration of the
+boys of the old Sixth corps, who declared that Baldy Smith
+could make any troops fight like veterans.</p>
+
+<p>The gallantry shown by our Third division in taking
+and holding the enemy's works, was acknowledged with
+true soldierly generosity by the other divisions of our
+corps, who thus far had not regarded the new division as
+their peer.</p>
+
+<p>As darkness came on, the conflict still raged, and sheets
+of flame rolled from one end of the line to the other as
+the discomfited rebels strove desperately to regain their
+lost ground. But as the sound of battle died away at
+nine o'clock, the advantages gained by us were still held,
+and our men set to work to strengthen the works they
+had captured from the enemy and to throw up new ones.
+Again and again the rebels rushed against the Union line
+hoping to regain their lost ground, but without success.
+The battle, although of brief duration, had been a most
+sanguinary one. The loss to the Sixth corps was about
+two hundred killed and nine hundred and sixty wounded,
+while the Eighteenth corps lost one hundred and twenty-five
+killed and six hundred and fifty wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the Second, Fifth and Ninth corps were holding
+the position occupied by them the day before, and
+against these corps most desperate assaults were repeatedly
+made by the enemy, but they were as often repulsed with
+great slaughter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The movement at Coal Harbor, while it had not succeeded
+in forcing the enemy across the Chickahominy,
+had secured our communications with White House Landing,
+which now became, after two years, for the second
+time, the base of supplies for the Army of the Potomac.
+General Grant now determined to renew the attempt to
+dislodge the rebels on the following day.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, after the fashion of all the movements of
+the army, the Second corps, which now occupied the
+extreme right of the line, withdrew during the night, and
+falling behind the other corps, marched rapidly to the left
+and took position in that flank on the road leading from
+Dispatch Station to Coal Harbor. The corps did not
+secure this position without considerable fighting, and it
+was not in condition to take part in the expected advance
+until the afternoon. Then a most violent thunder shower
+set in, putting a stop to all movements for the remainder
+of the day.</p>
+
+<p>The men of the Sixth and Eighteenth corps, tired and
+worn out from marching, fighting, and the hard night's
+work in throwing up intrenchments, had spent the early
+part of the day in quietly watching the enemy, or lounging
+behind the breastworks, glad of an opportunity for rest.</p>
+
+<p>Orders were now given for a simultaneous attack along
+the whole line, to take place at half-past four on the morning
+of the 3d. Our line of battle extended from Coal
+Harbor to Tolopotamy creek, in the following order, from
+left to right: Second, Sixth, Eighteenth, Fifth, and Ninth.
+This line was nearly parallel with the Chickahominy, and
+from a mile and a half to two miles north of it.</p>
+
+<p>The rebels had not left the day unimproved, in concentrating
+their troops and strengthening their works. They
+now held three lines of breastworks, all of great strength;
+the first occupied by their skirmish lines, the others by
+strong lines of battle. Between the two armies the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span>
+ground was low and swampy, while the positions occupied
+by both were sandy plains.</p>
+
+<p>At half-past six on the morning of the 3d, our army was
+astir; and the skirmishers, leaving the cover of the rifle
+pits, were advancing. Presently they fell in with the
+skirmishers of the enemy, and the sharp cracking of rifles
+betokened the storm of battle.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the skirmishers were engaged, our artillery
+opened upon the rebel works, and the conflict now
+commenced in earnest. Amid the deafening volleys of
+musketry, the thunders of the artillery, and the wild yells
+of battle, our brave fellows pressed rapidly across the
+space between the hostile lines of works, and the whole
+Union force was thrown against the rebel breastworks
+almost simultaneously. But the works were too strong,
+the abattis too troublesome, and the rebel forces too
+numerous. Their line could not be taken.</p>
+
+<p>The vigorous and gallant assault made by the Sixth
+corps, resulted in carrying the first line, where the rebel
+skirmishers had been posted, and our troops got within
+two hundred and fifty yards of the main works, but Martindale's
+division of Smith's corps, which advanced with
+the Sixth corps, and on our right, found the task before it
+too great; the troops of that division became disarranged
+and were repulsed. Although General Smith, who was
+always up to the front, made several attempts to relieve
+Martindale's division, it failed to take the rifle pits.</p>
+
+<p>The right flank of the Sixth corps, thus exposed, the
+whole corps was forced to fall back.</p>
+
+<p>Thus this grand assault, in which General Grant hoped
+to force his enemy across the Chickahominy, failed with
+immense loss to us and comparatively little to the confederate
+army, which as usual was defended by earthworks,
+while our men advancing to the charge were unprotected.
+But our brave fellows were to have their revenge.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The battle was over, and again the occupants of the
+opposing lines of defenses watched each other, the quiet
+being only disturbed by the occasional shots of sharpshooters.
+Darkness closed over the plains of Coal Harbor,
+and even the sharpshooters desisted from their work.
+The stars shed a mild light upon the two armies which
+had so lately been engaged in fierce conflict, each now
+securely resting behind its line of earthworks, and the
+plain which lay between them, which the hurricane of
+battle had so lately swept, was as still as though the noise
+of war had never been heard there.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, at eight o'clock, the rebels in front of our
+Sixth corps and of the Second corps, leaped over their
+works and rushed with a yell toward our lines. At the
+same time their artillery opened upon us. The course of
+their shells was marked by long curves of fire upon the
+dark sky, while the flashes of the guns and bursting missiles
+made a sublime display of pyrotechnics.</p>
+
+<p>On came the charging column, against the left of the
+Sixth and the right of the Second corps; but nothing
+pleased our brave boys more than to see their enemies
+come out from the cover of their works to fight.</p>
+
+<p>It had, during all these long days of battles, been ours
+to charge well defended earthworks almost invariably;
+and whenever the rebels chose to assume the offensive,
+our men were glad to show them the difference between
+being the assailants and the assailed.</p>
+
+<p>Now the rebels came on with determination, but their
+attack was met by volley after volley of musketry aimed
+for effect; and our well directed fire of artillery made
+great gaps in the advancing lines. The attack was nobly
+repulsed, and many grey-coated soldiers who advanced to
+the charge, were left by their retreating comrades, dead
+between the two lines, while others were ordered in as
+prisoners. The rebels returned to their place, and again<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span>
+all was still. From this time we had no more battles at
+Coal Harbor, yet we daily lost many men by the shots of
+the sharpshooters who were perched in trees, and who
+kept up a fire at every moving thing which showed itself
+within our lines.</p>
+
+<p>Never before had our army been in a position where
+there was such constant danger as at Coal Harbor. Men
+in the front line dared not leave the cover of the breastworks
+except in the darkness of night, and even then the
+movement of a company to the rear might bring on a
+storm of shells. High breastworks were thrown up at all
+angles with the main line, and deep trenches were dug, in
+which the men might pass to and from the front without
+being observed. Even with all these extraordinary precautions,
+no man was safe in venturing to go to the rear
+by daylight. If a soldier collected the canteens of his
+companions and started to the rear for water, he was
+obliged to crawl along the trenches with the utmost
+secrecy, and even then he was liable to be shot. Not a
+day passed, even when there was no battle, in which
+scores of men were not killed or brought to the hospitals
+with severe wounds.</p>
+
+<p>The whole plain occupied by our army was dug over.
+Far to the rear the men had intrenched themselves. General
+officers had their tents erected in deep excavations
+surrounded by embankments of earth, and special duty
+men had each prepared for themselves burrows in the
+ground, many of which were creditable specimens of
+engineering. One was reminded, in riding over the plain,
+of the colonies of prairie dogs with their burrows and
+mounds. Although we had but two days' actual fighting
+at Coal Harbor, our losses were more than thirteen thousand
+men, while the rebels suffered comparatively small losses.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the army lay upon the burning sands of that
+arid plain, the greater part of the line without the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span>
+friendly shelter of a tree, weary, yet not discouraged;
+grimy and dirty, and choked with dust, yet uttering no
+words of complaint, for twelve days.</p>
+
+<p>Troops commenced moving toward the rear on the
+morning of the 11th of July, and it became known that
+we were to make no more attempts to force the formidable
+position. General Grant had ordered another flank movement,
+this time to the James river. Preparations for
+withdrawing went on actively on the 10th and 11th; all
+the wounded were sent to the White House, and the long
+trains of forage, ammunition and commissary supplies
+which had been allowed to come far toward the front,
+began to pass to the rear. On the 12th, Smith's corps
+was ordered to the White House, thence to embark to City
+Point, while the remainder of the army was to cross the
+Chickahominy far to the right of the rebel position, and
+march to the James river.</p>
+
+<p>At three o'clock in the afternoon, the long hospital train
+of the Sixth corps moved out toward the left a few miles
+and halted for the corps, which withdrew from the works
+after dark, and marched with great rapidity toward the
+left. The other corps also withdrew from their positions,
+and the whole army moved off down the Chickahominy,
+the Second corps in advance. The march was kept up all
+night, a short halt only being allowed in the morning near
+Dispatch Station. Then the column pressed on again, the
+men almost suffocated with the dust, which hung over
+the column like a huge cloud; no halt was made at noon,
+and the men, deprived of their coffee, choked with dust,
+and burned with heat, marched wearily toward night.
+The sun was sinking in the west, tinging the clouds with
+purple, and crowning the distant hills with gold, when we
+crossed the historic Chickahominy. Two years before
+we had crossed the same stream not far from this very
+spot. Through how many vicissitudes of army life had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span>
+we passed since that time. The stream was not wide, and
+its banks were well defined where we crossed. Indeed, at
+this point, there was nothing in the appearance of the
+stream that would convey any idea of the difficulties
+which it had once presented to the Union army. The
+corps bivouacked on high grounds a mile from the river,
+glad to rest from the toiling march.</p>
+
+<p>We were early astir on the morning of the 14th; taking
+our line of march through a delightful section of country
+where the comfortable farm houses and fine residences
+presented a striking contrast with the desolations to which
+we had become accustomed. As we began to descend
+from the high lands toward the plain, on which stands the
+little cluster of houses called, in southern fashion, Charles
+City, we beheld, in the distance, the James river, lying in
+all its loveliness, spreading widely between its banks. A
+magnificent prospect opened before us. The river in the
+distance bordered by green fields, one undulating slope
+four or five miles wide, and twice as long, presenting a
+scene of surpassing beauty. There were large fields of
+grain already yellow and nearly ripe for the harvest, green
+meadows lay in the beautiful valleys, the gentle breeze
+dallied with the tassels of the long rows of corn, which
+gave rich promise of an abundant harvest; fine groves
+upon the hillside, in the valleys and on the plain, gave a
+charming diversity to the scene, and the old mansions,
+embosomed in vines and trees, and surrounded by colonies
+of outhouses, reminded us of the ease and comfort which
+had reigned here before the ravages of war had desolated
+Virginia. To the right was Charles City, almost hidden
+by trees, a little town, in prosperous days, the home of a
+few hundred people, now almost deserted.</p>
+
+<p>In the vicinity of Charles City we halted a little before
+noon. The Second corps, which was in the advance, had
+already reached the James at Wilcox's Landing, and was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span>
+preparing to cross. The men of our corps were delighted
+with the opportunity of once more spreading their tents
+over clean grassy turf, and each quickly pitched his shelter
+tent preparatory to a refreshing rest.</p>
+
+<p>Within two miles of our camp was the residence of the
+late ex-president, John Tyler, which was visited by many
+of our officers. It was a charming spot, with everything
+about it to please the eye of a lover of the beautiful. But
+except the grounds immediately surrounding the house,
+everything was in the wildness of nature.</p>
+
+<p>The house was stripped of almost everything. The cabinet
+was carried off. The large library had lost many of its
+choicest volumes, while the remainder, with heaps of letters,
+lay thrown in wild confusion about the floor. The
+pile of sheet music which had been left on the piano by
+the family, had been culled over and nearly all taken away.
+In fact such a sad scene of destruction was rare, even in
+the track of a great army.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 15th, the corps moved to the
+river side, where it remained while other troops were
+crossing by ferry and on an immensely long pontoon
+bridge. The river was full of shipping, the forests of
+masts making strange contrasts with the native forests on
+the river banks.</p>
+
+<p>Near the crossing was a superb old mansion, the residence
+of a rebel general, surrounded by its little village
+of negro cabins. Here many officers of the corps resorted,
+to spend the time in walking among the grand old trees,
+or to stroll through the garden, admiring the elegant and
+rare exotics which adorned the grounds. Here was the
+magnolia grandiflora in full bloom, its immense cup-like
+flowers filling the whole place with delightful fragrance,
+and the American agave, also loaded with a profusion of
+elegant flowers; roses of the most rare and superb varieties,
+jasmines, honeysuckles, clematis, spice woods, and a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span>
+great variety of other choice plants, were also in lavish
+abundance. There were locust trees of enormous size, and
+everything that was inanimate filled us with surprise and
+delight. But, within the mansion, we were met with the
+accustomed bitterness and want of civility. Among
+the slaves on the premises was a white-haired negro, who
+was one hundred and eight years old. His wife, who lived
+upon a neighboring plantation, was one hundred and four
+years of age. When asked his age by the boys, he was
+accustomed to answer, "Well, massa, I'se going on <i>two
+hundred</i> now." The old fellow manifested no sympathy
+for the cause of his master, and even he sighed for freedom.
+When asked of what value freedom could be to him now,
+he answered, impatiently, "Well, massa, isn't a hundred
+and eight years long enough to be a slave?"</p>
+
+<p>The army, which had thus fought its way at fearful cost
+from the Rapidan to the James, was now to change
+its base, and threaten the rebel capital from the south.
+Petersburgh was now the objective point, and this was
+regarded as the door to Richmond.</p>
+
+<p>Our army had, during the period of a little more than
+a month, fought the most extraordinary series of battles,
+and executed some of the most remarkable movements on
+record. Never was heroic valor exhibited on a grander
+scale than had been manifested by the Army of the Potomac
+throughout this long struggle, in which every man's
+life seemed doomed. The stubborn perseverance of the
+general was equaled by the persistent determination of
+his soldiers. Day after day they had been called upon to
+assault earthworks of formidable character, defended by
+veteran troops; and it was usually the case that they had
+seen, as the only fruits of their daring, almost reckless,
+charges, the ground in front of the hostile intrenchments
+strewed with the lifeless bodies of their comrades, while
+the enemy still held the coveted line of works.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The battle of the Wilderness was a strange, deadly
+struggle, which no man could see. A battle in which
+both armies were hidden in thickets and forests, impenetrable
+to vision, each making gigantic efforts for the
+overthrow and destruction of the other. It had resulted
+in no decisive advantage to either party. Lee was as
+ready to meet us at Spottsylvania as he had been in the
+Wilderness, and Grant was determined in his attack along
+the Ny, as though he had met with no repulse on Wilderness
+Run. The soldiers, too, of each army were as ready
+at Spottsylvania to test their relative valor as they had
+been in the Wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>At Spottsylvania we had lost thousands of our best men,
+and hundreds of our ablest officers in futile attempts to
+drive our enemy from impregnable positions; yet, notwithstanding
+all our losses, and our hitherto unsuccessful
+assaults, our men rushed against the strong defenses at
+Coal Harbor with as much resolution and fortitude as
+though they had met with no reverses.</p>
+
+<p>From the Rapidan to the Chickahominy the advance
+had been almost a continuous battle, in which our army
+fought at a disadvantage. The men had for more than a
+month engaged the enemy in mortal combat by day and
+made fatiguing marches by night only to find themselves
+again face to face with the enemy in the morning. Sixty
+thousand of our comrades were either killed, wounded or
+missing. Of these more than thirteen thousand had been
+lost at Coal Harbor, about thirty-two thousand in the
+Wilderness, and nearly fifteen thousand at Spottsylvania
+and on the North Anna.</p>
+
+<p>It is true that our enemy had suffered great losses, yet
+not half as many rebels as Union men had fallen. At
+Coal Harbor the disproportion was much greater than
+elsewhere. There the rebel loss had not been one-tenth
+as great as our own. Notwithstanding our frequent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span>
+repulses, and despite the fact that our road was continually
+blocked by an army behind powerful defenses, our
+march had been straight on toward the goal of our ambition,
+the rebel capital.</p>
+
+<p>From the crossing of the Rapidan to the halt at Coal
+Harbor, in all our battles and all our flank movements, we
+had not swerved from the direct line to Richmond; and
+now, with unimpaired vigor and still relentless determination,
+the Army of the Potomac, and the imperturbable
+leader of the Union armies, were ready to undertake the
+capture of Richmond, by way of Petersburgh, fully
+assured that their illustrious valor and never failing courage
+must sooner or later meet with their award.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxvii" id="chapter_xxvii"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>PETERSBURGH.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The march to Petersburgh&mdash;Smith's successes&mdash;The battle of June 18th&mdash;The
+Sixth and Second corps sent to the left&mdash;Rebels penetrate the line&mdash;Progress of
+the siege&mdash;Sixth corps proceeds to Reams' Station&mdash;Kautz's and Wilson's raids.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>At sunset on the 16th, the Sixth corps gathered upon
+the banks of the James river, and while the First and
+Third divisions embarked on steamers for City Point, the
+Second division crossed on the pontoon bridge. The
+division marched all night toward Petersburgh, from
+which direction we had heard cannonading all day. The
+column moved rapidly, leaving scores of stragglers, who
+quietly rolled themselves in their blankets and lay down
+behind the hedges to sleep till morning. The following
+day was sultry, and the dust was very annoying. The
+men were weary from want of sleep, and the march was
+a severe one; but at sunset the division arrived at our
+lines before Petersburgh. Smith's corps had preceded us,
+and by assaulting the rebel position on the evening of the
+16th, had carried the lines northeast of the town for a
+distance of over two and a half miles, capturing fifteen
+pieces of artillery and three hundred prisoners. General
+Smith was then reinforced by Hancock's corps, which had
+just arrived by land, but no further advance was made
+that night. This neglect to take advantage of the absence
+of any large force of rebels in the works about Petersburgh
+was severely censured by General Grant, who could
+not understand why General Smith, now reinforced by a
+large corps, had not at once taken possession of the town.
+The day that the Second division, Sixth corps, arrived in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span>
+front of Petersburgh, the two divisions of that corps
+which had taken transports up the river, were ordered to
+reinforce General Butler at Bermuda Hundreds, where his
+command had gained some advantages, which were, however,
+lost before night. All the corps having got up,
+attacks upon the rebel positions were renewed on the 17th
+and 18th. The attack on the 17th was made by Smith's
+command, and resulted in the loss of a few men, when the
+lines were withdrawn.</p>
+
+<p>Our Second division now relieved Brooks' division of
+the Eighteenth corps on the front line, the Seventy-seventh
+taking possession of a powerful redoubt, the other regiments
+taking their places in close proximity. The Vermont
+brigade was placed in rifle pits, as was also the First
+brigade. In order to secure unity of action, General Neill,
+commanding the division, was directed to receive orders
+from General Martindale of the Eighteenth corps.</p>
+
+<p>Standing in the redoubt occupied by the Seventy-seventh,
+which was upon a high bluff, and commanded a
+fine prospect of the surrounding country, we could trace
+the line of defenses which had already been captured, and
+those yet in the hands of the enemy. The defenses of
+Petersburgh consisted of a line of strong earthworks, in
+the form of a semicircle. Immense redoubts, like the one
+we now occupied, were placed at frequent intervals, upon
+commanding positions, and these were connected by a line
+of rifle pits and high breastworks. At all advantageous
+points, also, were well constructed rifle pits, in front (now
+in rear) of the main works. Smith's corps had captured
+eleven of these forts and redoubts in the first assault, and
+they were now occupied by our forces, and the strong
+works which were intended for the defense of the town
+now bristled with cannon pointing toward it.</p>
+
+<p>The line of powerful forts and breastworks commenced
+about two and a half miles below Petersburgh, on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</a></span>
+Appomattox, and, circling the city, terminated two or
+three miles above.</p>
+
+<p>Before us stretched the valley of the Appomattox in all
+its beauty, the level plain between us and the river clothed
+in the verdure of summer, the green fields of corn yet
+untrodden by the troops of either side. Below the
+heights, stretching far to the right and left, was the line
+of rifle pits now occupied by our men, and beyond these
+could be traced the outlines of the new works which
+the rebels were throwing up. Still beyond all these, the
+spires of Petersburgh towered grandly, and by the help
+of a glass the streets and houses were distinctly visible.</p>
+
+<p>On the 18th, another advance was made by the divisions
+of Smith's corps, a part of the Second corps, and our
+own Second division. Smith's troops advanced spiritedly
+across the plain, facing a withering fire of grape and canister,
+but were unable to come up to the rebel works.</p>
+
+<p>They were ordered to lie down, and at once every man
+commenced to throw up a little mound of earth in front
+of him, using his cup or plate, or even his hands or jack-knife,
+in place of a spade.</p>
+
+<p>Under this destructive fire the troops were forced to
+remain for some time, but they at length retired, having
+lost several hundred of their number. Neill's division
+was on the left of Smith's troops, and did not advance as
+far. Our losses were therefore slight.</p>
+
+<p>Owing to some unfortunate misunderstanding, the surgeons
+of the Eighteenth corps were ordered to the right
+of the line to establish field hospitals; consequently, when
+the wounded of that corps began to come in, there were
+none of their surgeons at hand. The surgeons of our own
+division, however, quickly proceeded to establish a hospital
+for them, in which they were all received and cared for,
+their wounds dressed, the shattered limbs removed, and all
+their wants attended to. The medical officers of the Eighteenth<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</a></span>
+corps expressed their warmest gratitude for this act
+of kindness on the part of the Sixth corps surgeons, this
+being the second time that we had found an opportunity
+of assisting them in an emergency.</p>
+
+<p>Our lines were daily drawn more closely around Petersburgh,
+but no other general action was brought on for
+some time. There was constant firing of artillery from
+both sides, and now and then the rattle of musketry would
+pass along the lines.</p>
+
+<p>On the 22d, Colonel Bidwell's brigade occupied the front
+line of rifle pits. The sun was shining brightly, and our
+men, unprotected by shelter, were striving to pass the time
+with as little discomfort as possible. A group of men of
+the Seventy-seventh were behind the breastwork, stretched
+out upon the sand, resting upon their elbows and amusing
+each other with jokes, when a shell came shrieking into
+their midst. Its explosion threw them in every direction.
+One went high in the air and fell twenty feet from the spot
+where he was lying when the shell exploded. Strange to
+tell, not a man was killed, yet three had each a leg crushed
+to jelly, and two others were seriously wounded. The
+three whose legs were crushed were Sergeant James Barnes,
+James Lawrence, and James Allen, all of company A.
+The poor fellows were taken to the field hospital completely
+prostrated from the shock, cold sweat stood upon their
+pallid brows, and life seemed but to flicker before going
+out. The surgeons were making haste to load the wounded
+and sick into ambulances to send to City Point, for we were
+ordered to march at a moment's notice. "You can do
+nothing for those men," said the wide awake, enterprising
+Doctor Hall, who was superintending the loading of the
+ambulances, as he saw the surgeon who had charge of
+the operations prepare to remove the mangled members.
+"Better put them into ambulances and let them have a
+chance for their lives! There is no time now to wait for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</a></span>
+operations." "How long will it take you to load your
+ambulances, doctor?" "Twenty minutes, at least." "Then
+I will have the men ready for you." The surgeon gave to
+each of the unfortunate ones a glass of brandy, then administered
+his chloroform, and in less than thirty minutes had
+amputated the limbs, dressed the stumps, and placed the
+men in ambulances. They were taken at once to City
+Point, where they were placed together. Their cases
+excited great interest among the attendants in the hospital
+and the visitors, for each had lost a leg just above the knee,
+the name of each was James, they were all from one company,
+all wounded by a single shell, and all as cheerful as
+were ever wounded men. They were afterward removed
+to Washington and again placed side by side, and here,
+also, they were subjects of great interest to visitors. The
+writer has frequently heard the case of the three Jameses
+related by persons in different States, who never mistrusted
+that they were men of his own regiment. The boys are
+each well now, each walks with his artificial limb, and each
+is a worthy member of society.</p>
+
+<p>General Grant, finding that his expectation of taking
+Petersburgh by surprise had failed, prepared for a systematic
+investment of the town. Accordingly, the Sixth and
+Second corps were directed to proceed to the left of the
+present line, so as to envelop the town, and also with
+the view of striking the Weldon railroad, and thus cutting
+off an important source of supplies for the rebel army.</p>
+
+<p>On the 21st of May, the two corps marching in the rear
+of the rest of the army went into position on the left flank,
+the Second corps on the west of the Jerusalem plank road,
+and the Sixth to the left and rear of that corps, its line
+nearly at right angles with that of the Second corps.
+The cavalry divisions of Wilson and Kautz were, at the
+same time, ordered to proceed still farther to the left, and,
+cutting the Weldon road, continue the march across the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</a></span>
+country, until they should strike the Southside railroad,
+which they were directed to destroy.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 22d, General Birney, who, during
+the temporary absence of General Hancock, was in command
+of the Second corps, was directed to move his corps
+forward, so as to press upon the left flank of the enemy.
+This he proceeded to do, without giving notice of his
+intention to General Wright. The result of the movement
+was to leave a wide gap between the Second and
+Sixth corps.</p>
+
+<p>To the great surprise of the Third division of our corps,
+which was just getting into position, the rebels advanced
+in strong force upon the flank and rear. A sharp skirmish
+occurred, in which that division and a part of the Second
+division lost some prisoners; but the principal loss fell
+upon the Second corps, for that corps, having thrown its
+left far in advance, was greatly exposed. The principal
+attack fell upon Barlow's division, which occupied the left.
+That division was driven in confusion upon the other divisions
+of the corps. The whole corps was forced back, but
+after some spirited fighting the rebels were forced back,
+carrying with them a battery belonging to the Second
+corps, and more than two thousand prisoners. From our
+own corps they had captured about six hundred men and
+a stand of colors.</p>
+
+<p>The responsibility for this unfortunate surprise rests
+with the commander of the Second corps; for General
+Wright, being entirely ignorant of any design to advance
+that corps, had, of course, made no disposition to keep the
+line intact. The men of the Third division did all that
+men could do under the circumstances, and are entitled to
+much credit for the repulse which they gave the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>From that day, except that at times the roar of artillery
+shook the earth for miles about, we remained quiet until
+the 29th of June. The light sandy soil soon became<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</a></span>
+reduced to powder, and the continual passing of mules and
+army wagons raised huge clouds of dust, which completely
+enveloped the army. At sunset this cloud would settle
+down and become so dense that one could not see objects
+twenty yards from him. The heat was almost intolerable,
+yet the health of the men was better than usual for the
+summer months.</p>
+
+<p>The surgeons had their hospitals neatly fitted up, and
+nurses and attendants took great pride in adorning the
+hospital tents with the boughs of the magnolia and other
+beautiful shrubs and flowers. The government and the
+agents of the Sanitary Commission supplied us liberally
+with lemons and vegetables, so, notwithstanding the
+intense heat, and the constant watchfulness of the men
+behind the earthworks, there was comparatively little
+illness.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon of the 29th of June orders came for
+the Sixth corps to march at once to Reams' Station, far to
+the left, where the cavalry of Kautz and Wilson, which
+had been on an extensive raid, was expected to arrive.
+At four o'clock we left camp, marched all the remainder
+of the day and all night. We found ourselves in the
+morning at Reams' Station, on the Weldon Railroad. The
+men at once commenced tearing up the track and burning
+the ties. Thus they toiled all the morning, but no cavalry
+made its appearance. Late in the day the corps retraced
+their steps, and arrived that night within two and a half
+miles of the position we had left the day before. We
+made our bivouac on the Jerusalem plank road, and in the
+morning rejoined the main army before Petersburgh and
+resumed our old position.</p>
+
+<p>The story of the great raid of Kautz and Wilson, which
+we now learned in detail, was one of thrilling interest, full
+of wild adventure, untold hardship and great peril. The
+two divisions had penetrated far to the rear of Lee's army,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</a></span>
+had destroyed miles of the Weldon railroad, and then,
+reaching the Southside road, the great artery for the supply
+of the rebel army, had torn up the track and burned
+the ties for dozens of miles. In their return they had
+fallen in with the cavalry of the enemy, and, when near
+Reams' Station, had come upon a strong force of cavalry
+and infantry. An engagement ensued, which resulted in
+the Union cavalry being driven, and hundreds from the
+immense throng of colored refugees, which was following
+the cavalry towards the Union lines, were ridden down
+by the rebel cavalry and killed. The cavalry at length
+succeeded in reaching our lines by making a circuit farther
+south, and many of the negroes also succeeded in escaping
+from rebeldom.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxviii" id="chapter_xxviii"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>SIXTH CORPS TRANSFERRED TO WASHINGTON&mdash;BATTLE
+OF FORT STEVENS.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Shenandoah Valley&mdash;Hunter's advance to Lynchburgh&mdash;The retreat&mdash;Rebels
+advance into Maryland&mdash;Battle of Monocacy&mdash;Sixth corps goes to Washington&mdash;Battle
+of Fort Stevens.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>The Shenandoah Valley, which had been the scene of
+such varied fortunes to our army during the war, again
+became a field of great interest.</p>
+
+<p>Simultaneous with the opening of the spring campaign
+by the army of the Potomac, General Sigel, who then commanded
+in the valley, commenced to move his army. On
+the 15th of May he met the enemy at New Market, and
+was defeated. He withdrew his army to Harper's Ferry,
+where, by order of General Grant, who was dissatisfied with
+his management, he was relieved of his command by General
+Hunter.</p>
+
+<p>General Hunter at once resumed offensive operations,
+moved up the valley and encountered the enemy at Piedmont
+and routed him, capturing fifteen hundred prisoners,
+three pieces of artillery and three thousand stand of small
+arms. He then pursued the routed army to Lynchburgh,
+which place he invested. To meet this movement of
+Hunter, Lee had sent General Early with his corps to the
+assistance of the rebel garrison. This force arrived just
+before the Union army came up. General Hunter, finding
+that he was confronted by a large force, his ammunition
+being nearly exhausted, the difficulties of transporting
+over so long a march sufficient ordnance stores being very
+great, he determined to withdraw without risking a battle.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</a></span>
+His want of ammunition forced him to make his
+retreat by that route which would afford most natural
+obstacles to pursuit and attack of the enemy. Accordingly,
+instead of retiring directly down the Shenandoah, he
+drew his forces off through the Kanawha Valley, leaving
+the Shenandoah open to the rebel army. The march of
+Hunter's men through the Kanawha, harassed by the
+enemy and destitute of food, was one of great severity.
+The rebels finding the Shenandoah open to them, at once
+pushed northward with a view of ravaging Maryland and
+Pennsylvania, and, if possible, entering Washington.</p>
+
+<p>Owing to the great difficulties encountered by General
+Hunter's army, in reaching Harper's Ferry in time to
+oppose Early, it became necessary to send other troops to
+meet the invading force. Accordingly, about the 1st of
+July, the Third division of our Sixth corps, under command
+of General Ricketts, was sent to Baltimore, and
+from thence marched toward Frederick, Maryland, where,
+on the banks of the Monocacy near the railroad bridge,
+the enemy was encountered. The Union forces consisted
+of the division from the Sixth corps, and a few thousand
+green troops collected about Baltimore, all under command
+of General Wallace. The force of Early greatly outnumbered
+those of the Union general, and after a hard
+fought battle our men were driven back. Although General
+Wallace had met with defeat, he had succeeded in
+arresting the progress of the invasion for a time, and
+enabled the remainder of our corps and a division of the
+Nineteenth corps to reach Washington in advance of
+the rebels.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the state of affairs in Maryland, when, on the
+evening of the 9th July, the First and Second divisions of
+the Sixth corps were ordered to march to City Point at
+once. The order came at nine o'clock, and without delay
+the troops were in motion. We had become too much<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</a></span>
+accustomed to sudden movements, to require long preparations
+for breaking up camp. The march of fourteen miles
+to City Point made during the night, was far more tolerable
+than it could have been by day. For although the
+roads were composed of dry beds of dust, in which
+the men sank almost ankle deep at every step, and the
+cloud which rose as the column moved along filled their
+throats and eyes and nostrils, yet they were not forced to
+endure the misery of a long march under a burning sun,
+such as for many days past had scorched these sandy
+plains.</p>
+
+<p>It was daylight when the Sixth corps reached the James
+river at City Point, and the process of embarking commenced
+at once. Before noon the two divisions, with the
+horses and baggage, were on board transports, which were
+in readiness when we arrived. The staff of Bidwell's
+brigade, with the Seventy-seventh and part of the Forty-ninth
+New York, with the brigade band, where on board
+the steamer Escort. We had also on board a hundred
+horses.</p>
+
+<p>Great satisfaction was felt by all at the prospect of
+leaving the region whose natural desolation was heightened
+by the devastation of war, and going to a country
+of plenty, with which so many pleasant remembrances
+were associated. Each man breathed more freely as the
+steamer swung out upon the river, and our brigade band
+sounded a good-bye to the scenes of our recent labors and
+privations.</p>
+
+<p>Our fleet was soon steaming down the river, passing
+scenes of interest, many of which were intimately connected
+with the memories of other campaigns. There was
+Harrison's Landing, the camping ground of two years
+ago, the last one on the Peninsula, where our Union army
+crowded together on the banks of the James, sweltering
+beneath the oppressive heat of a southern sun; Fort Powhattan,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</a></span>
+where we had crossed the river on pontoons a
+month ago; the iron-clad Atlanta, once a rebel ram, now
+doing service in the Union cause; the ancient settlement
+of Jamestown; the three-turreted monitor Roanoke; Sewell's
+Point; Hampton, the scene of our earliest Peninsula
+experience; the bay at Newport News, made famous by
+the conflict of the Monitor and Merrimac, the masts of the
+Cumberland still towering above the waters of the bay as
+monuments of the wonderful contest; the old haunts of
+the Teaser, which had so unceremoniously introduced herself
+to our division; and, as evening came on, we passed
+Fortress Monroe, where the many lights of the fleet gave
+the harbor the appearance of a city in the waves.</p>
+
+<p>The wind was blowing freshly when we rounded Old
+Point Comfort, and our little steamer ploughed the white
+caps bravely. We made good time, and found ourselves
+the next morning steaming up the Potomac. Aquia creek
+was passed, recalling to mind the encampment at White
+Oak Church; Mount Vernon claimed its tribute of thought,
+and at two o'clock we touched the wharf at the foot of
+Sixth street, Washington. The rest of the two divisions
+had already reached the wharves, and there, too, were
+some immense sea steamers, crowded with troops of the
+Nineteenth corps, fortunately just arrived from New
+Orleans.</p>
+
+<p>The process of disembarking occupied but little time.
+President Lincoln stood upon the wharf chatting familiarly
+with the veterans, and now and then, as if in compliment
+to them, biting at a piece of hard tack which he held in
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p>The column was formed and we marched up Seventh
+street, past the Smithsonian Institute, the Patent Office
+and the Post Office, meeting on our way many old friends,
+and hearing the people who crowded upon the sidewalks
+exclaiming, "It is the old Sixth corps!" "Those are the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</a></span>
+men who took Marye's Heights!" "The danger is over
+now!" We had never before realized the hold which the
+corps had upon the affection of the people. Washington,
+an hour before was in a panic; now as the people saw the
+veterans wearing the badge of the Greek cross marching
+through their streets, the excitement subsided and confidence
+prevailed.</p>
+
+<p>Thus we made our way to the north of the city, the
+sound of cannonading in our front stimulating and hastening
+the steps of the men. Families, with a few of their
+choicest articles of household furniture loaded into wagons,
+were hastening to the city, reporting that their houses
+were burned, or that they had made their escape leaving
+the greater part of their goods to the mercy of the rebels.</p>
+
+<p>We reached a fine grove in rear of Fort De Russey and
+made our bivouac for the night.</p>
+
+<p>Now we learned the true position of affairs. Early,
+having defeated the small force under General Wallace,
+pushed on toward Washington, carrying destruction in
+the path of his army. His cavalry reached Rockville, a
+little town twelve miles north of Washington, on the
+10th, detachments having destroyed portions of the Baltimore
+and Ohio railroad, seized trains of cars, in one of
+which was General Franklin, formerly commander of the
+Sixth corps, who was made a prisoner, but who managed
+to escape, and now, as we reached Washington, his advance
+was knocking at the defenses of that city. The forts were
+manned by a small force of heavy artillery, hundred days'
+men, and detachments of the Invalid corps; and, as we
+reached the rear of the defenses, regiments composed of
+clerks and employees of the quartermaster's department,
+with convalescents from the hospitals, marched past us to
+take their places on the front. These hasty levies were
+placed in the forts for the night, to be replaced by veteran
+troops in the morning.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>July 12th came bright and glorious. The First brigade
+of our Second division, and our sharpshooters, were on
+picket in front of Fort Stevens; the Second and Third
+brigades still enjoying the delightful shade of the groves
+in rear of Fort De Russey. From the parapets of Fort
+Stevens could be seen the lines of rebel skirmishers, from
+whose rifles the white puffs of smoke rose as they discharged
+their pieces at our pickets. The valley beyond
+the fort presented a scene of surpassing loveliness, with its
+rich green meadows, its fields of waving corn, its orchards
+and its groves. To the right was Fort Slocum, and on
+the left Fort De Russey.</p>
+
+<p>The residence of Hon. Montgomery Blair was within
+the line occupied by the confederates, and we heard that the
+fine mansion had been the scene of plunder and destruction,
+in revenge, as the rebels declared, for havoc wrought
+by our troops in Virginia.</p>
+
+<p>The principal force of the enemy seemed to be in front
+of Fort Stevens, and here it was determined to give them
+battle. The barracks just in rear of the fort were converted
+into a hospital for our Second division, and all
+preparations were made for receiving our wounded men.</p>
+
+<p>Four o'clock came, but, except that the rebel skirmishers
+were sending their bullets whizzing over the fort, all
+was quiet. President Lincoln and his wife drove up to
+the barracks, unattended, except by their coachman, the
+superbly mounted squadron of cavalry, whose duty it was
+to attend upon his excellency, being left far behind. The
+carriage stopped at the door of the hospital, and the President
+and his affable lady entered into familiar conversation
+with the surgeon in charge, praising the deeds of the
+old Sixth corps, complimenting the appearance of its veterans,
+and declaring that they, as well as the people of the
+country, appreciated the achievements of the wearers of
+the Greek cross.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Thus, for nearly an hour, they chatted of various things,
+when General Wright and his staff arrived on the ground,
+accompanied by several ladies and gentlemen from the city.</p>
+
+<p>All now repaired to the fort, and presently the portly
+form of Colonel Bidwell, followed by his Third brigade,
+was seen approaching. The brave colonel and his brave
+brigade marched past the fort into the valley beyond, the
+President, the members of his cabinet and the ladies praising
+the hardy, soldierly bearing of the men as they passed.
+They formed in two lines of battle, in rear of the skirmish
+line of the first brigade, the Seventy-seventh on the right
+of the line, then the Seventh Maine, and then the Forty-ninth.
+The Forty-third New York, Sixty-first Pennsylvania,
+and One Hundred and Twenty-second New York
+forming the second line. The advance line was in charge
+of Colonel French.</p>
+
+<p>According to preconcerted arrangements, Colonel Bidwell
+was to signify to General Wright, who remained in
+the fort, his readiness for the attack by a signal from the
+new flag of the Seventy-seventh, which had not yet been
+baptized in battle; then the great guns in the fort were to
+open a storm of shells upon the rebel position, especially
+upon a house behind which and in which numbers of
+rebels had all day found refuge; then General Wright
+was to signal from the fort the command to advance and
+the brigade was to rush to the charge.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, with a perfect understanding on the part of all
+concerned, the brigade took its place.</p>
+
+<p>The flag of the Seventy-seventh waved the signal of
+readiness, the heavy ordnance in the fort sent volley after
+volley of thirty-two pound shells howling over the heads
+of our men into the midst of the rebels, and through the
+house where so many of them had found shelter, and then
+at the command of Sedgwick's "man of iron," the brave
+fellows started eagerly forward. They reached and passed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</a></span>
+the skirmishers, and the white puffs of smoke and the
+sharp crack from their rifles became more and more
+frequent, first the rattle of an active skirmish, and then
+the continuous roar of a musketry battle.</p>
+
+<p>In magnificent order and with light steps they ran
+forward, up the ascent, through the orchard, through the
+little grove on the right, over the rail fence, up to the road,
+making straight for the first objective point, the frame
+house in front. The rebels at first stood their ground,
+then gave way before the impetuous charge.</p>
+
+<p>The President, the members of his cabinet and the
+ladies, as well as the military officers in the fort, and
+the crowd of soldiers and citizens, who had gathered
+about it to witness the fight, watched with breathless
+interest the gallant advance as our boys pushed
+forward, keeping their line of battle perfect, except
+when now and then some regiment having the advantage
+of ground, in its eagerness got a little in advance
+of others, until they saw the rebels take to flight.
+Then the crowd at the fort rent the air with exultant
+cheers, and as the boys reached the house, the people
+were wild with excitement, shouting and clapping their
+hands, leaping and dancing with joy.</p>
+
+<p>But the rebels did not yield without resistance. They
+met our men bravely, and though forced to seek safety in
+flight, turned and poured their volleys into the ranks of
+the pursuers.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/fort-stevens.png">
+<img src="images/fort-stevens-small.png" width="400" height="261" alt="Battle of Fort Stevens" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">Battle of Fort Stevens.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, commanding the Forty-ninth,
+a brave man, who had never shrunk from danger,
+and who had shared all the varied fortunes of the brigade
+since its organization, fell mortally wounded. Colonel
+Visscher, of the Forty-third, who had but lately succeeded
+the beloved Wilson, was killed. Major Jones, commanding
+the Seventh Maine, was also among the slain; and
+Major Crosby, commanding the Sixty-first Pennsylvania,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</a></span>
+who had but just recovered from the bad wound he
+received in the Wilderness, was taken to the hospital,
+where the surgeon removed his left arm from the shoulder.
+Colonel French, of the Seventy-seventh, was injured, but
+not seriously. The commanding officer of every regiment
+in the brigade was either killed or wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The fight had lasted but a few minutes, when the stream
+of bleeding, mangled ones, began to come to the rear.
+Men, leaning upon the shoulders of comrades, or borne
+painfully on stretchers, the pallor of their countenances
+rendered more ghastly by the thick dust which had settled
+upon them, were brought into the hospitals by scores,
+where the medical officers, ever active in administering
+relief to their companions, were hard at work binding up
+ghastly wounds, administering stimulants, coffee and food,
+or resorting to the hard necessity of amputation.</p>
+
+<p>At the summit of the ascent, the confederates were
+strengthened by their second line of battle, and here they
+made a stout resistance; but even this position they were
+forced to abandon in haste, and as darkness closed in upon
+the scene, our men were left as victors in possession of the
+ground lately occupied by the rebels, having driven their
+adversaries more than a mile.</p>
+
+<p>The Vermont brigade now came to the relief of the boys
+who had so gallantly won the field, and the Third brigade
+returned at midnight to the bivouac it had left in the
+morning. But not all returned. Many of those brave
+fellows who went with such alacrity into the battle, had
+fallen to rise no more. In the orchard, in the road, about
+the frame house and upon the summit, where the rebels had
+made so determined a resistance, their forms were stretched
+upon the green sward and in the dusty road, stiff and cold.
+Many more had come to the hospital severely injured,
+maimed for life or mortally wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The little brigade, numbering only a thousand men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</a></span>
+when it went into action, had lost two hundred and fifty
+of its number.</p>
+
+<p>During the night the raiders made their escape toward
+Rockville. The prisoners left in our hands told us that
+they had anticipated an easy victory in front of Washington,
+believing that the forts were defended only by convalescents
+and quartermaster's men, and, when they saw
+the white crosses of the old Sixth corps, they were seized
+with consternation. They now understood that the city
+was guarded by veterans who had acquired, in the rebel
+army, a disagreeable reputation.</p>
+
+<p>While the battle was in progress, President Lincoln
+stood upon the parapet of the fort watching, with eager
+interest, the scene before him. Bullets came whistling
+around, and one severely wounded a surgeon who stood
+within three feet of the President. Mrs. Lincoln entreated
+him to leave the fort, but he refused; he, however, accepted
+the advice of General Wright to descend from the parapet
+and watch the battle from a less exposed position.</p>
+
+<p>Cavalry was sent in the morning to ascertain the direction
+of the flight of the enemy, but the infantry remained
+quietly awaiting events.</p>
+
+<p>We gathered our dead comrades from the field where
+they had fallen, and gave them the rude burial of soldiers
+on the common near Fort Stevens. None of those high
+in authority, who had come out to see them give up their
+lives for their country, were present to pay the last honors
+to the dead heroes. No officer of state, no lady of wealth,
+no citizen of Washington was there; but we laid them in
+their graves within sight of the capital, without coffins,
+with only their gory garments and their blankets around
+them. With the rude tenderness of soldiers, we covered
+them in the earth; we marked their names with our pencils
+on the little head-boards of pine, and turned sadly away to
+other scenes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But though no concourse of citizens followed the patriots
+to their humble resting place, though no bands wailed the
+solemn dirge, and no casket but the earth inclosed their
+remains, their deeds were not forgotten. Their memory
+was enshrined in the hearts of the people; and after a few
+weeks their remains were exhumed from their scattered
+graves, they were placed together in a little inclosure on
+the sunny slope in front of the fort, and a beautiful monument
+tells the story of their noble sacrifice.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxix" id="chapter_xxix"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Sixth and Nineteenth corps follow the enemy&mdash;Crossing the Potomac&mdash;Averill's
+fight at Snicker's Gap&mdash;Return of the Sixth corps to Washington&mdash;March
+back to Harper's Ferry&mdash;Return to Maryland&mdash;Death of Major
+Ellis&mdash;General Sheridan assigned to command&mdash;Back in the Valley&mdash;Charlestown&mdash;John
+Mosher&mdash;March to Fisher Hill&mdash;Return to Charlestown&mdash;Fight at
+Charlestown.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>At one o'clock the column of the Sixth corps moved
+away from Fort Stevens, marching through the little village
+of Tanleytown, following in pursuit of the rebels.
+We moved rapidly till ten o'clock, then halted, much
+fatigued, at Potomac Cross Roads. At five o'clock, next
+morning, we were once more on our way, and after a march
+of twelve hours through a pleasant country, we made our
+bivouac at Poolsville, having marched thirty-six miles
+since leaving Fort Stevens. Our Sixth corps, with the
+two divisions of the Nineteenth corps, now constituted a
+new army, under command of General Wright, General
+Getty having command of the Sixth corps. At Poolsville
+we lay all day, waiting for our small cavalry force to find
+out the course which Early's army had taken, but on Saturday
+morning, the 16th, we were moving at daylight.
+We marched toward the Potomac, which we forded near
+the scene of Ball's Bluff slaughter. The spectacle at the
+ford was novel and exciting. The stream was wide, but
+not more than two or three feet deep. The bottom was
+rough and stony, and the current was strong. For nearly
+a mile up and down the river the brigades were crossing;
+the stream filled with infantry wading with difficult steps<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</a></span>
+over the uneven bottom, mounted officers carefully guiding
+their horses lest they should stumble, trains of artillery
+and wagons slowly toiling through, and groups of pack
+animals scarcely able to keep their footing under their
+huge burdens. The laugh of hundreds sounded up and
+down the river, as some unfortunate footman, slipping
+from a smooth stone, would, for a moment, disappear
+beneath the surface of the river, or as some overloaded
+mule or pack horse, losing his footing, would precipitate
+his load, and peradventure the small negro boy, who, in
+order to secure a dry passage across the ford, had perched
+himself on the top of the bags and bundles, into the rushing
+waters.</p>
+
+<p>The troops gathered upon the southern bank of the
+river, and the infantry proceeded to empty the water from
+their boots and shoes, and to wring it from their stockings.
+This short task over, the march was resumed.</p>
+
+<p>Passing through a section where some very interesting
+conglomerate rocks attracted the attention of those scientifically
+inclined, we left the little town of Leesburgh
+behind, and at eight o'clock in the morning encamped in a
+ploughed field, tired and hungry, and, it must be confessed,
+a little dissatisfied at the idea of sleeping on ploughed
+ground while fresh meadows were on every side of us.
+In this bivouac we spent the Sabbath, and services were
+held by the chaplains in the various brigades.</p>
+
+<p>Early Monday morning the march was resumed, our
+little army passing through the delightful hill scenery
+of Loudon county, and through the diminutive villages of
+Hamilton and Purcellville. As the afternoon advanced,
+we found ourselves toiling up the ascent of the Blue
+Ridge, pleasant farm houses and fine orchards greeting
+our sight on either side of the road. Darkness was upon
+us before we passed through Snicker's Gap, a deep gorge
+in the mountains, through which winds a rough, unkept<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[Pg 382]</a></span>
+road; and by the moonlight we spread our blankets for
+another night's rest.</p>
+
+<p>The morning revealed the lovely Shenandoah Valley
+spread out before us, its river lying at our feet.</p>
+
+<p>The troops of the "Army of Virginia," under Averill,
+had engaged the enemy with doubtful success before our
+arrival. Indeed, the troops on both sides seemed to have
+become demoralized. The rebels were retreating, and
+Averill's men had made their way back to the east side of
+the river in such hot haste as to leave some of their flags
+floating in the stream.</p>
+
+<p>We remained during the 19th in apparent uncertainty as
+to what course to pursue, whether to give chase to the
+enemy, who it was now supposed had made good his retreat
+up the valley, or to return to Washington. But an order
+from General Grant, directing General Wright to get back
+to Washington at once with the Sixth corps, that the
+troops might be at once returned to the Army of the Potomac
+before Early could reinforce Lee, determined our
+course, and at night we were again passing through
+Snicker's Gap, the infantry and teams crowded together in
+the narrow defile to the great inconvenience of the footmen
+and annoyance of the artillerymen and teamsters.
+Marching rapidly all night and the next day, halting
+only a short time for coffee in the morning and at noon,
+we retraced our steps to Leesburgh, then following the
+turnpike we reached and passed Drainsville, and halted
+near Difficult creek. July 23d, the corps marched through
+Lewinsville and Langley, passed Camp Griffin, the memory
+of which was indissolubly connected with our first winter
+in the service, crossed Chain bridge and went in camp near
+Tanleytown, five miles out from Washington.</p>
+
+<p>Transports were waiting on the Potomac to convey us
+to City Point, but as matters in the valley still seemed
+unsettled, the corps remained at Tanleytown, and on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[Pg 383]</a></span>
+25th, it became certain that Early with his army was again
+moving down the valley, threatening Maryland and Pennsylvania.
+The Sixth corps received orders to move at
+once toward Harper's Ferry, but by some delay it was
+noon of the 26th when it turned back from Tanleytown
+toward the scene of our future brilliant operations.</p>
+
+<p>The day on which the corps moved had been hot, and
+many of the men, weary with long marches, had been
+forced to fall out, but, most of all, bad whisky from
+Washington had demoralized great numbers, and these,
+with the sick and weary, made up a great crowd of
+stragglers. The task, which was assigned to the rear-guard,
+the Seventy-seventh New York, of urging these
+inebriated and discouraged ones toward their commands,
+was not an easy or agreeable one. The corps made all
+haste in the direction of Frederick, which city it reached
+on the 28th, crossing the field of General Wallace's battle
+with Early.</p>
+
+<p>Without halting at Frederick, except to get our coffee
+near Monocacy creek, we pushed on to Jefferson, getting
+into camp at midnight. The next day we marched through
+Knoxville, Newton and Sandy Hook, through that wonderful
+gorge in the mountains at Harper's Ferry, and arrived
+at evening footsore and weary at Halltown, four miles
+south of Harper's Ferry. Then, next day we were ordered
+back again. The whole command poured into the deep
+valley at Harper's Ferry, the day was sultry even for that
+locality, not a breath of air seemed to be stirring, and the
+high mountains on every side reflected the heat and kept
+off the breeze. Into this hot, dusty inclosure among the
+hills, the whole army poured, and as there was only a
+single pontoon bridge to serve as an outlet, there was of
+course great delay. Horses stood harnessed to the cannon
+or under the saddle, the sweat literally pouring off their
+sides like rain, while men panted for breath and seemed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[Pg 384]</a></span>
+almost on the point of suffocation. It was late in the
+night when our corps was all over the bridge, and the march
+was continued without rest during the whole night and all
+next day till we arrived again near Frederick City, where
+we had a night and a day of rest. We now learned that
+the cause of our sudden countermarch was the raid of
+Early's cavalry, who had burned the city of Chambersburgh,
+and caused much destruction of property elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the Sixth corps was, in army parlance,
+"about played out." Even our famous marches on the
+Gettysburgh campaign were eclipsed by this perpetual
+series of forced marches for nearly a month. The men
+were very much worn from their campaigns before leaving
+Petersburgh, but now we had had a month of traveling,
+night and day.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly were the troops settled in camp for a night of
+rest, before the bugle called them to go again. Now
+when we marched, horses would drop down by dozens
+along the road, unable to rise again. Their riders would
+strip them of their saddles, and leave the worn out steeds
+to their fate. If, by chance, one of these deserted horses,
+after a few hours of rest, could muster strength to rise to
+his feet, he was doomed to be seized by some drummer
+boy, or other wight of the "bummer" tribe, mounted and
+rode till his strength again failed. Then the dismounted
+bummer would coolly remove his hempen bridle, shoulder
+his drum, and seek for another steed. For two or three
+days past the weather had been excessively hot, and men
+could be seen lying all along the roadside, as we marched,
+suffering from sunstroke.</p>
+
+<p>Wednesday, August 3d, the Sixth corps marched to
+Buckeystown, a little village on the Monocacy, about five
+miles south of Frederick.</p>
+
+<p>The different brigades of the corps were scattered about
+on the hillsides which bounded the pleasant valley of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[Pg 385]</a></span>
+Monocacy, where pure fresh air was in abundance, and
+the men gladly availed themselves of the privilege of
+bathing in the delightfully clear waters of the river. For
+a distance of nearly two miles the river was filled with
+bathers at all hours, except in the hottest part of the day
+and in the night, and even then some might be seen enjoying
+the luxury of the bath.</p>
+
+<p>At Buckeystown we remained two days, in the enjoyment
+of a pleasant bivouac; yet, as though no place was
+free from evil, an event occurred here afflictive to our
+brigade and to the corps.</p>
+
+<p>Among the most energetic and brave officers of our
+Third brigade, was Major Ellis, of the Forty-ninth New
+York. He had been wounded at Spottsylvania while leading
+a charge against the enemy at the terrible "angle."
+A ramrod had passed through his left arm, and bruised the
+chest near the heart. He was taken to Fredericksburgh,
+from whence he went to Washington, and thence home.
+Returning to his command before he had fully recovered,
+he was advised by medical officers not to attempt any severe
+duty. But being detailed to the staff of General Russell,
+commanding the First division, he at once resumed active
+military duties. On these recent marches, the major, weary
+of inaction, had taken command of a body of men who
+acted as additional provost-guard to the division.</p>
+
+<p>In this position he had exhibited his usual energy,
+though it was thought by some he executed his duties
+with too great severity. Ever since receiving his wound,
+he had complained of severe neuralgic pains in the region
+of the heart. Except that this pain was slightly more
+acute than usual, the major retired to his tent on the night
+of the 3d, in his accustomed health.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning he sent his servant from the tent for a
+moment, and when the man returned the major was dead.
+An autopsy was made by the writer of these pages, in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[Pg 386]</a></span>
+presence of about twenty of his professional brethren. A
+sharp splinter of bone from one of the ribs was found with
+its acute point piercing vital organs.</p>
+
+<p>The funeral display was the most imposing ever witnessed
+in any corps of the Army of the Potomac. We
+had seen military pageants on a large scale, but nothing
+to compare with this in its solemn sublimity.</p>
+
+<p>The remains were laid in state in a large tent near
+General Russell's head-quarters, wrapped in a silken flag,
+and the tent itself was draped with the Stars and Stripes.
+Presently the major's regiment, the Forty-ninth New
+York, came as mourners, unarmed, and formed in two
+ranks facing each other near the tent. Then the chaplain
+of the Forty-ninth, led in a short religious service, very
+appropriate and very impressive, while the whole of the
+First division was being formed in two parallel lines
+facing each other, and about eighty paces apart. The
+service over, a regiment of heavy artillery came to act as
+escort. The remains, inclosed in a rude coffin, wrapped
+in the flag under which he had so often fought, were
+placed in an ambulance, and the funeral cortege began its
+slow march through the long lines of sunbrowned veterans
+who stood on either side. First in the procession was the
+escort, the muskets of the men reversed, preceded by a
+band playing a solemn dirge. Then the ambulance with
+the remains, the major's hat, coat and sword lying upon the
+coffin; then his riderless horse, saddled and bridled, and
+led by a servant; then the regiment as mourners;
+and finally General Russell and the staff of the First
+division with the division flag, and the staffs of the three
+brigades of the division, and our Third brigade, Second division,
+each with its flag, with a large concourse of officers,
+personal friends of him whose remains were thus honored.</p>
+
+<p>As the cortege proceeded with slow steps between the
+lines of soldiers, they stood with arms presented, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[Pg 387]</a></span>
+the colors of the regiments drooped as the procession
+passed. Thus attended the remains were conveyed to the
+railroad station, three miles distant, where they were
+placed on board a train for Washington.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant-General Grant visited our army on the 5th
+of August, and, in consultation with General Hunter,
+determined upon a course for our future operations. So
+quietly was this visit of the Commander-in-Chief of the
+armies made, that very few in our little army knew of
+the presence of General Grant.</p>
+
+<p>Among other things determined upon at this time was
+a change of commanders. General Hunter, who had
+commanded the "Army of the Shenandoah," with credit
+to himself and honor to our arms, was to be relieved, and
+General Philip S. Sheridan, who had, since the commencement
+of the spring campaign, commanded the cavalry
+corps of the Army of the Potomac, was to take command
+of all the forces operating against Early. The department
+of West Virginia, Washington, Susquehanna and
+the Middle Department, were to constitute the "Middle
+Military Division," to be under the command of General
+Sheridan. To this middle military division the Sixth
+corps was temporarily assigned. This was a new era in
+the history of that corps. Hitherto it had been, from the
+beginning, connected with the noble Army of the Potomac.
+Its history and its fame were inseparably connected with
+the history of that army, and when the corps had come to the
+rescue of the capital, it came as a detachment of the Army
+of the Potomac. Now, for the first time, the corps was to
+be identified with another army. But great as was the
+fame and honor which the corps had, by noble deeds, won
+for itself, it was now, by heroic achievements in the new
+field, to crown itself with glories even more dazzling than
+those in its proudest days in the old army.</p>
+
+<p>We were ordered, on the evening of the 5th, to march<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[Pg 388]</a></span>
+immediately. The troops of the Sixth corps proceeded at
+once to Monocacy Junction, where they took cars for
+Harper's Ferry. The quartermasters, and hospital trains
+followed rapidly by the wagon roads.</p>
+
+<p>Troops and trains reached the heights beyond Harper's
+Ferry at night, and on the following morning the line of
+battle was established at Halltown.</p>
+
+<p>General Sheridan now assumed command. We knew
+little of him except that he had very successfully commanded
+the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac for the
+last three months, but we were satisfied that General Grant
+trusted to his generalship, and we had already learned
+enough of General Grant's knowledge of human nature to
+place confidence in the general of his choice.</p>
+
+<p>One thing pleased us at the start. Our new general
+was visible to the soldiers of his command; wherever we
+went he was with the column, inhaling the dust, leaving
+the road for the teams, never a day or two days behind the
+rest of the army, but always riding by the side of the men.
+His watchful care of the details of the march, his interest
+in the progress of the trains, and the ready faculty with
+which he brought order out of confusion when the roads
+became blockaded, reminded us of our lamented Sedgwick.
+Another feature of the new administration pleased us.
+When the head-quarter tents of the commander of the
+Middle Military Division were pitched, there was one
+wall tent, one wedge tent and two flies. This modest
+array of shelter for the general and his staff was in happy
+contrast with the good old times in the Army of the
+Potomac, when more than eighty six-mule teams were
+required to haul the baggage for head-quarters of the army.</p>
+
+<p>At Halltown we remained for a few days, gaining what
+we so much needed, rest. The air was delightfully cool
+and refreshing, and it seemed as though each particular
+breath was laden with health and strength.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[Pg 389]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>We were rejoiced to see some of our Army of the
+Potomac cavalry joining us, and our army began to assume
+dimensions which filled us with confidence. We had now
+the Sixth corps, General Wright, two divisions of the
+Nineteenth corps under General Emory, and Hunter's
+"Army of Virginia," usually called the Eighth corps,
+under command of General Crook. Our cavalry consisted
+of Averill's force which had been in the valley,
+and we were now receiving two divisions from the Army
+of the Potomac, one in command of General Torbert, the
+other of General Wilson. The cavalry force was soon
+afterward organized, with General Torbert in command
+of the whole force, and Generals Custer, Averill and Merritt,
+each in command of a division.</p>
+
+<p>On the tenth of the month we commenced our march up
+the Shenandoah Valley. No sooner had the sun made its
+appearance above the Blue Ridge than we found the day
+to be most intensely hot. Soldiers were falling along the
+roadside in great numbers overcome with the heat, and
+what added to the hardships of the day's journey was the
+want of water. The turnpike along which we marched
+was parallel with a fine stream of water on either side,
+but the water was so far distant as to be useless to the
+soldiers. Yet there were a few springs and wells at some
+distance from the road which supplied those who could
+leave the column.</p>
+
+<p>We passed through Charlestown, the scene of the trial
+and execution of John Brown. There was the court
+house to which he was brought on his couch to receive his
+trial for treason, and there the jail in which he spent
+his last days, and from which he was led to execution.
+How had all things changed! The people who stood
+about the gallows of John Brown, and gnashed their
+teeth in their bitter hatred, were now themselves guilty
+of treason. The court house was in ruins, and the jail<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[Pg 390]</a></span>
+was but a shell of tottering walls. The town also had
+suffered fearful ravages from war, and now a Union army
+was marching through its streets, every band and every
+drum corps playing the stirring but to southern ears hateful
+air, "John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave,"
+and we may anticipate our narrative to say that whenever
+our army or any part of it had occasion to pass through
+this town, the bands always struck up this air, as if to
+taunt the inhabitants with the memory of their victim,
+and played it from one limit of the town to the other.
+So John Brown was revenged!</p>
+
+<p>The Shenandoah Valley has been often called the
+"Garden of Virginia," and truly it is a lovely valley, yet
+as we marched along we could see but little cultivation.
+The groves of oak were delightful. Teams with wagons
+might be driven anywhere among them. But the fields
+were mostly desolate. Here and there a field of corn promised
+a medium crop if left to ripen untrodden by our
+army, but there was no luxuriance of vegetation. The
+mountains, the Blue Ridge on one side and the North
+mountains on the other, rose abruptly from the valley in
+parallel lines, and looked as though a race of Titans had
+been at war, and had thrown up these long ridges as
+breastworks for opposing forces.</p>
+
+<p>A little beyond Charlestown was a lovely meadow,
+lying between two groves of oak. At the further end of
+the meadow was a neat white cottage, where there seemed
+more comfort than we had seen elsewhere in the valley.
+The place was away from the direct line of march, and
+partly concealed by the groves.</p>
+
+<p>Those who left the column were furnished by the family
+with pure sweet water from a well, which the family
+asserted was sunk by order of General Braddock. Such
+places were so rare that our men and animals suffered
+from thirst. Few who were on that march will forget a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[Pg 391]</a></span>
+spring which we passed near the close of that day's march.
+A large white frame house stood upon an elevation, surrounded
+by trees, and at foot of the elevation, a large
+spring, under the shade of a huge willow, and surrounded
+by other trees. The water gushed out from a fissure in the
+rock, clear as crystal, and in such volume that a large
+brook was formed at once. Over the spring was the usual
+"spring house." Soldiers filled this building, covered the
+great rocks, crowded the grove, and for many yards around
+a dense mass of men pressed to get near the tempting
+fountain, all eager to fill their cups and canteens, and hasten
+on with the column. No one can know with what
+delight the soldiers quaffed the sparkling fluid from their
+sooty coffee pots, who has not suffered the torture of
+extreme thirst.</p>
+
+<p>We halted near Clifton, and resumed our march on the
+following morning, to suffer, if possible, more from heat
+and thirst than ever. At night we bivouacked near
+Opequan creek. We threw ourselves upon the grassy
+sward, with the beautiful canopy of heaven with its mottled
+clouds and twinkling stars and flying meteors, for our
+tent. For many of us, this was the only tent we had slept
+under since leaving Petersburgh, and we were satisfied
+with it. The air was purer and the breeze fresher than
+when we were inclosed by canvas.</p>
+
+<p>Again, on the morning of the 12th, we were marching.
+We passed through the villages of Newtown and Middletown,
+and halted at night on the banks of Cedar creek.</p>
+
+<p>We were startled in the morning by the announcement
+of the death of a good soldier. John Mosher had
+marched with the column the day before, but owing
+to the overpowering heat was obliged to fall a little
+behind. Toward evening, finding himself too much
+exhausted to walk further, he applied for and obtained
+permission to ride in an ambulance of the First division.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[Pg 392]</a></span>
+During the night he was found to be dying. The kind
+hearted surgeon in charge of the hospital of the First
+division, Dr. Crehore, and one of his assistants, spent some
+hours with him, using every means to restore him, but
+without avail. He died before morning. A letter in his
+pocket told his name and regiment. We made a grave
+near Cedar creek, and a few of his comrades stood around
+it while he was lowered to his bed of earth, wrapped in
+his blanket. The chaplain offered a brief prayer; his fellows
+in arms fired a parting salute, and we left him to
+sleep in the valley where, a few weeks later, some of his
+companions were to rest by his side.</p>
+
+<p>On the 13th all the troops were across on the south side
+of Cedar creek. The pickets of our Second division occupied
+one end of the village of Strasburgh, while those of
+the enemy held the other. We were sure that we must
+fight here, and we were not unwilling. Our cavalry was
+scouting on the flanks, skirmishing with rebel cavalry and
+searching for a way to outflank Early's army. The rebels
+held a position of great strength, and to make a direct
+assault would be to run a great risk of a repulse. The
+walls of the valley, the Blue Ridge and the North Mountains,
+came close together here, and, to render the position
+stronger, Fisher Hill, a commanding eminence, a prominent
+object in the landscape, to be seen from one end of
+the valley to the other, rose directly in our front and
+obstructed our passage. Upon the declivities of this hill
+the enemy had planted batteries so as to command our
+approach from any direction.</p>
+
+<p>We remained gazing at this strong position till nightfall,
+and then recrossed the river, and made our position
+strong for defense. General Sheridan had been instructed
+by General Grant not to bring on a general engagement
+unless it was forced upon him. General Grant regarded
+our army rather as one of defense than for offensive operations.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[Pg 393]</a></span>
+Should we suffer defeat, the capital and the rich
+fields of Pennsylvania and Maryland would again be open
+to the rebels. So we were to watch their movements and
+hold them in check, but we were not to risk a battle with
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the ubiquitous Mosby was at work in our
+rear, at Berryville, with a band of guerrillas. He had
+made a bold dash upon a long train, belonging principally
+to the cavalry, and guarded by almost a brigade of hundred
+days' men; had dispersed the inexperienced guard,
+which was scattered along the road for miles; had captured
+the mules, and burned the wagons and supplies.
+Seventy-five wagons had fallen a prey to the adventurous
+bandit, while the hundred days' men had made good their
+escape. Old men, women and children, joined in the work
+of destruction, setting fire to the wagons, and carrying off
+whatever articles they could easily remove from them.
+Prisoners whom they captured were murdered, either by
+Mosby's band, or by the more merciless citizens, and left
+unburied.</p>
+
+<p>This raid upon our communications led General Sheridan
+to fear a more general advance of the rebels beyond the
+mountains, with a view of coming with force upon our rear.</p>
+
+<p>So, on the evening of Tuesday, the 16th, the army
+marched northward down the valley again. All night
+and all the next day the weary march was kept up. We
+went through Winchester, where the rebel women came
+out by hundreds to rejoice at our retreat, and halted on
+the banks of the Opequan for the night. Then, when the
+morning came, we were off again, and, after a severe
+march, formed in line of battle a mile south of Charlestown.</p>
+
+<p>The Jersey brigade, under Colonel Penrose, was left as
+rear-guard and support to the cavalry on the retreat.
+At Winchester the brigade, flanked by cavalry, made a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[Pg 394]</a></span>
+stand. The enemy came down upon the brigade in large
+force, handled it roughly, and sent the Jersey boys
+through the town in confusion. Their resistance had been
+all that could have been asked; but the brigade, staunch as
+it was, was not enough for the force that came against it.</p>
+
+<p>Our Sixth corps guarded the turnpike leading from
+Harper's Ferry to Winchester. On the left of the pike,
+facing southward, was our Second division, and on the
+right our First division.</p>
+
+<p>The Eighth corps held the center of the line, and the
+Nineteenth corps the left, its flank resting on Berryville.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday morning, the 21st of August, our cavalry
+was driven back upon the infantry, and we suddenly discovered
+the enemy coming down upon the Sixth corps in
+three heavy columns. With scarcely any warning we
+found shells pitching into our camp among the standing
+tents, and bullets whistling among the trees that afforded
+us shelter from the sun.</p>
+
+<p>The corps was quickly in line, the tents struck and everything
+in fighting trim. Our boys received the onset of the
+rebels with cool bravery, giving them back volley for
+volley. The fight was kept up for several hours, the
+Eighth corps being but slightly engaged, and the Nineteenth
+corps not at all. Our Second division, Sixth corps,
+receiving the weight of the attack. Our men threw up
+breastworks along the front, and at length the Vermont
+brigade was ordered to charge upon the enemy. The
+charge was executed with the usual brilliancy and fighting
+joy of that brigade and the confederates were glad to
+leave us in undisputed possession of the ground.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[Pg 395]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxx" id="chapter_xxx"></a>CHAPTER XXX.</h2>
+
+<h3>BATTLE OF WINCHESTER.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Encampment at Berryville&mdash;Leaving camp&mdash;The advance&mdash;Taking position&mdash;Advance
+and retreat&mdash;Death of Russell&mdash;"I know they'll run"&mdash;Reminiscences&mdash;At
+the hospitals&mdash;A regiment going home&mdash;"Why don't he come."</p></div>
+
+
+<p>The rebels were repulsed; but as our position at Charlestown
+was one that might easily be flanked, our army fell
+back during the night to the strong position at Halltown,
+where defensive works were thrown up, and again we
+awaited the advance of the enemy; but except some
+skirmishing on the left of the line, no attack was ventured
+by Early; and after two or three days he withdrew to
+the vicinity of Winchester, and established his line along
+the west bank of Opequan creek, so as to cover the three
+roads leading from Martinsburgh, from Harper's Ferry
+and from Berryville to Winchester. We followed and
+established our line on the east side of the creek, and some
+miles from it, at Berryville.</p>
+
+<p>Our encampment at Berryville was one of the most
+delightful of our resting places, even in the Shenandoah
+Valley. We passed the days pleasantly, strolling or riding
+among the groves of black walnut, visiting among the various
+regiments, amusing ourselves with chess and books.
+Nothing occurred to interrupt these pleasant pastimes and
+the monotony of picket duty until the 13th of September,
+when the Second division was directed to make a reconnoissance
+to the Opequan. We marched to the creek very
+early in the morning, found the enemy in force, lost a few
+men by the shells from the rebel batteries, and returned to
+camp.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[Pg 396]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>On the 15th our army was visited by Lieutenant-General
+Grant. The story of his visit we give in his own words:</p>
+
+<p>"I left City Point on the 15th to visit him (General
+Sheridan), at his head-quarters, to decide, after conference
+with him, what should be done. I met him at Charlestown,
+and he pointed out so distinctly how each army lay;
+what he could do the moment he was authorized, and
+expressed such confidence of success, that I saw there
+were but two words of instruction necessary&mdash;<i>Go in!</i> ...
+I may here add that the result was such that I
+have never since deemed it necessary to visit General
+Sheridan before giving him orders."</p>
+
+<p>Thus the two armies lay face to face, with the stream
+and a narrow strip of country between them, either able
+to bring on an engagement at any time. The quiet was
+broken on the morning of the 19th, when we advanced to
+win the first of that series of brilliant victories which
+startled Europe and America; which gave to our little
+army an enviable renown among the armies of the Union,
+and established the reputation of our chief as one of the
+foremost generals of the age.</p>
+
+<p>Early had taken the initiative. On Sunday the 18th, he
+had sent General Gordon's division toward Martinsburgh,
+with orders to drive out the Union forces, and destroy
+the government property. Gordon was met by Averill's
+cavalry and driven back to Drakesville. Sheridan, discovering
+the mistake made by Early in separating his
+forces, was quick to avail himself of the advantage of
+his enemy's blunder. Orders were issued to move at once,
+but, for some reason, several hours elapsed before the army
+was ready.</p>
+
+<p>We left our pleasant camps at Berryville, at two o'clock
+Monday morning, the Sixth corps in advance, moving in
+two columns, one on either side of the road, the ammunition
+wagons, artillery and ambulances taking the pike.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[Pg 397]</a></span>
+The Third brigade, Second division, led the infantry. The
+Nineteenth corps followed the Sixth, marching in similar
+order, its infantry in the fields and its artillery and wagons
+on the pike, while Crook's Kanawha corps moved further
+to the south, with orders to connect with the Sixth corps
+at Opequan creek. Two divisions of cavalry, under Merritt
+and Averill, were directed to amuse the enemy near
+Bunker's Hill, and draw the attention of the rebel generals
+in that direction as much as possible. It was the
+design of General Sheridan thus to amuse the enemy on
+the left while he should march his army up the Berryville
+and Winchester pike, strike the right flank of Early's
+army, and by a sudden and unexpected attack, to get in
+the rear and cut off the retreat of the rebel forces. By
+one of those inexplicable mistakes, which sometimes upset
+the plans of our generals, this design was not fully realized,
+and had General Sheridan been less determined and
+less dashing, he might have abandoned the idea of attacking
+Early at all.</p>
+
+<p>At five o'clock Wilson's cavalry had crossed the creek
+before us, having dispersed the pickets of the enemy,
+driving them back to their line of field works, and then,
+by a dashing charge, had leaped their horses over the
+breastworks of the first line of defenses, and routed
+the rebels, capturing about fifty of their number.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately after this gallant exploit of the cavalry, the
+Sixth corps crossed the creek and advanced on the turnpike
+about a mile, where the enemy was found in force. As we
+moved along, through the deep ravine, following the pike,
+we were warned of the active work we might expect in
+front, as we saw cavalrymen coming to the rear, some
+leading their wounded horses, others with their heads
+bound in bloody handkerchiefs, some with arms hanging
+in slings, others borne on litters. Here by the roadside
+might be seen the prostrate, lifeless form of some soldier<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[Pg 398]</a></span>
+of the Union; there, where a silvery brook babbled along
+across the pike, on its grassy banks, and beneath the
+shadow of a large tree, was gathered a little group of
+boys in blue, performing the last acts of kindness to a
+comrade in whom the vital spark was almost extinguished,
+and a surgeon bending over the dying soldier striving to
+render less painful the few lingering moments of life.</p>
+
+<p>We moved up a steep ascent and formed in line of battle
+in a cornfield; the Third brigade on the left, the First in
+the center, and the Vermonters on the right; then on the
+left of the Second division the Third division got into position,
+and the First division came up in the rear as reserve.
+Our artillery was brought into position and a vigorous
+shelling commenced on both sides.</p>
+
+<p>The Sixth corps was now ready for a charge upon the
+enemy, but it was discovered that, by some misconception
+of orders, the Nineteenth corps, which should have been on
+the ground, was left far behind. Orders were dispatched
+to hasten it to the field of action, but two hours, precious
+hours to that army, elapsed before it was in position.</p>
+
+<p>Those two hours of delay enabled Early to strengthen
+his right; to throw up strong earthworks, and bring Gordon's
+division on the run, to his assistance. We had been
+fortunate only in seizing the position on the west side of
+the stream, or the battle would, from this delay, have been
+worse for us.</p>
+
+<p>Merritt and Averill, by skillfully maneuvering their
+troops in front of Bunker's Hill, had enabled us to seize
+this advantage.</p>
+
+<p>The Nineteenth corps was formed on the right of the
+Sixth, in four lines of battle; Wilson's cavalry was on our
+left. It was eleven o'clock when the advance was sounded.
+In our front were undulating fields, traversed by deep
+ravines, almost stripped of timber, except where the rebels
+had formed their line of battle in a belt of woods that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[Pg 399]</a></span>
+skirted the turnpike. It was an imposing spectacle to
+watch that line of battle, stretching three miles across the
+fields, as it moved toward the rebel lines, the men as composed
+as though on parade, the line straight and compact,
+the various division, brigade and regimental flags floating
+gaily in the sunlight. Away in our front we could see
+Winchester; its gleaming spires and shining roofs, bright
+with the warm glow of mid-day, and we proudly felt that
+before night it would be ours. Onward, through the cornfields
+and over the grassy knolls, now descending into a
+ravine and now rising upon the open plain, where the
+rebel artillery swept with terrible effect, the long line
+pressed forward, regardless of the destructive fire that
+constantly thinned our ranks. At every step forward,
+men were dropping, dropping; some dead, some mortally
+hurt, and some with slight wounds. Now on this side,
+now on that they fell; still the line swept forward, leaving
+the ground behind it covered with the victims.</p>
+
+<p>Thus we pushed onward, the rebels falling back, desperately
+disputing every step, when a murderous fire, from
+batteries which the enemy had skillfully placed, suddenly
+swept our right with fearful slaughter.</p>
+
+<p>Thus far all had gone well. Now our hearts were sick
+as we looked far to the right and saw the Nineteenth
+corps and our Third division falling back, back, back, the
+grape and canister of the hostile cannon crashing through
+the now disordered ranks, and the exulting rebels following
+with wild yells of victory.</p>
+
+<p>The retreat of the troops on the right of the Second
+division left its flank, held by the Vermonters, exposed,
+and they, too, were forced to fall behind the Third brigade,
+which still held its ground, the fire in its front being at
+the moment less severe. Our batteries were rushed forward,
+and the gallant First division, the noble Russell at
+its head, came bravely up to the rescue.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[Pg 400]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As the noble soldier brought his division into position a
+cannon ball swept him from his horse&mdash;dead. A great
+spirit had fallen, and in a moment we were made an army
+of mourners. "I have lost my captain," said Sheridan, as
+the work of the day closed.</p>
+
+<p>We all remembered the modest, almost bashful, demeanor
+of the fallen general among his friends, and his glorious
+heroism in the presence of his enemies, and many tears
+moistened the brown cheeks of rough soldiers as they
+thought of the loss of one of our best beloved leaders.</p>
+
+<p>But, notwithstanding the loss of their hero, the brave
+division pushed straight on. Nothing could withstand
+them; and now, joined by the other troops of the corps,
+the boys with the red crosses press on, and as the peals of
+musketry and artillery roll through those valleys, it tells
+of victory for the Union. The lost ground is regained,
+and now the fire in front of the Sixth corps slackens.</p>
+
+<p>We rested, throwing ourselves on the ground, waiting
+for orders. Some of the men, fatigued from the early
+march and severe morning's work, slept; while others
+regaled themselves from their well filled haversacks; and
+many gathered in groups to talk over the doings of the
+morning, and to speak of those who had been stretched
+upon the sod, who had fallen with their faces to the foe.</p>
+
+<p>We were waiting for Crook's corps. It had halted on
+the eastern bank of the river as reserve for the army.
+Now it was brought forward at quick pace and placed, a
+part on the right of the Nineteenth corps, where the rebels
+could be seen massing troops on their left, with a view of
+turning our right flank, the other part in rear of the Nineteenth
+corps. Averill and Merritt, too, were with the
+army, and our whole force was together. It was nearly
+three o'clock when Crook's forces were brought into position.
+His right was in a thick forest, and against him
+were heavy columns of rebels.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[Pg 401]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At length we, of the Sixth corps, heard rapid firing away
+on the right of the forest. All was attention. Every man
+stood to his arms ready to advance. Sheridan came to our
+part of the line. His face all aglow with excitement, the
+perspiration rolling down his forehead, his famous black
+steed spotted with white foam, a single orderly at his back.
+He rode straight to General Getty, exclaiming, "General,
+I have put Torbert on the right, and told him to give 'em
+h&mdash;l, and he is doing it. Crook, too, is on the right and
+giving it to them. Press them, General, they'll run!"
+and then, using one of those phrases sometimes employed in
+the army to give additional force to language, he shouted
+again, "<i>Press them, General, I know they'll run!</i>" And
+then the shout that went up from the men drowned all the
+other noise of the battle.</p>
+
+<p>We did press them, and they did run. Over the long
+stretch of open plain, down into the deep hollow, up again
+and over the rolling ground, past the white farm house,
+on we went. The rebels would run, then reaching a commanding
+position, they would turn their artillery upon us
+and sweep our line with iron hail. On our left was Wilson,
+with the cavalry charging through the growing corn,
+the sabres gleaming in the sunlight, the iron scabbards
+clanging against iron spurs, the horses dashing madly
+forward in seeming disorder, but all rushing, like an avalanche,
+against the right wing of the enemy. Now the
+retreat became a rout. The cheers of the Union boys rose
+strong and clear above the roar of artillery and the harsh
+rattle of musketry, and Early's scattered and demoralized
+divisions were rushing through Winchester in consternation
+and unutterable confusion. Frightened teamsters were
+lashing their animals through the streets in greatest alarm;
+riderless horses were galloping here and there, and pack
+mules were on a general stampede. Some streets became
+entirely blocked up by the disordered mass, and even footmen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[Pg 402]</a></span>
+could not press through; a squad of cavalry coming
+to one of these obstructions leaped from their horses and
+made their escape on foot. Our cavalry, taking advantage
+of the confusion, rushed among the panic stricken fugitives
+and gathered hundreds of them; captured fifteen battle-flags
+and five guns.</p>
+
+<p>The remnants of the rebel army collected some miles
+beyond the town, and reformed; but after a short rest
+made haste to get farther up the valley. As we advanced
+we found the mountains full of fugitives, and in the town
+were thousands of their wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The infantry halted upon the high grounds at the
+borders of the town, leaving the cavalry to follow up
+the pursuit of the flying foe; and as Generals Sheridan,
+Wright, Emory and Crook rode along our front, we made
+the welkin ring with lusty cheers. Glorious leaders of a
+victorious army!</p>
+
+<p>At our feet was Winchester, the scene of Washington's
+early military experience. Here he was stationed during
+the French war, and shared in the perilous sentinelship
+of the frontier. For then the valley was ravaged by
+French and Indians, and fearful massacres were of frequent
+occurrence; and when Washington demanded of
+Governor Dinwiddie reinforcements, and was refused, he
+offered to resign; and when the governor could not allow
+him to resign he sent him men.</p>
+
+<p>Here, on the ground occupied by the Seventy-seventh
+New York regiment, near the ruins of an old church, was
+the grave of General Daniel Morgan, the hero of Quebec
+and Saratoga, the friend of Washington. A plain marble
+tablet, broken across, now covered the grave, with a simple
+inscription, his name and the date of his death, 1802.</p>
+
+<p>In the cemetery, still north, we saw, as we passed, the
+resting place of Thomas, Earl of Fairfax; a great tory in
+his day, and the owner of immense tracts of land in this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[Pg 403]</a></span>
+part of Virginia, and from whom Fairfax county took its
+name.</p>
+
+<p>The sun had sunk to his golden rest behind the wall
+of hills on our left when we arrived at the outskirts of
+Winchester; and, as darkness set in, the infantry of our
+victorious army stretched themselves upon the ground to
+sleep. It had been a hard day's work, and the men were
+faint. It required no unusual inducements to woo the angel
+of sleep.</p>
+
+<p>If the day had been an active one on the field, it had been
+no less so in the hospitals. First, early in the morning, came
+ambulance loads of men with white crosses; they were from
+the Third brigade, Second division, all from the Seventy-seventh
+New York. Then came others from the Forty-ninth
+New York, from the Seventh Maine, and from the One
+Hundred and Twenty-second and Forty-third New York.
+Then came men from the Vermont brigade, and from our
+First brigade, and soon the hospitals of the Third division
+began to be filled. Then, last of all, came the men of the
+red crosses, bleeding and mangled. Surgeons worked all
+day and all night. There was no rest as long as a wounded
+man was uncared for. Yet, when morning came, and the
+medical officers were ordered forward with the army, there
+was much to do, and faithful men were left to finish the
+needful task. Next morning Winchester was full of rebel
+wounded and rebel prisoners. Five thousand men in gray
+were under guard in the court house yard and other public
+places, and Colonel Edwards' brigade of the First division
+was left to take care of the prisoners and the town. Many
+brave men had fallen. Russell was gone; the gallant Upton
+was wounded; Colonel Elright, of the Third division, was
+dead, and many, many brave boys were lying with their
+blackened faces to the sun, a slip of paper or a letter
+envelope pinned to the breast of each to tell the buriers
+his name and regiment.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">[Pg 404]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/why-dont-he.png">
+<img src="images/why-dont-he-small.png" width="400" height="302" alt="Why Don't He Come?" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">"Why Don't He Come?"</p>
+
+<p>The term of service of one of our regiments, the Fourth
+Vermont, had expired, and on the day after the battle the
+small remnant of the regiment, a company of about forty
+men, under command of Colonel Foster, started for Harper's
+Ferry, on their return home. They had suffered
+heavily, and they left many of their brave comrades dead
+upon the battle-field, or suffering in the hospitals. How
+had those noble boys, whose lives had, at the very expiration
+of their three years of toil, danger and privations, been
+given for their country, rejoiced at the prospect of a speedy
+reunion with the loved ones at home. How had they
+written, even the day before the battle, "we are going
+home!" and then how had the loving ones, away among
+the beautiful green hills of Vermont, exulted at the thought
+that now, after three long years of suspense and anxiety,
+the danger and toil were over. And we can picture to
+our thoughts the mother who watches with eager interest
+the smoking train as it dashes along at the base of the old<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[Pg 405]</a></span>
+hills, wondering if her patriot son will not come to-day;
+but instead, a letter comes with the heavy news, a great
+battle has been fought and her son lies in the Valley; or,
+on the banks of the sunny Champlain, some young sister
+or lover gazes from the window of the cottage among the
+trees, at the steamer as it glides over the surface of the beautiful
+lake and touches at the wharf near by. But her soldier
+boy is not on board, and she watches in vain to see his
+familiar form coming toward the cottage. She sadly leans
+her head upon her hand and sighs, "Why don't he come?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[Pg 406]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxxi" id="chapter_xxxi"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>FISHER HILL.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>March up the valley&mdash;Strasburgh&mdash;The army confronting Fisher Hill&mdash;The
+flank movement&mdash;Flight of Early&mdash;The pursuit&mdash;Guerrilla warfare&mdash;Southern
+refugees&mdash;Starting for Washington&mdash;Return to Cedar creek.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>We started very early in the morning in pursuit of
+Early's defeated army, which it was supposed would halt
+at the strong position at Strasburgh. On the battle-field
+which we left, the lifeless bodies of many of our men
+were awaiting the office of the burial parties. They lay,
+not in thick clusters, but here and there over a great
+extent of ground, showing that they had fallen while the
+lines were in motion; but in places, six or eight mangled
+bodies would lie in close proximity, showing the fatal
+effects of some well directed shell.</p>
+
+<p>In Winchester were nearly five thousand prisoners, and
+more were constantly coming in, and hundreds of rebel
+wounded were being cared for by sympathizing friends
+and confederate surgeons.</p>
+
+<p>We reached the vicinity of Strasburgh, the Sixth
+corps in advance, at three o'clock on the 20th, and, as we
+expected, found the rebels awaiting us in a position, which
+the citizens of the valley assured us could be held by
+Early's army against one hundred thousand men. The
+position was indeed a formidable one, but nothing daunted
+our spirited leader set about devising a way of taking it.</p>
+
+<p>At Strasburgh the two chains of mountains, the Blue
+Ridge and the Alleghanies, approach each other, making
+the valley quite narrow. As if to interpose an impassable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[Pg 407]</a></span>
+barrier to the advance of an army, a mountain, Fisher
+Hill, stretches across from the Blue Ridge to the branch
+of the Alleghanies called the North Mountains. At the
+foot of this mountain, on the north, is the village of
+Strasburgh, and still north of Strasburgh Cedar creek
+runs almost directly across the valley. We took possession
+of the northern part of the village of Strasburgh,
+the Union pickets occupying one part of the town, and the
+rebels the other. The night passed with little of interest.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 21st squads of rebel prisoners
+were coming in to army head-quarters, and as brigade
+after brigade of cavalry passed, each carrying a large
+number of confederate flags at the head of the column, it
+looked as though our cavalry had adopted the confederate
+banner and had paraded in gala day splendor.</p>
+
+<p>The mists and fogs melted away, and we discovered
+that our enemy, lately routed and disorganized, now with
+confidence confronted us and awaited our advance. During
+the night the mountain had been the scene of busy
+labors, and now, breastworks of earth and stones, and
+lines of troublesome abattis, rendered the position, so
+strong by nature, apparently too formidable for any army
+to attempt to force. But, notwithstanding the brilliant
+success at Winchester, neither the rebel army nor our own
+fully appreciated the fertile resources of our gallant leader.
+Starting with his staff early in the day, he rode from one
+end of the picket line to the other, carefully noting the
+character of the ground.</p>
+
+<p>To attempt to storm those heights, now strengthened
+with earthworks and bristling with cannon, would be presumptuous;
+but away on the right seemed the vulnerable
+point of the enemy's line. Returning to his quarters,
+Sheridan determined at once upon his plan of attack. The
+Nineteenth corps was thrown farther to the left, and our
+Sixth corps occupied the position in the center, facing now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[Pg 408]</a></span>
+to the south. Crook's corps was thrown well to the right,
+where the North Mountain formed a precipitous wall for
+the valley. All day the sharp crack of the skirmishers'
+rifles, and the ring of the pioneers' axes were heard as the
+two lines faced each other, each watching the movements
+of the other, and each actively engaged in felling trees
+from which breastworks were made.</p>
+
+<p>During the night Crook's corps and our Third division
+were toiling along the side of the mountain unseen
+and unexpected by the rebels. All night and the following
+morning these two commands labored to drag artillery
+along the precipitous mountain side, executing every
+movement in silence and with utmost secrecy. The Nineteenth
+corps and the First and Second divisions of the Sixth
+were all this time keeping up a show of determination
+to attack in front.</p>
+
+<p>At length, just as the sun was sinking behind the
+mountain barrier, a wild shout was heard from the hillside
+where Crook's corps and our Third division were
+rushing down from the cover of the forest, upon the
+flank and rear of the astonished confederates. The shout
+was taken up by the troops in front, and at the same
+time the two remaining divisions of the Sixth corps and
+the Nineteenth corps advanced against the rebel front.
+Completely surprised by the movement on the flank, the
+rear of the rebel army was quickly thrown into a panic.
+Still resistance was kept up along the front. Steadily the
+troops of Wright and Emory pressed forward, the rebel
+gunners firing their shells over the heads of our men, our
+line advancing over ditches and fences, over fallen trees
+and stone walls, each man his own commander and each
+pressing eagerly forward. In the foremost line rode Phil
+Sheridan, the men cheering him lustily as they pressed
+hastily forward. "Let us take the guns," shouted the
+men; and forward at double-quick they rushed. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[Pg 409]</a></span>
+panic in the rear had by this time reached the front, and
+the whole rebel army was rushing in unutterable confusion
+and rout, up the valley. They left with us sixteen guns,
+of which Bidwell's brigade captured six. We gathered
+up the prisoners, and they numbered eleven hundred.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a>
+The hill was strewed with small arms, and cannon and
+caissons met our view wherever we passed.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> The prisoners taken thus far, at Winchester and Fisher Hill, including the
+wounded, numbered more than seven thousand. The absurdity and falsity of
+Early's statement, that his effective force at Winchester amounted to only eight
+thousand five hundred men, is readily seen. The rebel surgeons at Mount Jackson,
+and the citizens, while claiming that we outnumbered Early's forces, acknowledged
+that he retreated from Winchester with more than twenty thousand men.</p></div>
+
+<p>We had lost, as the cost of this brilliant victory, less
+than forty men in the army; and the confederate loss in
+killed and wounded was scarcely greater.</p>
+
+<p>We followed the routed army through Mount Jackson,
+where were large hospitals, occupied by wounded confederates,
+and attended by confederate surgeons; then pressed
+on to New Market, keeping up a running fight with the
+rear-guard of the rebel army.</p>
+
+<p>On the 25th we reached Harrisonburgh, a village more
+than sixty miles above Winchester.</p>
+
+<p>Our march had been a grand triumphal pursuit of a
+routed enemy. Never had we marched with such light
+hearts; and, though each day had found us pursuing
+rapidly from dawn till dark, the men seemed to endure
+the fatigue with wonderful patience. Our column, as it
+swept up the valley, was a spectacle of rare beauty.
+Never had we, in all our campaigns, seen anything to
+compare with the appearance of this victorious little army.
+The smooth, wide turnpike was occupied by the artillery,
+ambulances and baggage wagons moving in double file.
+The infantry marched in several parallel columns on either
+side of the pike, and a line of cavalry, followed by a skirmish
+line of infantry, led the way. Cavalry, too, hung on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[Pg 410]</a></span>
+either flank, and scouted the country. It was intensely
+exciting to watch the steady progress of the advancing
+skirmishers. Now, as they reached the base of some sloping
+eminence, the rebel skirmishers would confront them;
+then, as they advanced, never halting nor slackening their
+pace, the confederates would surrender the ground, to
+appear in our front on the next commanding ground. So
+we marched up the valley&mdash;a grand excursion&mdash;skirmishing
+only enough to maintain a constant state of pleasant
+excitement.</p>
+
+<p>At Harrisonburgh we remained until the 29th, then
+marched farther up the valley to Mount Crawford, while
+the cavalry penetrated as far as Staunton. The rebel
+army was broken up and demoralized, yet considerable
+force was in the vicinity of Lynchburgh, and Early
+devoted himself to reorganizing it.</p>
+
+<p>Guerrilla warfare was a favorite resort of the rebels in
+the Shenandoah Valley, and many of our men were murdered
+in cold blood by the cowardly villains who lurked
+about our camps by day as harmless farmers, and murdered
+our men at night dressed in confederate uniform.
+Among those who lost their lives by this cowardly species
+of warfare, were Surgeon Ochenslayer, Medical Inspector of
+our army; Colonel Tolles, Chief Quartermaster, and Captain
+Meigs, son of the Quartermaster-General, U. S. A.</p>
+
+<p>We fell back from Mount Crawford to Harrisonburgh,
+burning barns, mills and granaries, driving before us cattle
+and sheep, and bringing white and black refugees
+without number. From Harrisonburgh we again fell
+back, retracing our steps through New Market, Mount
+Jackson and Woodstock, and encamped on the evening of
+the 8th of October on the north bank of Cedar creek.
+Each day as we marched, dark columns of smoke rose
+from numberless conflagrations in our rear and on either
+flank, where the cavalry was at work carrying out the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[Pg 411]</a></span>
+edict of destruction of the valley. A certain number
+of mills with the grain contained, a specified number of
+wheat-stacks and granaries, and cattle and sheep sufficient
+for the wants of the people of the valley were saved; all
+other mills, barns, stacks and granaries were burned,
+and all other cattle and sheep driven away. Seventy
+mills, with the flour and grain, and over two thousand
+barns filled with wheat, hay and farming implements
+were thus committed to the flames, and seven thousand
+cattle and sheep were either driven off or killed and issued
+to the men. This destruction, cruel as it seemed, was
+fully justified as a matter of military necessity. For so
+long as a rebel army could subsist in the valley, so long
+a large force must remain to guard the frontier of
+Maryland.</p>
+
+<p>Hundreds of refugees accompanied us from Staunton,
+Mount Crawford and Harrisonburgh: Unionists who had
+endured persecution until it was no longer endurable, and
+who now left houses and farms to find relief in the north
+from their sufferings for loyalty; and negroes who sought
+freedom from their ancient bondage.</p>
+
+<p>Among the latter class was a group which had followed
+the cavalry from Staunton, and which now took a place in
+our Sixth corps hospital train, which attracted universal
+attention. The party rode in one of the huge Virginia
+wagons, so familiar to those who have spent much time
+in those parts, and consisted of an aged colored woman,
+probably more than ninety years old, one or two younger
+women, a black man of fifty, who was a cripple, a boy of
+twelve or fifteen years, and a very large number of small
+children, varying in hue from jet black to dark brunette.
+The load was drawn by four broken down, spavined
+animals, the crippled man riding one of the horses of the
+rear span, the boy one of the leaders. The soldiers manifested
+great interest in this curious load of refugees, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[Pg 412]</a></span>
+freely divided with them their hard tack and coffee. The
+writer of these pages, reining his horse to the side of the
+vehicle, addressed the aged negress, "Well, aunty, are all
+those your children?" "Lor, no massa, dey's only eighteen
+ob 'em." Doubtless she designed to say that there
+were only eighteen of the children, not that "only
+eighteen" were her own.</p>
+
+<p>As our army neared Fisher Hill the cavalry of the
+enemy became annoying to our rear-guard. General Sheridan
+said to General Torbert, that the annoyance must be
+stopped at once. Accordingly Custer and his horsemen
+lay in wait for the rebel cavalry, attacked them, drove
+them away beyond Mount Jackson, and took eleven pieces
+of artillery and three hundred prisoners from them. They
+gave us no more trouble at that time.</p>
+
+<p>Monday, October 10th, the Sixth corps, leaving the
+Eighth and Nineteenth guarding the line of Cedar creek,
+turned toward the left and proceeded to Front Royal.
+The Seventy-seventh was made provost guard of the town,
+and the brigades were stationed along the mountain passes.
+Here, in the enjoyment of lovely weather, pleasant associations,
+a bountiful supply of lamb and honey, and untold
+quantities of grapes of delicious flavor, the corps remained
+several days, and the men even flattered themselves that in
+the enjoyment of these luxuries they were to pass the winter.
+But, as usual with bright anticipations, these were suddenly
+dispelled by the order to march, on the morning of
+the 13th, toward Ashby's Gap.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<a href="images/going-norf.png">
+<img src="images/going-norf-small.png" width="400" height="261" alt="Going Norf" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">"Going Norf."</p>
+
+<p>From the direction of our march it was evident that
+we were on the road to Washington, and rumor had it
+that we were to be shipped at once for Petersburgh. We
+reached the bank of the Shenandoah, where we expected
+to cross to the gap; the corps was massed by the river
+side, and the men looked dismally into the cold, dark
+waters, and shivered at the thought of wading through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">[Pg 413]</a></span>
+the stream whose waters would reach nearly to their
+necks. But while we waited to get ready for crossing, a
+courier came to General Wright with a message from
+Sheridan to return to his army in haste. We heard that
+Longstreet's corps had reinforced Early, and that an
+attack had been made, but with no important result. We
+turned about, encamped for the night among the hills,
+started again at three o'clock in the morning, and joined
+the army again on Cedar creek, in the afternoon of the
+14th, where we remained in the enjoyment of undisturbed
+quiet for several days.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414">[Pg 414]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxxii" id="chapter_xxxii"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Position of the Union forces on Cedar creek&mdash;Demonstrations by Early&mdash;The
+morning of October 19th&mdash;Eighth corps straggling&mdash;Nineteenth corps routed&mdash;The
+Sixth corps to the rescue&mdash;Death of General Bidwell&mdash;The Sixth corps holds
+the enemy&mdash;General Wright prepares for another attack&mdash;Arrival of Sheridan&mdash;The
+charge&mdash;The rout&mdash;Guns, wagons and prisoners&mdash;The victors in camp.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>Our army was thus resting in apparent security along
+the banks of Cedar creek. The men were amusing themselves
+in visiting the numerous caverns in the vicinity,
+strolling among the pleasant groves or wandering by the
+shady borders of the stream. Sheridan had left the army
+and returned to Washington for a day or two, to make
+arrangements for his future movements, and General
+Wright had temporary command of the army.</p>
+
+<p>Our infantry force was arranged from left to right along
+the creek, first, on the left of the turnpike, General Crook's
+"Army of Virginia," or as it was more generally known, the
+Eighth corps, holding the left flank, facing eastward and
+southward; then, the Nineteenth corps, holding the pike
+and facing toward the south, its line occupying high bluffs
+which overhung the creek. On the right of the Nineteenth
+corps, and almost at right angles with it, was
+the Sixth corps, its line extending far toward the north.
+The corps faced the stream, looking directly west. The
+divisions of the corps were posted, on the right the Second,
+in the center the First, and on the left the Third division.</p>
+
+<p>On the flanks of the infantry, cavalry was posted;
+Custer on the right of the Sixth corps, and Averill's division,
+now under Colonel Powell, on the left of the infantry<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">[Pg 415]</a></span>
+line, near Front Royal. Our line thus extended from
+North Mountain, on the right, almost to Front Royal, on
+the left, following nearly the course of Cedar creek, and
+that part of the north branch of the Shenandoah which
+crosses the valley at right angles.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy had been trying our line at various points,
+during the last two or three days, and in one instance had
+captured or dispersed a small squad of cavalry on the
+right, and captured some signaling instruments. These
+demonstrations were little heeded; our line had been
+posted by General Sheridan, and these slight attacks
+seemed of little account. In Early's army, however, they
+were considered of more weighty import. That army had
+recently been reinforced by Longstreet's corps of sixteen
+thousand men, and the immediate defeat, and, if possible,
+destruction, of Sheridan's army was regarded, by both
+General Lee and the authorities at Richmond, as absolutely
+necessary to the safety of Lee's army. Hence every preparation
+had been made for a most determined attack, and
+these lighter demonstrations had been made to ascertain
+the exact position of our troops.</p>
+
+<p>When, at two o'clock, on the morning of the nineteenth
+of October, we heard rapid firing where Custer, with his
+horsemen, held the right, and on the left, where Averill's
+cavalry was posted, we turned over in our blankets and
+said, "The cavalry is having a brush," and went to sleep
+again. And then, at a later hour, at four o'clock in the
+morning, when we of the Sixth corps heard brisk picket
+firing in front of the Eighth and Nineteenth corps, we
+were scarcely aroused from our slumbers, for we thought
+it to be a mere picket skirmish, in which none but those
+directly engaged had any particular interest. But when
+the firing became general along the whole line of these
+two corps, and we saw hundreds of men going with
+hasty steps and lengthy strides to the rear, we were at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">[Pg 416]</a></span>
+length aroused to the truth that a battle was really in
+progress.</p>
+
+<p>From a Sixth corps point of view, the scene was at first
+extremely ludicrous, we did not know and could not have
+believed at that time that the flank of our army was
+turned, and that the enemy was actually in possession
+of the camps of one whole corps; and when
+we saw stragglers filling the fields, taking rapid strides
+toward the rear, scarce any two of them going
+together, some without hats, others destitute of coats or
+boots, a few with guns, many wearing the shoulder straps
+of officers, all bent on getting a good way to the rear,
+never stopping to answer a question or explain what was
+going on at the front, the spectacle was to us of the Sixth
+corps one of infinite amusement. None of these hundreds
+and thousands of stragglers were so undignified as to run,
+but such walking was never seen before. None of them
+deigned to look to the right or left, they were bent only
+upon getting as far on the road to Winchester as possible.</p>
+
+<p>At length the truth flashed upon us. More than half of
+our army was already beaten and routed, while the
+remainder had been in ignorance of the fact that anything
+serious was transpiring. Now the rebels were pouring
+down toward the Winchester and Strasburgh turnpike,
+sending a perfect shower of bullets whistling about the
+vicinity of the head-quarters of the army, into the Sixth
+corps hospital camp and into the trains, which were by this
+time joining in the stampede.</p>
+
+<p>Staff officers now came riding furiously through the
+camps of the Sixth corps, with orders to fall in at once,
+and proceed at double-quick to the left.</p>
+
+<p>We may now turn back and trace the cause of this
+unexpected state of affairs. Early had, without doubt,
+assured himself of the exact position of our army through
+information conveyed by spies, who were able to comprehend<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">[Pg 417]</a></span>
+the whole situation. He then prepared for a bold
+and sudden movement, which should take by surprise one
+flank of our army. Kershaw's rebel division advanced
+along the sides of the mountains, and, at midnight, crossed
+the north branch of the Shenandoah, still observing the
+most complete silence. Even the canteens of the soldiers
+had been left behind lest the sound of them should betray
+the movement.</p>
+
+<p>The whole division over, it was massed on the left of
+General Crook's command. A dense fog enveloped the
+whole surrounding country, and so thick was it that no
+man could see an object a few feet from him. Under the
+cover of this fog, the rebels succeeded in quietly capturing
+a large part of the picket force and nothing now interposed
+between the rebels and General Crook's camps.
+Toward these they hastened, and so complete was the
+surprise, that the men of the Eighth corps were, for
+the most part, quietly sleeping in their tents. The few
+who had got into the breastworks were subjected to a
+fierce fire in the flank, and were soon forced to abandon
+the line. The rebels seized the Union batteries along that
+part of the line, and turned them upon the camps of the
+Nineteenth corps, and at the same time a rebel line of
+battle advanced against that corps from the front. The
+confusion became every moment greater. Daylight was
+just merging from night, the thick mists hung like an
+impenetrable veil over the field, and the men of the Nineteenth
+corps were unable to tell whence came all this
+storm of missiles; but, trailing their guns in the direction
+from which the shells seemed to come, the gunners worked
+their pieces at random. A general stampede was commenced.
+The men of the Eighth corps were mostly
+fugitives; and those who strove to keep in line were forced
+back. Both the fugitives and the disordered line of
+battle, were rushing through the camps of the Nineteenth<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">[Pg 418]</a></span>
+corps. The officers of that corps were, with shouts and
+wild gesticulations, striving to collect their disordered
+commands, but with little success. Riderless horses were
+galloping here and there, cows, with which the army was
+well supplied, were bellowing, mules were braying, bullets
+whistling and shells howling. The Eighth corps having
+left the way clear, the rebels came down upon the Nineteenth,
+which gave way and was doubled upon the Sixth
+corps, but although thrown into confusion it was not in
+the panic with which the Eighth corps yielded the ground.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this critical moment that the warning was
+given to the Sixth corps. General Wright being in command
+of the army, the corps was in charge of General
+Ricketts. He at once faced the corps to the rear, and
+moved it over the plain in face of the advancing hosts of
+the enemy. General Ricketts was wounded very early
+in the engagement of the corps, and the command fell
+upon General Getty.</p>
+
+<p>The Second division held the left of the new line, the
+First the center, and the Third the right. Bidwell's
+brigade was the left brigade of the Second division, the
+Vermonters held the center, and Warner's First brigade
+the right. The Second division was posted in the edge
+of an open oak grove. General Grant, of the Vermont
+brigade, was in charge.</p>
+
+<p>We now awaited the onset of the victorious columns,
+which were driving the shattered and disorganized fragments
+of the Eighth and Nineteenth corps, beaten and
+discouraged, wildly through our well formed ranks to the
+rear.</p>
+
+<p>The hope of the nation now rested with those heroes of
+many bloody fields. Now that peerless band of veterans,
+the wearers of the Greek cross, whose fame was already
+among the choicest treasures of American history, was to
+show to the country and the world, an exhibition of valor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419">[Pg 419]</a></span>
+which should tower above all the grand achievements of
+the war.</p>
+
+<p>The corps, numbering less than twelve thousand men,
+now confronted Early's whole army of more than thirty
+thousand men, who, flushed with victory, already bringing
+to bear against us the twenty-one guns which they had
+just captured from the two broken corps, rushed upon our
+lines with those wild, exultant yells, the terror of which
+can never be conceived by those who have not heard them
+on the field.</p>
+
+<p>With fearless impetuosity the rebel army moved up the
+gentle rise of ground in front of the Sixth corps, and
+the attack, from one end of the line to the other, was
+simultaneous. It was like the clash of steel to steel.
+The astonished columns were checked. They had found
+an immovable obstacle to their march of victory.</p>
+
+<p>The Second division, on the left, nearest the pike, had
+received the most severe shock of the attack, while Bidwell's
+brigade, which held the extreme left, and the key to
+the pike, had sustained the attack of the whole of Kershaw's
+rebel division, which came up in compact order to
+within very close range. The gallant brigade received
+the onset with full volleys, which caused the right of the
+rebel line to stagger back, and the whole line was, almost
+at the same moment, repulsed by the corps. The cavalry
+on our flank&mdash;and never braver men than the cavalry of
+our little army mounted saddles&mdash;were doing their
+best to protect the pike leading to Winchester, and it was
+the great aim of both the cavalry and the single organized
+corps of infantry to hold this pike; for on this
+depended the safety of the whole army, and more, of our
+cause.</p>
+
+<p>The rebels checked, General Bidwell ordered his brigade
+to charge. Rising from their places in the little graveyard
+and the grove, the brigade rushed forward, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">[Pg 420]</a></span>
+rebels breaking and running in confusion down the
+declivity which they had but just ascended with such
+confidence, and across the little stream. But the rebel
+artillery sent our men back to their places, to the shelter
+of the roll of ground. The charge cost us dearly. Major
+Brower, of the One hundred and twenty-second New York,
+lost his life. Captain Lennon, of the Seventy-seventh,
+was mortally wounded, Lieutenant Tabor was killed.
+Captain Taylor, commanding the Sixty-first Pennsylvania,
+was also killed, and many other valuable lives were lost,
+but the most severe blow to the brigade and the corps,
+was the loss of our gallant General Bidwell. He fell,
+while bravely directing the charge, with a frightful shell
+wound. He was at once borne to an ambulance. The
+general sent one of his staff for the writer of these pages.
+When he reached the general's ambulance, the wounded
+man said: "Doctor, I suppose there is no hope of recovery."
+When told that there was none he exclaimed, "Oh,
+my poor wife!" Then after a moment he said, "Doctor,
+see that my record is right at home. Tell them I died at
+my post doing my duty." A few hours of intense suffering
+and the brave man was relieved by death.</p>
+
+<p>The fall of General Bidwell left Colonel French, of the
+Seventy-seventh, in command of the brigade. The line
+was quickly reformed in the position from which the
+charge was made, and again the rebels came on with
+cheers and yells. They were as bravely met as before,
+and a second counter-charge sent them again in disorder
+across the creek, leaving the ground covered with their
+dead and wounded. The greatest shock of the second
+charge of the rebels had fallen upon our Third brigade,
+and nobly had it been met. A third time Early's forces
+came on; this time with less spirit. His men now knew
+the troops they had to contend with. They had been
+informed that the Sixth corps had been sent to Washington,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">[Pg 421]</a></span>
+on its way to Petersburgh. Now they discovered
+the mistake, and all of Early's authority was insufficient
+to bring them up to a spirited charge. We had repulsed
+them three times with terrible damage to their ranks, as
+well as sad loss to our own. But now we looked toward
+the right, and we saw rebels passing around our flank,
+and the Third and First divisions falling back. We were
+but twelve thousand. They were thirty thousand, and
+their line far overlapped ours. When Early could not
+drive us he went round us. And now it was necessary
+to take another position, which should protect the road to
+Winchester, and General Wright directed General Getty
+to fall back, with his corps, to a more commanding position,
+unless he saw good reason for desiring to hold his
+present position. So the order was given to take the new
+position.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Sixth corps was not driven back.</i> It had thrice
+repulsed the most desperate charges of the whole rebel
+army, and now that the rebels were turning our flank, it
+was necessary to interpose an organized force, and
+there was no organized troops except the cavalry.</p>
+
+<p>Certain erudite historians, who have sent broadcast over
+our land, compilations of newspaper paragraphs under the
+sounding titles of historians of the rebellion, powerful gentlemen,
+who, from their comfortable quarters in northern
+homes, watched our battles from afar, quiet citizens whose
+sensibilities were never shocked by the sight of a battle-field,
+and whose nerves can hardly withstand the shock of fire
+crackers on the morning of a Fourth of July, have gravely
+informed their readers that our whole army, including the
+Sixth corps, was driven pell-mell six miles to the rear; and
+one of these grave historians very quietly assures those
+who have leisure to peruse his queer accumulations of
+absurdities, that we were driven all the way to Winchester,
+a distance of more than twenty miles. For the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">[Pg 422]</a></span>
+comfort and encouragement of these historians, so prolific
+of martial literature, and so barren of any ideas of military
+movements, it is conceded that their accounts of this battle
+are quite as correct as any which they are accustomed
+to give to the public.</p>
+
+<p>We took position just north of Middletown, which was
+about two miles in the rear of the position held by the
+Second division of our corps early in the morning. We
+went back quietly and in good order, a single regiment,
+the Second Vermont, holding without difficulty the position
+we abandoned. We carried with us all our wounded, all
+our shelter tents and all our personal property of every
+description, and the rebels did not dare to attack us.
+When we had taken our new position in the same order
+that we had formed in the morning, the Second division
+on the left, the First in the center, and the Third on the
+right, other troops also took position in the line. The cavalry,
+which had never for a moment faltered, took position,
+Custer on the right, Merritt on the left and the Nineteenth
+corps, which had now succeeded in restoring order to its
+broken ranks, was massed on the right and rear of the
+Sixth.</p>
+
+<p>With this new line of battle in the strong position we
+now held, General Wright determined that not only
+should the retreat stop here, but that the rebels should be
+driven back across Cedar creek. Their career of victory
+was ended. The grand old Sixth corps, directed by our
+own loved General Getty, had turned the fortunes of the
+day. It was now ten o'clock; far away in the rear was
+heard cheer after cheer. What was the cause? Were
+reinforcements coming? Yes, Phil Sheridan was coming,
+and he was a host. He had ridden from Winchester at
+amazing speed, and now, as he passed the long trains of
+ambulances in which were the hundreds of bleeding victims
+of the morning's work, the wounded men whose<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">[Pg 423]</a></span>
+shattered limbs or mangled bodies attested that they had
+not run away, raised themselves and cheered with wild
+enthusiasm the hero of the valley. On he rode; most of
+his staff left far to the rear, his famous war-horse covered
+with foam and dirt, cheered at every step by hundreds of
+men in whom new courage was now kindled. Dashing
+along the pike, he came upon the line of battle. "What
+troops are those?" shouted Sheridan. "The Sixth corps,"
+was the response from a hundred voices. "We are all
+right," said Sheridan, as he swung his old hat and dashed
+along the line toward the right. "Never mind, boys,
+we'll whip them yet; we'll whip them yet! We shall
+sleep in our old quarters to-night!" were the encouraging
+words of the chief as he rode along, while the men threw
+their hats high in air, leaped and danced and cheered in
+wildest joy.</p>
+
+<p>Sheridan at once completed the arrangements already
+commenced and nearly finished by General Wright. The
+men of the Sixth corps meanwhile busied themselves in
+cooking their morning meal.</p>
+
+<p>None but soldiers can realize the contending emotions
+we experienced as we waited for the development of the
+new arrangements. We had, with the pride which none
+but soldiers can feel, regained for northern troops the
+prestige for brilliant achievements and open field fighting
+in this valley, so often, in times past, the scene of humiliation
+to our arms. Were we now, notwithstanding all our
+brilliant successes and our proud consciousness of superiority,
+to see our prestige fade in an hour? Sheridan said,
+"No;" and we trusted him. Had Sheridan never reached
+the field, General Wright would have led us against the
+foe, whose ardor was already lost after the repeated
+repulses from the single corps. But there was a charm
+about the real commander of the army, and his opportune
+arrival inspired fresh hope and zeal in the breasts of all.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">[Pg 424]</a></span>
+Even a considerable portion of the Eighth corps was collected
+and placed on the left of the Sixth, and then, with
+cavalry on either flank, Custer on the right and Merritt on
+the left, we were ready to assume the offensive.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, all things being arranged, we were prepared to
+test the question whether our army was to fall back
+to Winchester beaten and humiliated or return to our
+old camps.</p>
+
+<p>At one o'clock, the rebels advanced against the right of
+our line, but were repulsed. A brisk fire of artillery was
+for a time kept up, but even this died away and nothing
+but the scattering fire of skirmishers was heard.</p>
+
+<p>Early had, without doubt, now relinquished the idea of
+any further offensive operations, and he as little thought
+that any were designed on our part. The rebels quietly
+proceed to bring their baggage wagons and ambulances
+across the river, and they set themselves about fitting up
+our camps for their own use.</p>
+
+<p>At three o'clock, Sheridan gave the order to move;
+wheeling from right to left, as a gate swings upon its
+hinges. The Third division on the right of our corps
+became for a moment embarrassed in passing through a
+strip of woods, the First division moved slowly but firmly,
+gaining a strong position. The Second division also
+advanced, but it was ordered to go very slowly, and this
+was far more difficult than to rush quickly over the
+ground. Yet the division obeyed the order and forced
+the rebels to fall back. In front of the First and Second
+brigades was a stone wall. This they seized and were at
+once partially sheltered; but there was no such protection
+for the Third brigade. In its front was a meadow and a
+gradually inclined plane, and behind a wall which skirted
+the crest, was the rebel line. Between that line and ours,
+in a hollow, stood a brick mill, from the windows of which
+the enemy's sharpshooters picked off our men. The galling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425">[Pg 425]</a></span>
+fire from the line of battle, and the fatal shots of the
+sharpshooters in the mill, made it impossible to advance
+slowly, and the line fell back. Our best men were falling
+fast. The color-sergeant of the Seventy-seventh fell dead;
+another sergeant seized the flag and fell. Adjutant Gilbert
+Thomas, a youth of rare beauty and surpassing
+bravery, seized the fallen flag; he cried, "forward, men!"
+and fell dead with the staff grasped in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot take my brigade over that field, slowly," said
+Colonel French; "then go quickly," responded General
+Getty. The word was given, and with a bound and a
+shout the noble brigade went across the field, quickly
+driving the confederates from their strong position.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the right of the army had started the
+rebels, and their whole line was giving way. The three
+divisions of the Sixth corps bounded forward, and commenced
+the wildest race that had ever been witnessed
+even in that valley so famous for the flight of beaten
+armies. The rebel lines were completely broken, and now
+in utmost confusion, every man was going in greatest
+haste toward Cedar creek. Our men, with wild enthusiasm,
+with shouts and cheers, regardless of order or
+formation, joined in the hot pursuit. There was our mortal
+enemy, who had but a few hours since driven us
+unceremoniously from our camps, now beaten, routed,
+broken, bent on nothing but the most rapid flight. We
+had not forgotten our humiliation of the morning, and
+the thought of it gave fleetness to the feet of our pursuers.</p>
+
+<p>From the point where we broke the rebel ranks to the
+crossing of Cedar creek, was three miles, an open plain.
+Over this plain and down the pike the panic-stricken
+army was flying, while our soldiers, without ever stopping
+to load their pieces, were charging tardy batteries with
+empty muskets, seizing prisoners by scores and hundreds,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426">[Pg 426]</a></span>
+every Union soldier his own commander, bent on nothing
+but the destruction of the flying foe. As we reached
+Cedar creek, the pursuit was given over to the cavalry.
+The gallant Custer, now in his wild joy, could be heard
+shouting to his impetuous men, "Charge them! Charge
+them!" and then we could hear words, hard to print, but
+which added startling emphasis to the commands.</p>
+
+<p>Crossing the river, he came upon the pike, crowded
+with men and cannon, caissons and ambulances, wagons
+and pack animals. With one mighty sweep, forty-five
+pieces of artillery, many wagons and ambulances, and
+hundreds of prisoners, were taken. Merritt, too, captured
+seven guns, many battle-flags, and prisoners without number.
+Indeed, the prisoners could not be numbered, for
+there were not enough of the cavalry to guard them, and
+as soon as they had thrown down their arms they were
+passed to the rear, and in the darkness hundreds of them
+escaped to the mountains. Through the darkness the
+cavalry kept up the pursuit until Mount Jackson was
+passed.</p>
+
+<p>The infantry returned to the camps, and as we took our
+old places, cheers made the welkin ring; and then as we
+heard constantly of new trophies, the wild huzzahs rang
+from one end of our army to the other. Such wild joy
+has rarely been felt by an army. What cared the men of
+the Nineteenth corps that they were forced to lie upon the
+ground without tents or blankets? Our army was victorious
+and our honor saved.</p>
+
+<p>The moon shining brightly over the battle-field revealed
+the camps of the living side by side with the resting places
+of the dead. All the way from Middletown to Cedar
+creek the debris of battle was scattered over the fields.
+Here and there were seen the remains of our comrades of
+the morning, their lifeless bodies stripped by vandal rebels
+of almost every garment. They lay like specters in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427">[Pg 427]</a></span>
+pale moonlight; here, still in death, under a cluster of
+bushes, was stretched a group; there, by the side of a
+wall, a row of inanimate bodies marked a spot where
+brave men had fallen at their posts; in the ravine where the
+little creek wound its way, and beneath the boughs of
+the chestnut trees of the grove, many slept their last
+sleep. Among our camps, the spades of the pioneers
+were heard as they hollowed out the shallow graves;
+and as we threw ourselves upon the ground to rest, we
+mourned for our comrades, and we rejoiced for our
+victory.</p>
+
+<p>Sad, sad it was to think of the noble ones who had left
+us. Never again were we to see the form of the great-hearted
+Bidwell at the head of his brigade. We
+remembered his heroic bravery in all the terrible fights of
+those bloody days, from the Rapidan to Petersburgh; we
+thought of him when, at Winchester and Fisher Hill, he
+directed the movements of his brigade with such consummate
+coolness and skill; we remembered his cordial smile
+and friendly words, and then we thought of his heroism in
+the morning, and our hearts were heavy to think that he
+was gone.</p>
+
+<p>Adjutant Thomas, too, had left us; our noble, beautiful
+boy. Could he have died a grander death had he been
+spared longer? Could his last words have been better
+chosen had he expired in the embrace of loved ones at
+home? "Forward, men; forward!" Were they not
+grand dying words? Rest, brother; thy death was as
+grand as thy life was lovely.</p>
+
+<p>Lennon's bright eye must soon close forever. We
+should never again hear his hearty laugh or listen to his
+sparkling wit. He had fallen as a hero falls, and his life
+had been the life of a hero and patriot. Belding and
+Tabor, too, brave captains of brave men, each had fallen
+in advance of his friends.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428">[Pg 428]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Major Brower of the One Hundred and Twenty-second,
+Captain Taylor, commanding the Sixty-first Pennsylvania,
+Lieutenant-Colonel Kohler of the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania
+and Major Borman of the Fifteenth New Jersey, all
+brave and competent officers, were lost to our corps; while
+among the wounded were General Ricketts, Colonel Penrose,
+commander of the New Jersey brigade, Colonel
+Dwight of the One Hundred and Twenty-second, Captain
+Orr of Bidwell's staff, and Lieutenant Mitchell of the
+Seventh Maine.</p>
+
+<p>Our army remained along Cedar creek for several days,
+the cavalry only scouting up the valley in search of remnants
+of Early's shattered army. Then, we fell back to
+the vicinity of Winchester, where our men built comfortable
+quarters, and here we remained until General Grant
+called us back to Petersburgh. Many of the regiments in
+the meantime were mustered out of the service as regiments,
+the recruits and re&euml;nlisted men remaining as
+battalions with the name of the original regiments, except
+the substitution of the battalion for the regiment. Among
+other regiments whose time expired was the one whose
+early career formed the subject of the first chapters of this
+narrative, and whose honorable and indeed brilliant course
+we have never lost sight of. The returning veterans left
+camp on the 19th of November, leaving two hundred and
+fifty men still to represent the organization. We will not
+pause to speak of the parting of those so long companions
+in arms, of the trip homeward or of the brilliant reception
+and magnificent entertainment extended by the patriotic
+citizens of Saratoga to the veterans of a hundred battles.
+These were fitting testimonials of appreciation of the service
+of patriot soldiers.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429">[Pg 429]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="chapter_xxxiii" id="chapter_xxxiii"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FINAL CAMPAIGN.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Sixth corps returns to Petersburgh&mdash;Condition of the corps&mdash;Sheridan joins the
+grand army&mdash;Capture of Fort Steadman&mdash;The last grand charge&mdash;The pursuit
+of Lee's army&mdash;Tributes to the Sixth corps&mdash;Disbanding.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>On the 9th of December, the Sixth corps was recalled
+to Petersburgh. We need not describe the journey to
+Washington, nor the steamboat ride to City Point; the
+scenes along this route have already been described.</p>
+
+<p>We took our position on the Weldon railroad, erected
+more comfortable huts than we had ever built before, our
+sick were placed in hospitals fitted up with great taste,
+and everything which the government or our friends at
+home, through the agencies of Sanitary and Christian
+Commissions, could do for their comfort was gladly done.</p>
+
+<p>During our absence in the Shenandoah Valley, the army
+under General Grant had been making steady progress
+in the siege of Petersburgh, and our war-worn brothers
+of the other corps showed upon their faces the marks of
+overwork. We were in fresh vigor. We had marched
+through a blooming valley literally abounding in milk and
+honey. The fruits of the vine, the orchard and the fold
+had been ours, and our camps had been in green fields
+and pleasant groves, we had marched over wide roads, and
+through rolling meadows, and we had fought in the
+open field. We returned to our old comrades, proud of
+our own achievements, and of the praise we had won from
+the nation. We could point to the valley, and to the
+memory of Early's army, now no more; and we proudly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430">[Pg 430]</a></span>
+claimed that it had been ours to rid the country of one of
+the most troublesome of the rebel columns.</p>
+
+<p>Now that we were again in the trenches, we felt a confidence
+in our own valor which made our corps eminently
+fitted for the last grand duty, the crowning act in the
+glorious history of this superb corps, the breaking asunder
+of Lee's lines at Petersburgh, and as the result, the overthrow
+of the rebellion.</p>
+
+<p>Grant's army had, during our absence, extended the line
+much farther to the west and south. When we left for
+Washington, our line extended only a little beyond the
+Jerusalem plank road. Now, it crossed the Weldon railroad,
+and reached Hatcher's Run, nearly eight miles from
+the position occupied by us when we left the lines. The
+military railroad, too, had been constructed, and now all
+supplies were brought from City Point to the rear of our
+camps by rail cars.</p>
+
+<p>The famous mine had exploded, and with it the project
+of taking Petersburgh by surprise. Events of importance
+had transpired on the north of the James, and the Dutch
+Gap canal was in progress. Yet, Lee's army held us at
+arm's length, and Petersburgh was still to be taken.</p>
+
+<p>In the latter part of February, our friend, Sheridan, was
+ordered to leave the valley with his superb body of horsemen,
+and cross the country through Lynchburgh, destroy
+Lee's communications with the west, pass through Danville
+and join Sherman in his grand march to the sea.
+But the James river, swollen by heavy rains, forbade a
+crossing, and Sheridan, nowise disconcerted, turned the
+heads of his horses toward the White House, and after
+many adventures, having wrought much mischief in the
+rear of the rebel army, he joined Grant's army before
+Petersburgh, on the 26th of March. The result was better
+than though he had been able to accomplish the
+original design.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431">[Pg 431]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Now, the Army of the Potomac was one again. The
+Sixth corps, and Sheridan with his cavalry, were important
+elements in that grand army; and now, as the glorious
+spring-time was drying the depths of the mud, and opening
+the way for a fresh campaign, we were in most superb
+condition to administer the last blows to the already tottering
+fabric of the rebellion.</p>
+
+<p>We need not dwell long upon the particulars of this
+final campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Lee took the initiative. Knowing that it would be
+impossible to hold his present line much longer, he
+determined to retreat to Danville; but wishing to cover
+his retreat by a bold movement in front, he sent a
+strong column to attack Fort Steadman, a point toward
+the right of the line where the two opposing lines were
+very close. The fort was guarded by troops of the
+Ninth corps. The attack was made very early on
+the morning of the 25th of March, and resulted in the
+complete surprise and capture of the fort and of many of
+the men of the Ninth corps. It was a short-lived triumph;
+the work taken was commanded by the guns of
+other forts on either flank, and the enfilading guns with
+strong bodies of infantry soon compelled a retreat of the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the opportunity had not been lost by General
+Meade for advancing his line on the left. The Sixth
+corps was to do the work. The Third brigade, Second
+division was sent forward to take and hold the rebel
+picket line near the Squirrel Level road, for the double
+purpose of withdrawing the attention of the enemy, and
+of advancing our line for future operations. The brigade
+gallantly executed the order, and, notwithstanding the
+rebels brought nine pieces of artillery to bear upon it, and
+sent reinforcements to the point, the ground was held.
+Colonel Dwight of the One Hundred and Twenty-second<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432">[Pg 432]</a></span>
+was killed; Captain Oakley and Lieutenant Pierce lost
+their lives, and many others of the brigade were killed or
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The 29th of March was the day fixed for the opening
+of the grand final campaign. The Twenty-fourth corps
+relieved the Second and Fifth corps from the intrenchments
+in front of Petersburgh, and these two corps were loose
+to join Sheridan in an expedition on our left with the view
+of turning the enemy's right flank.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving camp early on the morning of the 29th, the
+two corps and the cavalry proceeded to the southwest,
+crossed Hatcher's Run, and marched toward Dinwiddie
+Court House, the infantry reaching the Quaker road,
+the cavalry continuing the march to Dinwiddie. We had
+now an unbroken line from the Appomattox to Dinwiddie
+Court House. The corps were posted from right to
+left, as follows: Ninth, Sixth, Twenty-fourth, Second,
+Fifth, and on the left of all, Sheridan with the cavalry.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 30th, the infantry and cavalry
+on the left were ready for the grand blow upon the flank
+and rear of the enemy, but a heavy rain storm set in,
+rendering the roads impracticable, and except some maneuvering
+to get nearer the enemy's position, no
+movements were made. On the following day, the
+rebels made a fierce onset upon the corps of Warren, but
+failed to dislodge him. April 1st, Sheridan, with infantry
+and cavalry, engaged the rebels at a place called Five
+Forks, a position of vital importance to the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>While Sheridan was thus dealing heavy blows upon
+the flank, we in front were preparing for a general
+advance.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/sixth-corps-charge.png">
+<img src="images/sixth-corps-charge-small.png" width="600" height="996" alt="Charge of the Sixth Corps, Which Broke the Rebel Lines" title=""/>
+</a>
+</div>
+<p class="center">Charge of the Sixth Corps, Which Broke the Rebel Lines,
+April 2, 1865.</p>
+
+<p>The position occupied by the Sixth corps formed a salient,
+the angle approaching very near the rebel line.
+Here, in front of Fort Welch and Fort Fisher, the corps
+was massed in columns of brigades in <i>echelon</i>, forming a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434">[Pg 434]</a></span>
+mighty wedge, which should rive the frame-work of the
+confederacy.</p>
+
+<p>The corps was formed in the rear of the picket line;
+the Third brigade, Second division, being the point of the
+wedge. On the right of that brigade was the First brigade
+of the same division, and on the left, the Vermont brigade.
+The First division of three brigades was in <i>echelon</i> by
+brigades on the right of the Second, and the Third of
+two large brigades also in <i>echelon</i>. Each brigade was
+in column of battalions. Axemen were ready to be sent
+forward to remove abattis, and Captain Adams had
+twenty cannoneers ready to man captured guns. Every
+commanding officer of battalions was informed what he
+was expected to do, and thus all was in readiness.</p>
+
+<p>At half-past four in the morning of April 2d, the signal
+gun from Fort Fisher sounded the advance. Without
+wavering, through the darkness, the wedge which was to
+split the confederacy was driven home.</p>
+
+<p>The abattis was past, the breastworks mounted, the
+works were our own. Thousands of prisoners, many
+stands of colors and many guns were our trophies, while
+many of our friends, dead or wounded, was the price of
+our glory. The rebel line was broken, and now the troops
+of Ord, and those of the Ninth corps pressed on after us.
+Humphries, too, of the Second corps, hearing of our splendid
+success, stormed the works in his front away on the
+left and carried them. The confederate army gathered
+close around Petersburgh, but we followed closely. We
+will not stop to tell all the splendid achievements of that
+glorious day.</p>
+
+<p>That night our corps rested on the Appomattox, just
+above Petersburgh, and General Grant, of the Vermont
+brigade, had his head-quarters in the house which General
+Lee had occupied all winter, and had left only a few hours
+before. During the night Lee made his escape with his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435">[Pg 435]</a></span>
+army. He had already sent word to Richmond that he
+was to retreat, and the fatal message reached Davis while
+in church.</p>
+
+<p>We all joined in the pursuit next morning. The Second
+and Sixth corps hastening to the help of Sheridan, who
+was following hard after the flying army. We confronted
+Lee at Jetersville, and on the morning of the 6th we
+moved up to attack, but there was no army to attack.
+Why need we tell of the forced march that followed; of
+the gallant fight at Sailor's creek, where we whipped Lee's
+army; of the wild joy of the surrender? These are all too
+well known to repeat, and the details would be tiresome.</p>
+
+<p>The grand old Sixth corps, the pride of the army and
+the delight of the nation, had crowned all its former
+record of glory by breaking the famous "backbone" of
+the rebellion, and all that follows is tame.</p>
+
+<p>General Grant did us the credit to say, "General
+Wright penetrated the lines with his whole corps, sweeping
+everything before him, and to his left, toward
+Hatcher's run, capturing many guns and several thousand
+prisoners."</p>
+
+<p>General Meade, too, says: "Major-General Wright
+attacked at four <span class="smcap">A.M.</span>, carrying everything before him,
+taking possession of the enemy's strong line of works,
+and capturing many guns and prisoners. After carrying
+the enemy's lines in his front, and reaching the Boydtown
+plank road, Major-General Wright turned to his left and
+swept down the enemy's line of intrenchments till near
+Hatcher's run, where, meeting the head of the Twenty-fourth
+corps, General Wright retraced his steps and
+advanced on the Boydtown plank road toward Petersburgh,
+encountering the enemy in an inner line of works
+immediately around the city."</p>
+
+<p>The march and halt at Danville, the rapid journey
+through Fredericksburgh to Alexandria, the separate<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436">[Pg 436]</a></span>
+review of the corps under the scorching rays of one of
+the hottest days ever known even in Washington, when
+hundreds of our men fell down from sunstroke and
+exhaustion, the return to camp and the disbanding, finish
+the story of the grandest corps that ever faced a foe.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
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+George T. Stevens
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+Project Gutenberg's Three Years in the Sixth Corps, by George T. Stevens
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Three Years in the Sixth Corps
+       A Concise Narrative of Events in the Army of the Potomac,
+       from 1861 to the Close of the Rebellion, April, 1865
+
+Author: George T. Stevens
+
+Release Date: June 30, 2007 [EBook #21976]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THREE YEARS IN THE SIXTH CORPS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, David King, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreaders Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+THREE YEARS
+IN THE
+SIXTH CORPS.
+
+A CONCISE NARRATIVE OF EVENTS IN THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
+FROM 1861 TO THE CLOSE OF THE REBELLION, APRIL, 1865.
+
+By GEORGE T. STEVENS,
+SURGEON OF THE 77TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
+
+ALBANY:
+S. R. GRAY, PUBLISHER.
+
+1866.
+
+Entered according to act of Congress, in the year eighteen hundred and
+sixty-six,
+
+By GEORGE T. STEVENS,
+
+in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States for the
+Northern District of New York.
+
+WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY,
+PRINTERS, STEREOTYPERS AND BOOKBINDERS,
+ALBANY, N. Y.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: MAJ.-GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The following pages are offered to my old comrades of the Sixth Corps,
+with the hope that they may pleasantly recall the many varied
+experiences of that unparalleled body of men. If much has been omitted
+which should have been written, or if anything has been said which
+should have been left out, I rely upon the generosity of brave men to
+treat with leniency the failings they may detect.
+
+I have endeavored to present without exaggeration or embellishment of
+imagination, a truthful picture of army life in all its vicissitudes;
+its marches, its battles, its camps, and the sad scenes when the victims
+of war languish in hospitals. The story is written mostly from extensive
+notes taken by myself amid the scenes described; but official reports
+and letters from officers have been used freely in correcting these
+notes, and gathering fresh material. The narrative commences with the
+experiences of my own regiment; then when that regiment became a part of
+Smith's division, its incidents and history includes the whole. From the
+organization of the Sixth Corps to the close of the rebellion, I have
+endeavored without partiality to give the story of the Corps. If I have
+failed to do justice to any of the noble troops of the Corps, it has
+been from no want of desire to give to each regiment the praise due to
+it.
+
+I cannot close without acknowledging my many obligations to the numerous
+friends, officers and soldiers of the Corps, and others who have favored
+me with their assistance. I take especial pleasure in acknowledging the
+kindness of Miss Emily Sedgwick, sister of our lamented commander;
+Vermont's honored son, Major-General L. A. Grant, Major-General Thomas
+H. Neill, Colonel James B. McKean, Colonel W. B. French, Chaplain Norman
+Fox, and Mr. Henry M. Myers. I am also indebted to the friends of Samuel
+S. Craig for the use of his diary, extending from the early history of
+the Army of the Potomac, to the death of the talented young soldier in
+the Wilderness.
+
+The engravings are nearly all from sketches taken by myself on the
+ground, the others are from the pencil of the well known artist, Captain
+J. Hope, and all have been submitted to his finishing touch. Mr.
+Ferguson has executed the wood cuts in a style creditable to his art.
+
+The typographical portion of the work has been done in a style of beauty
+and finish for which the work of Weed, Parsons and Company is so well
+known.
+
+18 North Pearl Street, Albany, N. Y.
+
+_September 5, 1866._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+ 1. Portrait of General Sedgwick.
+
+ 2. Illustrated Title Page.
+
+ 3. The Old Church at Hampton.
+
+ 4. The Quaker at Newport News.
+
+ 5. Charge of the Vermonters at Lee's Mills.
+
+ 6. Charge of Hancock's Brigade at Williamsburgh.
+
+ 7. Charge of the Seventy-seventh New York at Mechanicsville.
+
+ 8. Portrait of Colonel James B. McKean.
+
+ 9. Charge of the Sixth Corps at Burkettsville.
+
+10. White Oak Church, Va.
+
+11. Storming Fredericksburgh Heights by Howe's Division.
+
+12. "What'll Ole Missus do Now?"
+
+13. Church Call.
+
+14. Battle of Fort Stevens.
+
+15. "Why Don't he Come?"
+
+16. "Going Norf."
+
+17. Diagram of the Charge of the Sixth Corps, April 2, 1865.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+Chapter I.
+
+A New Regiment goes to the War.
+
+Organization of the Seventy-seventh N. Y. V.--Departure from
+Saratoga--Greetings by the way--New emotions--The noble dead--On board
+the Knickerbocker--At New York--Presentation of flags--Beauties of
+monopoly--Hospitality of Philadelphia--Incidents on the route--Arrival
+at Washington--In camp.
+
+Chapter II.
+
+Army Life at Washington.
+
+Meridian Hill--Neighboring scenery--First Sunday in
+camp--Drills--Sickness--The Hospital--General Casey--"Why don't the army
+move?"--Washington blockaded--Burnside's heroes--Orders to
+move--Something of a train--Smith's division--Our first reconnoissance.
+
+Chapter III.
+
+The Manassas Campaign.
+
+Orders to march--A grand spectacle--Bivouac near Fairfax Court
+House--The camps at night--Visits to Manassas and Centreville--
+Dissatisfaction in the army--A deserted country--Lawless
+soldiers--Fairfax Court House--A representative Southerner--Review by
+Gen. McClellan--March to Alexandria--"Camp Misery."
+
+Chapter IV.
+
+The Army Transferred to the Peninsula.
+
+The advance to Yorktown--A thunder storm--"Reliable contrabands"--Facing
+the enemy--A strong position--The Union line--A rebel welcome--Digging--
+On picket--A dreary country--An enterprising planter--Active
+work--Battle of Lee's Mills--Charge of the Vermont brigade--Progress of
+the siege--Ravages of disease--A front seat--Short supplies--The rebels
+withdraw--Entering the strongholds--Infernal machines--March to
+Williamsburgh--Victims of disease.
+
+Chapter V.
+
+Yorktown.
+
+The advance to Yorktown--A thunder storm--"Reliable contrabands"--Facing
+the enemy--A strong position--The Union line--A rebel welcome--Digging--
+On picket--A dreary country--An enterprising planter--Active
+work--Battle of Lee's Mills--Charge of the Vermont brigade--Progress of
+the siege--Ravages of disease--A front seat--Short supplies--The rebels
+withdraw--Entering the strongholds--Infernal machines--March to
+Williamsburgh--Victims of disease.
+
+Chapter VI.
+
+Williamsburgh.
+
+Battle of Williamsburgh--The army not organized--The medical
+department--Hooker's gallant fight--Hancock's charge--McClellan at
+Yorktown--Night on the battle-field.
+
+Chapter VII.
+
+The March up the Peninsula and the Organization of the Sixth Corps.
+
+March up the Peninsula--Joy of the contrabands--Cumberland Landing--The
+Sixth Corps organized--At White House--On the Chickahominy--Fight at
+Mechanicsville--Battle of Hanover Court House.
+
+Chapter VIII.
+
+On the Chickahominy.
+
+Gaines' Farm--The line of battle--Battle of Seven Pines--Sedgwick and
+Kearney to the rescue--Hooker's charge--A lost opportunity--Golden's
+Farm--Ditching--Malaria--Chickahominy fevers--A German regiment--
+Stuart's raid.
+
+Chapter IX.
+
+The Seven Days' Battles.
+
+The army united--Plans and counter plans--Battle of Fair Oaks--Lee's
+plan--The situation--Stonewall Jackson on the flank--Battle of
+Mechanicsville--Joy in camp--Porter's corps retreats--An astonished
+army--Battle of Gaines' Farm--Slocum's division at Games' Farm--Retreat
+to the river--Battle of Golden's Farm--A young hero--A Union
+victory--Our right exposed--The sick abandoned--A night of sorrow--The
+grand retreat commenced--Sad scenes at Savage's Station--A meteor
+railroad train.
+
+Chapter X.
+
+The Grand Retreat.
+
+Lee's army in pursuit--Sumner and Smith at Bay--Battle of Savage's
+Station--The Vermont Brigade--Sick and wounded abandoned--Retreat to
+White Oak Swamp--Battle of White Oak Swamp--An astonished division--A
+night march--A mystery--In sight of the James--Battle of Malvern
+Hill--Departure of the princes--Gloom and anxiety--Lee's attack--The
+rebels demoralized.
+
+Chapter XI.
+
+Harrison's Landing.
+
+March to Harrison's Bar--A scene of confusion--A beautiful
+landscape--Fourth of July in camp--Gloom at the north--Cause of the
+disasters--Prevalence of disease--Review by the President--A night
+demonstration by the enemy--Reconnoissance to Malvern Hill--Departure of
+General Davidson--A retrospect.
+
+Chapter XII.
+
+Retreat from the Peninsula, and General Pope's Bull Run Campaign.
+
+Premonitions of a change of base--The transfer commenced--Marching down
+the Peninsula--On board transports--A contrast--Arrival at
+Alexandria--Unaccountable delays--General Pope's campaign--An obstinate
+general--Causes of Pope's failure.
+
+Chapter XIII.
+
+The Maryland Campaign.
+
+General McClellan restored to command--March through
+Washington--Leisurely campaigning--Battle of Crampton Pass--Death of
+Mathison--Battle of South Mountain Pass--Death of Reno--Surrender of
+Harper's Ferry--March to Antietam.
+
+Chapter XIV.
+
+The Battle of Antietam.
+
+The Valley of the Antietam--Gathering of the hosts--The
+battle-field--The battle commenced--Splendid fighting of Hooker's
+forces--Successes and reverses of Sumner's troops--Timely arrival of the
+Sixth corps--A gallant charge--Losses of the corps--Burnside's
+attack--Hours of suspense--The enemy defeated at all points--Retreat of
+the rebels--Scenes on the battle-field--At the hospitals--At
+Sharpsburgh--A division of militia--Couch's division joins the Sixth
+corps--Visit of the President--Recruits--Energy at the north--At
+rest--Want of clothing--Stuart's raid--Delays--Clear Spring--General
+Brooks.
+
+Chapter XV.
+
+The Second Advance into Virginia, and the Battle of Fredericksburgh.
+
+Marching in Maryland--Arrival at New Baltimore--General McClellan
+superseded by General Burnside--Thanksgiving in camp--The grand
+divisions organized--The march resumed--Fatal delays--In order of
+battle--The crossing--Fredericksburgh bombarded--Situation of
+Fredericksburgh--Scenes of activity--The Bernard house--Scenes at the
+hospital--The battle on the right--Charges of the Pennsylvania
+reserves--The river recrossed--Reflections.
+
+Chapter XVI.
+
+The Winter at Falmouth.
+
+Camp at White Oak Church--"The mud march"--Return to camp--General
+Neill--General Hooker supersedes General Burnside--Burnside's
+magnanimity--General Hooker as a soldier--Reconstruction--The cavalry
+organized--Business departments renovated--The medical department--
+Ambulance system--Quartermasters' and commissary departments--Life in
+camp--Snowball battles--In the Seventy-seventh--The Light
+division--Review by General Hooker--General John Sedgwick--Scene at
+head-quarters--Review of the army by the President--Preparing for the
+campaign.
+
+Chapter XVII.
+
+The Chancellorsville Campaign.
+
+Orders to move--The river crossed--Sedgwick's command--The First corps
+withdrawn--Gallant conduct of the Light division--Advancing to the
+heights--The line of battle--The columns of attack--Attack of Howe's
+columns--Of Newton's column--Of Burnham's--Misfortune following
+victory--Fight of Bartlett's brigade--The First division at work--A
+critical position--The Sixth corps surrounded--Savage fight of Neill's
+brigade--The corps withdraws to Banks' Ford--Recrosses the
+river--Hooker's operations on the right--Position of the corps--Rout of
+the Eleventh corps--The rebels repulsed--Jackson renews the attack--The
+rebels again repulsed--Hooker recrosses the river.
+
+Chapter XVIII.
+
+Second Encampment at White Oak Church and the Pennsylvania Campaign.
+
+The army in its old position--A trip to Dixie--The wounded at the
+hospitals--Introduction of army badges--Adornments of the camps--The
+"Third crossing"--The Barnard mansion--Exchanging papers--A broken
+lieutenant--The Pennsylvania campaign commenced--Restriction of
+baggage--A severe march--An army bathing--At Centreville--Bristow
+Station--March to Maryland--General Hooker succeeded by General
+Meade--Position of the army.
+
+Chapter XIX.
+
+The Gettysburgh Campaign.
+
+The rebels in Pennsylvania--Panic at Harrisburgh--Alarm at Baltimore and
+Washington--Sixth corps leaves Bristow Station--A surprise--General
+Meade takes command--Position of the army--Marching through
+Pennsylvania--An unprecedented march--Exciting news--Battle of
+Gettysburgh--Death of Reynolds--First and Eleventh corps fall back
+--Second day's battle--The battle-field--Fighting at Round Top--On the
+right--The grand onset--The battle decided--Rebel and Union wounded.
+
+Chapter XX.
+
+Pursuit of Lee's Army.
+
+Scenes of the field of Gettysburgh--The rebel hospitals--The sightless
+rebel soldier boy--The Sixth corps at Fairfield--"Hurrah for the
+Union"--Kilpatrick's handiwork--At Waynesboro'--On picket--A division of
+militia--The Vermonters at Funkstown--The army at Funkstown--Meade's
+failure to attack--New York riots--Return to Virginia.
+
+Chapter XXI.
+
+Camps at Warrenton, the Centreville Campaign and the Battle of
+Rappahannock Station.
+
+Camp at Hart's Mills--A ride to the Sulphur Springs--Contrabands going
+north--The Vermonters go to New York--Jersey Brigade at Warrenton--The
+Sixth corps at Cedar Mountain--Retreat to Centreville--Battle of Bristoe
+Station--Advance to Warrenton--Battle of Rappahannock Station--Flight of
+Lee's army.
+
+Chapter XXII.
+
+The Army at Brandy Station.
+
+Encampment at Brandy Station--The Mine Run campaign--Crossing the
+Rapidan--Battle of Locust Grove--The army on Mine Run--The order of
+battle--The army withdraws--Back at Brandy Station--Reconnoissance to
+Madison Court House--Ladies in camp--Chapel tents.
+
+Chapter XXIII.
+
+The Wilderness Campaign.
+
+Preparing to leave camp--General Grant in command--The last advance
+across the Rapidan--The battle-ground--Battle of the Wilderness--Noble
+fight of Getty's division--Hancock's fight on the left--Rickett's
+division driven back--The ground retaken--The wounded--Duties of the
+surgeons--The noble dead.
+
+Chapter XXIV.
+
+Spottsylvania.
+
+Moving by the flank--The wounded abandoned--The Fifth Corps at
+Spottsylvania--Arrival of the Sixth Corps--Getting into line--Death of
+Sedgwick--General Wright in command--Battle of the 10th of
+May--Upton's splendid charge--Battle at "the angle"--Another flank
+movement.
+
+Chapter XXV.
+
+The Hospitals at Fredericksburgh.
+
+The journey from the battle-field--Sufferings of the wounded--A
+surgeon's letters--Rebel hatred--Assistance from the north--A father in
+search of his boy--The wounded sent to Washington.
+
+Chapter XXVI.
+
+Coal Harbor.
+
+At Hanover Court House--The Eighteenth corps joins the Army of the
+Potomac--The armies meet at Coal Harbor--Battle of June 1st--Battle of
+June 3d--Terrible exposure--The army strikes for Petersburgh--Charles
+City Court House--A centenarian--Review of the overland campaign.
+
+Chapter XXVII.
+
+Petersburgh.
+
+The march to Petersburgh--Smith's successes--The battle of June
+18th--The Sixth and Second corps sent to the left--Rebels penetrate the
+line--Progress of the siege--Sixth corps proceeds to Reams'
+Station--Kautz's and Wilson's raids.
+
+Chapter XXVIII.
+
+Sixth Corps Transferred To Washington--Battle of Fort Stevens.
+
+The Shenandoah Valley--Hunter's advance to Lynchburgh--The
+retreat--Rebels advance into Maryland--Battle of Monocacy--Sixth corps
+goes to Washington--Battle of Fort Stevens.
+
+Chapter XXIX.
+
+The Shenandoah Valley.
+
+The Sixth and Nineteenth corps follow the enemy--Crossing the
+Potomac--Averill's fight at Snicker's Gap--Return of the Sixth corps to
+Washington--March back to Harper's Ferry--Return to Maryland--Death of
+Major Ellis--General Sheridan assigned to command--Back in the
+Valley--Charlestown--John Mosher--March to Fisher Hill--Return to
+Charlestown--Fight at Charlestown.
+
+Chapter XXX.
+
+Battle of Winchester.
+
+Encampment at Berryville--Leaving camp--The advance--Taking
+position--Advance and retreat--Death of Russell--"I know they'll
+run"--Reminiscences--At the hospitals--A regiment going home--"Why don't
+he come."
+
+Chapter XXXI.
+
+Fisher Hill.
+
+March up the valley--Strasburgh--The army confronting Fisher Hill--The
+flank movement--Flight of Early--The pursuit--Guerrilla
+warfare--Southern refugees--Starting for Washington--Return to Cedar
+creek.
+
+Chapter XXXII.
+
+Battle of Cedar Creek.
+
+Position of the Union forces on Cedar creek--Demonstrations by
+Early--The morning of October 19th--Eighth corps straggling--Nineteenth
+corps routed--The Sixth corps to the rescue--Death of General
+Bidwell--The Sixth corps holds the enemy--General Wright prepares for
+another attack--Arrival of Sheridan--The charge--The rout--Guns, wagons
+and prisoners--The victors in camp.
+
+Chapter XXXIII.
+
+The Final Campaign.
+
+Sixth corps returns to Petersburgh--Condition of the corps--Sheridan
+joins the grand army--Capture of Fort Steadman--The last grand
+charge--The pursuit of Lee's army--Tributes to the Sixth
+corps--Disbanding.
+
+
+
+
+THREE YEARS IN THE SIXTH CORPS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+A NEW REGIMENT GOES TO THE WAR.
+
+    Organization of the Seventy-seventh N. Y. V.--Departure from
+    Saratoga--Greetings by the way--New emotions--The noble dead--On
+    board the Knickerbocker--At New York--Presentation of
+    flags--Beauties of monopoly--Hospitality of
+    Philadelphia--Incidents on the route--Arrival at Washington--In
+    camp.
+
+
+Our regiment was organized at Saratoga Springs, the historic scene of
+the battle of Bemis Heights and the surrender of Burgoyne--hence its
+name, "The Bemis Heights Battalion." Hon. Jas. B. McKean, then member of
+congress, a gentleman of well known patriotism, was made our Colonel. We
+left our rendezvous on the 26th of November, 1861, Thanksgiving day,
+having been mustered into the United States service three days before.
+
+As the long train of cars bore us from the station at Saratoga Springs,
+the thousands who had gathered to witness our departure united in cheer
+after cheer until all the groves and vales of that charming resort rang
+with the echoes of the tumultuous shouting.
+
+The thousand brave fellows, who were about to try the stern realities of
+war, were by no means backward in replying to these hearty expressions
+of good wishes. Long after we had lost sight of the lovely village, the
+shouts of the multitude could be heard and the hills rang again with the
+responding cheers of those in the cars. At each station, as we passed,
+crowds of people pressed to greet us, and loud and long were the cheers
+that bade us "God speed."
+
+We were now fairly off for the war. We who had followed the various
+peaceful avocations of life, in the professions or in the workshops, in
+trade or in husbandry, had now turned away from the office, the desk,
+the shop and the plough, to join the Grand Army upon which the hopes of
+the nation were staked, and which we confidently believed was soon to
+sweep the rebellion to destruction.
+
+Emotions hitherto unknown to us filled our hearts. We were soldiers,
+wearing for the first time the army blue, and perhaps soon to be called
+out to meet in deadly strife an enemy whose prestige for valor was
+already too well established.
+
+Were we to return to the friends from whom we had just parted, bearing
+the chaplet of victory, or were we to find a last resting place on some
+field of the south, never again to meet with wife or sister, father or
+mother? Four years have passed and those doubts have been solved. Many
+of those brave men have gone to their long rest.
+
+  "Their graves are severed far and wide."
+
+Some sleep beneath the tall pines of Yorktown; and the bright azalia
+casts its purple blossoms over the graves of many who lie in the swamps
+of the Chickahominy. The Antietam murmurs a requiem to those who rest on
+its banks, and green is the turf above the noble ones who fell
+gloriously at Fredericksburgh. Some rest amid the wild tangles of the
+Wilderness, and upon the arid plain of Coal Harbor. Many of their graves
+are upon the banks of the Ny and the Po. The marble monument at Fort
+Stevens tells the names of some who gave their lives in the defense of
+the Capital, while the simple headboards of pine tell where repose many
+in the valley of the Shenandoah, and before Petersburgh. The remains of
+some have been brought back to the peaceful cemetery at home to rest
+beside the dust of loved ones.
+
+  "'Tis little; but it looks in truth
+    As if the quiet bones were blest
+  Among familiar names to rest,
+    And in the places of their youth."
+
+Must it be said, many of the strongest yielded to the grim monster
+starvation in the rebel prison pens, and found relief from their
+tortures in lowly graves at Andersonville and Salisbury.
+
+A little band, with bronzed faces and manly hearts, returned home. Their
+glorious and unspotted record had preceded them. They needed no song of
+victory, and they desired no greater marks of honor than their simple
+silver crosses, the badge of their corps.
+
+No incident worthy of note occurred until we reached Albany, where we
+left the cars and embarked upon the steamer Knickerbocker, an old
+dismantled craft, unfit for any purpose but the transportation of
+soldiers; whose decks were covered with mud an inch in depth, and whose
+doors having been thrown overboard, a free circulation of the rough
+November air was allowed in every part. The men had no rations, and some
+of them became clamorous; but order was soon restored, and rations of
+bread and ham with coffee were distributed. They could not, however, all
+be brought to a perfect state of quietude. Some were determined not to
+submit, and passed the night in carousal, while those soberly inclined
+tried in vain to sleep. The officers found lodging in the after cabin,
+where some in berths and some on the floor, we passed a restless night.
+
+As we approached New York in the morning, the sky was hung with heavy
+clouds, and as we left our rickety old craft for _terra firma_, the rain
+poured in fresh torrents upon us. We marched through 14th street and
+Broadway to the Park. We were to remain in New York until six o'clock in
+the evening, and the Sons of Saratoga were to present us with a stand of
+colors and guidons. They commenced by presenting us with an excellent
+dinner, at which speeches were made by the committee, and responded to
+by Colonel McKean and others on our part.
+
+Dinner over, the regiment was drawn up in front of the City Hall, where
+the ceremony of presenting the flags took place. The banner was an
+exquisite piece of work, of the richest fabric; a blue ground with
+elegant designs in oil. On one side was represented an engagement in
+which the American soldiers, led by Washington, were fighting under the
+old flag--thirteen stripes and the union jack. On the reverse was
+pictured the surrender of Burgoyne, at Saratoga, under the new flag--the
+stars and stripes--first unfurled in the goodly city of Albany, and
+first baptized in blood at the decisive battle of Bemis Heights, which
+resulted in the surrender of Burgoyne and the virtual success of the
+Revolution.
+
+We had already a beautiful national flag, the gift of the patriotic
+young ladies of Mr. Beecher's seminary, at Saratoga.
+
+The hour for departure arrived, and we crossed to Amboy by ferry. We
+were in New Jersey. We had heard disparaging things of the railroad
+management of this State, but we were now to realize the beauties of
+monopoly. We learned afterwards to respect New Jersey's soldiers, many
+of whom fought shoulder to shoulder with us, and were among the bravest
+of the brave, but we never forgave her railroads. The men were crowded
+into a number of shaky old cars, reeking with filth, and redolent of
+most noisome odors. It was in vain that we protested that these vehicles
+were unfit for transporting men; we were offered by the agent of the
+road the alternative to take these cars or remain where we were. We
+concluded to go on.
+
+At four o'clock we had passed over the whole of the Camden and Amboy
+road. Another ferry crossed, and we were in Philadelphia. Glorious,
+generous, enlightened Philadelphia! Many of our men were sick when we
+left Saratoga, and the unaccustomed hardships, with the cold and rain
+thus far on the route, had greatly prostrated them. Many others had also
+been seized with violent illness, so that our single medical officer had
+been taxed beyond his strength in looking after the wants of the sick,
+while the little case of medicines with which we started from Saratoga
+was exhausted. Among the first acts of kindness of these excellent
+people was the care of our sick. A gentleman, with countenance beaming
+with benevolence, said to the doctor, "If you will get your sick
+together, we will conduct them to comfortable quarters, and see that
+they are well cared for." The heart of the surgeon leaped with joy at
+finding some one who could and would help to care for the poor fellows.
+
+The sick being collected, our friend mounted a barrel and called to the
+soldiers to hear him a moment. "You are welcome," said he, "to
+Philadelphia, and to show you that we are glad to see you, it gives us
+pleasure to invite every man of you to partake of a warm breakfast which
+will be ready for you in a few minutes." This speech was greeted by
+three hearty cheers for Philadelphia.
+
+The doctor soon had his sick removed to the Soldiers' Retreat, a place
+fitted up by the noble-hearted people of Philadelphia for the
+entertainment of soldiers passing through their city. The upper part of
+the building was arranged with exquisite taste and order for a hospital.
+Here were many sick men left by the various regiments which had passed
+through the city. Our sick boys were placed in beds, with expressions of
+gratitude that, notwithstanding their illness, their lot had fallen in
+pleasant places.
+
+Presently the men were marched into the long saloon, where all took
+their places at the well spread tables. The repast being over, Colonel
+McKean called upon the men for three cheers for the Philadelphians;
+remarking that there need be no fear of raising the roof, for even
+should such an accident occur he doubted not these generous people would
+willingly replace it. Then came the cheers; and such cheers! only to be
+surpassed by the three more and then three more that followed.
+
+The long years of our campaignings never diminished the lively feelings
+of gratitude we experienced that morning, and to this day our veterans
+never speak of Philadelphia but with pleasing recollections of the
+friendly reception given them by the goodly inhabitants of the Quaker
+city.
+
+The sun was up when we resumed our journey, and again we were met with
+surprises. All along the track of the railroad, men, women and children,
+filling the windows of the houses and thronging the wayside, cheered us
+on our way, shouting and waving flags and handkerchiefs. Children in the
+arms of their nurses waved little flags from the windows in great glee,
+while gray haired old men in piping tones cried "God bless our
+soldiers." This unlooked for, and to us surprising ovation continued
+until we had passed the limits of the city, and indeed did not cease
+till we had left the station many miles behind. In the train, the men
+kept up a continuous cheering; tears stood in the eyes of many, and the
+most enthusiastic expressions passed from lip to lip.
+
+The experience of our regiment was only that of others who passed
+through this noble city, and often during our long campaigns, the
+soldiers of different regiments would gather round their camp fires, and
+relate to each other the kindnesses received by them in the City of
+Brotherly Love.
+
+We were cordially welcomed in Delaware, the people waving banners and
+handkerchiefs, and when those were not at hand, newspapers or even
+articles from the clothes lines answered to show their good will; and
+the negroes in the fields swung their hats and their hoes with great
+spirit.
+
+We reached Baltimore in the evening, where we were kindly received,
+furnished with supper and sent on our way. After many delays we reached
+Washington at four o'clock Sunday morning, and were assigned to
+temporary quarters near the station. Who would have suspected that it
+was the Sabbath? Now we began to see something of the circumstance of
+war. Horsemen were galloping in every direction; long trains of army
+wagons rattled over the pavements at every turn of the eye; squads of
+soldiers marched here and there; all was hurry, bustle and confusion.
+
+It was night when we reached the ground for our encampment on Meridian
+Hill. The men had suffered much from cold, and what at that time was
+hardship. Not less than a hundred of them were sick. It was not long
+before tents were up, and for the first time the regiment was under
+canvas.
+
+Our camp was pleasantly located, commanding a fine view of Washington,
+the Potomac, Alexandria and other points of interest. We were surrounded
+by the camps of other regiments, some arriving and some departing almost
+daily. We had not been two days here when we began to get a taste of
+camp rumors. One rumor declared that we were to have barracks erected,
+and we were to go into winter quarters, while another assured us that we
+were to have an immediate taste of actual warfare. These proved quite as
+reliable as the thousands of rumors which during all our years of
+service were afloat throughout the army, and acquired the expressive
+appellation of "Camp Yarns."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+ARMY LIFE AT WASHINGTON.
+
+    Meridian Hill--Neighboring scenery--First Sunday in
+    camp--Drills--Sickness--The Hospital--General Casey--"Why don't
+    the army move?"--Washington blockaded--Burnside's heroes--Orders
+    to move--Something of a train--Smith's division--Our first
+    reconnoissance.
+
+
+We encamped on Meridian Hill December 1st, 1861, with 960 men.
+
+Meridian Hill is the most delightful locality in the vicinity of
+Washington. The plain on which the city stands, extends northward from
+the Potomac about two miles where it is abruptly terminated by a line of
+hills. From the summit of these hills stretches back another plain, at
+an elevation of one or two hundred feet above the first. Along the
+margin of these eminences were some fine old suburban mansions. On our
+right towards Georgetown, was Kalorama, a charming spot, once the
+residence of Joel Barlow, the author of the famous poems "Hasty Pudding"
+and "The Columbiad." Now the building was converted by the government
+into a hospital. In close neighborhood to us was Columbia College, also
+used as a hospital, and to the east was the fine mansion of Colonel
+Stone, and other superb places, all of which, like Kalorama and the
+college, were full of sick men.
+
+Meridian Hill was in the center of this line of once beautiful country
+residences, directly north of the President's house. It had been the
+residence of Commodore Porter, and the house still bore the name of "the
+Porter Mansion." The grounds had been elegantly laid out with box and
+juniper, while the rich groves of oak and chestnut surrounding lent
+additional charms to the locality. The hill was dotted with the white
+tents of a dozen regiments, but none were so pleasantly located as our
+own, under the shadow of those grand old trees.
+
+The mansion itself became our hospital, and for a time also served as
+our head-quarters. From its broad piazza we could look upon the busy
+scenes of the city, and watch the vessels passing up and down upon the
+river. A week had passed before we were fairly established in our
+quarters, but we rapidly learned the mysteries of the soldier's life.
+
+The weather was delightful; more like September than what we were
+accustomed to experience in December. Although heavy mists hung over us
+until nine or ten o'clock in the morning, they were dispelled by the
+warm sunshine, and then all was bright as midsummer. This lovely weather
+continued until about the first of January.
+
+The country in rear of our encampment was charming. Fine groves,
+traversed by streams of pure, sweet water, and fields surrounded by
+hedges, stretched far to the northward. The dark green leaves of the
+magnolia were to be seen here and there among trees of larger growth,
+and the shining, ever-green laurel forming a dense undergrowth, gave the
+woods a lively and spring-like appearance. On the open plain might any
+day be seen a regiment of Lancers, wheeling and charging in their
+brilliant evolutions, their long lances with bright red pennons adding
+greatly to the beauty of the display, and, as we at that time vainly
+believed, to the efficacy of the troop.
+
+The first Sunday came, and we had religious services. The regiment was
+formed in front of the mansion, every man being called out, unless on
+duty or excused on account of illness. This became an established rule
+with us for all time; every man was required to attend divine service
+unless especially excused. Chaplain Tully and the members of the staff
+occupied the piazza. The chaplain offered a prayer for the loved ones at
+home, and then we all sung "Coronation," and after the sermon, we sung
+"Cambridge" and "Old Hundred." The men seemed deeply affected by the
+simple service, and many a quivering lip betrayed the emotions of the
+heart.
+
+Drills became the order of the day. Every morning the hill rang from one
+end to the other with the sharp commands of the company officers to
+"Order arms!" "Shoulder arms!" as the men exercised by squads. Besides
+the regular drill in the manual of arms, some of the companies delighted
+in that system of military gymnastics called the bayonet exercise. In
+the afternoon Colonel McKean usually trained the regiment in the more
+difficult exercises of the battalion drill.
+
+But we began to feel the scourge of new regiments. Disease became almost
+universal. We had but a single medical officer and he was tasked beyond
+his strength. One hundred and fifty or two hundred men were prescribed
+for every morning, aside from those so ill as to be in the hospital.
+
+The large parlors of the old mansion were neatly fitted up for our
+hospital, for which they were admirably adapted. The two principal wards
+were the large front parlors, which communicated by folding doors; the
+ceilings were high, and the large open fire places in either apartment
+served the double purpose of supplying heat and ventilation, so that
+while about fifty beds were always occupied, the air was kept fresh and
+pure. Typhoid fevers, typhoid pneumonias, diphtheria, and remittent
+fevers were prevalent, while now and then the malaria manifested itself
+in the form of the terrible spotted fever. Besides, as usually occurs
+when the last named disease prevails in camps, some died suddenly from
+unknown causes.
+
+By the tenth of the month the majority of the men were unfit for duty.
+In one company the three commissioned officers were in the hospital, and
+but twelve men could be mustered for evening parade. The labors of the
+medical officer who undertakes single-handed to minister to the wants of
+a regiment of recruits can only be known to those who have tried it. Our
+doctor was as much worn out by the perplexities of organizing his
+department as by the actual attendance on the sick. New demands came
+almost every hour of the day and night, and it was only when the
+violence of disease had subsided, and another officer was added to the
+medical staff, that our weary son of Galen found a degree of respite.
+
+We were in the command of General Silas Casey, a noble specimen of a man
+and a soldier. His manly dignity and kindly bearing impressed all with
+profound respect for him, and although we were but a few weeks in his
+command we never ceased to remember him with pleasure. The provisional
+brigade and division to which we were attached was frequently reviewed
+and drilled by the general, and made a fine appearance.
+
+Thus the time passed until the opening of the New Year. Our men, like
+most fresh soldiers, were anxious for a fight, and were heartily tired
+of what they considered inglorious inactivity. Many of them expressed
+great fears that they would be obliged to return home without ever
+hearing the sound of battle. How greatly they were mistaken we shall see
+as we trace the bloody campaigns of more than three years of hard
+fighting.
+
+Our friends at home were not unmindful of us. Boxes of clothing and
+other comforts for the sick were sent in goodly numbers; so our sick
+were well supplied with bedding and changes of clothing, as well as
+jellies and other luxuries. Our friend, McMicheal, of Congress Hall,
+Saratoga, thinking we could better celebrate the New Year with a good
+dinner, sent us one worthy of his fame as a landlord. Could Mack have
+heard the cheers of the boys that made the ground tremble as the four
+hundred pounds of cooked chickens and turkeys were distributed among
+them, his glory as a caterer would have been complete. With the New Year
+came stormy weather; rain was the rule, sunshine the exception. The mud
+became almost unfathomable and it was not uncommon to see the six mules
+attached to an army wagon tugging and striving with all their power to
+drag the empty wagon out of a mud hole. Boys who had plied the trade of
+bootblack gave up their profession and with pail and sponge in hand
+called to the passer by, "Wash your boots, sir?" During the lovely month
+of December we had been impatient for action; but now the oft repeated
+question, "Why don't the Army of the Potomac move?" became ludicrous to
+our ears.
+
+Thus passed another month in drills and camp duties. Some recruits came
+to us, while many of the men who came out at first were found unfit for
+field duty and were discharged.
+
+Distrust arose among officers and enlisted men of our army about the
+capital, in regard to the manner in which the army was managed. A
+wilderness of men surrounded Washington, and yet we were blockaded by
+the rebels on all sides except one.
+
+Government was paying enormous prices for fuel consumed by the army,
+because the Potomac was closed, and all wood had to be brought by rail
+from the sparsely wooded districts of Maryland. Provisions sold at
+fabulous prices, and Washington was in fact a beleaguered city. Some
+rays of light from the west penetrated the thick darkness; but it cannot
+be concealed that while the Grand Army stationed about the capital
+panted for action and longed for the glory of the battle-field, a gloom
+possessed the spirits of the men, and a feeling, that all this splendid
+material was destined to a "masterly inactivity," prevailed. Our hopes
+were newly kindled when the affairs of the War Department passed into
+the hands of a live man, and when Mr. Stanton's practical energy began
+to be manifested both in the department and in the field. We heard from
+Burnside; first sad news, and then of success; and our hearts burned to
+be with him. Fort Donelson followed Roanoke; and Price's army was routed
+in Missouri. We envied the men who had been our nearest neighbors, but
+who had followed Burnside to the South. Glorious fellows! What cared
+they now for the fury of the waves or the hardships of short rations? We
+were afraid of being left as idle spectators of great things in which we
+should not be allowed to participate.
+
+On the 15th of February came an order for us to move in a few days, and
+join Smith's division. This division lay upon the other side of the
+river, and although we had been anxious to move we did not wish to get
+permanently fixed in the mud by moving there. We knew little of General
+Smith or his division, only that the general had been trying very hard
+for some time past to get the regiment, and we had little hopes of good
+from the new arrangement. How little did we then suppose that the cross
+of that old division would be one of the proudest badges of honor that
+men could wear!
+
+Sunday night came, and the order to move at once, came also. What a
+scene of confusion! We had never broken up camp before, and the
+excitement ran high. The pounding and tearing of boards, the shouting of
+men and braying of mules, combined in a grand uproar. Bonfires blazed
+from every part of the camp, and the whole night was spent in tearing
+down quarters and loading the stuff into army wagons as they presented
+themselves in great numbers. It was a rare sight. The camp glowing with
+a hundred fires, and the men and teams moving about among them like
+spectres. Morning came, and the teams were loaded, and the men ready to
+march. The teams drove out and formed a line reaching down 14th street
+from our camp nearly to the White House! One hundred and five six-mule
+teams constituted the train for our regimental baggage; and so much
+dissatisfaction prevailed among certain company officers that we were
+allowed twenty-five more teams next day! Rain had fallen nearly all
+night, and the prospect looked dreary. As the day advanced the rain came
+faster and faster, until it fairly poured. The men waded through mortar
+nearly to their knees.
+
+It was three o'clock in the afternoon when we reached Smith's division
+and the ground on which we were to make our camp. The prospect was not
+cheering, and as two or three of our staff officers rode upon the
+ground, the place seemed forbidding enough. It had been recently the
+location of a thicket of scrub pines, but the trees had been cut down
+for fuel, and the stumps and brush remained, so that the mounted
+officers found much difficulty in reining their horses into the midst.
+Snow covered the ground to the depth of several inches. Here our men,
+tired and wet, cold and hungry, were to pitch their tents, cook their
+suppers, and make their beds.
+
+The men fell to work heartily, and by dark they had cleared off the snow
+and brush enough to make room for their tents, and many cook fires
+blazed over the camp.
+
+The regiments of the division showed us much hospitality, and a very
+pleasant acquaintance commenced on that day, which was destined to
+become earnest friendship. The next day was spent in putting the camp in
+order. As rain continued to fall, the mud in the company streets became
+knee-deep. Our sick, those unable to walk, had been left in our old
+hospital with a sufficient number of faithful nurses, under charge of
+the surgeon of one of the regiments that remained.
+
+Let us for a moment glance at the composition of the division of which
+we now formed a part. We were assigned to the Third brigade. It
+comprised, beside our own, the Thirty-third New York, Colonel Taylor, a
+regiment whose gallantry at Yorktown, Williamsburgh and Fredericksburgh
+fully established its reputation as one of the best fighting regiments
+in the army. The Forty-ninth New York, Colonel Bidwell, a noble regiment
+with a noble commander, a regiment which could always be counted on to
+do all that men could do; the Seventh Maine, Colonel Mason, whose men
+were patterned after the pines of their own forests, tall, straight and
+powerful fellows, who never forgot their proclivities for hunting, and
+who were never so happy as when they could pick off a few rebel pickets
+with their rifles. The brigade was commanded by General Davidson, who
+afterwards made himself exceedingly disagreeable to the rebels, and
+famous at the north by his daring cavalry raids in the west. The first
+brigade included the Forty-third New York, Colonel Vinton; the
+Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, Colonel Irwin; the Sixth Maine, Colonel
+Knowles; and the Fifth Wisconsin, Colonel Cobb; all of them excellent
+regiments, under command of General Hancock, who has since placed his
+name high on the roll of fame as the commander of the old Second corps.
+
+The Second brigade was composed entirely of Vermont troops, including
+the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Vermont regiments, commanded
+respectively by Colonels Henry Whiting, B. N. Hyde, E. H. Stoughton, L.
+A. Grant and N. M. Lord, and known as the "Vermont Brigade," and nobly
+did they sustain the traditional reputation of the Green Mountain Boys,
+as stern patriots and hard fighters. They were commanded by General
+Brooks, who afterward commanded the Tenth corps.
+
+General William F. Smith, or, as he was familiarly known, "Baldy Smith,"
+commanded the division. He is too well known to all who admire a true
+soldier to require more than a mention here, and his great fame has been
+well and faithfully earned.
+
+No more splendid material, either for officers or men, ever entered into
+the composition of a division, and how nobly it played its part in the
+great drama of the war, it shall be part of our duty to record. Drills,
+regimental, brigade and division, were again in order, and picket duty
+now became a part of our routine.
+
+This would not be a faithful chronicle of the doings of the new
+regiment, were we to forget to relate the history of our first
+expedition into the enemy's country.
+
+An order came one evening in February for Colonel McKean to take his
+regiment and make a reconnoissance towards Vienna. His instructions were
+to pass the picket line, advance towards Vienna, make a thorough
+reconnoissance and return.
+
+The news spread through the camp, and the regiment was ablaze with
+excitement. Some who had been on the sick list, and were excused from
+camp duty, sought from the surgeon permission to accompany the
+expedition, while a few who had been, up to this time, well, were
+earnest in their applications to be excused from the march.
+
+The regiment was formed at ten o'clock at night; thick darkness,
+darkness of the blackest and most intense degree, prevailed. One could
+scarcely see his neighbor whose shoulder touched his own. We were miles
+away from the enemy, but the men were to be instructed in performing
+their movements in secrecy; so the commands were passed along the line,
+as the companies were forming, in whisper. No lights were allowed, and
+we left our camp a column of blackness. We were presently joined by a
+guide who carried a lantern. We passed a great many regiments, all the
+while observing strict silence.
+
+The mud was deep, very deep; some of the men lost their shoes in the
+depths of the mire, and some even lost themselves, and were only
+discovered when they arrived in camp some hours earlier than the
+regiment. Through the darkness we plodded until we reached our
+destination, at daylight on the following morning. Here we found bough
+houses which had been used by rebel cavalry; and the tracks of many
+horses imprinted only a little while before, whether by the horses of
+our own cavalry, or by those of the enemy, we never knew. The battalion
+was halted and scouts were sent to the front and on the flanks. Some of
+the boys who had lost their shoes in the mud before we had advanced the
+first mile, had made the whole march in their stockings; while others,
+who had been sick, looked as though they could never get back to camp.
+The companies deployed and marched through the woods, but as the enemy
+was on the other side of Vienna we saw no rebels. It was noon when we
+reached our camp, tired and covered with mud. Those who went laughed at
+those who remained behind, and called them "dead beats!" The "beats"
+tauntingly demanded of the others what all their demonstration had
+amounted to.
+
+The New York papers heralded the exploit as a grand advance on the
+enemy, and we said little about it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE MANASSAS CAMPAIGN.
+
+    Orders to march--A grand spectacle--Bivouac near Fairfax Court
+    House--The camps at night--Visits to Manassas and
+    Centreville--Dissatisfaction in the army--A deserted
+    country--Lawless soldiers--Fairfax Court House--A representative
+    Southerner--Review by Gen. McClellan--March to Alexandria--"Camp
+    Misery."
+
+
+The first week in March brought lovely weather: birds sang more sweetly,
+the sun shone more brightly, and bands played more merrily than usual,
+and friends passed from regiment to regiment seeking social pastime with
+friends.
+
+We had known no such pleasant times in camp; still we were waiting for
+orders to advance. During the night of Sunday, the 8th of March, the
+order came: "This division will move at four o'clock in the morning with
+two days' rations in haversacks." Little rest we got that night; the
+hammer and the axe were plied vigorously in tearing down quarters and
+packing stores, and as the sun rose in the morning the whole army was in
+motion. It was a sublime spectacle: that immense line of troops pouring
+along hour after hour, stretching over the hills as far as the eye could
+reach; a hundred and twenty thousand troops on the move! Just beyond and
+above them, in the gray sky of the morning, hung a beautiful rainbow. At
+six our division commenced to march. Rain soon began to fall, and
+continued all day. We passed through Vienna and Lewinsville, each a
+hamlet of a dozen houses, and reached our camping ground at five o'clock
+in the afternoon, tired, and drenched, and hungry.
+
+Great numbers of troops had already occupied the fields, and the whole
+country seemed alive with men and horses, artillery and wagons. We were
+in the vicinity of Fairfax Court House, about a mile to the northward,
+on what was called Flint Hill.
+
+The army, for the first time, was under "_tentes d'abri_," or, as they
+are now called, shelter tents. Until now the enlisted men had occupied
+the spacious Sibley, or the comfortable wedge tents, and all officers
+were quartered in wall tents; now, line officers and enlisted men were
+to occupy shelter tents, which they were to carry on their shoulders;
+and although a small number of wall tents could be carried in the wagons
+for field and staff officers, yet so imperfect was the understanding, in
+or out of the quartermaster's department, of what could or ought to be
+done, that most regimental field and staff officers were left without
+any shelter at all.
+
+The men proceeded to make themselves as comfortable as possible under
+their novel coverings, and as evening approached, the hills were
+magnificently illuminated with thousands of camp fires. Very few men
+occupied their new tents that night. They had not been accustomed to lie
+upon wet ground, with only a single blanket wrapped about them, so
+during all the night groups of soldiers stood about the camp fires,
+talking in low tones and wondering what was to happen in the morning.
+The sky was clear and bright when the sun rose, and as we looked out
+upon the hill tops, dotted with clean white tents, and bristling with
+stacks of shining muskets, we exulted in the thought that we were part
+of the Grand Army that was now at work. Soon we knew that we were not to
+fight here. The cavalry, and some of Porter's division, were returning
+from Manassas and Centreville, both places burned and deserted. Were we
+to pursue the retreating army, or were we to return to Washington to
+take a new start? Parties from the division rode to Centreville and
+Manassas. The works were indeed formidable and the barracks extensive;
+and the old chestnut logs with blackened ends, that were mounted in some
+of the embrasures, had, at a distance, grim visages. The smoking ruins
+betokened the destructiveness of war. On the old battle-field lay
+bleaching the bones of horses and men, and here and there might be seen
+portions of human skeletons protruding from the shallow graves where
+some pretense had been made at burial. Fragments of shells, broken
+muskets and solid shot strewed the ground.
+
+Head-quarters of the army were established at Fairfax Court House, and
+thither repaired the corps commanders to hold a council in regard to our
+future movements. The country about our camp was rolling and sparsely
+settled. Nearly all the houses were deserted, and most of them destroyed
+so far as any future usefulness was concerned. One house, the ruins of
+which stood not far from our camp, and which had been the most
+comfortable place in the whole section of country, had been the
+residence of a northern farmer. Although the house was completely
+stripped, and nothing of the barns and outhouses remained but the
+frames, yet there were many evidences of the thrift and comfort of the
+former occupant. A northern reaper, several horse rakes, ploughs of
+improved patterns, and other modern implements of agriculture, betokened
+a genuine farmer. We were told that he was driven from his home early in
+the war, and had now found refuge among his friends in New Hampshire.
+But the houses of the southerners had not been exempt from the general
+devastation, and some who had sought refuge in Richmond had left their
+homes to ruin. The people were evidently strongly "secesh," although
+some of them professed to be glad to see us.
+
+It cannot be said that the presence of our army afforded them great
+protection, for the men, unused to the strict discipline which afterward
+prevailed, coolly appropriated whatever articles seemed to them to be of
+use either for the present or the future. It was amusing to see the
+soldiers of some of the divisions in which less than the usual
+discipline prevailed, peering and creeping about wherever there seemed a
+prospect of plunder. Now one would pass with a pair of chickens; next,
+one bringing a clothes line; then one with part of an old table, and
+still another with half a dozen eggs. This system of plunder was at
+length checked, in a measure at least. Fowls, eggs and potatoes could be
+purchased of the people at fair rates, while rebel currency could be
+bought for silver at a very considerable discount. Twenty-five cent and
+one cent shinplasters were brought into camp and laughed at by men who
+were afterward glad to get shinplasters from another manufactory.
+
+To Fairfax Court House was but a short distance; and a ride to the
+village afforded a pleasant gallop of a morning. The place, and the
+country half a mile on each side, was occupied by McCall's division. The
+village was pleasantly located on high ground, surrounded by fine
+groves. It contained some pretty residences, which were occupied by
+officers as head-quarters: their horses, in some instances, being
+picketed on the porticos, and in others in the kitchens. The village was
+nearly deserted by its own people, not more than fifty of the original
+inhabitants being left, though the population of the town before the war
+was nearly six hundred. Houses which were deserted were generally
+stripped of everything. The court house was a solid old brick building
+of very limited dimensions, with a little bell swinging in a comical
+looking steeple. The court house was by no means an exception to the
+general rule of destruction; the seats were torn out, and the judge's
+bench had been split in pieces, and nearly all carried away by pockets
+full, as relics. At one of the houses where the family still remained, a
+party reined up and made some inquiries of the _pater familias_, a
+hangdog looking specimen, with an old slouched hat covered to the crown
+with rusty crape, a mark of second-hand gentility in these parts. He
+said that "this yer war" had caused such a famine among the people, that
+nearly all of them had been obliged to leave; some had gone to
+Washington and some to Richmond, "a right smart lot of them had gone to
+Richmond." He had "reckoned onct or twict" that he would have to go too,
+but he "had succeeded in hanging on so long."
+
+Our division was reviewed by General McClellan, who was received with
+enthusiasm. Although many of us were familiar with the appearance of the
+Commander-in-Chief, this was his first appearance to us as a division.
+The General appeared a man below the medium height, with broad
+shoulders, full chest and a round pleasing face relieved by a heavy
+moustache. He sat his horse well and rode with great speed. While his
+appearance and address were pleasing, there seemed in his smooth face
+and mild eye nothing to indicate a man of brilliant genius or great
+purpose.
+
+At length the council of corps commanders had rendered its decision, and
+the grand campaign of the Virginian Peninsula was planned. On the
+morning of the fourteenth of March, with buoyant hopes and exulting
+anticipations of a "quick, sharp and decisive," and as we devoutly
+believed, a successful campaign, we left our camp at Flint Hill. It had
+few charms for us, and we were glad to leave it. How little we yet knew
+of real campaigning. Although we had notice several hours beforehand
+that we were to move by daylight, yet many, indeed, the majority of us,
+marched that morning without breakfast.
+
+No morning sun cheered us as the day began, but the sky was hung with
+heavy clouds. A drizzling rain, now diminishing almost to a heavy mist,
+and now coming in fresh showers, made the marching heavy and unpleasant.
+Grandly appeared that majestic army as it filed down the turnpike to
+Alexandria. At times the elevation of the road afforded a view of the
+mighty column for miles to the front, and at other times we could see it
+pouring onward an endless stream of cavalry, infantry, artillery and
+wagons, far from the rear.
+
+So grand a spectacle had never been witnessed on this continent before.
+Our march was rapid and we made no halt for dinner: those who went
+without breakfast had poor chance for coffee that day.
+
+Towards evening the rain increased, and as we drew off into a piece of
+woods five miles out from Alexandria, the rain came down in sheets. Near
+our halting place were some deserted houses. No sooner had we stopped
+than began the work of destruction, afterward so familiar to us, and in
+less than an hour there was not a board or timber left of either
+building. The ground, although quite uneven and sloping, soon became so
+flooded that tents, even when they could be pitched, were untenable. The
+men attempted to build fires, but in most instances the floods of water
+quenched the flames. Some, however, succeeded in starting huge fires,
+and around these stood the men during the whole night, while the tempest
+poured in torrents upon them. A few of the officers of the division,
+among whom was one who afterward became noted for looking out for and
+providing good things for his regiment as quartermaster, sought refuge
+in a house not far off, where, for the moderate sum of twenty-five cents
+each, they were allowed by the people sleeping room upon the floor.
+Never since the times of Pharaoh was an army so thoroughly drenched.
+During more than three years campaigning in the field our boys never
+forgot that night; and to this day they frequently refer to the
+disagreeable experience in what they not inappropriately term "Camp
+Misery." Here, in "Camp Misery," we remained several days, waiting to
+embark for Fortress Monroe.
+
+Without doubt, the rebels all this time knew of our destination; for the
+people among whom we were encamped were by no means our friends or
+indifferent to the success of the rebels, and the point of our
+destination was well known and freely spoken of among them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE ARMY TRANSFERRED TO THE PENINSULA.
+
+    Embarking for the Peninsula--Mount Vernon--On the
+    Potomac--Hampton--In camp--Orders to march--A night visit to
+    Fortress Monroe--The advance--A sifting--A Quaker battery--At
+    Newport News--Compliments of the Teaser.
+
+
+On Sunday morning, March 23d, we marched to Alexandria. The whole of our
+division, and of the other divisions of Keyes' corps, were there,
+besides part of Heintzelman's corps and other troops. In the course of
+the afternoon, this great body of men was embarked upon the transports.
+The vessels having received their lading, swung out upon the river and
+laid at anchor during the night. Early in the morning the whole fleet
+was under way, steaming down the river. We passed Mount Vernon--the
+bells of the fleet tolling. The tomb lies in the midst of a clump of
+firs just south and a little below the house; the mansion and the
+grounds are nearly as they were left by Washington, and the whole looks
+down upon the river, calling upon the passer-by for a thought upon the
+great man whose dust lies beneath the fir trees. After passing Mount
+Vernon, nothing of special interest was seen except the broad expanse of
+waters of this magnificent stream. A few large mansions, a few inferior
+houses, and now and then a little hamlet, appeared on the banks; and at
+Aquia creek could be seen the insignificant earthworks that had covered
+the few field pieces which for so many months had kept up an efficient
+blockade of the Potomac.
+
+How different was all this from our Hudson! The country bordering on the
+river is beautiful; nature has done everything for it, but a cursed
+institution has blighted it. There is not a country in the world where
+nature has been more lavish with its blessings, and yet it is forsaken,
+worn out, almost a wilderness. The magnificent rivers and unsurpassed
+harbors of Virginia, its natural fertility and the mildness of its
+climate, present natural advantages scarcely equaled by any country. As
+we stood upon the deck of the steamer, watching and admiring the
+ever-varying beauties of the noble stream, some one repeated these lines
+from Barlow's _Columbiad_:
+
+  "Thy capes, Virginia, towering from the tide,
+  Raise their blue banks, and slope thy barriers wide,
+  To future sails unfold a fluvian way,
+  And guard secure thy multifluvian bay,
+  That drains uncounted realms and here unites
+  The liquid mass from Alleganian hights.
+  York leads his way embanked in flowery pride,
+  And noble James falls winding by his side;
+  Back to the hills, through many a silent vale,
+  Wild Rappahannock seems to lure the sail;
+  Patapsco's bosom courts the hand of toil;
+  Dull Susquehanna laves a length of soil;
+  But mightier far, in sea-like azure spread,
+  Potowmac sweeps his earth disparting bed."
+
+At night we were on the broad Chesapeake. A stiff breeze set our fleet
+rocking, but we slept quietly, leaving the waves to take care of
+themselves and the pilots to take care of the boats. Reveille awoke us
+in the morning to discover on the one side of us the world-renowned
+Fortress Monroe and on the other the equally famous Monitor. At our bow
+lay the village of Hampton--or rather the chimneys and trees of what had
+been Hampton. Orders came for us to disembark here, and we were soon
+among the debris of the town. A sadder commentary on war could hardly be
+found than the ruins of this beautiful village. A forest of shade trees
+and chimneys marked the place where a few months before had stood one of
+the most ancient villages in America. Hyacinths and daffodils, peach
+trees and roses, were in bloom in the deserted and fenceless gardens;
+and the dark green leaves of the japonica and laurel covered many a heap
+of unsightly rubbish.
+
+The walls of the old church, the most ancient in the State, stood like
+silent witnesses against the reckless spirit of destruction of the
+rebels. Although not large, the church had evidently been a fine old
+structure, having the form of a Greek cross. About it were the graves of
+the forefathers of the village, reposing under the shadow of those old
+trees. Many of the tablets were ancient, dating back as far as 1706.
+
+[Illustration: THE OLD CHURCH AT HAMPTON.]
+
+The whole army was pouring out upon this shore, and at Fortress Monroe.
+Dense masses of infantry, long trains of artillery and thousands of
+cavalry, with unnumbered army wagons and mules, were mingled in grand
+confusion along the shore; the neighing of horses, the braying of mules,
+the rattle of wagons and artillery, and the sound of many voices,
+mingled in one grand inharmonious concert.
+
+Our division marched along a pleasant route to a field about midway
+between Fortress Monroe and Newport News. We rested until March 26th,
+when an order came at midnight for the army to march very early in the
+morning. We were short of some medical stores and quartermasters'
+supplies, and officers at once mounted their horses to ride through the
+thick darkness to Fortress Monroe, to procure the needed articles. Along
+the road men were already cooking their breakfasts, and artillery was
+hurrying towards Newport News. At short intervals along the road,
+sentinels were posted; and as the sounds of the horses' hoofs were
+heard, the sharp command rung out through the darkness, "Halt! who comes
+there?" and the galloping horses would suddenly halt at long distance
+from the sentry.
+
+"Friends with the countersign."
+
+"Dismount and advance one; and give the countersign."
+
+One of the parties, leaving his horse with the other, would advance and
+give the required word, and on we rode again until suddenly halted by a
+similar warning. As we approached the fortress, the sentinels were more
+frequent, until, as we came within half a mile of our destination, the
+guards were posted so frequently that we had hardly passed one, before
+the sharp command to "Halt!" was heard again. We crossed the drawbridge,
+and at length found ourselves in the little village in rear of the fort.
+Passing here many sentinels who examined us very carefully, we reached
+the door of the citadel. Here we were halted by a sentinel, and each
+examined for the countersign. The sentinel called the corporal of the
+guard; who after satisfying himself that we were Union officers shouted
+to the sergeant. The great iron door ground upon its massive hinges as
+it swung open just far enough to permit the sergeant to squeeze through,
+and again it was closed, and the heavy bolts rung as they flew back to
+their places. The sergeant, after asking a few questions, went back into
+the fort, and soon returned with the officer of the guard, who, after
+receiving the countersign, questioned us closely as to our business, and
+who we were. Satisfied, at length he ordered a soldier to take our
+horses, the heavy door slowly opened, and we were admitted within the
+walls. Such were the precautions in admitting strangers to the
+stronghold.
+
+At six o'clock the division was in line and on the road. The morning was
+indescribably beautiful. The vapors that rose from the broad expanse of
+waters were tinged with a thousand gorgeous hues as they rolled away,
+dispersed by the morning sun; and the tall yellow pines were crowned
+with rich golden coronals of light. The road was perfectly level and
+dry, and the country delightful. Long rows of locusts and pines lined
+the sides of the road, and the rich groves of oak just sending forth
+their foliage, were beautifully interspersed with the holly, with its
+bright red berries and rich evergreen leaves. Peach orchards in full
+bloom added to the beauty of the scene, and when at times we could see
+the lines of troops, two and three miles in extent, their muskets
+glittering in the bright sunlight, the enthusiasm of the men was
+unbounded.
+
+All the bridges over the route had been destroyed by the enemy, but
+pioneers advanced at the head of the column, and as the bridges were all
+small they were quickly repaired. A march of a few miles brought us in
+sight of the James river; a noble stream, at least five miles wide at
+this point. Not far from the shore appeared the masts of the U. S.
+frigate Cumberland, sunk in the memorable fight with the Merrimac. As
+our march led us along the banks, the views were charming. On one hand
+was the noble river, and on the other the orchards and groves. Deserted
+houses, and gardens blooming with hyacinths and other blossoms of early
+spring, were passed. On the opposite side of the river lay a rebel
+gunboat, watching our movements.
+
+Our division, Smith's, had taken the lead on the James river road, while
+Porter's division had marched upon Great Bethel. After a march of
+fifteen miles, our division was drawn up in line of battle near Warwick.
+Porter's division had already reached Great Bethel, on our right, and we
+could see huge columns of smoke rising in that direction, and hear the
+roar of artillery. An aide dashed up and informed General Davidson that
+the enemy were in line of battle ready to receive us. Soon the order
+came to advance; the line swept onward through the woods and over a
+cleared field, but found no foe. A few cavalry pickets only were seen,
+and a shell from one of our Parrott guns set them flying towards
+Yorktown. We passed through the confederate encampments where their
+fires were still blazing, but soon turned round and bivouacked on ground
+last night occupied by rebels.
+
+In this advance or reconnoissance of the whole army, the qualities of
+the individual soldiers composing it were brought out in bold relief.
+The effect on our own division was marked. During the months we had been
+in winter quarters, many officers and men had established marvelous
+reputations for bravery and hardihood, merely by constantly heralding
+their own heroism. But from this time these doughty heroes went back.
+Officers suddenly found cause for resigning; and enlisted men managed to
+get sent to the rear, and never showed their faces at the front again.
+On the contrary, some who were really invalids insisted on dragging
+themselves along with the column, fearful that an engagement might take
+place in which they would not participate. A sifting process was thus
+commenced throughout the whole division, and to its honor the poltroons
+were very soon sifted out, and from that time forth, Smith's division
+never afforded a comfortable resting place for men of doubtful courage.
+"They went out from us, because they were not of us."
+
+Next morning we retired over the road upon which we had advanced, and
+encamped near Newport News. As we passed this place on our outward
+march, we saw at a distance what appeared to be a heavy gun, but as we
+approached it proved to be a large cart, on which was mounted a great
+wooden mortar, which had, perhaps, been used by negroes for cracking
+corn. When we returned a hog's head was fixed in the mouth of the
+mortar. "There," remarked an officer, "is the first Quaker we have seen
+on the Peninsula." "You must sketch it," said the colonel of the
+Seventy-seventh, and the officer obeyed.
+
+[Illustration: THE QUAKER AT NEWPORT NEWS.]
+
+The division encamped upon a low plain covered with sedges and reeds, a
+good enough encampment while the dry weather lasted, but when the rain
+came in floods two nights after we pitched our tents here, the whole
+division was inundated, and we moved to higher and better ground.
+
+The masts of the Cumberland greeted our eyes whenever we turned toward
+the river, and the rebel gunboats made short excursions toward our side
+of the stream. One day large numbers of men, mostly from the Vermont
+brigade, were on the shoals of the river bathing and gathering oysters.
+The gunboat Teazer discovering them, steamed down toward them, and threw
+some heavy shells, shrieking and cracking among them, causing great
+consternation among the bathers, and some confusion and much amusement
+on shore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+YORKTOWN.
+
+    The advance to Yorktown--A thunder storm--"Reliable
+    contrabands"--Facing the enemy--A strong position--The Union
+    line--A rebel welcome--Digging--On picket--A dreary country--An
+    enterprising planter--Active work--Battle of Lee's Mills--Charge
+    of the Vermont brigade--Progress of the siege--Ravages of
+    disease--A front seat--Short supplies--The rebels
+    withdraw--Entering the strongholds--Infernal machines--March to
+    Williamsburgh--Victims of disease.
+
+
+At length, on the 4th of April, the army was put in motion for Yorktown.
+The General-in-Chief had arrived at Fortress Monroe the evening before,
+and at once the army became the scene of prodigious activity. Keyes'
+corps, our own division in advance, took the road along the banks of the
+James river. The rest of the army, headed by Porter's division, advanced
+on the more direct road to Yorktown, through Great Bethel, accompanied
+by General McClellan.
+
+The day being clear and warm, the men soon began to realize the
+difficulty of transporting large amounts of clothing and camp equipage
+on their shoulders, and the roadsides were strewn with blankets and
+overcoats, dress coats and pants. The bushes and trees for miles along
+the route were thickly hung with articles of clothing, mostly new, and
+all good. Soldiers who had put on their marching suit would fall out of
+the ranks, the knapsack would quickly disgorge a new coat and pants, the
+wearers would as quickly divest themselves of the soiled garments and
+replace them with the new ones, the others being left on the ground.
+Whenever a halt was ordered this shifting process became general.
+
+The roads, which at first were dry and firm, were as we advanced badly
+cut up, and great difficulty was experienced in getting the trains
+along.
+
+An advance of ten miles brought us in front of Young's Mills, a strongly
+fortified position five or six miles from Yorktown. The corps was drawn
+up in line of battle and cavalry sent to reconnoiter the position. The
+works were deserted, but camp fires still blazed in them. Here we rested
+for the night. At daylight next morning the advance was renewed. The
+roads were even worse than the day before. Infantry could get along well
+enough, but artillery and army wagons had a hard time of it. Each piece
+of artillery made the road worse, until the axles dragged in a river of
+mud. We passed the little village of Warwick Court House. There were
+here a little brick court house, a jail and a clerk's office seven feet
+by ten, a store and a tavern. There were also two small dwelling houses.
+
+After a march of three miles the division was drawn up in line of
+battle. We had reached the hostile works before the rest of the army.
+Skirmishers were sent to the front and we advanced slowly and cautiously
+through the woods. A terrific thunder storm burst upon us and the roar
+of the heavenly artillery seemed to mock any efforts at martial
+grandeur. Seldom, if ever, had we of the northern states witnessed such
+an exhibition of sublimity and terrible magnificence of the workings of
+the elements. The vivid lightning and terrific peals of thunder seemed
+to the men the presage of deadly work to come. The advance was very
+difficult, the woods being marshy and filled with tangles and briars.
+The men were scratched and bleeding. The long line of battle presently
+emerged from the woods and occupied a clearing, in the center of which
+was a mansion, the late residence of a rebel officer. Some scouts
+brought from the house a couple of negresses whom they led to General
+Keyes. They communicated their information with an earnestness that
+proved their sympathies were not with their late master. It was a
+picturesque scene; those tall negresses with their bright red turbans
+and long white woolen gowns, telling with earnest gestures what they
+knew of the position of the enemy, while the generals and their staffs
+listened eagerly to their words. They said that when we passed over the
+little hill just in front, we should be under fire from the batteries of
+the rebels, who were in large force; "but laws a massa, noting like all
+dese yer," said they, pointing to the troops of our division.
+
+Cautiously the clearing was crossed, the long line of battle moving in
+beautiful order--Kennedy's, Ayres' and Wheeler's batteries each
+accompanying a brigade.
+
+Again we entered a heavy pine wood in which the swamp was deeper than
+ever, and advancing through it we came face to face with the enemy.
+Warwick creek, a marshy stream which had been dammed by the rebels,
+raising its waters into ponds and deep morasses, was between us and
+their works, and the accessible points were guarded by artillery. Two
+regiments were at once deployed as skirmishers and sent in advance, and
+our batteries were planted along the edge of the wood with the line of
+the infantry. Only Smith's division was in line, the others were waiting
+on the road for orders to come up.
+
+Along the road, for more than half the distance back to Young's Mills,
+the brigades of Couch's and Kearney's divisions were resting on their
+arms, while cannon by scores waited to be called into action.
+
+The enemy was not slow to acknowledge our presence, and as a token of
+greeting sent some twelve-pound shells crashing among the trees about
+us. The firing now became brisk on our side, and the rebels replied
+spiritedly with their twelve-pounders. Hundreds of men were now called
+up from the rear brigades and detailed to build corduroy roads. Trees
+were cut down and trimmed of their branches, and laid side by side so as
+to form a kind of bridge over the swamp to enable more artillery to come
+up. The rapidity with which such roads were built was marvelous.
+
+By this time the column on the right had reached the works in front of
+the town. The position here was also strong. Although the Warwick did
+not interpose, yet high bluffs, crowned with redoubts in which were
+mounted heavy guns, frowned upon the assailants. Thus far it appears
+that the leaders of our army had been totally ignorant of the position
+and strength of the enemy, and had led it up to the works, blindly
+feeling the way without maps or guides. (McClellan's Report.) The
+defensive works were now found to consist of a series of redoubts and
+rifle pits stretching across the Peninsula, seven miles in extent, with
+high bluffs on the right and Warwick creek in their front on the left.
+
+The position occupied by our division was known as Lee's Mills, and to
+our right, nearly three miles, was the village of Yorktown. The line of
+battle was now arranged in the following order from right to left:
+Heintzelman's corps, consisting of Porter's, Hooker's and Hamilton's
+divisions, were in front of the town; Sedgwick's division of Sumner's
+corps on the left of them, and Keyes' corps, comprising Smith's and
+Couch's division (Casey's division arrived in a few days), held the
+position on the Warwick at Lee's Mills.
+
+The position of the enemy was, without doubt, one of great strength, and
+everything had been done to render it more formidable. Yet they were by
+no means too strong or sufficiently well garrisoned to resist an assault
+from such a body of men as now appeared in their front. That there were
+weak points in this line of defenses, stretching seven miles, was
+afterwards demonstrated; and that the forces behind the works were by no
+means sufficiently numerous, at the time of our approach, to afford
+formidable resistance at all points in their extensive line, is now well
+known.
+
+It appears from the official report of the rebel General Johnston, who
+then commanded all the rebel forces in Virginia, that at the time of the
+appearance of our army before Yorktown the works were defended by only
+about eleven thousand men, and that even after he had reinforced the
+garrisons by the troops which he was hurrying from Manassas, his army
+amounted to only fifty thousand men.
+
+The artillery duel was kept up until night. We had lost some men during
+the day, but not so many as we had feared. First a poor fellow from the
+Seventh Maine, his heart and left lung torn out by a shell; then one
+from the Forty-ninth New York, shot in the head; the next was from our
+own regiment, Frank Jeffords, who had to suffer amputation of a leg;
+then a man from the Forty-ninth was sent to the rear with his heel
+crushed. In all, our loss did not exceed twenty men. The casualties in
+the other brigades were less than in our own.
+
+As night approached, the firing gradually ceased, and nothing but the
+scattering shots of the skirmishers was heard. We lay down in the swamp
+with no tents, and many of us without food. Officers and men built
+platforms of logs and bark to keep out of the water where they were not
+fortunate enough to find a dry place. General Smith bivouacked near the
+line of battle, making his bed at the foot of a pine tree, with nothing
+but his overcoat for shelter. It may not be amiss to say here that
+General Smith, unlike most gentlemen with stars on their shoulders, was
+always in the habit of sleeping at the very front.
+
+All the following day, and the next, the firing was kept up steadily on
+both sides. At night showers of cannister and grape would fall in our
+camp, and fortunate was he who had a good tree or stump between him and
+the rebel works against which to lay his head while he slept.
+
+We at length became so accustomed to the continual skirmishing, that
+unless the firing was in fierce volleys we took no notice of it. The
+boys of the Thirty-third New York being on the skirmish line on the 8th,
+charged a rifle pit with shouts and hurrahs, and drove the rebels from
+it. An attempt was made to retake it, but the boys held their ground.
+
+The men performed herculean labors on the roads, and in throwing up
+earthworks. No rest was allowed. When not on picket they were cutting
+down trees or throwing up earthworks or building bridges. Such constant
+labor soon began to exhaust the strength of the stoutest, and hundreds
+of them yielded to disease who supposed themselves capable of enduring
+any amount of hardships. Yet there was now and then a grimly gay episode
+in this hard routine. Here is an incident that occurred two or three
+days after we approached the works, and affords a good sample of
+picketing between us and the forts. Our pickets were within speaking
+distance of those of the enemy; each party kept, if possible, snugly
+behind some big stump or tree, out of the reach of his disagreeable
+neighbors. A good deal of hard talk had passed between one of our
+pickets and one of the "Johnnies." Finally the rebel thrust his hand
+beyond his tree holding in it a bottle, and shaking it, challenged the
+Yankee to come and take it--"_crack_" went the Yankee's rifle at the
+hand. "Ha, ha! why don't you hit it? What do you think of Bull Run?"
+"How do you like Fort Donelson?" responded the Yankee.
+
+While this colloquy was going on, Yankee number two crept round behind a
+log, and drawing on the southerner, blazed away at him. The son of
+chivalry clapped his hand to his shoulder and ran off howling. "There,
+you fool," shouted Yankee number one, "I told you that blind man would
+be shooting you pretty soon."
+
+The country about us was uncultivated and unhealthy. The lands were low
+and swampy, and mostly covered with a heavy growth of yellow pines. The
+few remaining inhabitants were mostly women, negresses and children; now
+and then a disabled specimen of poor white trash, or a farmer too infirm
+to be of service in the rebel army, was to be met with. All were alike
+destitute of enterprise, and the houses upon the "plantations" were of
+the meanest order, raised three or four feet above the ground upon posts
+without the usual foundation of stone. The "plantations" consisted
+usually of about ten or twenty acres of cleared land in the midst of the
+forest, with narrow roads among the pines leading to neighboring
+plantations.
+
+The writer inquired of the proprietor of one of these isolated spots,
+who also had some forty negro women and children, how he managed to
+support so large a family from the proceeds of so little land. "Well,"
+said he, "I could not support them from the proceeds of the land alone,
+but you see I sell a few negroes every year and buy corn with the money;
+so with what we raise and what we get for the sale of the negroes, we
+get along very well."
+
+"But why do you not cut down some of this forest and till more land? You
+own a large tract of land which is entirely worthless as it now is."
+
+"There is where you are greatly mistaken, said the enterprising
+southerner, my timber land is my best property." But of what use do you
+make it? "Oh, I sell a great deal of wood. I take it to Fortress Monroe
+and Hampton and get two dollars and a half a cord for it!"
+
+The reader will perhaps understand the profits drawn from the wood
+lands, when it is remembered that Fortress Monroe was twenty miles
+distant.
+
+Night attacks by the enemy became common; and it was not an unfrequent
+occurrence for the whole division to be called suddenly to arms at
+midnight and stand in line until morning. Skirmishes and sharpshooting
+continued with little intermission; bullets of rebel riflemen whizzing
+through our camps or unceremoniously entering our tents at all times.
+Rebel gunboats approached the mouth of the Warwick and by their
+assistance the rebel infantry attempted to turn our left flank, but the
+troops of our division gallantly met their attack and drove them back.
+
+This state of affairs continued until the 16th of April. That morning,
+word passed through the division that we were to make an assault. Orders
+came to move, and the division was massed near some ruins, known as "The
+Chimneys," in front of one of the rebel forts; the Second brigade
+holding the front line, supported by the First and Third brigades. As we
+moved round to take our positions, an American eagle whirled above our
+heads in elegant circles and at length floated away toward the south,
+the boys swinging their hats and cheering the bird with loud huzzahs.
+
+[Illustration: CHARGE OF THE VERMONTERS AT LEE'S MILLS.]
+
+The fort in our front covered the road from Newport News to
+Williamsburgh, and could we get possession of it we could turn the
+flanks of the enemy, obliging him to abandon his position and enabling
+us either to prevent his escape or to harass him in his flight. In front
+of the fort the creek had been dammed and a deep morass interposed
+between us and the works. General McClellan and his immense suite rode
+to the point from which the attack was to be made, and communicating a
+few minutes with Generals Keyes and Smith, left the field. Mott's
+battery was now brought into position on the open plateau and opened a
+fierce cannonade, to which the rebels replied with spirit, dismounting
+one of our guns and killing several of the gunners at the very start.
+Mott was reinforced by Kennedy's and Wheeler's batteries, and the
+hostile guns were soon silenced. Our batteries then advanced within five
+hundred yards of the fort, and the gray-coated rebels who were seen to
+fill the woods, were soon dispersed. Two companies of troops, from the
+Third Vermont, were now ordered forward. Down from the woods they came,
+rushed into the water to their waists, and gallantly made for the rebel
+rifle pits. The first line of the works was gained and then the second.
+The fort was empty, but a ditch to their left was filled with men. They
+poured a volley among them and the gray coats fled. Thus the fort was
+actually in their possession, and was held for some minutes by the noble
+fellows, but when they looked for support, none came. The three brigades
+stood upon the opposite bank, ready to plunge through the stream, and
+waiting with intense anxiety for the order, "forward;" but no order
+came, and the brave Green Mountain boys who had so nobly performed their
+part of the work, were forced to fall back under a galling fire from the
+rebels, who rushed back to their pits as soon the Vermonters had left
+them, pouring volley after volley into the retreating forces, who, their
+ammunition spent, could not reply to the rebel fire. Before they were
+able to reach the shelter of the woods, sad havoc was made in their
+ranks. Skirmishing was kept up for some hours, by other regiments, but
+with no result except the loss of men.
+
+The following list of killed and wounded was obtained the next day after
+the battle:
+
+2d Vermont--1 killed.
+
+3d Vermont--24 killed, 7 mortally wounded, 56 wounded,
+            1 missing.
+4th Vermont--3 killed, 30 wounded.
+5th Vermont--2 killed, 6 wounded.
+6th Vermont--11 killed, 77 wounded.
+
+Total loss to the brigade, 218.
+
+Thus ended the fight known as the "Battle of Lee's Mills," a battle in
+which two hundred men gallantly captured an important work of the enemy,
+and thousands of their companions burning with desire to share in their
+glory stood by and saw them abandon it! Why the other brigades were not
+ordered forward has never been explained satisfactorily. That General
+Smith would gladly have sent them forward we earnestly believe; but we
+now know that General McClellan desired that a general engagement should
+not be brought on at that time.
+
+The wounded men exhibited the same bravery, while their wounds were
+being cared for, that characterized their brilliant charge. Men badly
+mutilated, with bullets in their heads, or breasts, or limbs, refused to
+receive attention from the surgeon who dressed their wounds, until their
+more unfortunate companions were cared for. "Don't mind me, doctor,
+there are others hurt worse than I am," said many a brave fellow, as he
+lay upon the ground bleeding from his wounds.
+
+The following incident connected with this noble charge will be
+remembered by all who were at that time members of Smith's division, and
+by hundreds who saw accounts of it in the newspapers of the day:
+
+Private William Scott, of Company K, Third Vermont, was, in the autumn
+of 1861, found asleep at his post on the picket line. It was a grave
+fault; but the weary soldier, inexperienced in the service, and
+unaccustomed to such night vigils, in an evil hour yielded to the
+demands of tired nature, little thinking that the lives of hundreds of
+his comrades were periled by his unfaithfulness. He was tried by a
+court-martial and sentenced to be shot. The sentence was approved, and
+at the appointed time he was brought forth to execution. General Smith,
+desiring to impress upon the minds of his men the terrible consequences
+of such an offense, formed his troops in line. The culprit was brought
+out before them, and led to the place of execution. The guard, with
+loaded muskets, stood ready to execute the dreadful sentence, which was
+read before all the troops. All waited in breathless expectation for the
+order to fire; but instead another paper was read. It was a pardon from
+the President! Then the wildest shouts of joy ran along the line. Shout
+after shout arose from the division, and hundreds blessed the name of
+President Lincoln.
+
+There were many circumstances to render this a case of peculiar
+interest. It was the first sentence of the kind; it was at the beginning
+of the war, when a soldier's life was regarded of value, and when all
+eyes were riveted upon the army, and every incident was of interest. It
+was also the first instance of the kind in which the executive clemency
+had been exercised. So near had the hour of execution arrived when the
+President signed the pardon, that, fearing it might not be received in
+season, he took his carriage and drove to camp, to assure himself that
+the man's life should be spared.
+
+"I will show President Lincoln that I am not afraid to die for my
+country," said the grateful soldier; and well did he fulfill his
+promise. Among the bravest of those two hundred heroes who crossed the
+swamp at Lee's Mills, was William Scott, of Company K, Third Vermont.
+But he was brought back a corpse. He had shown the President that he was
+not afraid to die for his country. He was one of the foremost in the
+charge, and one of the first to fall. His comrades made his grave under
+the shadow of the tall pines, and as they folded his blanket around him,
+and lowered him to his resting place, tears stood upon those brown
+cheeks; but the tears of sorrow were mingled with tears of joy, when
+they thought of his glorious death, and his narrow escape from an
+ignominious fate, and again, in their hearts, they blessed the man who
+was always the soldier's friend.
+
+We resumed our place the next day after the battle, on the front line,
+and commenced digging.
+
+Fierce night sorties were again made by the enemy and bravely resisted
+by our boys, who continued the work regardless of these annoyances. Only
+one fight occurred on our part of the line after the 16th, in which we
+lost any number of men. On the 28th the First brigade had a skirmish in
+which we lost one killed and half a dozen wounded. Among the latter was
+Lieutenant, afterward Colonel Milliken, of the Forty-third New York. A
+reconnoissance on the left about the same time, resulted in finding the
+rebels in considerable force, and a loss of two good soldiers to the
+Seventy-seventh New York. In the meantime earthworks of great strength
+were being thrown up on the right of the line before Yorktown, and
+everything was being put in a complete state of preparation for the
+grand bombardment. Enormous siege guns of one hundred and even two
+hundred pound calibre, and immense mortars were brought up and mounted
+in the earthworks, and it was thought that with the powerful means we
+were using the fall of Yorktown was only a question of time.
+
+Our losses by the rebels before Yorktown were not great, but the ravages
+by disease were fearful. Many thousands of noble fellows who would
+gladly have braved the dangers of the battle-field, were carried to the
+rear with fevers engendered by the deadly malaria of the swamps, from
+which few ever recovered sufficiently to rejoin the ranks; and thousands
+of others were laid in humble graves along the marshy borders of the
+Warwick or about the hospitals at Young's Mills. For a month the men
+were almost continually under arms; often called in the middle of the
+night to resist the attempts of the enemy to force our line under cover
+of the thick darkness, standing in line of battle day after day and
+digging at earthworks night after night.
+
+During the thirty days of the siege we had twenty days of rain. Thunder
+storms followed each other in quick succession, with lightnings more
+vivid than we had ever seen at the north. Men lay down to rest at night
+with their equipments buckled about them and wet to their skins. Men
+unaccustomed to the hardships of campaigning could not endure such
+exposure.
+
+A few divisions of the army performed by far the greater part of the
+labor, either because they had at first reached positions which imposed
+greater toil, or because greater confidence was reposed in them. Our own
+division was one of those upon which the duties imposed were too great
+for men to perform; yet the men would have resented being sent to the
+rear, and it was said that General Smith remarked that "he had spoken
+for a front seat for his boys and he intended to keep it."
+
+Added to all the exposures and hardships of the siege, there was a
+deplorable want of proper commissary and medical supplies. While the men
+were supplied with fair rations of hard bread, vegetables were unknown
+among us, and the supply of fresh meat wholly inadequate. In the Medical
+Department the greatest difficulty was experienced in obtaining
+supplies, and indeed it was impossible to get them. Not that regimental
+surgeons did not use their utmost endeavor to procure them, but as
+brigade and regimental commissaries could not obtain supplies of food
+which were not furnished to the army at all, so surgeons could not
+procure medicines and other necessaries which were locked in the
+storehouses in Washington. This subject will be more fully alluded to in
+another place, and it is to be hoped that the responsibility of this
+criminal negligence to supply the army with medical and hospital stores
+may fall where it belongs.
+
+Thus, with their minds wrought up to a continual state of excitement,
+with constant exposure to tempests and malaria, with excessive and
+exhausting labors, and with improper food and scarcity of medicine,
+sickness and death swept over us like a pestilence.
+
+At length, after a month of toil and exposure almost unprecedented,
+after losing nearly one-fifth of our magnificent army by disease and
+death, our batteries were finished, the enormous siege guns were
+mounted, and the thirteen inch mortars in position. The army looked
+anxiously for the grand _finale_ of all these extensive preparations.
+Men had lost the enthusiasm which prevailed when we landed upon the
+Peninsula, and a smile was seldom seen; but a fixed and determined
+purpose to succeed still appeared in their faces. Now at length we were
+ready; and the countenances of the soldiers began to lighten up a
+little. But as the sun rose on the morning of the 4th of May, behold,
+the rebels had vanished, and with them our hopes of a brilliant victory!
+Unfortunately for our hopes of a great success at Yorktown, the rebel
+generals had shown themselves unwilling to afford us such an opportunity
+by waiting for us longer; and during the night of the 3d and 4th they
+had evacuated the place.
+
+They had gained a month of time for strengthening the defenses about
+Richmond, and for concentrating their forces there. Now they were ready
+to fall back without testing our magnificent works and huge guns, and
+lead us into the swamps of Chickahominy; where they hoped that the fever
+would complete the ghastly work already commenced at Yorktown.
+
+During the night of the evacuation, the roar of artillery exceeded
+anything that had been heard before. From one end of the line to the
+other the shells and shot poured into our camps, and the arches of fire
+that marked the courses of the shells, with flame spouting from the
+mouths of the guns, created a magnificent pyrotechnic display. But at
+daylight, orderlies flew from regiment to regiment with the startling
+intelligence that the beleaguered works were deserted, and with orders
+to occupy them at once. Smith's division hastened to cross over the dam,
+and we found ourselves in the strongholds that we had so long invested.
+As the Seventy-seventh regiment passed along one of the roads leading
+among the intrenchments, a sharp report like that of a pistol was heard
+at the feet of those in the center of the column, and directly under the
+colors. The men scattered, and a piece of old cloth was seen lying on
+the ground at the point from which the report emanated. Colonel McKean,
+who was very near, lifted the cloth with the point of his sword, and
+discovered a torpedo carefully buried in the ground, except a nipple
+which had been filled with fulminating powder, which was covered by the
+old cloth. The fuse only had exploded. Had the machine itself exploded,
+it must have destroyed many of our men, our colonel among them. Other
+regiments were not so fortunate as we were. Very many men were killed in
+the streets and intrenchments by these torpedoes, which the enemy had
+planted in the street at either end of the bridges, about springs, and
+near the deserted guns. They were concealed beneath the ground with
+great care, the capped nipple only rising above the surface, and this,
+covered by an old rag or piece of bark thrown over it, exploded at the
+slightest touch. These infernal machines were only one feature of the
+general plan of our enemies to carry on a war by brutal, savage and
+cowardly means. The starving of prisoners at Andersonville and
+Salisbury, and the wholesale butchery at Fort Pillow, were other parts
+of the same savage plan which was crowned by the fearful tragedy at
+Ford's Theatre.
+
+We made little delay among the rebel intrenchments; only long enough to
+glance over the formidable works, where the enemy had abandoned
+seventy-two pieces of artillery, mostly of heavy caliber, with immense
+numbers of shovels, picks, wheelbarrows and other paraphernalia of an
+army.
+
+The division was at nine o'clock sent forward on the road toward
+Williamsburgh; encountering, before it had proceeded far, a portion of
+the rear-guard of the confederate army, which hastily fell back before
+our advance. General Smith informed the Commander-in-Chief of the
+encounter, who ordered Stoneman, with a regiment of cavalry, to give
+chase to the retiring body, and, if possible, cut it off; but,
+unfortunately, either from want of proper information in regard to the
+roads, or from other hindrances, this was not effected. The division
+pushed on over the road lately traversed by the rebels, the men
+overcoming all obstacles that had been thrown in their way, in their
+anxiety to overtake the foe.
+
+The scenery, as the troops passed, was indeed charming beyond
+description. Magnificent forests of oak and pine, interspersed with
+clearings, the residences of farmers, with fine fields, covered with the
+green blades of the newly springing wheat, met the view along the road;
+while the woods were adorned with innumerable flowers. The tall dogwood,
+with its clusters of large flowers like swarms of white butterflies,
+mingled with the Judas tree, whose leafless boughs were densely covered
+with racemes of purple blossoms. The azalia and the honeysuckle beneath
+formed a delightful contrast with the gorgeous floral display above.
+
+Thus the division was hurried on, until at evening it came upon the
+rebel works at Williamsburgh. As our forces approached Williamsburgh,
+the cavalry came upon the enemy, and a sharp skirmish ensued, in which
+we lost about fifty in killed and wounded, and the rebels left as many
+on the field. The charge was made by the Sixth cavalry and Gibbon's
+battery, driving the rebels back. They, in their turn, being reinforced,
+forced our troops back; one of our guns, from which all the horses were
+shot, being abandoned. Each party strove hard for the possession of the
+gun, but night closed upon the contest, leaving it in possession of
+neither. In the meantime, the men of our division too sick to march were
+being cared for by our medical officers. Hundreds of the men of our
+division lay sick with typhoid fever and other equally dangerous
+maladies. These were all taken to the hospital which had been commenced
+a day or two previous, about a mile and a half from our camp. The whole
+day was occupied in removing these men. Of those sent to this hospital,
+as of the many previously sent to the hospital at Young's Mills and
+Fortress Monroe, few ever returned.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+WILLIAMSBURGH.
+
+    Battle of Williamsburgh--The army not organized--The medical
+    department--Hooker's gallant fight--Hancock's charge--McClellan
+    at Yorktown--Night on the battle-field.
+
+
+Early on the morning of the 5th skirmishing commenced. The division of
+Hooker was posted on the left of the road from Lee's Mills to
+Williamsburgh, and our own division held the road, stretching mostly to
+the right of it. Fort Magruder was directly in front of us, commanding
+the road. All that part of the army which had advanced on the right,
+that is, on the road from Yorktown, were massed as fast as they arrived,
+awaiting orders. Great delay was experienced in getting the troops in
+position, as there seemed to be no harmony of action. Every general of a
+division seemed to do what pleased him, without orders from higher
+authority.
+
+General Sumner was in command of the troops on the field, but from some
+cause seemed not to be able to combine his forces in such a manner as to
+bear effectually upon the lines of the enemy. One of the serious
+difficulties was getting artillery to the front. The roads had become
+very muddy from the rain during the night, and were blocked up with the
+immense multitude of wagons, so that artillery could not pass. Here was
+sadly exemplified the grand defect of our army--the want of
+organization.
+
+Our army was an enormous heterogeneous mass, without any pretense of a
+system to centralize and harmonize its movements. An army is not
+organized by throwing it into brigades and divisions; this is but the
+first and easiest step. The _departments_ must be so organized that each
+performs well its part, without interference with another. In this case
+the quartermaster's department sadly interfered with the others. Every
+regimental quartermaster was for himself, and, as a natural result, the
+immense trains were thrown into great disorder, impeding the movements
+of all the other branches of the service. No one seemed at liberty to
+bring order out of this confusion; and thus artillery and wagons
+remained stuck in the mud. This same confusion prevailed in all the
+departments. We shall take the liberty here to quote at some length from
+the remarks of the Prince De Joinville, who was at that time a member of
+General McClellan's staff, an able soldier and an ardent friend of the
+Commander-in-Chief. Says the Prince:
+
+    "The American system of 'every man for himself,' individually
+    applied by officers and soldiers of each corps to one another,
+    is also applied by the corps themselves to their reciprocal
+    relations. There is no special branch of the service whose duty
+    it is to regulate, centralize and direct the movements of the
+    army. In such a case as this of which we are speaking, we should
+    have seen the general staff of a French army taking care that
+    nothing should impede the advance of the troops; stopping a file
+    of wagons here and ordering it out of the road to clear the way;
+    sending on a detail of men there to repair the roadway, or draw
+    a cannon out of the mud in order to communicate to every corps
+    commander the orders of the general-in-chief. Here nothing of
+    the sort is done.
+
+    "The want of a general staff was not less severely felt in
+    obtaining and transmitting the information necessary, at the
+    moment of an impending action. No one knew the country; the maps
+    were so defective that they were useless. Little was known about
+    the fortified battle-field on which the army was about to be
+    engaged. Yet this battle-field had been seen and reconnoitered
+    by the troops which had taken part in Stoneman's skirmish.
+    Enough was surely known of it for us to combine a plan of
+    attack, and assign to every commander his own part of the work.
+    No, this was not so. Every one kept his observations to himself;
+    not from any ill-will, but because it was nobody's special duty
+    to do this general work. It was a defect in the organization,
+    and with the best elements in the world, an army that is not
+    organized cannot expect great success. It is fortunate if it
+    escapes disaster."
+
+We may be pardoned for continuing this digression from the narrative, to
+speak particularly of the disorder in the medical department. The
+surgeons of regiments were, as a general rule, men of ability, and who
+were earnestly devoted to the duties of their position. Of course, in so
+large an army, there were some who were not fitted for their position,
+either by ability or moral worth; these were exceptions. Yet, while
+there was a general disposition prevailing in the department to make any
+sacrifice or submit to any amount of fatigue, in order to relieve the
+sufferings of those committed to their charge, they labored under the
+greatest disadvantage from want of proper combination and cooeperation in
+the staff. Every man was for himself. Each regimental surgeon was
+expected to look out for the wants of his own men; to erect his hospital
+tents; to see that the wounded of his regiment were carried off the
+field; to administer food, dress wounds, and attend to the operative
+surgery. With all these divers cares, he could hardly be expected to
+perform any duties well. When any combination of action was effected,
+the organization was voluntary and temporary, and, of course, wanting in
+order and efficiency. Added to these difficulties, the medical officer
+found himself destitute of supplies, and seemingly without any prospect
+of obtaining them.
+
+It is true that the officers of the medical staff were generally
+inexperienced in the duties of military surgery, so different from the
+labors of the physician in civil life; yet, the great trouble was
+without doubt at head-quarters. The department was directed by an
+officer who had done good service in the Mexican war, but who by long
+connection with the regular army, seemed to have become so wedded to the
+formal precision of military routine, that no contingency was sufficient
+to move him from his established habits. Here was occasion for
+dispensing with formalities. Responsibilities should have been assumed,
+and, if necessary, supplies should have been thrown into the army
+broadcast, without thought of requisition or receipts. Under the
+direction of the efficient and gentlemanly surgeon of volunteers, Dr.
+Letterman, order was at length brought out of the confusion which
+existed until the battle of Antietam; from which time the medical staff
+became the most efficient ever known in any army.
+
+To return to our narrative. By noon the battle raged furiously; Hooker's
+division contesting the field nobly against superior numbers, while our
+own division held the position on his right, but without coming to any
+direct engagement aside from being subjected to the fire of artillery.
+Hooker brought his men gallantly up to the work and at first forced the
+enemy back, but in turn was driven from the ground he had taken, and
+only by the most valorous fighting, prevented a rout.
+
+The gallant general and his noble men held the ground alone until the
+division was fearfully cut up. At length General Kearney, at the head of
+his division, approached on the Lee's Mills road. General Sumner rode up
+to him and said quietly, "General, do you know that Hooker is badly cut
+up?" "No." "He is, and is falling back. Hurry on your division as fast
+as possible." "How shall I reach him?" said Kearney. "Through yonder
+strip of woods." Kearney now led his men forward at a rapid pace and
+very soon came to the relief of the exhausted division. The troops of
+Hooker were holding their ground against the enemy twenty thousand
+strong. They had fought for hours with only nine thousand men.
+
+General Hancock of our First brigade, at his own and General Smith's
+request, was, at three o'clock, allowed to take his own and a part of
+our Third brigade to the right of the line, where the position of the
+enemy was very strong by nature, and which was on that account secured
+with less care than the rest of the line.
+
+A steep wooded bluff rose to a great height in our front, and a mill
+pond lying at the foot of the bluff and newly dammed by the rebels,
+served as a moat. Spanning the pond near the dam, was a bridge of logs
+which they had neglected to destroy. Across this bridge and up a road
+winding along the side of the bluff, the general led his troops, finding
+the enemy upon the plateau above, occupying strong redoubts. Artillery
+was brought to bear upon them and the rebels fled; our forces advancing
+and occupying the works. The enemy was now reinforced by a brigade of
+North Carolina troops and charged upon the federals. The Union troops
+allowed them to approach very near, when they opened a tremendous fire
+of musketry and artillery upon them. Still the rebels came on until they
+were within thirty yards of our men. "Now, gentlemen, the bayonet!"
+cried Hancock, as he rode along the line of battle close to the troops.
+The men charged upon the rebels, who fell back before the shock, broke
+and fled, leaving the broad, green wheat field strewed with their dead
+and wounded.
+
+[Illustration: CHARGE OF HANCOCK'S BRIGADE AT WILLIAMSBURGH]
+
+While the fighting was going on, General Hancock had sent for the
+remainder of our Third brigade. The order "forward, double quick" was
+received by the men with one of those wild exulting shouts, such as is
+only heard on the field of battle; and they rushed forward through the
+liquid mud, each regiment striving which should first reach the field.
+But as we reached the scene of conflict, the rebels had fled; leaving
+the victory with the men in blue.
+
+The regiments engaged in this brilliant affair were, the Forty-third New
+York, the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, the Sixth Maine and Fifth Wisconsin,
+of the First brigade, and the Thirty-third New York and Seventh Maine of
+the Third brigade.
+
+The rebels, outflanked by the gallant movement of Smith's division, were
+glad to fall back from before Hooker and Kearney, and seek refuge behind
+their works. Meanwhile the great body of the army had remained entirely
+passive; not even having been brought into line of battle. Why some of
+these troops were not called to the assistance of Hooker, or to render
+the victory of Hancock more complete, we do not know.
+
+Thus closed the battle of Williamsburgh; a battle fought by two
+divisions and a part of a third, while the mass of the army remained as
+idle spectators of the terrible scene. If less than twenty thousand men
+could drive the rebels from their strong works, what could not that
+grand army have done had it been brought into action!
+
+General McClellan arrived on the field at five o'clock in the afternoon,
+and was received with shouts of applause; but the fighting was then
+over. The general had remained at Yorktown since the morning of the 4th,
+to superintend personally the shipment of Franklin's division of twelve
+thousand men; one-half of whom, in order that they might be in readiness
+at any moment to proceed up the river and head off the enemy, had never
+been allowed to disembark from the transports which brought them to
+Yorktown. General McClellan's conduct in spending nearly two days in
+overseeing personally the embarkation of half or even the whole of a
+division of men, while one of the most important battles of the war was
+in progress, leaving it to others to take care of the "little affair at
+the front," has, by some, been severely censured; while others have as
+earnestly claimed that the Commander-in-Chief had his own views of the
+necessity of getting those troops off at once, and the necessity of
+seeing that supplies of rations, ammunition and war material, were
+forwarded, was imperative; and that we are to remember that the advance
+was intrusted to General Sumner; a man in whose ability both he and the
+army confided. The general telegraphed that night to the Secretary of
+War: "After arranging for movements up the York river, I was sent for
+here. I find General Joe Johnston in front of me in strong force,
+probably greater a good deal than my own.... My entire force is
+_undoubtedly considerably inferior to that of the rebels_, who will
+fight well; but I will do all I can with the force at my disposal."
+
+It was not known that night that we had won such a victory; but when, in
+the morning, we found the rebels all gone, he telegraphed: "Every hour
+proves our victory more complete."
+
+In the light of this testimony of the Commander-in-Chief, what a noble
+record had those three divisions that day made for themselves! They had,
+according to these dispatches, fought with a force "greater a good deal"
+than our entire army, and had won a complete victory!
+
+Night closed upon the battle-field. Our division bivouacked around one
+of the rebel redoubts. It was filled with rebel wounded, whose groans
+and cries made the night hideous. The ground was a bed of liquid mud,
+and the rain still poured. No fires were allowed, and the men stood
+shivering all night rather than lie down in the mud.
+
+The sun rose clear and bright next morning, and the whole army filed
+into the works deserted by the enemy during the night, and occupied the
+town of Williamsburgh, a mile or more from the battle-field. All the
+public buildings in town were filled with the rebel wounded; and the
+inhabitants were actively engaged in ministering to their wants. Here
+the army remained three days, waiting for provisions to come up from
+Yorktown, a distance of fifteen miles. It is a question, why troops, who
+were afterward accustomed to carry four or even six days' rations, were
+sent away from Yorktown with one.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE MARCH UP THE PENINSULA AND THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SIXTH CORPS.
+
+    March up the Peninsula--Joy of the contrabands--Cumberland
+    Landing--The Sixth Corps organized--At White House--On the
+    Chickahominy--Fight at Mechanicsville--Battle of Hanover Court
+    House.
+
+
+On the ninth of May, after a delay of three days, the Army of the
+Potomac resumed the pursuit of Johnston's army. The day was fair and
+bright, and the journey of fifteen miles, to troops as yet little inured
+to the fatigues of long marches, bore severely upon them. We rested till
+three o'clock next morning; when orders came to fall into line, and at
+five we were again toiling over the road. After a hard day's march we
+halted near New Kent Court House; where General Stoneman, with his
+cavalry, had a day or two before overtaken the rear-guard of the enemy,
+who gave him battle. Evidences of the engagement were to be seen all
+about us, and many wounded cavalrymen were found in the neighboring farm
+houses. We remained here over the Sabbath and the next day; glad of
+rest, though anxious to be on the trail of the enemy.
+
+General Franklin's division had already landed, and beaten the rebels at
+West Point; and the flotilla laden with supplies had also ascended the
+river thus far.
+
+It was at New Kent Court House that the news of the destruction of the
+Merrimac, and the possession of Norfolk by General Wool's forces, first
+reached us, and our hearts swelled with joy at our successes. On the
+13th we resumed the march; winding along the banks of the tortuous
+Pamunkey, enchanted by the lovely scenery which constantly met our gaze.
+The profusion of flowers in the forests, the bright green meadows, and
+the broad fields of newly springing wheat, offered a perpetual charm;
+and as we passed along, the women and negroes watched us with
+conflicting sentiments of interest. All the white men capable of bearing
+arms, and every able-bodied negro, had been swept along by the rebel
+army in its retreat, and none but women and children and aged negroes
+were now left along the route. At every house the alarmed white people
+threw out the white flag in token of submission, as though their
+protection from injury depended upon this symbol of peace.
+
+Great numbers of negroes flocked to the roadside, to welcome the Union
+army. Their expressions of joy at seeing us were wild and amusing. All
+hoped we would shortly overtake and destroy the rebel army, their own
+masters included. Those who had hitherto regarded the relation of master
+and slave as one of mutual affection, had only to witness these unique
+demonstrations of rejoicing at our approach, and the seemingly certain
+destruction of the slave owners, to be convinced that the happiness and
+contentment claimed for those in servitude was but a worthless fiction.
+The negroes, gathering in crowds along the wayside, would grasp the
+hands of the Union soldiers, calling down all manner of blessings upon
+them, and leaping and dancing in their frantic delight.
+
+One gray-haired old patriarch, surrounded by a numerous group of younger
+chattels, who were leaping and shouting, exclaimed, in a loud voice,
+"Bress de Lord! I'se been praying for yous all to come all dis time; and
+now I'se glad yous got so fur; and I pray de Lord dat yous may keep on,
+and conquer def and hell and de grabe!" All the others, joining in the
+chorus, cried, "Bress de Lord!" The master of the old man sat quietly
+watching the scene, offering no hindrance to these expressions of
+sympathy; but it is doubtful whether this conduct on the part of his
+servants was forgotten after the departure of our army. Whatever
+information the slaves could give concerning the movements, numbers, or
+probable intentions of the enemy, was communicated gladly, and although
+this information was not always reliable for accuracy, it was always
+given in sincerity, and was very often of great service.
+
+Our march on the 13th, was an easy one of six miles. As we reached the
+brow of a hill overlooking the plain of Cumberland Landing, a scene of
+imposing beauty was spread out before us. Between us and the broad
+river, were thousands of troops, parks of artillery, squadrons of
+cavalry, divisions of infantry; some already in camp, others moving
+about in order, but seeming, from the distance, to be intermingled in
+most perfect confusion.
+
+A broad plain stretched far away to the left, beautifully variegated
+with green pastures, rich groves and fields of grain. Beyond was the
+Pamunkey; here spreading out into a broad expanse of water, on which was
+riding the Union flotilla of gunboats and the transport fleet.
+
+Upon this broad plain the whole army assembled. At no other time in the
+history of the Army of the Potomac, were all its forces gathered within
+a compass that the eye could take in at a single glance.
+
+Early on the morning of the 14th, the cry, "Fall in!" resounded through
+the camps, and we proceeded up the river about four miles, and again
+encamped on its banks. A field of fresh clover served for our bivouac.
+In this pleasant spot we remained for several days; and while here, an
+event occurred of no less interest than the organization of the Sixth
+corps.
+
+Just before the Army of the Potomac embarked for the Peninsula, it was
+divided, by order of President Lincoln, into five corps of three
+divisions each. These corps were placed under command, respectively, of
+Generals McDowell, Sumner, Heintzelman, Keyes and Banks. On leaving for
+the Peninsula, the First and Fifth corps had been left behind. Now two
+new corps were to be organized; the Fifth provisional, consisting of the
+divisions of Porter and Sykes, and the reserve artillery, under command
+of General Porter; and the Sixth provisional corps, consisting of
+Franklin's division of the First and Smith's of the Fourth corps.
+General W. B. Franklin was assigned to the command of the corps.
+
+Franklin's division, now the First division, Sixth corps, under command
+of H. W. Slocum, had been ordered away from the First corps, to join the
+army of the Potomac, while we were at Yorktown; and its recent
+exhibition of gallantry at West Point, had already established for it a
+reputation for valor. The regiments composing this division were, the
+First, Second, Third and Fourth New Jersey; regiments trained to the
+service by the knightly soldier and ardent patriot, Philip S. Kearney,
+now under command of Colonel Taylor, and afterwards so long and so ably
+led by General Torbert; the Sixteenth and Twenty-seventh New York, Fifth
+Maine and Ninety-Sixth Pennsylvania; General Slocum's own brigade, now
+commanded by Colonel Bartlett; and Newton's brigade: the Eighteenth,
+Thirty-first and Thirty-second New York, and Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania.
+
+The history of the Second division, General Smith's, we have already
+traced. The bravery and extraordinary endurance of each of its brigades
+had been exhibited too often to be questioned.
+
+With such splendid materials for a corps, a brilliant history of great
+achievements was to be anticipated, and nobly has it wrought out for
+itself such a history.
+
+No other body of troops has ever made for itself so proud a record. No
+corps, either in our own army or any other, ever met the enemy so
+frequently in general battle, and never were more glorious deeds
+accomplished by troops than were done by these. Never in the course of
+all their campaigns were either of these two divisions put to rout, and
+in almost all its encounters the corps held the field as victors.
+
+We were now encamped on the old Custis place; at present owned by
+General Fitzhugh Lee, of the rebel cavalry service. On every side of us
+were immense fields of wheat, which, but for the presence of armies,
+promised an abundant harvest. Day after day passed, in quiet repose, and
+the Sabbath found us still waiting on the banks of the Pamunkey. It was
+marvelous that such silence could exist where a hundred thousand men
+were crowded together, yet almost absolute stillness reigned throughout
+the vast camp during the whole of this pleasant Sabbath. Save that here
+and there the notes of Old Hundred or some sacred air was heard from the
+band of some regiment whose chaplain had gathered his men for religious
+services, no sound disturbed the universal quiet.
+
+Not far from us was the White House, at the head of navigation, on the
+Pamunkey. The house was a fine building, once the property of
+Washington, now in possession of the Lee family. Here the Richmond and
+York River railroad crossed the Pamunkey, and this was made the base of
+operations for the army. Here the transports poured out a vast amount of
+supplies, and under the protection of the flotilla of gunboats, the
+quartermasters and commissaries commenced their active operations.
+
+Except that a few rails had been torn up, the railroad was in excellent
+order, and engines and cars were at once placed on the track ready to
+follow the army on its advance to Richmond.
+
+The Sixth corps proceeded toward the Chickahominy, which it reached at a
+point several miles above the railroad crossing at Bottom's Bridge,
+occupying the extreme right of the Union line of battle as formed along
+that river. The position of the Union army was now as follows: Keyes'
+corps had crossed the Chickahominy at Bottom's Bridge, and Heintzelman
+had followed, taking a position between Keyes and the bridge. Sumner was
+on the railroad, and Franklin on the right near New Bridge; Stoneman's
+cavalry was on the right of the Sixth corps, and Porter's divisions were
+in the rear, within supporting distance.
+
+On the 23d, General Stoneman with his cavalry pushed forward toward
+Mechanicsville, supported by Davidson's brigade. The brigade halted for
+the night near Beaver Dam creek, a marshy stream pouring into the
+Chickahominy. On the following morning the brigade again pushed forward,
+the men making their way with great difficulty through a swamp, then
+plunging through the stream, then forcing their way through brambles and
+briars, and again wading through the water; until the men seemed to have
+become amphibious. They at length found the enemy near the little
+village of Mechanicsville.
+
+The brigade, with Wheeler's battery, formed in line of battle on some
+commanding grounds, and quietly rested for the night. On the morning of
+the 24th, the Seventy-seventh and part of the Thirty-third were ordered
+to advance toward the village and reconnoiter the position. Hardly had
+the advance commenced before the rebels opened upon the two commands a
+fierce cannonade, which forced our men to lie down, that the shells
+might pass over them. Wheeler's battery responded nobly to the rebel
+artillery, and presently General Davidson ordered Colonel McKean to
+charge the village with his regiment. The men rose to their feet and
+started forward with a yell. Down the hill they rushed impetuously,
+cheering and yelling; but the two rebel regiments, the Seventh and
+Eighth Georgia, startled by the shouts, seized their muskets and ran;
+firing but one parting salute. Their battery also limbered up and beat a
+hasty retreat; and as our men reached the village they were seen lashing
+their horses into a run, and in a moment they disappeared altogether
+down the road.
+
+In their haste the rebels forgot to carry off their knapsacks, canteens
+and haversacks; and our boys gathered them up to be kept till called
+for. They had also left a great many guns and cartridge boxes; and a
+flag, which the Seventy-seventh bore away in triumph.
+
+On the 26th of May, the enemy was discovered in considerable force at
+Hanover Court House, to the right and rear of our army. A part of
+Porter's corps was sent to meet this rebel force, and if possible drive
+it from its position. After a fatiguing march through mud and rain,
+General Emory, with his own brigade, and other troops of the corps, came
+up with the enemy near Hanover Court House, and at once commenced
+advancing slowly against the line of the enemy, when, being reinforced
+by part of Martindale's brigade, a charge was ordered and the rebels
+were routed. They fled precipitately, leaving one of their guns in the
+hands of our troops.
+
+Being reinforced, the rebels turned upon our troops, but were gallantly
+held by Martindale's brigade until General Porter brought a large force
+to the field. The rebels were again attacked and completely routed. They
+left about two hundred of their dead on the field to be buried by our
+men. Seven hundred prisoners were captured, beside two railroad trains,
+a twelve pound gun and many small arms. Our own loss amounted to about
+fifty killed and more than three hundred wounded and missing.
+
+[Illustration: CHARGE OF THE 77TH NEW YORK AT MECHANICSVILLE.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ON THE CHICKAHOMINY.
+
+    Gaines' Farm--The line of battle--Battle of Seven
+    Pines--Sedgwick and Kearney to the rescue--Hooker's charge--A
+    lost opportunity--Golden's Farm--Ditching--Malaria--Chickahominy
+    fevers--A German regiment--Stuart's raid.
+
+
+Davidson's command was withdrawn from its position on Beaver Dam creek
+on the 26th of May. Moving down the river about five miles, it encamped
+with the rest of the Sixth corps on the farm of Dr. Gaines, a noted
+rebel, where it remained until June 5th. The camps were within easy
+range of the enemy's guns, which were planted on the opposite side of
+the river, and our pickets could observe those of the rebels as they
+walked their beats.
+
+Few more charming places than Gaines' Farm could be found on the
+Peninsula. The broad wheat fields, alternating with wooded hills,
+afforded a scene of enchantment to the weary soldiers. A single wheat
+field contained four hundred and fifty acres, and a delightful grove in
+rear of the superb old mansion, furnished a cool retreat during the
+intense heat of the day. The extensive gardens were filled with rare
+exotics and most beautiful native plants and trees, and birds of varied
+and brilliant plumage sported among the flowering shrubs and charmed the
+air with their lively notes. Near the river side stood a large barn well
+filled with tobacco, from which the boys of the corps did not hesitate
+to lay in a full supply.
+
+In the rear of the corps was Liberty Hall, the birthplace of Patrick
+Henry. Now it was used as a hospital, and hundreds of soldiers, worn out
+with fatigue or burning with fevers, occupied the house and hospital
+tents surrounding it.
+
+Our men were employed in doing picket duty, and in building corduroy
+roads and bridges. The river, scarcely restrained by banks, was rising
+rapidly from the continued fall of rain, and at one time the pickets of
+our division, including the Thirty-third New York, were found in the
+morning surrounded by water; the rain having within three hours risen so
+rapidly that many were standing in water above their waists, while
+others were clinging to bushes for support. Boats were procured, and the
+drenched pickets were removed from their disagreeable positions.
+
+The army was divided into two wings, one on the south and one on the
+north side of the Chickahominy. The line of battle was in the form of a
+V: Keyes' and Heintzelman's corps on a line from Bottom's Bridge to
+Seven Pines, forming the left arm of the V, and Franklin's, Sumner's and
+Porter's on the north bank of the Chickahominy, from Bottom's Bridge to
+Gaines' Farm, the right arm.
+
+Keyes' corps, now composed of Casey's and Couch's divisions, had crossed
+the river at Bottom's Bridge on the 24th, and after considerable
+skirmishing with the enemy, had established itself on the road from
+Richmond to Williamsburgh, about six miles from Richmond, and as far
+from the Chickahominy, at a fork in the road called Seven Pines.
+Heintzelman's corps had followed, and occupied a position in the rear
+near the river. Casey's division occupied an advance position, and Couch
+the second line. One of the roads from this point, called the nine-mile
+road to Richmond, crossed the Richmond and York River railroad north of
+Seven Pines, at a place called Fair Oaks. The country was wooded and
+marshy, and General Casey was not able to throw his pickets out more
+than a thousand yards in advance of his line of battle. Both divisions
+at once intrenched themselves, and slashed the forests, that any
+approach of the enemy might be discovered, and to widen the sweep of
+their guns. Here the two divisions remained, having occasional
+skirmishes with the enemy, until the morning of the 31st of May.
+
+During the night before, the rain had fallen in torrents. Thunders
+rolled along the sky, and the heavens blazed with perpetual flashes of
+lightning. The morning found the earth drenched by the floods, and the
+men of Casey's division rose from their beds of mud to fight the battle
+of Seven Pines.
+
+It became evident to General Casey early in the day that the enemy
+designed to attack him in force. He accordingly ordered his division
+under arms, and made such dispositions of his forces as seemed best
+calculated to resist the onset.
+
+At half-past twelve the attack was commenced. Large bodies of rebels
+emerged from the cover of the woods, and at once commenced a brisk fire
+of musketry and artillery, driving in the picket line, and pressing
+forward against the Union line of intrenchments. The numbers of the
+enemy were now seen to be greatly disproportionate to those of the
+single division opposed to them, and General Casey called for help.
+Couch's division was under arms, acting as support, but not yet engaged.
+Some of the new troops, thus pressed by overwhelming numbers broke and
+retreated in disorder; but the division at large nobly withstood the
+mighty host which assailed it in front, flank and rear. The forces of
+the enemy constantly increased; and the single division was now fairly
+invested by the exultant foe, who pressed forward, unmindful of the
+losses inflicted by Casey's troops. Again and again the enemy came on in
+masses, receiving the shot and shells, which tore open their ranks,
+closing up the gaps, and pushing steadily on to the assault. Against
+these repeated attacks of superior numbers of confident troops, who
+constantly arrived in fresh numbers, and, forming under cover of the
+woods, rushed against our lines, Casey's division held its ground three
+hours, until almost half its number were destroyed. The execution done
+on the rebels was great. All means of transportation at their command,
+were brought into requisition to carry off the wounded to Richmond; and
+their dead lay piled upon the bloody field. The white-haired veteran,
+General Casey, was present wherever the danger seemed greatest. Riding
+along his lines, encouraging his troops, and making his dispositions for
+repelling the overwhelming assaults, his heroism inspired bravery in the
+hearts of the men, and prevented defeat from becoming a rout. General
+Keyes was directing the movements of the second line, held by General
+Couch. Portions of the division were rallied, and with the aid of
+Couch's troops and a brigade of Kearney's division, which that never
+tiring general had just led on to the scene of conflict, the attempt was
+made to retake the line of works just lost, but without success.
+
+By this time General Heintzelman had arrived with his corps; and orders
+were given to fall back to a third line. The enemy made one more
+desperate attempt to crush the retreating division, but they were
+repulsed with fearful loss, and here commenced the turning of the tide
+in the conflict.
+
+The line of battle as now formed was nearly two miles in the rear of the
+position of the morning, at Fair Oaks.
+
+Heintzelman's and Keyes' corps at once proceeded to strengthen this
+position, and before dark the brave fellows of Sedgwick's division, of
+Sumner's corps, were on the ground, ready to assist in repelling the
+progress of the enemy. Richardson's division, not far behind, arrived at
+sunset; and now the Union army was prepared for any attempt which the
+rebels might see fit to make. The efforts which the enemy were now
+making to break through our flank on the left at White Oak Swamp, were,
+by this timely arrival of Sedgwick, thwarted. Had the confederates
+succeeded in this, the retreat of Keyes' corps and that part of
+Heintzelman's on the ground must have been cut off, and our army
+destroyed. The rebels, not satisfied with a partial victory, and
+determined to destroy the left wing of our army, then thrust beyond the
+river, renewed their assaults, and again and again pushed forward.
+Gathering in masses under cover of the forest, they would dash upon our
+lines with impetuous fury; only to be sent reeling back by a hurricane
+of leaden and iron hail. Sedgwick and the intrepid Kearney fought their
+divisions with greatest skill; and by their own example animated and
+encouraged their men. Night closed upon the scene; and at eight o'clock
+the fighting had ceased. The rebels, so exultant at their success in the
+early part of the day, were now hopeless of turning their victory to any
+good account; for their last assaults had met with such terrible
+repulses, that to renew the attack in force in the morning, would be but
+a useless waste of life to them. Still, they held their ground, and on
+the morning of June 1st, made some demonstrations against parts of our
+line, which were gallantly met.
+
+Finally, General Hooker, who here sustained the enviable reputation he
+had so nobly earned at Williamsburgh, led his command across the open
+space in front of our line, a space not more than one-fourth of a mile
+wide, beyond which the ground was interrupted by forests, to attack the
+enemy.
+
+With quick and steady step, the well trained division advanced across
+the field, deploying to the right and left; and before half crossing the
+open space their pace was quickened to a run; constantly firing as they
+dashed forward on the enemy.
+
+Presently the edge of the forest was reached; and here considerable
+opposition was met with; yet, after a moment's halt, the division again
+pushed forward into the woods. The din of arms was heard for a few
+moments, then the firing ceased, and our troops were in possession of
+the ground.
+
+The rebels were, in their turn, now panic-stricken; and hundreds of them
+rushed back to the confederate capital, spreading the alarm, and
+declaring that the Yankees were about to walk into the city.
+
+It was doubtless a sad mistake that this victory was not followed up.
+The rebels, who had greatly outnumbered us in the fight of the day
+before, were now themselves outnumbered. They had suffered severe
+repulses on the evening before, and on this day their rear-guard had
+been whipped by General Hooker.
+
+A renewal of the attack in force on the part of the Union army would
+have probably resulted in the capture of the beleaguered city. As it
+was, the commander of the Union army was on the north side of the
+Chickahominy, many miles from the scene of action, and no order for a
+forward movement was given.
+
+Such was the battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks. Fought for the most
+part, by a single division of less than six thousand men, against the
+combined forces of Longstreet, Hill, Smith and Huger; all under the
+immediate command of the Commander-in-Chief of the rebel army, General
+Johnston.
+
+General Johnston had become satisfied, from the reports of his scouts,
+that only Keyes' corps, of two divisions, was across the Chickahominy.
+Believing that the bad state of the roads and the swollen condition of
+the Chickahominy, would effectually prevent reinforcements reaching this
+corps before he could fall upon it and crush it, he had determined to
+bring an overwhelming force against it. Accordingly, the divisions of
+Longstreet, Hill, Smith and Huger, were placed in position to make a
+sudden and destructive assault upon the front and flanks of Casey's
+exposed division, in the confident expectation of annihilating it. But,
+instead of giving way before this avalanche, as Johnston had
+contemplated, the regiments of the division, with few exceptions,
+manfully held their ground for three hours.
+
+The Commander-in-Chief reported to the Secretary of War that Casey's
+division "gave way unaccountably and discreditably." Five days later he
+promised to modify his charge, if he found occasion; but it was only in
+his final report, made many months after leaving the army, he was
+constrained to acknowledge the good conduct of the division--an act of
+tardy justice to deserving men.
+
+Notwithstanding the great disparity in the numbers of those engaged on
+the rebel and Union sides, the losses were nearly equal. The Union army
+lost four thousand five hundred and seventeen in killed and wounded, and
+one thousand two hundred and twenty-two missing. Nearly one-half of all
+these losses were from Casey's and Couch's divisions. General Johnston
+reported the rebel loss in Longstreet's and Hill's commands at four
+thousand two hundred and thirty-six.
+
+Among the trophies of the enemy, were ten pieces of artillery and four
+stands of colors.
+
+With these trophies, they were satisfied to boast their victory;
+regardless of the fact that they had been the assailants in superior
+numbers, and had been repulsed with fearful slaughter, and that the only
+fruit of their boasted victory was a few guns and colors, as an offset
+for the loss of thousands of their soldiers. General Johnston himself
+was among the rebel wounded, and was forced to give over the command to
+another.
+
+On the other hand, the Union army might, had the corps on the north bank
+of the Chickahominy promptly followed that of General Sumner across the
+river, have easily entered Richmond. But the hesitancy which
+characterized the movements of the army lost to us all the advantages of
+success. Early next day the treacherous river had risen to such an
+extent as to render crossing almost impossible; so the army remained as
+the battle of Fair Oaks had left it; three corps on the south, and two
+on the north side of the Chickahominy, separated by an almost
+unsurmountable obstacle.
+
+From our camp at Gaines' Farm, the men of the Sixth corps could see the
+smoke of battle and hear the roar of artillery and musketry; but were
+not able to go to the assistance of their fellows.
+
+The distance from Gaines' Farm to Fair Oaks was, in a direct line,
+scarcely more than four miles, but as all communications with the
+opposite side of the river were by way of Bottom's Bridge, the distance
+was about fifteen miles. The Vermont brigade essayed a crossing in our
+own front on the afternoon of the second day of the fight, with the view
+of rendering assistance on the other side, but the attempt was
+abandoned.
+
+General McClellan, with General Hancock and other officers, took a
+position in the line of our Third brigade, on Sunday, where they
+remained watching the progress of the battle from afar until darkness
+shut out the view.
+
+On the day after the battle, rain poured in a continuous storm; deluging
+the roads and swelling what had been but rivulets the day before, into
+rivers. In the midst of this tempest of rain, Casey's division,
+destitute of tents and blankets, weary from fighting and disheartened by
+injustice, marched six miles to the rear to find a new encampment. On
+the 5th of June, Smith's division, of the Sixth corps, was ordered to
+cross the Chickahominy, and encamp on "Golden's Farm," nearly opposite.
+The Third brigade took the advance, followed by the rest of the
+division. Owing to the swollen state of the river, and the impossibility
+of bridging it, the division was forced to march to Dispatch Station
+before effecting a crossing. The march was a long and weary one to gain
+a distance less than three miles.
+
+Some of our troops were found skirmishing with the enemy, and our
+batteries opened upon the gray coats, who quickly surrendered the ground
+and took to flight. Our Second division encamped in a pleasant locality,
+yet in close proximity to the swamp.
+
+The Chickahominy wound its doubtful course among multitudes of islands
+scarcely raised above the surface, yet covered with trees, shrubs and
+vines in profusion, within a few rods of our camp. Beyond us, in our
+front, were forests of luxuriant growths of trees and climbing shrubs,
+and the country all about us was interrupted with rank growth of timber.
+The division at once proceeded, as did all the other divisions in the
+army, to throw up earthworks; making slow advances at certain points by
+pushing these works further toward the front. On the 18th, we were
+joined by the other division, Slocum's. The Sixth corps now formed the
+right of the new line of battle on the south of the river. The line
+reached from Golden's Farm to Fair Oaks. Day and night the men worked at
+the breastworks and bridges. One-third of the army was employed
+constantly at these works, and the immense lines of intrenchments were
+marvels of achievements in engineering. These were all constructed under
+the fire of the enemy; no day passing without its skirmish. Soldiers
+were daily brought to the hospitals with wounds, even in the most quiet
+times.
+
+Everything combined to exhaust the energies of the men and produce
+fevers, diarrheas and scurvy. Day after day the men worked under a
+burning sun, throwing up the immense walls of earth, or toiled standing
+to their waists in water, building bridges. Night after night they were
+called to arms, to resist some threatened attack of the enemy. Their
+clothing and tents were drenched with frequent rains, and they often
+slept in beds of mud. With the hot weather, the malaria became more and
+more deadly. The whole country was alternately overflowed and drained;
+and the swamps were reeking with the poisoned air. The hospitals became
+daily more crowded. The strongest were constantly falling. Diarrhea,
+typhoid fever, and other miasmatic maladies, became almost universal.
+Men who worked at the breastworks one day would be found in the
+hospitals on the next, burning with fever, tormented with insatiable
+thirst, racked with pains, or wild with delirium; their parched lips,
+and teeth blackened with sordes, the hot breath and sunken eyes, the
+sallow skin and trembling pulse, all telling of the violent workings of
+these diseases.
+
+Day after day, scores of brave men, who had left their northern homes to
+aid in the hour of their country's need, were borne to lowly graves
+along the banks of that fatal river; and at times one might sit in the
+door of his tent and see as many as six or seven funeral parties bearing
+comrades to their humble resting places.
+
+Hospital steamers plied constantly from the White House to Washington,
+Alexandria and Philadelphia, bearing thousands of these victims of
+disease; and many, with stoic indifference, lay down in their shelter
+tents and gave themselves over to death, without even applying to
+comrades or surgeons for assistance.
+
+Everywhere at the north, men were seen on cars and steamers, on the
+streets and in the houses, whose sallow countenances, emaciated
+appearance, and tottering steps, marked them as the victims of
+"Chickahominy fever." Express cars groaned with the weight of coffins
+containing the remains of youths who but a few months before had gone to
+the war in the pride of their strength, and had now yielded, not to the
+bullets of the enemy, but to the grim spirit which hovered over that
+river of death.
+
+Our army seemed on the point of annihilation from disease; and matters
+were constantly growing worse. At White House landing, great temporary
+hospitals were established, where hundreds languished, and waited their
+turn to be sent north.
+
+Thus, for nearly a month, the two armies looked each other in the face,
+each engaged in throwing up defenses against the approach of the other,
+but neither attempting to bring on any general engagement. The pickets
+of the two opposing forces were within speaking distance, but they
+contented themselves with watching each other, and, as a general rule,
+amicable relations existed between them. But occasionally, when a
+belligerent regiment would be on picket on one or the other side, some
+fellow, who imagined he had a capital chance to pick off an opposing
+picket, would blaze away; when in a moment the whole line on either side
+would flash with the discharge of musketry. Night demonstrations on the
+part of the enemy were so common, that it was a rare thing for our
+troops not to turn out at midnight, or at two or three o'clock in the
+morning, and stand under arms until after daylight.
+
+The men of our Third brigade were a part of the time engaged in building
+a strong fort, near the river bank, which, in honor of our dashing
+brigadier, was named Fort Davidson.
+
+A new regiment was added to Davidson's brigade during the month of June,
+the Twentieth New York. The regiment was composed entirely of German
+Turners. Nearly every man had served his three years in the Prussian
+service.
+
+They had been stationed in the works at Newport News, and their drill
+excelled anything in the army, either in the regular or volunteer branch
+of service. Their full ranks, and their unsoiled uniforms, were in
+striking contrast with the shattered and worn-out regiments forming the
+rest of the brigade.
+
+Among the causes of discouragement and anxiety for the safety of our
+army, was the notorious raid of General Stuart in our rear. This
+energetic officer, with a body of about two thousand rebel cavalry, had
+swept round our entire rear, causing something of a panic, not only at
+White House, where all the shipping dropped down the river, but in the
+ranks of the army, where it was feared that our communications were
+destroyed, and we were liable to be hemmed in and overthrown at any
+time.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES.
+
+    The army united--Plans and counter plans--Battle of Fair
+    Oaks--Lee's plan--The situation--Stonewall Jackson on the
+    flank--Battle of Mechanicsville--Joy in camp--Porter's corps
+    retreats--An astonished army--Battle of Gaines' Farm--Slocum's
+    division at Games' Farm--Retreat to the river--Battle of
+    Golden's Farm--A young hero--A Union victory--Our right
+    exposed--The sick abandoned--A night of sorrow--The grand
+    retreat commenced--Sad scenes at Savage's Station--A meteor
+    railroad train.
+
+
+At length, after great labor, the bridge across the river, near our own
+camps, was finished. It was an immense structure, spanning not only the
+river, but the swampy banks on either side to a great distance. Sumner's
+forces had also rebuilt and enlarged the bridge below, and now the two
+wings of the army, after weeks of separation, were united by means of
+these bridges. Communications were now rapid and easy, and there was no
+difficulty in reinforcing one wing with troops from the other.
+
+General McClellan now determined to act; and an advance of our picket
+line was ordered on the 25th of June, preparatory to a general forward
+movement.
+
+But General McClellan was not alone in deciding upon this particular
+time for commencing offensive operations.
+
+General Lee, who had succeeded to the command of the rebel army when
+Johnston was wounded, aware of McClellan's intentions of approaching the
+city by regular approaches, and aware that it was in no condition long
+to withstand a siege, determined to act on the offensive.
+
+The two armies were now about equal in numbers, each consisting of a
+little more than one hundred thousand men for duty. (Our army had
+115,000 men for duty.) Our own army had recently been reinforced by
+McCall's division, and five or six thousand troops from Fortress Monroe;
+and the rebel army had been strengthened by the accession of Jackson's
+force, of nearly twenty thousand, from the valley.
+
+McClellan's first move was to advance the left wing, under Heintzelman,
+who occupied the ground on which had been fought the battle of Fair
+Oaks. General Hooker was ordered to advance his division about a mile
+across a clearing in his front. This the gallant general essayed to do.
+
+In front of his camp, before reaching the clearing, was a thick
+entanglement of low pines and bushes, filled with swamps and ponds. This
+chaparral was about five hundred yards wide. Beyond was the clearing, in
+which were the rifle pits and strong redoubts of the enemy, and still
+farther on a forest. Hooker's brigades, commanded by Sickles, Grover and
+Robinson, protected on the left flank by Kearney's division, and on the
+right by a Massachusetts regiment, moved into the tangled forest, about
+eight o'clock on the morning of the 25th. Grover's pickets soon fell in
+with those of the enemy, and sharp skirmishing commenced; but the rebel
+picket line was steadily driven back into the clearing, where it was
+strengthened by their reserve. The fighting now became general. The
+woods rang with the sharp sounds of musketry and the deep tones of the
+artillery, and clouds of smoke obscured the scene from view. Ambulances
+were emerging from the woods bearing the wounded; and bloody forms on
+stretchers, and the less seriously wounded leaning on the shoulders of
+comrades, made up a melancholy procession.
+
+The fire in the edge of the woods and in the open fields increased in
+intensity, until all of Hooker's and part of Kearney's forces were
+brought into action. The rebels finally retreated across the field to
+the cover of their rifle pits. The retreat was slow and orderly, every
+foot of the way being disputed.
+
+Our men were exultingly pushing forward, determined to drive them from
+their pits also, when an order from General McClellan directed General
+Hooker to retire with his division to the original position. Here was
+evidently a sad misconception of the state of affairs, for, when the
+Commander-in-Chief, an hour later, arrived on the field and consulted
+with General Hooker, the men were ordered forward once more to occupy
+the ground they had once taken and surrendered.
+
+This time there was less resistance. The rebels steadily gave way,
+giving up their rifle pits and yielding the whole of the open field.
+Under cover of the forest beyond the field they made another stand, and
+late in the afternoon a brigade charged upon our lines; but they were
+bravely met by men of Grover's brigade, and driven back, leaving three
+hundred of their dead on the field.
+
+By the action of this day, our line was advanced on the left nearly a
+mile. The victory, such as it was, cost us six hundred and forty men in
+killed and wounded. The men remained under arms all night, in readiness
+to meet the frequent sorties of the enemy, who intended nothing more
+serious than preventing reinforcements from being sent to the right of
+our line.
+
+Little did General Lee heed these operations on our left. It was all the
+better for his plan that the attention of our army should be engaged in
+this direction. He was ready now to execute his plan of raising the
+siege of Richmond; and a tremendous force had been massed against our
+right, ready to advance upon it and our rear, with the hope of cutting
+the Union army off from its supplies, and placing it in the greatest
+jeopardy.
+
+Let us, for a moment, recall the position of our army, which, since the
+first battle of Fair Oaks, has been somewhat changed. Porter's corps,
+consisting of McCall's, Morrell's and Sykes' divisions, still held the
+right, on the north bank of the Chickahominy, at Gaines' Farm and
+Mechanicsville. The several bridges which had been constructed since the
+1st of June, formed avenues of communication between the two portions of
+the army separated by the river. Next, near the river, and opposite
+Porter's corps, was our own Sixth corps, Slocum's and Smith's divisions,
+Smith's nearest the stream. Then, on our left was Sumner's corps,
+Sedgwick's and Richardson's divisions; and finally, on the left of all,
+was Heintzelman, with his divisions under Hooker and Kearney, and
+Couch's division, of Keyes' corps. Casey's shattered division was in the
+rear, guarding Bottom's Bridge and the road to the White House.
+
+The line stretched from Mechanicsville across the river to Golden's
+Farm, and thence to Fair Oaks.
+
+The whole of this extensive line was protected by earthworks of
+marvelous magnitude, and whole forests of timber slashed in front of
+some parts of the line formed almost impenetrable abattis.
+
+On the other hand, Lee's army had been as actively engaged in ditching
+and throwing up redoubts, and Richmond was surrounded by a cordon of
+most powerful works. Stonewall Jackson had been recalled from the
+Shenandoah Valley; and now, with an army of thirty thousand men, a very
+large proportion of them being men of his original army, he hung upon
+our right and rear, ready to come down upon our communications and flank
+like an avalanche.
+
+Scarcely had General McClellan finished his dispatch to the Secretary of
+War, in which he announced the glad tidings that he had got his pickets
+in the right place, preparatory to a general advance, before he was
+aroused from his illusion by the intelligence that the pickets on the
+right were being driven in. He had already, during the day, learned
+something of Jackson's position, and it was now easy to divine the
+intention of that energetic chief.
+
+During the night, Hill and Longstreet crossed the upper Chickahominy;
+and, by rapid marches, confronted the pickets of McCall's division at
+Mechanicsville before daylight on the morning of the 26th. Jackson,
+delayed by our skirmishers, was still behind. Without waiting for
+Jackson, Hill ordered an attack by daylight. Our pickets were forced
+back upon the main line, and the battle of Mechanicsville commenced.
+McCall's division, consisting of Reynolds', Meade's and Seymour's
+brigades, was strongly posted behind Beaver Dam creek; a stream about
+twelve feet wide, wooded on either side, with water waist deep, and a
+steep bank on the side held by the Union forces. Along this bank, timber
+had been felled, rifle pits dug, and other careful preparations made for
+meeting an attack. The only accessible places for artillery were the two
+roads which crossed the stream, one at Ellison's Mills, and the other a
+mile above. Against these two points the rebels directed their principal
+efforts. Hill's division made the first assault. Clearing their rifle
+pits, his men rushed forward with a yell, gaining the creek, within a
+hundred yards of our line. Here the creek and the almost impenetrable
+abattis checked their progress, and a murderous fire of shot, shells,
+cannister and musketry was opened upon them, which threw them into
+confusion, and repulsed them with fearful loss. Again and again the
+charge was renewed; each time with equal want of success. More and more
+grand and terrible the battle became, as the combatants struggled with
+each other at close range. Thus far there had been no such terrific
+artillery firing during the war. The uproar was incessant, and sublime
+beyond description. Finding the position too strong to be carried by
+direct assault, the confederates fell back to their rifle pits; leaving
+their many dead and wounded on the ground. The men of McCall's division,
+securely posted behind their breastworks, had suffered comparatively
+little; our loss not exceeding three hundred in killed and wounded, out
+of the six thousand belonging to the brigades engaged.
+
+On the other hand, the rebels had lost heavily. From their own official
+reports, it is known that of the twelve thousand engaged, the loss in
+killed and wounded was fifteen hundred; Ripley's single brigade losing
+five hundred and seventy-four men.
+
+Both Davis and Lee were present on the field, directing in person the
+movements, and exposed to the fire where the battle was fiercest.
+General McClellan was at the head-quarters of General Porter, where he
+remained until the close of the battle, when he rode over the field.
+
+From the camp of the Sixth corps, the battle-field was not more than
+four or five miles distant in a direct line, though by way of the bridge
+it was much farther.
+
+We could watch the columns of smoke as they rolled up from the scene of
+carnage, and see the flashes of bursting shells, like sheets of
+lightning in dark thunder-clouds, and hear the tremendous roar of arms.
+In the afternoon, as the rebels charged upon a certain part of our
+lines, we could watch the movements of both armies. Our only part in the
+engagement was to stand to arms, ready to rush to the assistance of
+those on the other side of the river, at a moment's notice. In the
+evening, the news of our success spread through the army, creating the
+wildest joy. Men who had, by constant hardships, and by continually
+looking on death, almost forgotten the feelings of joy, now broke out in
+loud shouts of gladness; and for the first time in many weeks the bands
+played those heart-stirring national airs, which in times past had been
+wont to fill the hearts of the soldiers with enthusiasm.
+
+The night passed in constant watchfulness, the men resting upon their
+arms; for a renewal of the attack might be expected at any moment.
+Still, the men of the whole of the left wing of the army were exulting
+in the glad hope that in the morning we were to march into Richmond,
+almost without opposition; and that their high hopes of success were to
+be speedily realized. The prize which they had so often been promised,
+seemed almost within their grasp. Men shook hands with each other, sung
+patriotic songs, and shouted in greatest glee.
+
+Bands continued to ring out their notes of gladness until long after
+nightfall; general officers rode about announcing a grand victory; all
+was the most intense excitement; and the men lay down upon their arms to
+dream of reveling in the streets of Richmond before another night. For
+weeks, even the drum calls and the bugle notes had not been heard in our
+camps. Now, as if suddenly waked from a long slumber, the strains of the
+bugle and the roll of the drum were added to the general rejoicing.
+
+It was known that the rebel troops engaged were not those of Jackson. He
+then must be working around to our rear. He was known to have a very
+large force; not less than thirty thousand. It was evident that our
+communications were in great danger, and that unless the main force of
+our army, now on the right bank of the Chickahominy, were hastily
+concentrated on the left bank, we could not expect to hold the line to
+the Pamunkey another day. If this were done, the rebels could easily
+prevent our retreat to the James river, and leave us on the banks of the
+Pamunkey. Accordingly, General McClellan gave up all hope of being able
+to maintain the position of that portion of the army on the north side
+of the Chickahominy, and at once issued orders with a view of preparing
+for a change of base. The quartermaster at White House was directed to
+"send cars to the last moment, and load them with provisions and
+ammunition." "Load every wagon you have," said the dispatch, "with
+subsistence, and send them to Savage's Station. If you are obliged to
+abandon White House, burn everything you cannot get off."
+
+The quartermaster was directed, also, to throw all his supplies, not
+burned or sent to the army, up the James river, and there establish
+depots of supplies. General Casey, who was now in command of the guard
+at White House, was instructed to see these orders carried out. He
+burned immense quantities of stores, consisting of clothing,
+subsistence, and other war material, and then hastily marched his force
+to rejoin the army.
+
+The evening of the 26th was passed in gladness over our victory; but
+while the army was rejoicing at this temporary success, it was losing
+one of the grandest opportunities ever presented it for entering the
+rebel capital. The whole plan of Lee had been based upon a false
+calculation; and had this mistake been improved by our commanders, the
+history of the war would have been entirely changed. Both Lee and Davis
+believed that the main body of our army was on the north side of the
+Chickahominy; whereas, of the five corps constituting our army, only
+one, that of Porter, remained on that side. Under this erroneous
+impression, Lee had brought nearly the whole of his army across the
+river to assail the Union army on its right. This was known to our
+generals, for while positive information had been received that Jackson,
+with his large army, was making for our rear, the prisoners taken during
+the day were from Hill's command, and from them it was known that the
+troops of A. P. Hill, Longstreet and D. H. Hill, were confronting us on
+the right. Thus, between our main force, of over seventy-six thousand
+men, and Richmond, less than twenty-five thousand rebels guarded their
+extensive line of works. A concentrated assault of the four corps on the
+south side of the river must have resulted in the utter rout of the
+force opposed to them, and the road to Richmond would have been opened.
+
+But the error of General Lee was never suspected, and this grand
+opportunity was lost.
+
+During the night of the 26th, the heavy artillery and baggage of
+Porter's corps was all sent across the river. McCall's whole division,
+except a line of pickets left as a blind, also fell back five miles
+below, to the vicinity of the bridge at Gaines' Farm, where the three
+divisions of the corps united.
+
+The astonishment of the men on the south side of the river on
+discovering, in the morning, that Porter's corps had fallen back, was
+only equaled by their mortification and disappointment, as they saw the
+long lines of rebels advancing in the gray of the morning against our
+retreating column.
+
+They had believed, when night came on, that our arms had achieved the
+first of a series of victories which was to give us the rebel capital.
+Now they saw that our army was already in retreat, and they gazed at the
+long train of artillery and wagons, which had parked near us, with
+downcast faces. From our camp, Porter's division could be distinctly
+seen, and we could watch the movements of the rebels as they arrived
+upon the highlands, formed their line on the range of hills opposite
+Porter, and planted their guns near the large barn on Dr. Gaines' farm.
+
+The position of Porter's corps was a strong one; and he was ordered to
+hold it till night, and then to cross the bridge and burn it after him;
+the upper bridge having been burned during the night. The country
+between the two lines was rolling, somewhat wooded, but in parts
+cleared. Both parties went to work to cut down trees in their front.
+
+The rebel forces, who supposed on the 26th that they were fighting our
+main army, were surprised, on the morning of the 27th, to find that only
+a picket line opposed them. They were early astir; and advancing against
+the slender line, drove it back. The whole rebel force advanced
+cautiously; A. P. Hill and Longstreet bearing to the right, while D. H.
+Hill turned to the left, to unite with Jackson, who was supposed to be
+coming in from the rear. Owing to the uneven country over which they
+were advancing, their march was slow; for they might fall upon a Union
+line of battle behind any rounding swell of land.
+
+It was afternoon before the rebel army had fully formed its line on
+Gaines' Farm. The position of that army was nearly that of the same army
+when Grant attacked it at Coal Harbor two years later, only it was faced
+about. The battle opened about one o'clock, by skirmishing on both
+sides; but it was not till an hour later that Hill's division dashed
+across the open space, rushing through the swamp, and under a severe
+fire from our batteries and musketry, pushed up the slope on which was
+posted our line. The confederate troops advanced almost up to Sykes'
+line of battle on the right, and in other parts of the line actually
+forced back the Union troops; but they were able to hold their position
+only a short time, when they were forced back with great loss.
+
+Longstreet now advanced against the left of our line, but he too met
+with a stern reception, and he withdrew to rearrange his plan of attack.
+
+By this time Jackson was approaching, and now the overwhelming forces of
+the enemy promised to crush the single corps; but Slocum's division of
+our Sixth corps was ordered to the relief of the Fifth corps, and
+arrived at four o'clock. The division was sent into the fight at once,
+each brigade being ordered separately to strengthen the weak points of
+the line. Thus, while the division fought bravely, and suffered equally
+in proportion with the Fifth corps, its incorporation with that corps
+for the time deprived it of the honors to which it was justly entitled.
+
+Bartlett, with his brigade, went to the aid of Sykes, who was doubtfully
+struggling to hold his line; but who now, by the aid of the gallant
+brigade, was able to hurl the assailants back from his front.
+
+The rebel line being completed, Longstreet, A. P. Hill, and Jackson all
+up with their troops, a general advance was made.
+
+The charge was made with great spirit, the rebels rushing over the open
+ground and floundering through the swamp under a most writhing fire, but
+the position of our forces was still too strong for them. At all points
+they were repulsed with terrible slaughter. First on the right, where
+Sykes' regulars, supported by Bartlett's brigade, withstood the onset of
+Hill, the disordered and disheartened confederates began to scatter in
+all directions.
+
+One of the confederate generals reported that had not his men fallen
+back themselves he would have ordered it. "Men were leaving the field,"
+says another general, "in every direction; two regiments ... were
+actually marching back under fire. Men were skulking from the woods in a
+shameful manner. The woods on our left and rear were full of troops in
+safe cover, from which they never stirred." Such was the effect of the
+reception given by the regulars. On our left they met with no better
+success. These, too, fell back in disorder. Now a desperate attempt was
+made against our center. The tactics with which we afterwards became so
+familiar on the part of the rebels were brought to bear. This was in
+massing troops against certain parts of our line and making desperate
+onslaughts with a view of breaking the line. The forces of Jackson, Hill
+and Longstreet threw themselves fiercely against our works, but without
+being able to drive our men back. Here it was that the First and Third
+brigades of Slocum's division saved the wavering line, and all the fury
+of the rebels was spent in vain. General Porter directed Newton's
+brigade to its position in the center; Newton leading the Thirty-first
+New York and Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania into the woods on one side, and
+the gallant Colonel Matheson with the Eighteenth and Thirty-second
+entering on the other, both in the face of a destructive fire. The
+rebels charged upon the brigade and gallantly the charge was met.
+Newton, seeing the rebel line waver before the fire of his men, shouted
+"Forward!" and the impetuous regiments cleared the woods and drove the
+rebels more than seven hundred yards. But the confederates, reinforced,
+pressed hard upon them with overwhelming numbers, and Newton demanded
+aid. Regiments from the New Jersey brigade rushed to the assistance of
+their brothers of the Third brigade, cheering as they advanced, and the
+position was held until the left wing of Porter's corps gave way. For
+two hours the conflict on this part of the line raged with terrible
+violence; the columns surging backward and forward, neither party being
+able to gain any permanent advantage. Never had we heard such volleys of
+musketry as now rolled along the borders of the swampy Chickahominy.
+Artillery was less used; a strip of pine woods intervening between the
+position occupied by some of our batteries and the rebel line preventing
+an accurate range. The attempt to break our center was abandoned, and
+now immense forces were brought against the left. The roar of battle
+became more loud than before. The thousand continuous volleys of
+musketry mingled in one grand tumultuous concert of death; while the
+booming of artillery, which was now brought more into action, shook the
+earth for miles around. Under the pressure of overwhelming numbers, one
+brigade gave way; and another on the extreme left, finding itself
+outflanked, fought its way back to the upper bridge, which had been
+partially destroyed during the night, and, crossing to the south side of
+the river, gathered its shattered regiments behind the breastworks of
+our Second division.
+
+For two hours and a half the battle had raged fiercely on this part of
+the line, and as these brigades on the right gave way, the confusion
+spread all along. The rebels, seeing the disorder, and encouraged by
+their success on the left, came on with redoubled fury; and the whole
+line gave way, and fell back to some high grounds near the bridge. Here
+two brigades from the Third corps appeared as reinforcements, and the
+retreat was checked. The Fifth corps, with Slocum's division and the two
+brigades from the Third corps, were able to hold their position on the
+north side of the river till after dark.
+
+But we had been beaten, and our losses were very great. Twenty-two
+pieces of artillery fell into the hands of the enemy. We lost two
+thousand prisoners, among whom was General Reynolds, commanding one of
+McCall's brigades; and our killed and wounded numbered about four
+thousand. The rebels had suffered greater losses in men, nine thousand
+five hundred having been killed or wounded. The action, on the part of
+the rebels, had been directed by General Lee in person, who was on the
+field during the whole action, controlling the movements of his troops,
+and attending to the details of the fight. On our part, the battle had
+been fought entirely under the direction of General Porter. General
+McClellan, believing he could best watch the movements at all parts of
+his line from a central position, had remained during the day at the
+Trent House, five miles from the scene of action, without deeming it
+necessary even to ride down to the river by the Woodbury bridge.
+(McClellan's Report.)
+
+Meantime, while the battle raged with fury on the north side of the
+Chickahominy, there was active work in our own front. Our Second
+division, at Golden's Farm, was joined on the left by Sedgwick's
+division, of the Third corps. The two divisions held the key to
+Richmond; for, had the brave men composing them, under the leadership of
+such men as Smith and Sedgwick, been ordered to break through the rebel
+line, there was no power in their front to restrain them. The rebels,
+aware of this, and designing to prevent reinforcements from going to
+Porter, made frequent feints all along our line. Now with pickets, and
+anon, gathering a considerable force, they would advance upon some part
+of our works. From the nature of the ground, they could appear in large
+force at one point, then withdrawing, pass under cover of the woods and
+reappear at another point; thus keeping up the idea of a large force.
+
+These skirmishes and the artillery duels had been kept up all day, to
+the annoyance of all.
+
+Just at sunset, Davidson's brigade was ordered to cross the river, by
+the Woodbury bridge, to reinforce the Fifth corps. Preparations for
+moving were not complete, when the enemy opened a fierce fire of
+artillery and musketry. The idea of reinforcing the Fifth corps was at
+once abandoned, and we hastily took refuge from the howling missiles
+behind our breastworks. The artillery firing increased, until the scene
+became in the highest degree exciting.
+
+Our guns were answering the rebels with great spirit, hurling shells
+fast and furiously, and clouds of smoke rolled up from both the opposing
+lines. At length the rebel infantry was brought forward to charge our
+line. Hancock's brigade of our Second division, and Burns' of Sedgwick's
+division, were farthest in advance. Hancock had taken up a critical
+position in front of the line of works, where his brigade was supporting
+a strong battery. Against these two advance brigades the enemy pounced
+with the hope of routing them by this sudden onset. Against Hancock they
+made the most desperate attempt, but with no success further than
+driving in the picket line. In return, the rebels were hurried back to
+the cover of the woods from whence they came, leaving many dead and
+wounded on the field. While the First brigade was thus bravely
+withstanding the assault of the rebels, the Third brigade and the Second
+occupied a second line, acting as support, but neither were actively
+engaged; yet several of the regiments in the second line lost men by the
+shells.
+
+During the night our Third brigade relieved Hancock's regiments and
+remained in possession of the advanced position until afternoon next
+day. We had moved from our old position while the fight was in progress,
+and had left everything except arms and ammunition.
+
+We could hear the sound of ambulances in the front where the rebels were
+gathering up their wounded, till after midnight; and toward morning they
+made a sally upon a part of the line, but were quickly repulsed.
+
+June 28th, the men of Davidson's brigade who had been ordered the day
+before to leave haversacks, canteens, blankets and tents, found in the
+morning that their camp was occupied by another division, tired and
+hungry, who had lost their blankets in the fights of the two days
+before, and who had now appropriated the haversacks and blankets of our
+boys to their own use. Some confusion occurred upon making this
+discovery, but our boys soon helped themselves to substitutes and bore
+their loss on the whole very patiently.
+
+Our picket line was relieved at 9 A.M., but before the whole line was
+changed the rebel batteries opened upon the moving companies a
+concentrated fire from twenty pieces of artillery, putting a stop to the
+process. Shot and shell came tearing through our camps in every
+direction, crashing through trees, throwing up great clouds of dust,
+riddling tents and alarming the cooks and contraband servants who
+remained in camp.
+
+This artillery practice continued for an hour without eliciting much
+reply from our side, as our guns had been nearly all withdrawn from the
+front to join the train preparatory to the retreat.
+
+The rebels ceased their fire and we inferred that they had withdrawn to
+some other point; but at two o'clock the mistake was discovered. A
+brigade of rebels was seen to leap over their breastworks and rush
+toward our line with yells and shouts like so many madmen. Our picket
+line was forced back before this impetuous charge, the pickets
+retreating to the main line.
+
+The Thirty-third New York held the principal part of the picket line,
+but two companies from the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania of Hancock's
+brigade, and a detachment from the Seventy-seventh New York also guarded
+a part of the line in front of the Second division.
+
+A part of the detachment from the Seventy-seventh held a small advance
+redoubt or lunette which had been thrown up by Hancock's men. Over this
+work the rebels rushed, unmindful of the bullets sent by the
+skirmishers, and the guard was compelled to retreat in haste.
+
+But all did not leave that picket line.
+
+One youth, as brave a boy as ever shouldered a musket, John Ham, of the
+Seventy-seventh regiment, had sworn never to retreat before the enemy.
+Faithful to his word, when the handful of pickets were compelled to
+retreat (and this was the first time that any part of his regiment had
+ever fallen back before the enemy), he stood his ground, loading and
+firing as rapidly as possible, alone defending the redoubt!
+
+The rebels pressed upon him, and he fell riddled with bullets. When,
+later in the day, we had driven the confederates back to their works, we
+recovered his body, pierced by bullets and bayonets.
+
+As the rebels neared our main line of battle, they were met by a
+withering fire from our men, and, after maintaining the contest for a
+few moments, they broke and fled in confusion, leaving the ground
+thickly strewed with dead and wounded. Not satisfied with this repulse,
+they reformed and came on again; this time with less audacity than at
+first. Again a murderous fire compelled them to fall back, leaving more
+of their number on the field. Among their wounded was Colonel Lamar, who
+was in command of the charging regiments.
+
+He was brought into our lines by Sergeant Bemis and another soldier of
+the Seventy-seventh. He had been formerly a mischievous member of
+congress from Georgia.
+
+The final repulse of the rebels was made more complete and more fatal to
+them by the timely aid of a section of Mott's battery, which had come up
+and opened an enfilading fire upon them from the left. Joyous cheers
+went up from our men as they saw the rebels fleeing in all directions,
+and it was only by the peremptory orders of their commanders that they
+were restrained from following the flying enemy.
+
+A company of about fifteen rebels threw out a white flag and voluntarily
+surrendered themselves. Fifty dead rebels and one hundred wounded
+remained in our front, whom their comrades were allowed to remove, under
+flag of truce.
+
+The Thirty-third New York had, during this engagement, sustained the
+principal shock of the enemy's charge; and with that gallantry for which
+they bore during their two years of service an enviable reputation, they
+met the charge and repulsed the enemy.
+
+By the retreat of the Fifth corps to the south side of the Chickahominy,
+which was accomplished during the night of the 27th and 28th, the rebel
+army was allowed to approach the river at Gaines' Farm. By this movement
+the camps of Davidson's brigade, which were upon the extreme right of
+our line, near the river, and the two forts we had erected, were
+rendered untenable; for the rebel guns shelled the whole position with
+ease. Our men went in squads and brought away the most valuable
+property, including regimental papers and the knapsacks and blankets. A
+few days before this, our whole corps, as well as the other corps of the
+army, had been supplied with an abundance of new tents. Staff and
+company officers had their wall tents, and the private soldiers their
+shelters. All these were destroyed by cutting them with knives; as it
+was known that any attempt to remove them would be discovered by the
+rebels, who would at once open all their batteries upon us.
+
+Now, the feelings of the men underwent a terrible revolution. It was,
+for the first time, told them that the army must _retreat_ in all haste
+to the James river! Our brave fellows had looked with sad faces at
+Porter's retreating column; but that was felicity compared with what
+they now experienced. Even when the right wing was forced across the
+river, they still had faith that their bravery was to be rewarded with
+victory.
+
+Now, they felt that all was lost. General Davidson rode through the
+camps, and announced to the commanding officers of his regiments the
+mysterious information, with directions to get off a few valuable
+articles and abandon all else.
+
+Already, by Porter's retreat, the brave fellows in Liberty Hall
+Hospital, mangled and sick, groaning with wounds, and delirious with
+fevers, were abandoned, _deserted_, to fall into the hands of an enemy
+known to be merciless.
+
+And now the siege of Richmond was to be abandoned, and the men who but
+two days before had exulted in the glad hope of a speedy entrance into
+the city, which even now lay just within our grasp, were to turn their
+backs as _fugitives_ before their enemies! It was a time of humiliation
+and sorrow. Every man was weighed down with a terrible anxiety. Officers
+hurried to and fro, silently and hastily forwarding the preparations for
+the retreat. The great caravan of army trains was on its way under the
+direction of scores of officers, and with it were escorts of cavalry and
+infantry.
+
+At three o'clock Sunday morning the 29th, the Sixth corps quietly
+evacuated its works and proceeded in the direction of Savage's Station.
+The men slung their knapsacks and quietly moved off. A scene of
+desolation met their view as they passed along. Tents cut to pieces,
+commissary stores thrown upon the ground or burning in heaps, blankets
+and clothing piled promiscuously about, not considered worth carrying
+away; all indicating a retreat under most disastrous circumstances.
+
+We had been preceded by Keyes' corps, which had started at noon the day
+before, crossed White Oak creek and occupied the opposite side, acting
+as advance guard for our long trains which were now making all haste
+toward the James river.
+
+The endless streams of army wagons, artillery trains and ambulances were
+all pouring down the roads from the various camps, and crowding into the
+narrow paths that led to the opposite side of the Peninsula. Porter's
+infantry mingled with the trains, and thousands of cattle driven along
+through the woods by the roadside made a strange scene. Franklin's,
+Sumner's and Heintzelman's corps were to guard the rear, and it was with
+secrecy that we had left the rifle pits; for the enemy was close upon us
+ready to take advantage of every movement. A picket guard was left to
+deceive the rebels, while regiment after regiment silently disappeared,
+leaving only the pickets to hold the long line of earthworks. These
+brave men waited hour after hour for the signal to retire. The gray
+lights of the morning broke upon them, yet there was no sign for them to
+join their commands. At length, when they had given up all hope of being
+relieved, they were signaled to leave the breastworks, and under cover
+of the morning mists, they quickly joined their comrades.
+
+The Second division moved in the direction of Savage's Station, while
+the First kept on to the crossing of White Oak Swamp, acting as
+rear-guard to Porter's corps. We of the Second division kept along the
+high lands which skirt the Chickahominy, when, after marching about two
+miles, the division was brought to bay by the pursuing enemy. Facing
+about we waited in line of battle for our trains to get out of the way;
+when we again resumed the retreat. While here, General McClellan, with
+his immense staff, rode by us on his way toward Harrison's Landing. He
+passed White Oak Swamp the same day, and waited the arrival of the army;
+which, hindered by battles and innumerable difficulties, did not come up
+with its commander again till the 1st of July.
+
+We arrived at Savage's Station at 4 P.M. Here trains and troops were
+crowded together in wonderful confusion. Immense heaps of commissary
+stores, arms and ammunition were waiting destruction lest they should
+fall into the hands of the enemy, and hundreds of sick and wounded men
+were taking sad leave of their friends; for it had been determined that
+these brave unfortunate men must be left to the tender mercies of the
+rebels. Again the division was formed in line of battle to protect our
+pioneers and the regiments which were engaged in the destruction of the
+stores. The long railroad bridge across the river at this point had been
+burned. The work of destruction went on at a marvelous rate. Boxes of
+hard bread, hundreds of barrels of flour, rice, sugar, coffee, salt and
+pork were thrown upon the burning piles and consigned to the flames. One
+heap of boxes of hard bread as large as a good sized dwelling made a
+part of the sacrifice. Boxes of clothing and shoes were opened and every
+man as he passed helped himself to whatever he thought worth carrying
+away. Notwithstanding thousands helped themselves, and huge boxes of
+clothing were cast into the flames, we found on our return to the
+Peninsula two years afterwards, that the inhabitants for a long distance
+around were clothed and shod with articles left by us at Savage's
+Station on the grand retreat. The people had also made large gains by
+gathering up the coats, pants, shirts and shoes left on the ground and
+selling them in Richmond and elsewhere.
+
+It was easy thus to dispose of commissary and quartermaster's stores,
+but to destroy the immense magazines of cartridges, kegs of powder, and
+shells, required more care. These were loaded into cars; a long train
+was filled with these materials, and then, after setting fire to each
+car, the train was set in motion down the steep grade. With wildest fury
+the blazing train rushed; each revolution of the wheels adding new
+impetus to the flying monster, and new volumes to the flames. The
+distance to the bridge was two miles. On and on the burning train
+thundered like a frightful meteor. Now, the flames being communicated to
+the contents of the cars, terrific explosions of shells and kegs of
+powder lent new excitement to the scene. The air was full of shrieking,
+howling shells, the fragments of which tore through the trees and
+branches of the forest; and huge fragments of cars were seen whirling
+high in the air.
+
+At length the train reached the river; and such was its momentum, that,
+notwithstanding the bridge was burned, the engine and the first car
+leaped over the first pier in the stream, and the cars hung suspended.
+While this destruction was going on, Smith's division moved back beyond
+Savage's Station, toward White Oak Swamp, marching, with frequent halts,
+three or four miles, when we were ordered to retrace our steps with all
+speed, to reinforce Sumner's corps, which was engaging the enemy. The
+heat of the day was most oppressive. Many of our men fell with
+sunstroke. Among those who thus suffered was General Davidson.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE GRAND RETREAT.
+
+    Lee's army in pursuit--Sumner and Smith at Bay--Battle of
+    Savage's Station--The Vermont Brigade--Sick and wounded
+    abandoned--Retreat to White Oak Swamp--Battle of White Oak
+    Swamp--An astonished division--A night march--A mystery--In
+    sight of the James--Battle of Malvern Hill--Departure of the
+    princes--Gloom and anxiety--Lee's attack--The rebels
+    demoralized.
+
+
+Meanwhile the rebel army, finding no force in front of them, were at
+first at a loss to determine what course we had taken; but when it was
+discovered that we had withdrawn from before both wings of their army
+and that our base of supplies at White House had been abandoned, it was
+quickly divined that the Union army was retreating to the James river.
+Stuart, with his cavalry, had dashed down to White House and found only
+heaps of smoldering ruins; and from the absence of all motion in front
+of the right of their line, it was clear that no attempt was to be made
+on Richmond. Finding himself thus unexpectedly victorious, Lee at once
+ordered his forces, now on the north bank of the Chickahominy, to cross
+over and pursue the retreating army.
+
+During the night of the 28th, they had been actively engaged in
+rebuilding the bridge destroyed by General Porter, and early on the
+morning of the 29th, the main body of Lee's army was pouring across the
+river. Hill and Longstreet moved rapidly so as to interpose between our
+army and Richmond, and to be able to strike us on the flank; two other
+divisions followed on the Charles City road, and Jackson, with his
+corps, moved down the bank of the Chickahominy, threatening our rear.
+
+To resist any attack from these approaching columns, Sumner's and
+Heintzelman's corps, and our Second division of the Sixth corps, were
+formed in line of battle before Savage's Station.
+
+For hours our division, with Sumner's corps, stood in the open field
+watching the enemy. Heintzelman withdrew his corps and left Sumner and
+Smith to stem the tide that was destined to pour upon us. It seems to
+have been the impression of General Heintzelman, who had listened with
+credulity to the stories of the immense superiority of the enemy in
+numbers, that all hope of resisting the power of Lee's army was gone,
+and that there remained nothing for us but to make the best of our way
+to the James river without stopping to give the enemy battle.
+
+In the view that there was no safety but in retreat, he was guided by
+the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief, who had no thought of any further
+resistance than should suffice to bring the men and as much of the
+material of the army as could be brought by the teams across the
+Peninsula. Not so the old war horse Sumner. He would gladly have
+attempted, a few hours later, to have "pushed the rebels into the
+Chickahominy," had not his application for help been answered from
+beyond White Oak Swamp, "The rear-guard will follow the retreat of the
+main body of the army." If there was no hope for the army but rapid
+retreat, then it was right for Heintzelman to leave the road clear; for
+as it was, with only Sumner's corps and our own division, the road was
+packed so full that the men could scarcely march. But if there was an
+opportunity of inflicting great injury upon the rebels, as Sumner
+believed there was, then we are not surprised at the amazement of the
+veteran when he discovered, the battle having commenced, that one corps
+had left the line altogether. We were now as near our new base of
+supplies as the rebels were to theirs, and here we had enough to last
+the army many days. We were, as they had been, on the defensive; and we
+had the advantage in position. But there was nothing left for those now
+on the line but to make the best resistance possible under the
+circumstances, and then fall back to the banks of the James.
+
+About five o'clock the huge cloud of dust in the direction of the camps
+we had deserted, gave warning of the approach of that part of the rebel
+army which was marching by the Charles City road; and at sunset the
+thunders of their artillery burst upon us. For an hour, only the heavy
+roar of artillery was heard from both sides. Shells screamed from one
+side to the other, and the bright flashes and sharp reports, as they
+burst in the air, mingled with the noise and smoke of the battle, as
+battery responded to battery. Thus far no discharge of musketry was
+heard; but suddenly Magruder's men, with yells and shouts, rushed to the
+charge. Streams of fire flashed along the two lines, and the rattle of
+innumerable muskets told of closer work than artillery duels. The brave
+fellows of Sumner, and of our Vermont brigade, met the assailants with
+defiant shouts that rang out above the roar of muskets and cannon.
+
+Leaving Sumner's heroes to contend the ground on their part of the line,
+let us glance more in detail at the part borne by our own division in
+this battle of Savage's Station.
+
+The Vermont brigade having the advance of the division, General Brooks
+at once threw his regiments to the front. The Fifth and Sixth as
+skirmishers, supported by the Third and Second in line of battle, the
+Fourth being thrown upon the flank, the brigade advanced rapidly through
+a wide strip of woods. Suddenly, as the line of skirmishers emerged from
+the woods they received the fire of a battery and of a strong line of
+battle. The Fifth at once charged upon the force in front, which
+scattered in all directions. The rebels were beaten back both from our
+own and from Sumner's front; but only to reform and press forward again
+from the cover of the woods to which they had retreated, to give battle
+with new vigor. Again the flash and roar of musketry mingled with the
+wild yells of the rebels and the manly shouts of the Unionists, and
+again nothing could be seen but the clouds of smoke, out of which sprung
+the vivid blaze of the cannon, and the quick flash of the rifles. Every
+now and then, fresh troops arriving upon the field would send up the
+shout above all the other noise of battle, and then nothing but the
+continuous din of arms could be heard. Three rebel regiments now
+advanced against the Fifth Vermont; but the brave fellows secured a good
+position and held it, in spite of every effort of the rebels to dislodge
+them. The other regiments were not so hotly engaged as the Fifth. Two
+hundred of the men of that regiment were killed, wounded or missing.
+Fifty of their dead bodies were left on the field. Davidson's and
+Hancock's brigades guarded important positions, but were not actively
+engaged.
+
+The conflict raged till eight o'clock, when the confederates, repulsed
+at every point, beaten and discouraged, left the field, and no more was
+seen of them. The whole loss to the confederates in this engagement was
+about four hundred.
+
+Before midnight, the rear-guard had turned toward White Oak Swamp,
+leaving many hundreds of our brave wounded and sick men lying upon the
+green sward, or collected under rude shelters. Here, large groups were
+gathered under the shade of some large tree; and there, long lines of
+staggering invalids, leaning upon their guns or staffs for support,
+tottered after the retreating column, in the hope of being able to reach
+with it a place of safety.
+
+Surgeons were left to care for these unfortunate ones who could not get
+off; and a small amount out of the abundance of provisions that was
+condemned to destruction was saved for them. Of all the sad scenes which
+had made the Peninsula swarm with melancholy memories, nothing we had
+seen could compare with this most sorrowful of all. Twenty-five hundred
+of our sick and wounded were left to fall into the hands of the enemy.
+
+At nine or ten in the evening, we withdrew from our position before
+Savage's Station, and marched rapidly toward White Oak Swamp. The road
+was completely filled with wagons, ambulances and artillery, mingled
+with horsemen and infantry, all crowding forward with utmost speed.
+Never had our men experienced so severe a march. They were obliged to
+pick their way among the teams, losing all organization, each man bent
+upon making his way forward regardless of others.
+
+At length, toward morning, we crossed White Oak creek, ascended a little
+elevation on the further side, and lay down upon the grass completely
+exhausted and worn out.
+
+The sun was shining brightly when we were roused from our heavy
+slumbers. The morning passed in perfect quiet except the rattle of the
+trains which had parked here over night, and now were hurrying along the
+narrow road, wagons and artillery rushing by with all speed to allow
+room for the immense collection to file out. This process continued till
+afternoon, and was the only source of excitement to us except the
+distant roar of battle on the left, where McCall and Hooker were hotly
+engaged. Thus matters continued until about two o'clock; the men seeking
+shelter among the pines or resting quietly after their weary night's
+march. A picket line composed of men from the various regiments of our
+Third brigade, Second division, guarding our extreme right flank. All
+were listless and little dreaming of the tremendous storm of iron hail
+which was gathering to break upon us in a moment.
+
+Suddenly, like a thunderbolt, seventy-five pieces of artillery belched
+forth their sheets of flame and howling shells; and in an instant, our
+whole division was thrown into the most perfect confusion by the deadly
+missiles which flew among us in every direction. Such cannonading had
+never before been heard by our army, and before our batteries could
+reply with any effect, the horses were killed, the gunners dispersed and
+the pieces disabled. It was a most perfect surprise; no one was
+prepared; men ran hither and thither seeking shelter behind any object
+which seemed even sufficient to conceal them from the view of the enemy.
+
+It appeared that Jackson had effected a crossing of the river, and with
+great secrecy made his way to the border of White Oak creek, where,
+concealed by trees and underbrush, he had massed his batteries, and when
+all was in perfect readiness had opened upon us this storm of death.
+Unutterable confusion prevailed for a time; riderless horses galloped
+madly to the rear; men rushed here and there; officers wandered about
+without commands, and men were left without directions how to act.
+Generals Smith and Davidson occupied an old fashioned wooden house which
+stood upon the brow of the elevation above and facing the bridge. About
+it were many orderlies, holding their horses, or lounging carelessly, or
+chatting with each other. The very first volley riddled the house with
+shells; orderlies rushed from the place in consternation and the inmates
+quickly appeared without, gazing in amazement toward the source of this
+unexpected cause of the tumult. The gray-haired owner of the house was
+cut in two as he stood in the door, and several other persons were more
+or less injured. General Smith, at the moment the cannonade opened, was
+engaged at his rude toilette; his departure from the house was so hasty
+that he left his watch, which he did not recover. He coolly walked off
+to a less exposed position and devoted himself to restoring order. One
+regiment, as soon as the shells began to fly, rushed pell-mell to the
+rear, none of the men standing upon the order of their going.
+
+During all this time a few of the regiments held their ground without
+moving. By active exertions, on the part of officers, order was restored
+and the whole division fell back a short distance, taking up a position
+at the edge of a strip of woods, which commanded an open field. General
+Smith, with his accustomed fearlessness, was to be seen riding along his
+lines exhorting his men to coolness, and by his own composure restoring
+confidence to them. The design of Jackson, to cross the stream, was
+frustrated. The firing soon ceased, and, as darkness came on, quiet
+again reigned, except now and then a little skirmishing.
+
+At nine o'clock in the evening, under cover of the darkness, we silently
+and hastily withdrew. All orders were given in whispers; men refrained
+from conversation; and everything indicated the most intense anxiety on
+the part of our generals for the safety of the army. Thus, in silence,
+we hastened on our way; the weary and exhausted troops scarcely able to
+keep awake while they marched. No better illustration can be given of
+the intense state of anxiety, excitement and doubt which prevailed, than
+the following little incident, which occurred during this night march.
+Our Third brigade, leading the Second division, had halted where the
+narrow road passed through a piece of woods, waiting a moment for the
+road to clear, or for the guides to report the direction for the march.
+Generals Franklin and Davidson, with officers of Davidson's brigade,
+were grouped together near the head of the column, sitting upon their
+horses. The weary men, almost overcome by sleep, were leaning upon their
+muskets or lying in the road half asleep. Officers nodded and swung this
+way and that in their saddles. The stillness of death prevailed. In an
+instant, without any perceptible cause, as though a breath from some
+evil genius had swept the narrow track, every man was gone from the
+road. They stood in the woods looking with breathless wonder into the
+road for the unseen danger. After the first moment of surprise, the word
+passed along, in low tones, "Attention!" Not a living being could be
+seen in the road, and all was silence. Recovering from the first
+surprise, General Davidson looked for General Franklin, who, but a
+moment before, was dozing by his side. "General Franklin! General
+Franklin!" called the general in a loud whisper, but nothing could be
+found of him, and we saw no more of him that night. What was the cause
+of this sudden alarm we never knew. Possibly, a riderless horse might
+have suddenly startled those in front, or, quite as likely, there was no
+cause whatever; but the incident illustrates the state of feeling in the
+army that night.
+
+At length, just as the gray light of the morning was streaking the
+skies, we came in sight of the majestic James river. Every man took a
+long breath, as though relieved of a heavy load of anxiety. Officers
+clasped their hands and exclaimed, "Thank God." The worn out men stepped
+lighter, for they had arrived at the haven of their hopes. Again they
+experienced a feeling of safety. We filed into a beautiful clover field,
+and there the exhausted columns sunk down for a brief rest. Brief it was
+to be, for scarcely had two hours passed when we were ordered into line
+of battle. We moved back through the woods, crossing a little stream,
+and formed in a wheat field, where the grain stood in shocks. Here we
+remained, watching the enemy, who stood in our front, contenting
+themselves with occasional sallies of their skirmishers, while the great
+battle of Malvern Hill was in progress on our left, where the booming of
+our field pieces and the dull roar of the heavy guns from the gunboats
+was heard for many hours. At length, as night came on, the sound of
+battle died away, and all was again quiet. Now we heard cheers on the
+left, and, looking in that direction, we saw, approaching at great
+speed, the commander of the Union army. Cheers greeted him as he rode
+along the line, and hats were thrown high in the air in honor of the
+chief.
+
+As the leading corps of the army had fallen back from White Oak Swamp,
+they had occupied a superb position on the James river, called Malvern
+Hill. The wagons and other impedimentia of the army had also arrived
+there, and were secured behind the southern slope of the hill. The place
+was admirably adapted for a defensive battle. It was a lofty plateau,
+rising not less than one hundred and fifty feet above the plain, sloping
+gently toward the north and east, down to the border of the forest. The
+approach to this sloping field was rendered difficult by ravines, which
+ran along the front; and the enemy, if he approached, must do so by way
+of the roads which crossed them.
+
+Upon the crest was posted the battery of siege guns which had escaped
+the hands of the enemy; and nearly three hundred field pieces were
+arranged along the heights, so that the fire might pass over the heads
+of the infantry, who were arranged upon the glacis, up which the enemy
+must charge, hidden, for the most part, by the tall wheat and corn. Here
+the main body of the army was posted. First, nearest the James, was
+Porter's corps; then Heintzelman's, Keyes', Sumner's and our Sixth
+corps, occupying the right flank, two or three miles from the position
+where the rebels must advance with their main force. The fleet of
+gunboats floated upon the river, on our left flank, ready to send their
+screaming monster shells into the ranks of the advancing enemy.
+
+Against this position, naturally almost impregnable, Lee hurled his
+hosts, with the design of giving the final blow to the Union army, which
+should insure its destruction and capture. The rebel army confidently
+believed that the army of the north must now be compelled to surrender
+or be driven into the James.
+
+If the rebels were confident and exultant, our own men were filled with
+the deepest despondency.
+
+Exhausted by a month of constant labor and watchfulness, with fighting
+and marching and digging, now, as they believed, fleeing from the face
+of an enemy immensely superior to them in numbers, it is not to be
+wondered at that they were apprehensive of the worst results.
+
+Paymasters sought refuge with their treasures in the gunboats on the
+river. The Prince De Joinville and his nephews, the Count De Paris and
+Count De Chartes, who had acted as aides de camp to General McClellan,
+who had been with us from the beginning, active, brave men, who were
+frequently where the danger was greatest, and who had entered our
+service with the determination of seeing it to the end, now departed;
+they, too, finding a respite from their toils upon one of the gunboats.
+The young men were accompanied on board by the staff and by the
+Commander-in-Chief himself. From the deck of the vessel he communicated
+his orders by the signal flags, to those left in command on shore. Here,
+with his young friends, and in consultation with the commander of the
+fleet, he remained until about five o'clock, when he rode down the lines
+to the rear of our corps, where he spent the time till darkness put an
+end to the fight.
+
+Such was the sad state of feeling in our army. Yet, exhausted and
+depressed as they were, our men were as brave and determined as ever.
+They had yet a country; and they knew that the fate of that country
+depended upon the result of this encounter, and they resolved to acquit
+themselves with heroism and even desperation.
+
+Lee had marshaled his whole force in front of our strong position. He
+wrote to each of his division commanders ordering an assault, and
+directing, when they heard the yell of Armistead's troops, to charge
+also with yells.
+
+The yell was heard, and some of the divisions, but not all, pressed
+forward to a wild charge.
+
+The rebels came on heroically, but were sent reeling back down the slope
+in confusion and disorder. Again and again they renewed the charge from
+under cover of the woods which skirted the base of the slope. They would
+start across the open space, charging our batteries with wild yells, but
+the heavy fire of our guns and the steady volleys of our infantry sent
+them back as often to the shelter of the woods. At times our infantry
+would reserve their fire till the rebel columns had run the gauntlet of
+shot and shell from our batteries, almost reaching our lines, when with
+exultant cheers they would bound forward to seize the prize now almost
+within their grasp, when our men would open upon them a single volley,
+and, leaping over the breastworks, pursue the panic-stricken assailants,
+capturing prisoners and colors, and driving the rebels in confusion down
+the slope. Thus the battle raged with terrible fury; every attempt on
+the part of the enemy failing, until darkness set in, and the rebel
+chiefs were glad to let the battle subside; though it was not till nine
+o'clock the artillery firing ceased.
+
+The weight of the attacks had been upon our center. Here Couch, Sumner
+and Heintzelman withstood the shock of battle for hours, only a part of
+Porter's corps being engaged, and neither our Sixth corps nor Casey's
+division of Keyes' corps being actively in the fight.
+
+The rebel General Trimble thus describes the condition of their army on
+the morning after the battle:
+
+"The next morning by dawn I went off to ask for orders, when I found the
+whole army in the utmost disorder. Thousands of straggling men were
+asking every passer-by for their regiments; ambulances, wagons and
+artillery obstructing every road; and altogether in a drenching rain
+presenting a scene of the most woful and heart-rending confusion."
+
+Had but a show of an attack upon such an army been made, it must have
+resulted in defeat and utter rout to the rebels.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+HARRISON'S LANDING.
+
+    March to Harrison's Bar--A scene of confusion--A beautiful
+    landscape--Fourth of July in camp--Gloom at the north--Cause of
+    the disasters--Prevalence of disease--Review by the President--A
+    night demonstration by the enemy--Reconnoissance to Malvern
+    Hill--Departure of General Davidson--A retrospect.
+
+
+Our corps remained in line of battle in the wheat field till early next
+morning; changing position during the night just often enough to deprive
+us of rest. As we started out toward Harrison's Landing the rain was
+pouring in sheets; and throughout the day it continued to deluge the
+country. The roads were rivers of almost fathomless mud; and our tired
+men could scarcely drag themselves along. But at four in the afternoon
+we halted under cover of our gunboats, and bivouacked for the night.
+Such a deplorable scene as was here, was enough to melt the heart of the
+stoutest. As we debouched from a piece of woods skirting the plateau at
+Harrison's Landing, officers stood like hotel porters at a steamboat
+landing, calling out "This way for the Third corps;" "This way for the
+Fifth corps;" "This way for Slocum's division." All was confusion. The
+whole army seemed to be made of stragglers. Our little Brigadier
+Davidson rose in his saddle to an unusual height, as he looked back and
+saw with undisguised pride, his brigade marching in, almost unbroken.
+
+The landscape before us was indescribably beautiful. There lay the James
+river, and spreading out between us and the river were the broad fields
+of wheat; the fine country houses; the long avenues and roads lined with
+rows of cedar trees; which last were almost in a moment stripped of
+their branches to make beds for the soldiers.
+
+There, crowded together, were the immense caravans of wagons,
+ambulances, guns and pontoons, hugging the river, and the multitude of
+men swarming over the plain. Long processions of sick and wounded men,
+leaning on canes and crutches, their heavy steps and sunken faces now
+for a moment lighted up at the thought that their melancholy pilgrimage
+was nearly ended, filed by us; and battalions of cooks and special duty
+men were wandering about in search of their commands.
+
+The river was full of transports and gunboats, giving it the appearance
+of the harbor of some commercial metropolis. Many of the hungry men,
+without waiting for their rations to be brought by the commissary,
+plunged into the stream, swam to the boats and there procured the
+coveted food. But the greater number of our men, their powers completely
+exhausted, without waiting for food, or to provide comfortable quarters,
+lay down in the bed of mud and were soon in heavy slumbers.
+
+Again, after a poor night's rest, the corps was marched to a new
+position on the front line, where we remained to celebrate the
+anniversary of the nation's birthday. A gloomy "Fourth of July" was this
+to us, though every effort was made to keep up the spirits of the men.
+Early in the morning the enemy opened a fire upon parts of our line, to
+which our guns responded. A national salute had been ordered, and
+precisely at the hour appointed, while the fighting was in progress, the
+heavy guns were heard booming the salute. Our boys listened for a
+moment, and then, as if all inspired with new life, they made the welkin
+ring with their cheers. The bands, roused from their long inactivity,
+pealed forth stirring national airs, and the Commander-in-Chief issued
+an address to his array, in which he praised its gallantry and firmness,
+declared that he himself had established the new line, and that if the
+enemy would come upon us now we would convert his repulse into a final
+defeat.
+
+At home, a heavy gloom hung over the nation. The news of our retreat and
+of the terrible battles, had been carried by the magic wires to the
+remotest parts of the north; but few yet knew the fate of their friends
+who were in the great army. It was enough that the siege of Richmond,
+which had cost so much time and money, and, above all, so many thousands
+of brave men, was abandoned, and the grand army, on which the hopes of
+the nation hung, was now beleaguered, defending itself in an unhealthy
+position, which offered little advantage for anything but defense.
+Sympathizers with the rebellion secretly rejoiced and openly prophesied
+the speedy destruction of our army by the scorching sun and poisoned
+air, even if left to itself by the rebels.
+
+The cause of all these disastrous circumstances was by some attributed
+to unwise interference, on the part of the authorities in Washington,
+with the plans of the chief of our army. They claimed that the
+President, Secretary of War and the Major General commanding all the
+armies of the Union, had, in the words of General McClellan, "done what
+they could to defeat this army." They complained loudly that
+reinforcements had been withheld, and that McDowell, with a large force,
+had been kept unemployed in the vicinity of Fredericksburgh, when his
+corps would have thrown the balance of strength upon our side. Others
+claimed that the whole campaign had been sadly mismanaged by a commander
+who had, as they insisted, never seen his army fight; who had invariably
+found employment elsewhere than on the field of battle when fighting was
+to be done, and whose character as a soldier was made up of doubts and
+hesitancies.
+
+Six weeks of camp life, dreary, sickly and monotonous, succeeded our
+arrival at Harrison's Bar.
+
+Our corps proceeded to the work of throwing up strong intrenchments and
+mounting guns. Our Third brigade, Second division, constructed an
+extensive fort, in which several very heavy guns were mounted; each of
+the regiments taking their turn at the labor. In our front the forests
+were slashed for a great distance, and thousands of sturdy wood-cutters
+plied their heavy blows, sweltering under the burning rays of the sun.
+
+Sickness became almost universal. The men were worn out with the
+tremendous labors which they had performed since their arrival on the
+Peninsula; they were burned by almost unendurable heat; they were nearly
+devoured by the countless myriads of flies and other annoying insects;
+and they were forced to drink impure and unwholesome water. It was not
+strange that hundreds died in camp, and that hundreds more, with the
+seeds of death implanted in their constitutions, went to their homes in
+the north to breathe out their lives in the midst of their friends, or
+languished in the large government hospitals at Washington, and other
+cities.
+
+Leaves of absence were given freely, and thousands availed themselves of
+the opportunity of visiting their homes and recruiting their health. The
+men, with the patience which none but soldiers ever exhibit, went
+quietly to work to render their situation as tolerable as possible.
+Wells were dug in the camps, from which they procured better water than
+they were able to get at first, and small pines were brought and set
+among the tents, by which some degree of protection was afforded against
+the burning sun. On the morning of the 8th of July, the monotony was
+broken by the arrival of President Lincoln. The booming of artillery
+announced his coming, and the heartfelt cheers of the soldiers assured
+him of a welcome.
+
+The President, after spending a few hours at the head-quarters of the
+army, proceeded to review the various corps. He was accompanied by
+General McClellan, and many officers of note. Everywhere he received an
+enthusiastic welcome from the men, who regarded him as their warm
+friend. He manifested great emotion as he rode along the lines and saw
+that the regiments, which but a few weeks before had left Washington
+with full ranks, were now mere skeletons of regiments. Evening drew its
+mantle over the scene, and the review was closed by moonlight.
+
+Little occurred to relieve the monotony of the six weeks of camp life at
+Harrison's Bar, except the events of which we have spoken; a
+demonstration by the enemy during the night of the 31st, and an advance
+to Malvern Hill by General Hooker's division. On the former occasion,
+the troops were startled from their slumbers about midnight, by the
+sudden discharge of a battery of artillery from the south side of the
+James. The rebels had succeeded in getting a force in position there,
+and they now opened a vigorous fire upon our shipping and our camps.
+Their shells flew among us in disagreeable proximity, and the long lines
+of fire traced upon the midnight sky lent a certain charm to the
+dangerous business. Our gunboats answered the fire; and after two hours
+of exciting work drove the rebels from their position. Some infantry was
+taken across the river, who hastened the retreat of the enemy, burned
+the buildings near the shore, and cut down the trees, that they might
+not in future afford concealment for the rebels.
+
+General Hooker's reconnoissance resulted in his occupying Malvern Hill
+for a day or two, having a brisk skirmish with the enemy and returning
+to camp.
+
+Our active and gallant Brigadier-General Davidson was, early in August,
+relieved from the command of our Third brigade, and ordered to the
+department of Missouri. Notwithstanding the severity of his discipline,
+and his occasional forgetfulness that men could not accomplish as much
+physical labor as horses--for the general had always been a cavalry
+officer--his never-tiring energy, his undoubted bravery, and his
+interest and pride in his brigade, had endeared him to the men. During
+the severe trials on the Chickahominy, and on the retreat, the general
+had taken an unusual interest in the brigade, and had made himself
+personally acquainted with nearly all the members of his command.
+
+The general took command of a cavalry division in Missouri; where his
+name became a terror to all secessionists in that part of the country.
+The command devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Corning of the Thirty-third
+New York, then senior officer of the brigade, who was soon succeeded by
+Colonel W. H. Irwin, of the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers.
+
+Reinforcements began to arrive from Washington, and our army, in August,
+numbered one hundred and twenty thousand men. With these, and a few
+thousand more, General McClellan declared his belief that he could repel
+the enemy and advance into Richmond.
+
+Let us for a moment turn to the fortunes of the regiment with which we
+left Saratoga, and whose early history we have traced. In all the
+stirring events which have transpired in the division and corps, the
+Seventy-seventh has acted an important and honorable part. Always ready
+to perform the duties demanded of it; always in its place when danger
+was greatest; ever cheerfully obeying the commands of superiors, it has
+assumed no honor above its fellows, but proudly claimed to be the peer
+of such noble regiments as the Sixth Maine, the Fifth Wisconsin, the
+Thirty-third New York, and other bright stars in the galaxy of the Sixth
+corps; ornaments to it and the army. "It is a little regiment," said
+General Davidson to a member of Governor Morgan's staff, who came to
+look after the interests of the New York troops, "but it is always in
+the right place." The general regarded the regiment with especial favor,
+and was accustomed to call it "my little Seventy-seventh." Since the
+arrival of the army on the Peninsula the experiences of the regiment
+have been varied. With the other regiments of Smith's division, it has
+spent a month at Yorktown, within musket shot of the enemy. At
+Williamsburgh it, with other regiments of its brigade, supported
+batteries in front of Fort Magruder, and when, in the afternoon, it
+received the order to go with the Forty-ninth to the assistance of
+Hancock, it started forward with cheers; the men going through the mud
+at double quick. But when the two regiments arrived on the field, their
+gallant brothers of Hancock's and of their own brigade, had nobly
+accomplished the work in which they would gladly have assisted. We have
+seen how gallantly the regiment routed the rebels at Mechanicsville;
+capturing a flag and other trophies; and when on the Chickahominy
+Smith's division held the line closest upon the enemy, it bravely
+assumed its part of the labor and danger. A portion of the regiment on
+picket on the 28th of June, exhibited sterling heroism, and we need
+hardly refer to the noble sacrifice of the brave young soldier John Ham.
+
+Disease and exhaustion had made terrible inroads upon the
+Seventy-seventh. Instead of nearly a thousand men with which we came to
+the Peninsula, inspection in the middle of June showed only about two
+hundred and fifty men present for duty. Although this regiment had from
+the very beginning occupied an exposed position in the very front line;
+although it composed a part of Smith's division, which has already
+become famous both in the Union and rebel armies for being always in
+closest proximity to the enemy, yet it had thus far lost very few men in
+battle. All the rest of those now absent had been stricken down by
+fevers, or worn out by the exhausting labors and exposures of the
+campaign.
+
+[Illustration: James B. McKean--Col. 77th Regt. NYSV.]
+
+Among those attacked by typhoid fever was Colonel McKean. After
+suffering a few days in the vain hope of soon being able to place
+himself again at the head of his regiment, he was removed from the
+poisonous atmosphere of the swamps to Washington, and thence to his home
+in Saratoga. The men looked upon his departure with sincere regret, for
+they not only respected him as an able commander, but loved him for his
+never failing interest in their welfare. He had been to the regiment in
+the capacity of commander and father. His leave of the regiment was
+destined to be final; for except as an occasional visitor he never
+returned to it; and after many months of suffering, his constitution
+undermined, and his health permanently destroyed, he was forced to
+relinquish the command. But though forced to leave the field, the men of
+his regiment never ceased to cherish feelings of love and respect for
+their first commander. They had witnessed his bravery on the field, and
+they now knew that he was contending with disease with the same
+fortitude that had marked his course in the army. The departure of
+Colonel McKean from the service was not only a great loss to his
+regiment but to the whole corps; for he was not only a brave officer,
+but a gentleman of superior intellectual endowments. Another of the
+sufferers from typhoid fever was Lieutenant Bowe, a young man of fine
+abilities and greatly beloved by his regiment. After several weeks of
+absence, he returned to camp on the 18th of July restored to health. On
+the very next day, while standing with several officers in a tent, he
+was fatally wounded by an accidental shot from a pistol. His father,
+hearing of the sad occurrence, came for him and removed him from camp;
+but only to see him expire in a few days.
+
+Changes occurred among the officers. The lieutenant-colonel and major
+left the service, the first by resignation, the other by dismissal.
+Adjutant French was made major, and afterwards lieutenant-colonel, which
+office he held during the remainder of the term of the regiment. He
+assumed command of the regiment on his return to it after the battle of
+Antietam, and continued in command while it was a regiment. Captains and
+lieutenants also resigned. Chaplain Tully and Quartermaster Shurtliff
+departed for their homes, having left the service. Lieutenant Hayward
+was made quartermaster, a position for which he was eminently qualified,
+and which he thenceforward held to the great satisfaction of the entire
+regiment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+RETREAT FROM THE PENINSULA, AND GENERAL POPE'S BULL RUN CAMPAIGN.
+
+    Premonitions of a change of base--The transfer
+    commenced--Marching down the Peninsula--On board transports--A
+    contrast--Arrival at Alexandria--Unaccountable delays--General
+    Pope's campaign--An obstinate general--Causes of Pope's failure.
+
+
+Early in August, rumors were floating about the army, that General
+McClellan had received positive orders to transfer the Army of the
+Potomac to the front of Washington, there to unite the forces of the two
+armies; and that this plan was strongly opposed by General McClellan,
+who insisted that he wanted only a few thousand more men to march into
+Richmond.
+
+The army had received large reinforcements since arriving at Harrison's
+Landing, and now numbered more than one hundred thousand men; not by any
+means an inconsiderable force, yet too small, in General McClellan's
+opinion, to warrant another advance.
+
+But, owing to the movements of the enemy in front of General Pope, the
+supposed impracticability of the route, and to some distrust as to the
+abilities of General McClellan by the authorities at Washington,
+peremptory orders had been sent to him to remove his army as quickly as
+possible from the Peninsula.
+
+What the merits of the dispute in high places might be, the army at
+large was not able to decide; but the rumors gave rise to many spirited
+debates, in which the authorities at Washington and the authority at
+Harrison's Bar had each earnest advocates. At length it became known
+that the army was to leave the Peninsula, and preparations for this
+important movement commenced. The work of shipping the sick and wounded,
+numbering twelve thousand five hundred, began; but it was not carried on
+with a degree of alacrity satisfactory to the War Department or the
+President.
+
+The wharves along the river side became the scene of immense activity.
+Ambulances crowded along the banks of the river, laden with sick and
+wounded, while those from the hospitals able to walk, tottered along
+with trembling steps, their wan faces and sunken eyes telling their
+story of suffering. Transports were in waiting for these, and were
+rapidly filled with their freight of suffering humanity. Everything not
+movable was ordered to be destroyed. Tents were struck and taken to the
+pickets who had left them behind, and everything betokened an important
+movement. Three or four days were spent in momentary expectation of the
+order to "fall in," but still the situation remained unchanged.
+
+At length, on the 16th of August, all was ready and the men were ordered
+to pack their knapsacks; but the men of the Sixth corps remained in camp
+until the sun's rays became scorching; then the column moved rapidly
+eastward. A hard day's march on the 16th and another on the 17th,
+brought the corps in sight of the Chickahominy. It crossed a pontoon
+bridge of enormous extent, in the construction of which ninety boats
+were used, and the length of which was over two thousand feet.
+Thoroughly exhausted the men bivouacked on the eastern bank of the
+Chickahominy.
+
+The rebels, now aware of the retreat, were following close at the heels
+of the Union army, but declined to make any offensive demonstrations,
+further than picking up stragglers and those that fell out by the way
+from weakness and fatigue. The main portion of the rebel army was now
+occupied in important movements in another direction.
+
+Another rapid march, under a burning sun, brought our corps to the
+ancient capital of the Old Dominion--Williamsburgh. Passing through its
+streets without halting, taking only time to glance at its now
+dilapidated buildings, we reached the familiar scenes of the old
+battle-field, which, three months before, we little expected to recross
+before the downfall of the rebellion. Here was the plain where a portion
+of our Second division had, by its gallantry, decided the fate of the
+battle; the scene of our bivouac in the rain and mud, and the redoubts
+where lay the wounded rebels, whose groans had rendered the night
+hideous. In the midst of these scenes we bivouacked again for the night.
+
+At dawn the column moved again, and after a fatiguing march reached
+Yorktown; our Second division encamping in the works erected by Porter's
+division during our famous thirty days' siege of that place.
+
+Many of the men had by this time become exhausted; and a long train of
+ambulances was filled with these and sent ahead on the morning of the
+20th. The well ones soon followed toward Fortress Monroe, halting on the
+field of Big Bethel. This was the first visit of our corps to this
+disastrous field, and the men rambled about manifesting great interest
+in the spot rendered sacred by the blood of Winthrop and Greble.
+
+Plums, peaches and sweet potatoes constituted novel additions to the
+diet of the men, and although the two former were unripe, their good
+effects were manifested in arresting multitudes of those troublesome
+cases of diarrhea which had resisted all treatment so long as the men
+were deprived of acid fruits. Another hard march on the 21st brought the
+corps again, after five months' absence, to the vicinity of the
+desolated village of Hampton, and the end of our march for the present.
+The whole army was crowded along the shores, waiting to embark for
+Aquia. Transports of every size and description were riding upon the bay
+or lashed to the wharves, and infantry, cavalry and artillery were
+crowding toward the beach ready to take their turn to embark. The scene
+was one of unusual activity, resembling only the one we had witnessed on
+embarking for the Peninsula months ago.
+
+At length all were on board, and the transports swung out upon the bay
+and steamed up the Potomac. One of the transports on which a portion of
+the Second division was embarked, the "Vanderbilt," had been, in other
+days, an old friend, as she ploughed up and down the Hudson; now her
+magnificent saloons, which had been of dazzling beauty, were dismantled
+and disfigured. No gorgeous drapery or gilded mirrors adorned them, but
+desolation and filth prevailed.
+
+The weather was charming, and, except for the crowded condition of the
+transports, the trip would have been a delightful one. What a contrast
+was there in the appearance of those same men now, and when they came
+down the river in April! Then our ranks were full; the men were healthy
+and in fresh vigor; their uniforms were new and clean, and their muskets
+and equipments were polished and glistening. Now, we looked about with
+sadness when we remembered how many of our former companions were
+absent, and how few present. We could bring to mind many who went to the
+Peninsula, full of hope, who had sunk as victims of the malarial
+poisons, and now rested in humble graves at Yorktown or along the
+Chickahominy; and many others who had nobly fallen upon the field of
+strife; and yet others who now were wearing out tedious days of sickness
+in hospitals or at home.
+
+The little band that remained could hardly be recognized as the same men
+who left the defenses of Washington but a few months since; their faces
+were now bronzed from constant exposure to the scorching rays of the
+sun, and their clothing was worn and soiled. Hats and caps of every
+description: hats of straw and of palm leaf, of brown wool, black wool,
+and what had been white wool. Caps military and caps not military, all
+alike in only one respect, that all were much the worse for wear. It
+would have puzzled a stranger to have determined from this diversity of
+apparel, what was the regular uniform of our troops.
+
+We came up the river with feelings far less exultant and confident than
+those experienced in our downward trip. Indeed a gloom hung over the
+minds of all. The army was satisfied that General McClellan would be
+removed from command, and it was said that General Pope or General
+Burnside would be his successor. Though they remembered the brilliant
+successes of the one in the west and of the other in the south, many
+expressed fears that the command of a large army might be as fatal to
+either of these as it had been to General McClellan.
+
+At sunset of the 23d, the transports bearing the two divisions of the
+Sixth corps, were anchored just off Alexandria; but none of the men were
+allowed to go ashore. Spending another night in the crowded vessels,
+where the foul air prevailing between decks rendered breathing anything
+but a luxury, the men hailed the appearance of daylight as the time for
+their liberation from this close and unpleasant confinement.
+
+The process of disembarking progressed rapidly, and the divisions were
+marched through the city to a field about a mile beyond its limits,
+where we encamped near Fort Ellsworth.
+
+Although this was on Sunday morning, and it was known that Pope's army
+was fighting the enemy even before we left the Peninsula, and was in
+need of reinforcements; yet no signs of marching occurred until
+Thursday.
+
+Let us now turn back for a moment and hastily glance at the movements of
+General Pope and his army, which had now for several days been actively
+engaged. The battle of Cedar Mountain was fought on Saturday, August
+9th. General Banks, pushing his corps toward Cedar Mountain, and,
+finding the enemy in his front, had boldly attacked him. The confederate
+forces were led by General Jackson, and outnumbered the forces under
+General Banks. The field was hotly contested for an hour and a half,
+when our forces were obliged to fall back; but being reinforced by
+Rickett's division, they were able to prevent the enemy from occupying
+the field. During the night, Jackson withdrew his forces, leaving the
+ground in our hands, which was at once occupied by the Union forces.
+
+The whole of Sunday was occupied in burying the dead and bringing off
+the wounded of both armies. Our men had behaved with great bravery, and
+the gallantry and zeal of General Banks was what might have been
+expected from that general. The field was yet in our hands; yet the
+battle could hardly be called a decided victory for our arms. Jackson
+retreated rapidly across the Rapidan, in the direction of Gordonsville,
+leaving many dead and wounded along the road from Cedar Mountain to
+Orange Court House. Except to follow up the enemy with cavalry as far as
+Orange Court House, no important move was made for several days by the
+forces under General Pope.
+
+Reinforcements were constantly arriving for Jackson, and it became
+evident, by the 18th, that nearly the whole of Lee's army was assembling
+in front of General Pope, along the south side of the Rapidan. Among
+papers captured from the enemy at this time, was an autograph letter
+from General Robert Lee to General Stuart, stating his determination to
+overwhelm General Pope's army before it could be reinforced by any
+portion of the army of the Potomac.
+
+The whole army was now ordered to fall back and occupy a stronger
+position behind the Rappahannock. The movement was executed on the 18th
+and 19th of August, without loss; the new line extending from Kelley's
+Ford to a point three miles above Rappahannock Station. The enemy
+appeared next day at the various fords, but, finding them strongly
+guarded, waited for all their forces to arrive from the Rapidan.
+
+The whole of the 21st and 22d were spent by the enemy in efforts to
+cross the river, and a fierce artillery duel prevailed along the line
+for more than seven miles in extent, but the rebels were repulsed at
+every point, and withdrew with the intention of moving up the river and
+turning the flank of the Union army.
+
+General Pope, appreciating the danger of this movement on the part of
+the rebels, telegraphed to Washington, and, in reply, was assured that,
+if he could hold out two days longer, he should be so strongly
+reinforced as to enable him, not only to hold his position, but to take
+the offensive.
+
+It is needless to say that, with the exception of one or two small
+divisions, no reinforcements reached him within that time; and although
+General Porter reported to him by letter from Bealton on the 25th, it
+had been better for General Pope had he not come at all. On the night of
+the 26th, Jackson, coming through Thoroughfare Gap, got in the rear of
+Pope's army and cut the railroad at Kettle Run, near Warrenton Junction.
+Lee was still in front, in the vicinity of Sulphur Springs. General
+Pope, desiring at the same time to fall back toward Centreville and
+interpose his army between Jackson's and Lee's forces, ordered a
+retrograde movement. His troops were by this time fairly exhausted. In
+his report to the Secretary of War, he says: "From the 18th of August,
+until the morning of the 27th, the troops under my command had been
+continually marching and fighting night and day; and during the whole of
+that time there was scarcely an interval of an hour without the roar of
+artillery. The men had had little sleep, and were greatly worn down with
+fatigue; had had little time to get proper food or to eat it; had been
+engaged in constant battles and skirmishes, and had performed services,
+laborious, dangerous and excessive, beyond any previous experience in
+this country." Jackson had succeeded in burning fifty cars at Bristow
+Station, and a hundred more at Manassas Junction, heavily laden with
+ammunition and supplies. On the afternoon of the 27th, a severe
+engagement occurred between Hooker's division of Heintzelman's corps,
+which had arrived the evening before, and Ewell's division of
+Longstreet's corps, near Bristow Station. Ewell was driven back; the
+loss on each side being about three hundred. During the night, General
+McDowell with his corps, and Generals Reno and Kearney with their
+divisions, took such positions as effectually to interpose between
+Jackson's forces and Lee's, and no alternative was left Jackson but to
+turn upon Hooker and rout him, or to retreat by way of Centreville.
+Hooker's men had exhausted their ammunition, so that there were but five
+rounds per man left. General Pope, fearing that Hooker would be
+attacked, dispatched an aide to General Porter with orders to join
+Hooker at once. The aide was instructed to inform General Porter of the
+immediate necessity of moving at once, and to remain and guide him to
+the place. But Porter utterly refused to obey the order. Most
+fortunately for our army, Jackson, ignorant of Hooker's weakness,
+determined to retreat by way of Centreville; a mistake which prevented
+most serious consequences to us. Jackson in his retreat was hotly
+pursued, and on the 28th a severe battle took place between McDowell's
+corps and the retreating column, in which our forces gained decided
+advantages. On the 29th, Jackson was again near the old Bull Run
+battle-ground, and a terrific battle ensued, which lasted with great
+fury from daylight until dark. The rebels were driven from the field,
+which was occupied by our men. General Pope sent peremptory orders to
+Fitz John Porter to move at once upon Centreville; which would have cut
+off Jackson's retreat; but again this commander refused to obey orders,
+and Jackson was enabled to unite with Lee, who had by this time reached
+Thoroughfare Gap, and was pushing on toward him. Had the orders of
+General Pope been carried out, Jackson must without doubt have been
+crushed before Lee's forces could by any possibility have reached the
+field of action.
+
+On the following day the whole of both armies were brought face to face
+with each other. General Pope, by this time hopeless of any aid from the
+fresh troops he had expected long before this from Washington, and aware
+of the disaffection of the largest and freshest corps in his command,
+although nearly discouraged, determined to give battle and inflict as
+much damage as possible upon the enemy. His force now, including
+Porter's corps, was about forty thousand. The whole of Lee's and
+Jackson's forces now pressed upon our lines with terrible effect.
+
+The action raged with great fury for several hours; the rebels
+constantly massing heavy columns against our lines, especially upon the
+left, where McDowell's and Sigel's corps resisted the onset with great
+bravery, but were at length forced to yield, when an utter rout took
+place; the whole army falling back upon Centreville in great disorder.
+On this day, for the first time in all these long series of battles,
+Porter's corps was brought into action. The conduct of the corps, in the
+early part of the day, showed a determination on the part of its leaders
+not to fight, and the men fell back in disorder; but being rallied later
+in the day, the pride of the men overcame the obstinacy of their
+commanders and the corps did good service. Hooker's and Kearney's
+divisions, and Reynolds' Pennsylvania reserves had rendered most gallant
+services from the time they reached General Pope's army.
+
+Returning now to our Sixth corps under General Franklin. The corps
+remained quietly at Alexandria, from the morning of the 24th until the
+afternoon of the 29th. Rations and ammunition were as well supplied when
+we reached Alexandria as when we left. The booming of cannon was heard
+on the 26th and 27th, and contrabands and white refugees informed us
+that terrible fighting was in progress beyond Manassas. We wondered that
+we were not ordered to go to the relief of the little army which we knew
+was resisting the whole of Lee's and Jackson's forces.
+
+On Thursday afternoon, August 28th, the corps received marching orders.
+Tents were struck, knapsacks packed, rations provided, and many
+regiments, shouldering their knapsacks, stood in line ready to move. But
+sunset came and no further orders. The men waited impatiently, only a
+few venturing to unpack their knapsacks or pitch their tents, until long
+after dark.
+
+Friday morning brought few indications of an advance. Head-quarter tents
+remained standing, artillery horses stood unharnessed, and everything
+showed an intentional delay. At length the corps moved. Marching quietly
+and easily, the old ground of Camp Misery was passed, and the corps
+reached Annandale, where it halted and encamped after an easy march of
+six miles. Saturday morning the corps again moved leisurely along,
+making very frequent halts. The firing in front indicated a hardly
+contested battle, and our men, knowing that Pope must be in need of
+reinforcements, were anxious to push forward rapidly. Every hour the
+corps halted for at least twenty minutes, and sometimes even longer. At
+this snail pace we passed Fairfax Court House, the roar of musketry and
+artillery becoming constantly louder in front, and arrived at
+Centreville. Orders immediately came for the corps to proceed to Cub
+Run, about two miles beyond Centreville. Here, wounded men by hundreds
+and stragglers in greater numbers passed across the little bridge over
+the run, a dismal crowd, hastening toward Centreville.
+
+As usual at such times, scores of cowardly villains were attempting to
+pass to the rear as wounded men.
+
+An amusing encounter occurred between one of this class, a coward in
+captain's uniform, and one of our own officers, Captain Deyoe, as brave
+a fellow as ever drew a sword. The demoralized captain, his sword thrown
+away and its sheath after it, came hurriedly upon the bridge, where
+Deyoe was sitting, coolly filling his pipe. The fugitive captain turned
+his face, pale with fright, to the imperturbable Deyoe, and, striking
+him on the shoulder, said with as much composure as he could muster,
+"Captain, we have had hard times of it out there, but _don't be afraid,
+don't be afraid_." Deyoe, turning his face toward that of the straggler
+with a look of unruffled coolness and unmitigated contempt, replied,
+"Well, who the d--is afraid? Oh, yes, I see, _you are_. Well, you had
+better get away from here then!"
+
+The corps remained at Cub Run until nightfall, when it was ordered to
+return to Centreville, where it encamped. Regiments from our Third
+brigade were sent to the rear of Centreville to arrest stragglers, who
+were hurrying toward Alexandria in great numbers.
+
+The regiments were drawn up in line across the turnpike, where they
+remained all night, turning back hundreds of stragglers at the point of
+the bayonet.
+
+The scene at Centreville on the next day was one of the utmost
+confusion. Thousands of stragglers wandered about without knowing or
+caring what had become of their commands; long columns of shattered
+regiments and batteries filed past to take up new positions, either
+within the intrenchments or on the flanks. The appearance of these
+skeletons of regiments and batteries gave evidence of the terrible
+experiences of this long series of engagements. Their ranks, thinned by
+the fortunes of battle, and still more by the disgraceful skulking which
+had become so universal, the worn and weary appearance of the men, their
+flags, each surrounded by only enough men to constitute a respectable
+color-guard, all showed that even the hard experiences of the Army of
+the Potomac had never had so demoralizing an effect as this.
+
+The skulkers were loud-mouthed in their denunciations of General
+McDowell. Hundreds of them, who had in all probability not been near
+enough to the front during the whole retreat to know anything that was
+going on there, declared that they had seen him waving that mystic white
+hat as a signal to the rebels; and all knew that it was through his
+treachery that the army had been destroyed. Others declared positively
+that they had seen, with their own eyes, General McClellan, with a small
+body of faithful followers, dash against the advancing foe, and arrest
+the pursuit! Such wild and improbable stories filled the whole
+atmosphere, and, strangest of all, were believed by thousands, not only
+in the army, but throughout the whole north.
+
+Long trains of ambulances were bringing from the battle-field wounded
+men, who had been, since Saturday, exposed to the burning sun and the
+storm which had prevailed during Sunday night.
+
+Temporary hospitals were established, and surgeons were actively
+employed in ministering to the relief of the unfortunate. Monday evening
+the battle of Glendale or Chantilly was fought, in the midst of a
+terrific thunder storm. The enemy, in attempting to turn our right, had
+been met by Hooker, Reno, McDowell and Kearney, and repulsed with heavy
+loss, from our entire front. But the victory was a costly one for us.
+The brave, earnest and accomplished soldier, Major-General Kearney, and
+the gallant Stevens, were both killed while leading their commands
+against the enemy.
+
+The Sixth corps, on Monday evening, was marched back to Fairfax Court
+House; but early next morning returned within a mile of Centreville,
+when it took possession of the heights, and lay in line of battle until
+three o'clock P.M., when orders were received to march back to our old
+camp at Alexandria, which we reached at ten o'clock the same night; thus
+making in a single evening, a distance that had required two full days
+and a part of another, to march, in going out.
+
+Thus ended General Pope's campaign in Virginia. Never was a campaign so
+misrepresented or so little understood; and never were the motives of
+men so falsely judged as were those of the generals connected with this
+campaign.
+
+General Pope had fallen a victim to the foulest treachery of ambitious
+rivals, rather than to the strength of his open foes. Any one who will
+in candor trace the movements and the handling of that little army, when
+beset by an enemy now known to have been double its own strength, must
+concede that his plans were well conceived, and his generalship in this
+campaign fully equaled that which had won him so great renown in the
+west.
+
+That the defeat of General Pope was brought about by the rivalry and
+jealousy of generals of the Union army cannot now be doubted. We know
+why Porter withheld the largest and freshest corps in the command from
+the fights, while its eleven thousand men were within sight of the
+battles; but why was the Sixth corps delayed? Some one was equally
+culpable with Porter. Was it worse to keep a corps out of the fight,
+when on the field, than to keep another corps off from the field
+altogether without any good reason? There can be but one question--who
+was responsible for the criminal neglect to send the Sixth corps to the
+assistance of Pope's army?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN.
+
+    General McClellan restored to command--March through
+    Washington--Leisurely campaigning--Battle of Crampton
+    Pass--Death of Mathison--Battle of South Mountain Pass--Death of
+    Reno--Surrender of Harper's Ferry--March to Antietam.
+
+
+General Pope, at his own request, was relieved from the command of the
+army, and General McClellan resumed the direction. Whatever might have
+been the real fitness of General Pope to command, his usefulness with
+the army just driven back upon the defenses of Washington, had departed.
+The return of General McClellan was hailed with joy by a large portion
+of the army.
+
+On the 5th of September, Lee crossed the Potomac into Maryland, and
+occupied Frederick City. General McClellan was ordered to push forward
+at once and meet him. It was on the evening of the 6th that orders were
+issued to move. It was but short work to pack up our limited supply of
+clothing, cooking utensils and the few other articles which constituted
+our store of worldly goods, and prepare to march. We left Alexandria,
+and proceeding toward Washington, passed Fort Albany and crossed the
+Long Bridge, the moon and stars shining with a brilliancy seldom
+equaled, rendering the night march a pleasant one. As the steady tramp
+of the soldiers upon the pavements was heard by the citizens of
+Washington, they crowded upon the walks, eager to get a glance, even by
+moonlight, of the veterans who had passed through such untold hardships.
+Many were the questions regarding our destination, but we could only
+answer, "We are going to meet the rebels." Passing through Georgetown,
+we reached the little village of Tanleytown, where, weary from the short
+but rapid march, we spent the remainder of the night in sleep. The
+morning passed without orders to move, and it was not until five o'clock
+in the afternoon that we again commenced the march, when, having
+proceeded six miles, we halted. At daybreak on the morning of the 8th,
+the corps was moving again, and passing through Rockville we halted,
+after an easy stage of six miles.
+
+On the 9th we marched three miles, making our camp at Johnstown. On the
+following morning, at 9 o'clock, we were again on the move, driving
+before us small bodies of rebel cavalry, and reaching Barnesville, a
+small village, ten miles from our encampment of the night before. Our
+Third brigade, of the Second division, was quartered on the plantation
+of a noted secessionist, who, on our approach, had suddenly decamped,
+leaving at our disposal a very large orchard, whose trees were loaded
+with delicious fruit, and his poultry yard well stocked with choice
+fowls. Our boys were not slow to appropriate to their own use these
+luxuries, which, they declared, were great improvements on pork and hard
+tack. In the enjoyment of ease and abundance, we remained here until the
+morning of the 12th, when we resumed the march, proceeding ten miles
+farther, halting near Urbana, at Monocacy bridge, which had been
+destroyed by the rebels, but was now rebuilt. On the same day General
+Burnside, having the advance, entered Frederick, encountering a few
+skirmishers of the enemy, which he drove. On the 13th, we arrived at the
+lovely village of Jefferson, having made ten miles more, and having
+driven a detachment of rebels through Jefferson Pass.
+
+The advance was sounded at ten o'clock on the morning of the 14th, and
+at three we found ourselves near the foot of the South Mountain range,
+having marched about fifty miles in eight days. Upon the advance of
+Burnside into Frederick, the rebel force had fallen back, taking the two
+roads which led through Middletown and Burkettsville, and which crossed
+the South Mountains through deep gorges, the northern called South
+Mountain or Turner's Pass, and the other, six miles south of it,
+Crampton Pass.
+
+These passes the rebels had strongly fortified, and had arranged their
+batteries on the crests of neighboring hills. The Sixth corps came to a
+halt when within about a mile and a half of Crampton Pass, and a
+reconnoissance was ordered.
+
+General Franklin was now directed to force the pass with the Sixth
+corps, while the remaining corps should push on to the South Mountain
+Pass and drive the enemy through it. We formed in line of battle and
+advanced. Before us lay the little village of Burkettsville, nestling
+under the shadow of those rugged mountains, its white houses gleaming
+out of the dark green foliage. Beyond were the South Mountains; their
+summits crowned with batteries of artillery and gray lines of rebels,
+while the heavily wooded sides concealed great numbers of the enemy.
+
+A winding road, leading up the mountain side and through a narrow
+defile, known as Crampton's Gap, constituted one of the two passages to
+the other side of the range; South Mountain Gap being the other. The
+enemy had planted batteries and posted troops behind barricades, and in
+such positions as most effectually to dispute our passage.
+
+At the foot of the mountain, was a stone wall, behind which was the
+first rebel line of battle, while their skirmishers held the ground for
+some distance in front. The position was a strong one; admirably
+calculated for defense, and could be held by a small force against a
+much larger one.
+
+[Illustration: CHARGE OF THE SIXTH CORPS AT BURKETTSVILLE.]
+
+The day was far advanced when the attack was ordered. No sooner had the
+lines of blue uniforms emerged from the cover of the woods, than the
+batteries on the hill tops opened upon them. The mountains, like huge
+volcanoes, belched forth fire and smoke. The earth trembled beneath us,
+and the air was filled with the howling of shells which flew over our
+heads, and ploughed the earth at our feet. At the same time, the line of
+battle behind the stone wall opened upon us a fierce fire of musketry.
+In the face of this storm of shells and bullets, the corps pressed
+forward at double quick, over the ploughed grounds and through the corn
+fields, halting for a few moments at the village. The citizens,
+regardless of the shells which were crashing through their houses,
+welcomed us heartily, bringing water to fill the canteens, and supplying
+us liberally from the scanty store left them by the marauding rebels.
+
+Patriotic ladies cheered the Union boys and brought them food; and well
+might they rejoice at the approach of the Union army, after their recent
+experience with the rebels, who had robbed them of almost everything
+they possessed in the way of movable property.
+
+After a few minutes, in which our soldiers took breath, the advance was
+once more sounded, and again we pushed on in face of a murderous fire,
+at the same time pouring into the face of the foe a storm of leaden
+hail. Slocum's division, of the Sixth corps, advanced on the right of
+the turnpike, while Smith's division pushed directly forward on the road
+and on the left of it. After severe fighting by both divisions, having
+driven the enemy from point to point, Slocum's troops, about three
+o'clock, succeeded in seizing the pass, while our Second division
+pressed up the wooded sides of the mountain, charging a battery at the
+left of the pass and capturing two of its guns. The confederates fled
+precipitately down the west side of the mountain, and our flags were
+waved in triumph from the heights which had so lately thundered
+destruction upon us. As we advanced, we wondered, not that the foe had
+offered such stubborn resistance, but that the position had been yielded
+at all. Their dead strewed our path, and great care was required, as we
+passed along the road, to avoid treading upon the lifeless remains which
+lay thickly upon the ground. On every side the evidences of the fearful
+conflict multiplied. Trees were literally cut to pieces by shells and
+bullets; a continual procession of rebel wounded and prisoners lined the
+roadsides, while knapsacks, guns, canteens and haversacks were scattered
+in great confusion. The rebel force made its way into Pleasant Valley,
+leaving in our hands their dead and wounded, three stand of colors, two
+pieces of artillery and many prisoners. Our troops scoured the woods
+until midnight, bringing in large numbers of stragglers.
+
+We had lost quite heavily; some of our best men had fallen. Colonel
+Mathison, who commanded the Third brigade of Slocum's division, whose
+heroism at Gaines' Farm, and bravery in all our campaign on the
+Peninsula, had endeared him to his division, was among the killed.
+
+The corps moved down the road to the western side of the mountains, our
+men resting on their arms for the night, expecting that the battle would
+be renewed at dawn. But the morning revealed no enemy in our front; we
+were in quiet possession of the valley.
+
+Meanwhile on the right, at South Mountain Pass, a still more sanguinary
+battle had been in progress.
+
+On the morning of the 14th, the Ninth corps, Burnside's veterans, the
+heroes of Roanoke and Newbern, under the command of the gallant Reno,
+advanced from Middletown; and coming near the base of the mountains,
+found the enemy strongly posted on the crests of the hills, thronging
+the thickly wooded sides, and crowding in the gap. No matter what
+position the brave boys occupied, they were submitted to a murderous
+fire from the crests and sides of the mountains. Under this galling
+fire, the First division of the corps formed in line of battle, and
+advanced toward the frowning heights. It was an undertaking requiring
+more than ordinary valor, to attempt to wrest from an enemy strong in
+numbers, a position so formidable for defense; but the men approaching
+those rugged mountain sides had become accustomed to overcome obstacles,
+and to regard all things as possible which they were commanded to do.
+Under cover of a storm of shells, thrown upward to the heights, the line
+of battle advanced, with courage and firmness, in face of terrible
+resistance, gaining much ground and driving the rebels from their first
+line of defenses. Now, the corps of Hooker rushed to the assistance of
+the Ninth. As the gallant general and his staff rode along the lines,
+enthusiastic cheers for "Fighting Joe Hooker," greeted him everywhere.
+Forming his divisions hastily, he pushed them on the enemy's lines at
+once.
+
+Thus far, the battle had been principally maintained by artillery; the
+rattle of musketry coming occasionally from one or another part of
+Reno's line. But now, the whole line was pushing against the rebel line,
+and the continued roll of musketry told of close work for the infantry.
+Reno's troops on the left and Hooker's on the right, were doing noble
+fighting. The advancing line never wavered; but pressing steadily
+forward, pouring volley after volley into the enemy's ranks, it at last
+forced the rebels to break and fly precipitately to the crests, and,
+leaving their splendid position on the summit to retreat in great haste
+down the other slope of the mountain. The engagement had been of three
+hours duration; and the bravery of the Union troops was rewarded by the
+possession of the mountain tops. Darkness put an end to the pursuit.
+Thus the two chief passes through the mountains were in the possession
+of the Union army.
+
+While his corps was striving to dislodge the enemy from the stronghold,
+the gallant Reno was struck by a minie ball, and expired. The loss of
+this hero threw a gloom not only over his own corps, but throughout the
+army.
+
+In the many battles in which he had taken a brilliant part, he had won
+an enviable fame, and his private virtues and kindly qualities of heart
+added lustre to the brilliancy of his military record.
+
+While the fight was in progress in Crampton Pass, the booming of guns at
+Harper's Ferry, only seven miles distant, told us of an attempt, on the
+part of the rebels, to capture that important point; and while we lay
+upon our arms on the morning of the 15th, two miles nearer than we were
+on the day before, the firing was heard to be still more fierce. Our
+Sixth corps was ordered to press forward to the relief of the
+beleaguered place; but before we had started the firing suddenly died
+away. General Franklin concluded that the place had been surrendered;
+and his conclusion was verified by reconnoissances. So the corps
+remained in Pleasant Valley, at rest, all of the 15th and 16th.
+
+The surrender of Harper's Ferry was a terrible blow to our cause. Had it
+continued in our possession it must have insured, with any respectable
+energy on the part of our commanders, the destruction of the rebel army
+in its retreat. As it was, our loss was over eleven thousand men, and a
+vast amount of war material.
+
+Of course, the surrender of Harper's Ferry, at this critical period, was
+owing directly to the imbecility and cowardice, not to say treachery, of
+the officers in command at Harper's Ferry and on Maryland Heights. But,
+while we condemn the weakness and cowardice of these commanders, can we
+relieve from a share in the responsibility, the general who marched his
+army in pursuit of the enemy at a snail pace, traveling but six miles a
+day upon an average, when by a few brisk marches this important point
+might have been reinforced?
+
+Early on the morning of the 17th, the Sixth corps was on its way,
+hastening to the scene of conflict which had commenced on the banks of
+Antietam creek. A part of the Seventy-seventh had constituted one-third
+of the picket line which had extended across the valley between the
+corps and Harper's Ferry.
+
+These companies, by a hard march, much of it at double quick, succeeded
+in overtaking the division just as the Third brigade was making a charge
+over ground already thrice won and lost by Sumner's troops. Without
+waiting to form the companies, the detachment joined the command, and,
+all out of breath and faint from their forced march, rushed with their
+companies against the foe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
+
+    The Valley of the Antietam--Gathering of the hosts--The
+    battle-field--The battle commenced--Splendid fighting of
+    Hooker's forces--Successes and reverses of Sumner's
+    troops--Timely arrival of the Sixth corps--A gallant
+    charge--Losses of the corps--Burnside's attack--Hours of
+    suspense--The enemy defeated at all points--Retreat of the
+    rebels--Scenes on the battle-field--At the hospitals--At
+    Sharpsburgh--A division of militia--Couch's division joins the
+    Sixth corps--Visit of the President--Recruits--Energy at the
+    north--At rest--Want of clothing--Stuart's raid--Delays--Clear
+    Spring--General Brooks.
+
+
+Among the delightful and fertile valleys which beautify the State of
+Maryland, none is more charming than the one through which the Antietam
+winds its tortuous course. Looking from some elevation down upon its
+green fields, where herds of sleek cattle graze, its yellow harvests
+glowing and ripening in the September sun; its undulating meadows and
+richly laden orchards; its comfortable farm houses, some standing out
+boldly upon eminences, which rise here and there, others half hidden by
+vines or fruit trees; the ranges of hills, rising on either side of the
+stream, diversified by charming vales or deep gullies; the turnpikes
+winding along the sides of the hills and through the valleys; the lovely
+stream itself, now flowing smoothly over its dark bed and anon tumbling
+noisily in rapids over a stony bottom, winding here far up to one range
+of hills and then turning back to kiss the base of the other; the whole
+scene is one of surpassing beauty, upon which the eye rests with
+untiring delight. Who would have selected this lovely valley as the
+scene of one of the most bloody struggles ever recorded? Who, looking
+down from some height of land on the morning of the 13th of September,
+would have dreamed that those stacks of grain, which dotted the fields
+here and there, would soon become the only protection from the heat of
+the sun and the storm of battle, to thousands of wounded, bleeding men?
+or, that from those lovely groves of oak and maple, now reposing like
+spots of beauty upon the landscape, were to belch forth fire and smoke,
+carrying destruction to thousands? Yet, here on these smiling fields,
+and among these delightful groves, one of the grand battles which should
+decide the march of events in the history, not only of our own country
+but of the world, was to be fought. These green pastures were to be
+stained with blood, and these peaceful groves marred and torn by shot
+and shell.
+
+Driven from the towns along the Potomac, from Frederick, from
+Hagerstown, and from Boonsboro; and forced from the strong passes in the
+South Mountains, the detached portions of the rebel army were
+concentrated along the banks of the Antietam creek, in the vicinity of
+the little town of Sharpsburgh. Hither Jackson and Longstreet, Hill and
+Stuart, with their hosts, had gathered to offer combined resistance to
+the Union army; boastfully proclaiming that now, upon northern soil,
+they would hurl our army to final destruction. One hundred thousand men,
+flushed with recent victories, and eager for one grand crowning success,
+proudly defied the Union army.
+
+Their position was well chosen. A line of steep hills, forming a half
+circle, with the convexity in front, rising at some distance back from
+the creek, and nearly parallel with it, afforded admirable advantages
+for posting batteries, in such a manner as to sweep the plain below,
+from right to left. Upon their left, wooded fields afforded protection
+to their infantry; while upon their right, the undulating nature of the
+grounds near the base of the hills, covered them from the fire of our
+guns. In their rear was Sharpsburgh; and two fine roads leading to the
+Potomac, afforded safe lines of retreat in case of disaster. From the
+crest of the hills, on which Lee had thus posted his army, the ground
+sloped gently back; concealing the movements of his forces from the view
+of the army in their front, allowing them to maneuver unobserved by
+their opponents. Owing also to the form of their line of battle, it was
+an easy matter to throw troops from one part to another. Thus, strongly
+posted and confidently anticipating victory, they waited the approach of
+the Union army.
+
+Our own forces were also gathering toward this point. Richardson's
+division of the Second corps, pressing closely upon the heels of the
+retreating rebels, had passed through Boonsboro and Keedeysville, and
+had overtaken them here.
+
+Porter, with his regulars, was close at hand, and took position. Then
+came Burnside, with his favorite Ninth corps; and the white-haired
+veteran, Sumner, with troops worthy of their leader; fighting Joe Hooker
+and his gallant men; and Mansfield, with Banks' corps. The afternoon and
+most of the night was spent in getting into position. Brisk skirmishes
+were occurring with sufficient frequency to excite the men on both
+sides; but no general engagement took place. The morning of the 16th
+found our army ready to give battle. On our right was Hooker; then
+Sumner with his own and the Twelfth, Mansfield's corps; and far to the
+left was Burnside. Porter's corps, secure behind an elevation in the
+rear, was held in reserve.
+
+The night had passed with but now and then a little picket firing; but
+all felt that, before many hours, must commence a battle, which must
+determine the fate at least of that campaign.
+
+Crossing the Antietam, in front of the line of our army, were three
+bridges. The first, on the Hagerstown road; the next on the road to
+Sharpsburgh; and the third on the left, three miles below, on the road
+from Harper's Ferry to Sharpsburgh.
+
+This last bridge, crossed the stream at a point where steep and high
+hills crowded closely on every side; the summits of those on the western
+side of the stream, crowned with rebel batteries, and their steeply
+falling sides covered with infantry. Over the first of these bridges, on
+the right, Hooker was to cross his forces; while on the left, Burnside
+was to attempt to dislodge the enemy from his commanding position. Far
+in the rear, a prominent hill rose above the surrounding country; here
+was a signal station, and here the commander of the army established his
+quarters. Hour after hour of the 16th passed away, the two armies facing
+each other, watching and waiting; troops moving this way and that,
+maneuvering like two giant wrestlers, each willing to try the movements
+and feel the gripe of the other before coming to the sharp grapple. At
+four o'clock, Hooker crossed his corps and occupied a position on the
+west side of the creek, and Mansfield soon followed; a little fighting,
+but not severe, and then darkness closed over the scene again. The
+skirmishes and artillery practice here, developed, to the quick eye of
+General Hooker, the position of the enemy in his front, and their plan
+of defense. Satisfied with this knowledge, he was willing to allow his
+corps to rest until morning. Our lines were now very near those of the
+rebels; so near that the pickets of the opposing forces could hear
+conversation from one line to the other.
+
+At an early hour on the morning of the 17th, the great battle commenced
+in earnest. Hooker formed his line with Doubleday on the right, Meade in
+the center, and Ricketts on the left. Opposed to him was Stonewall
+Jackson's corps. First, Meade's Pennsylvania reserves, of Hooker's
+corps, opened upon the enemy, and in a few moments the firing became
+rapid and general along the line of both Meade's and Rickett's
+divisions. The rebel line of battle was just beyond the woods, in a
+cornfield. The hostile lines poured into each other more and more deadly
+volleys; batteries were brought up on each side which did terrible
+execution. Each line stood firm and immovable. Although great gaps were
+made in them, they were closed up, and the opposing forces continued to
+pour fearful destruction into each other's ranks. General Hooker, riding
+everywhere along the front line, knew exactly the position and the work
+of every regiment in his command. Cheer after cheer greeted him as he
+passed along the line, inspiring the men by his presence. Thus for half
+an hour the two lines stood face to face in deadly conflict; at length
+the general directed a battery to be placed in a commanding position,
+and the shells and shrapnel were seen to work fearful havoc in the
+rebel ranks. The gray line wavered; then back through the cornfield and
+over the fences the confederates rushed, seeking shelter from the
+terrible storm, under cover of the woods, on the other side of the
+field. "Forward!" shouted General Hooker, and his divisions pressed
+rapidly through the cornfield, up to the very edge of the wood, while
+the welkin rang with their cheers. Here, the fleeing foe, reinforced by
+fresh troops, made a determined stand. Terrific volleys poured from the
+woods, thinning out the Union ranks at a fearful rate. Unable to sustain
+the deadly fire, they fell back--this time the rebels following with
+yells and shouts; but before the cornfield was crossed, our troops made
+another stand, and the swarthy foe was brought to bay; yet the thinned
+line seemed hardly able to sustain the fearful shock much longer.
+Hooker, fearing that his center was doomed to destruction, sent to his
+right for a brigade, although his right was hard pressed and in danger
+of being flanked.
+
+The fresh brigade pressed steadily to the front, and the rebel line
+again fell back to the woods. Mansfield's corps now came to the support
+of the right wing, and well did those troops, so lately demoralized at
+Bull Run, stand their ground. General Mansfield received here his mortal
+wound.
+
+It was at this time, when Hooker saw his forces gaining a decided
+advantage and felt that their part of the work was well done, that a
+rifle ball passed through his foot inflicting a painful wound. Lamenting
+that he could not remain to see the end of what he hoped would prove a
+great victory, he left the field. The battle lulled at this point; but
+in the center it raged with terrible energy. There, Sumner the
+white-haired veteran, led his corps into the very jaws of death. If he
+seemed reckless of the lives of his men, he had no more care of his own.
+Across the ploughed ground, over ditches and fences, with unsurpassed
+ardor, sweeping over all obstacles, the corps pushed forward, driving
+the enemy before it; but the right became hard pressed, and a terrible
+fire on that part of the line and on the center, forced the corps back.
+Again the ground was taken; and again the enemy, with wild yells of
+triumph, drove our men back. Still determined to win, the veteran hero
+ordered a third charge; and the third time the field was ours, but only
+to be lost again. The brave General Sedgwick, who then led one division
+of Sumner's corps, whom we were afterward proud to call the commander of
+the Sixth corps, thrice wounded, was at length obliged to leave the
+field. Richardson and Crawford were carried wounded to the hospitals.
+
+It was at this critical moment, when Sumner's troops, weary and almost
+out of ammunition, were for the third time repulsed; the remnants of the
+shattered regiments no longer able to resist the overwhelming forces
+opposed to them; the artillery alone, unsupported, holding the enemy for
+a moment in check; that the Sixth corps, our second division in advance,
+arrived upon the field.
+
+The scene before us was awful. On the left, as far as the eye could
+reach, the lines of the contending forces, stretching over hills and
+through valleys, stood face to face; in places, not more than thirty
+yards apart. The roar of musketry rolled along the whole extent of the
+battle-field. The field upon which we had now entered, thrice hotly
+contested, was strewed with the bodies of friend and foe.
+
+Without waiting to take breath, each regiment as soon as it arrives on
+the field, is ordered to charge independently of the others. The third
+brigade is first; and first of its regiments, the Twentieth New York,
+with their sabre bayonets, are ready; and the shout, "Forward, double
+quick!" rings along the line. The Germans waver for a moment; but
+presently with a yell they rush down the hill, suddenly receiving a
+volley from a rebel line concealed behind a fence; but the Germans,
+regardless of the storm of bullets, rush forward; the rebels breaking
+and flying to the rear in confusion, while the Germans hotly pursue
+them. Next, on the left of the Twentieth, the gallant Seventh Maine
+charges; rushing forward into the midst of the cornfield, they, too, are
+met by concealed foes. Although they are concealed from our view, the
+crashing of musketry tells us of the struggle which they maintain.
+
+The gallant regiment makes its way down the slope, almost to the
+earthworks of the enemy, when the men throw themselves upon the ground
+behind a rail fence. Here, subjected to the shells from the Union and
+rebel batteries, the regiment can neither advance or retreat; but our
+batteries, finding that their shots are as fatal to our men as to the
+rebels, allow the remaining fragments of the regiment to retire from the
+perilous position.
+
+On the right of the Seventh Maine comes the glorious Forty-ninth and our
+own Seventy-seventh, Captain Babcock in command. On the right of all is
+the old Thirty-third, within supporting distance. The men of the
+Seventy-seventh rush forward over their fallen comrades, making toward a
+small school house which stands upon the Sharpsburgh and Hagerstown
+turnpike, behind which is a grove swarming with rebel troops. Our boys
+are almost on the road, when, at a distance of less than thirty yards,
+they find themselves confronted by overwhelming numbers, who pour a
+withering fire into their ranks. The Seventy-seventh receives the fire
+nobly, and, although far ahead of all the other regiments, stands its
+ground and returns the fire with spirit, although it is but death to
+remain thus in the advance. The brave color-bearer, Joseph Murer, falls,
+shot through the head; but the colors scarcely touch the ground when
+they are seized and again flaunted in the face of the enemy. Volley
+after volley crashes through our ranks; our comrades fall on every side;
+yet the little band stands firm as a rock, refusing to yield an inch. At
+this juncture, General Smith, riding along the line and discovering the
+advanced and unprotected position of the regiment, exclaims, "There's a
+regiment gone," and sends an aide to order it to retire. The order was
+timely, for the rebels were planting a battery within twenty yards of
+the left of the regiment, which would, in a moment longer, have swept it
+to destruction.
+
+The regiment reformed behind the crest, in line with the other regiments
+of the brigade, all of which had been forced to fall back; but the line
+held was far in advance of that held by Sumner's troops when the
+division arrived. Thirty-three of the little band had fallen; they were
+less than two hundred men when they came upon the field. In the Seventh
+Maine the loss was still greater; of the one hundred and seventy men who
+went into the fight, one-half were killed or wounded; more than eighty
+of those noble forms were prostrated like the slashings in their own
+forests. The Thirty-third lost fifty in killed and wounded. The total
+loss to our Third brigade was three hundred and forty-three; of the
+Second division, three hundred and seventy-three; of the corps, four
+hundred and thirty-eight.
+
+Our men lay down behind the ridge to protect themselves from the rebel
+batteries; yet even here the shells came, carrying death to many of our
+number. The Vermont brigade was sent to the assistance of French's
+division, who, having expended their ammunition, were making feeble
+resistance to the enemy. The Vermonters behaved with their usual
+gallantry, resisting the advance of the enemy; and although frequently
+subjected to the fire of artillery, they held their ground bravely. The
+brigade was composed of men who could always be depended on to do what
+they were ordered to do.
+
+The advent of the Sixth corps upon the field had decided the contest
+upon the right of the line, and after the first charge by the Third
+brigade the battle lulled. Of all the brilliant charges made in the army
+on that memorable day, none was more gallant or more important in its
+results than this noble charge of the Third brigade of Smith's division.
+Although the infantry on both sides became comparatively quiet,
+artillery thundered from every eminence in possession of our own or the
+enemy's batteries. Shells and cannister tore through the Union ranks,
+making in parts of the line fearful havoc. Thus, for nine long hours,
+our Sixth corps endured this fiery ordeal, when darkness closed over the
+field of strife.
+
+Meanwhile, on the left, Burnside became hotly engaged. At nine o'clock
+in the morning, his troops moved down toward the stone bridge, over
+which they hoped to cross. The hills on either side slope down almost to
+the water's edge; the road leading to the bridge winding through a
+ravine, and then on the other side ascending through another ravine to
+the highlands. No sooner had the head of the column descended into this
+amphitheater of hills, than the rebels opened a destructive fire from
+behind defenses which they had thrown up along the hillsides. Rifle
+pits, and breastworks of rails and stones, concealed thousands of
+infantry, who, from their secure position, poured volley after volley
+into the advancing column; while batteries, placed upon the heights,
+brought an enfilading fire upon the bridge and its approaches. In the
+face of this reception, the Ninth corps formed in line of battle. One
+brigade with fixed bayonets charged upon the bridge; but the
+concentrated fire of the enemy forced it back. Charge after charge was
+ordered and executed by different portions of the command with like
+success. At length a battery was brought to bear directly upon the
+enemy's position at the farthest end of the bridge, and, aided by these
+guns, fresh troops charged with great enthusiasm, carrying the bridge
+and planting their colors on the opposite side of the stream. Sturgis'
+division immediately advanced up the slope, driving the enemy before it.
+Meanwhile Rodman's division had succeeded, after a desperate fight, in
+crossing the stream below, and had also gained a position along the
+crest of the hills. The enemy having the range perfectly, made the
+position along the crest of the hills untenable, and the men were forced
+to fall back a little; lying close upon the ground to avoid the shells
+that burst about them.
+
+At length, at three o'clock, General Burnside ordered a general advance.
+The divisions moved in fine order, but were soon met by the enemy in
+overpowering numbers. The whole line became hotly engaged. All the
+reserves were brought into action, and still the rebels poured upon the
+Union men in increasing numbers; pressing their flank and turning the
+attack into a doubtful defense. It seemed impossible for the corps to
+hold its position against the overwhelming force opposed to it. At this
+juncture General Burnside sent to General McClellan for aid. Porter's
+troops were still in reserve; but McClellan refused to relieve the
+hardly pressed corps. Again Burnside sends word, "I cannot hold my
+position half an hour longer, unless I am reinforced;" and again the
+appeal is met with refusal. Contrary to his own expectations, Burnside's
+forces held their ground until darkness put an end to the strife.
+
+Thus our own Sixth corps, and Burnside's corps, held the ground they had
+each by most desperate fighting wrested from the hands of the enemy; and
+in spite of the peril which had threatened the right, when Hooker's
+braves were forced back, the center, where Sumner's brave men fell back
+for the third time with empty cartridge boxes, and the left, where
+Burnside was so hardly pressed, the advantage remained with our army;
+and the weary soldiers lay down in the expectation of renewing the
+battle in the morning.
+
+Their valor had saved them from defeat; they hoped to make the battle
+that should come, a complete victory.
+
+But the battle was ended. Toward morning, it was known to officers of
+our corps that the rebels were moving back, and the fact was reported;
+but no attention was paid to it. A truce, under pretense of burying the
+dead, gave the rebels a quiet day, in which to prepare for their escape,
+by sending their trains and much of their artillery to the rear; and on
+the night of the 18th, the whole rebel army disappeared. So this
+memorable and sanguinary battle ended. A defeat for the rebels, but not
+the decided victory to our arms that could have been hoped for.
+
+The Second division of the Sixth corps was relieved soon after noon of
+the 18th by Couch's division, which was soon afterward joined to the
+Sixth corps. Until now our corps had consisted of but two divisions, the
+First and Second. Our men were glad to fall back enough to allow them to
+cook their coffee once more, and they proceeded to the work of preparing
+a good meal with great spirit.
+
+The scene on the battle-field was past description. The mangled forms of
+our own comrades lay stretched upon the ground, side by side with those
+of the rebels. On almost every rod of ground over one hundred acres, the
+dead and wounded, some clad in the Union blue and some in confederate
+gray, were lying. A ghastly sight, presenting all the horrible features
+of death which are to be seen on such a field. At one point in our own
+front, for more than half a mile, the rebels lay so thickly as almost to
+touch each other. On the field where Hooker's men had won and lost the
+field, the dead and dying were scattered thickly among the broken
+cornstalks, their eyes protruding and their faces blackened by the sun.
+Wherever the lines of battle had surged to and fro, these vestiges of
+the terrible work were left. In the edge of the wood, where the rebels
+had made a stand against Hooker's advancing divisions, the bodies lay in
+perfect line, as though they had fallen while on dress parade. Further
+to the left there was a narrow road, not more than fifteen feet wide,
+with high fences on either side. Here a regiment of rebels was posted;
+when our batteries getting an enfilading fire upon them, and the
+infantry at the same time opening a murderous fire, the regiment was
+literally destroyed; not more than twenty of their number escaping.
+Their bodies filled the narrow road. Some were shot while attempting to
+get over the fence; and their remains hung upon the boards. A more
+fearful picture than we saw here, could not be conceived.
+
+Broken caissons, wheels, dismounted guns, thousands of muskets,
+blankets, haversacks and canteens, were scattered thickly over the
+field; and hundreds of slain horses, bloated and with feet turned toward
+the sky, added to the horror of the scene.
+
+While the excitement of battle lasts, and we hear the roar of artillery,
+and the shock of contending armies, the terrible reality of the occasion
+hardly presents itself to our minds, and it is only when we survey the
+bloody field, strewed with the mangled, lifeless remains of friend and
+foe, or walk through the hospitals, where the unfortunate victims of
+battle writhe in the agony of their wounds, that we realize the terrible
+nature of a great battle.
+
+Sickening as is the sight of the battle-field, the scenes about the
+hospitals are worse, except to those who are actually engaged in
+ministering to the relief of the wounded. To these the excitement and
+labor incident to their duties, crowd out the thoughts of the ghastly
+surroundings. They see only so many demands upon them for assistance,
+and have no time to indulge in sentimental emotions.
+
+Here in the rear of the army for miles, was a succession of hospitals.
+Every house, and barn, and haystack, formed the nucleus of a hospital,
+where men, shot through the head, through the limbs, through the body;
+with every conceivable variety of wounds, lay groaning in anguish.
+Surgeons toiled day and night with never lagging zeal to relieve these
+sufferings, but all their labor could only afford slight relief. The
+labors of medical officers after a great battle are immense, and there
+is no respite from their toils so long as a wounded man remains uncared
+for. While others find repose from the fatigues of battle in sleep, the
+surgeons are still at work; there is no sleep for them so long as work
+remains to be done.
+
+The rebel army had fallen back; yet a skirmish line had been left to
+cover the movement. At length even this suddenly disappeared, and,
+firing a few solid shots, as a parting salute, the enemy took a final
+leave of the field. Our forces were ordered on. We passed over the scene
+of carnage, where hundreds of dead lay still unburied; and pioneers were
+on every part of the field throwing the mangled, disfigured forms into
+shallow graves. Along the roadsides, under the fences, and where the
+confederate hospitals had been, still these gory objects met our view.
+We reached Sharpsburgh, and here the evidences of the terrible conflict
+were to be seen everywhere. Houses riddled by shells and bullets; some
+of them destroyed by fire, and some battered into shapeless masses; the
+streets filled with disabled wagons; horses galloping about without
+riders; knapsacks, guns and equipments cast away in the hasty flight;
+churches filled with rebel wounded; all helped to make up a scene of
+destruction such as has been rarely witnessed. The people of the village
+welcomed us as their deliverers, and brought water, and such other
+refreshments as they had been able to conceal from the rebels. We passed
+the village and bivouacked for the night.
+
+On the 20th, we, of the Sixth corps, retraced our steps, passing again
+over the battle-field, where the stench was now unendurable. We reached
+Williamsport at daylight, where Couch's division was face to face with
+the enemy, who were said to be recrossing the river, and who had last
+night forced back part of the division.
+
+The rebel force had, however, consisted of about four thousand cavalry,
+who, finding the Unionists in force, quickly returned to the south side
+of the Potomac. Here we found an immense division of Pennsylvania
+militia drawn up in line of battle. Its regiments were larger than our
+brigades. They were armed with every variety of fire-arms, from light
+sporting shot-guns to Sharpe's rifles. Their uniforms had quite as
+little uniformity as their arms. Some were dressed in gray pants and
+jackets, others in light blue; and still others in the various fashions
+which constituted the wearing apparel at home. Grave gentleman in
+spectacles, studious young men in green glasses, pale young men who were
+evidently more at home behind the counter than in line of battle, roughs
+who had not been tamed by the discipline of military life, and boys who,
+for the first time, had left the paternal mansion, made up the
+heterogeneous division.
+
+Remaining at Williamsport until the morning of the 23d, we marched on
+the Hagerstown turnpike to Bakersville, where we remained about three
+weeks. Here it was that Couch's division was joined to the Sixth corps.
+(The regiments of this division were, the 36th, 55th, 62d, 65th, 67th
+and 122d New York; the 23d, 82d, 93d, 98th and 102d Pennsylvania; the
+7th, 10th and 37th Massachusetts, and the 2d Rhode Island.) On the 3d of
+October the corps was ordered out for review by President Lincoln. The
+line was formed on a fine plain, and the booming of cannon announced the
+approach of the Commander-in-Chief of the armies of the United States.
+The illustrious visitor was accompanied by Generals McClellan, Franklin,
+Smith and other notable men, with an immense retinue. Conscious of the
+fatigues already endured by these veterans, the President simply passed
+along the line of the divisions, acknowledging the salutations which
+greeted him, without requiring the columns to march in review. The
+soldiers manifested their appreciation of the interest taken by the
+Chief Magistrate in their welfare, by loud and repeated cheers.
+Sumner's, Burnside's and Porter's corps had already been reviewed by the
+President.
+
+While at this camp, large accessions were made to our thinned ranks.
+Before the army left Harrison's Landing, efforts had been set on foot
+for filling up the skeleton regiments of our army. Recruiting officers
+had been detailed from every regiment, to go to the localities from
+which their respective regiments had been raised, and bring in recruits,
+to fill the places made vacant by death and disease. The critical
+condition of affairs when the army was withdrawn from the Peninsula,
+and, afterward, when Pope was so disastrously forced back upon the
+defenses of Washington, had roused to most earnest action, many
+patriots, who hoped to avert further disaster by forwarding men to the
+field. Under these influences, and as the result of these patriotic
+efforts, many recruits offered themselves; but after the battle of
+Antietam, new life was added to the recruiting service. Many who then
+supposed that the war was nearly ended, gladly accepted the large
+bounties, and in the hope of soon being "in at the death" of the
+rebellion, enrolled themselves among the soldiers of the Union. War
+meetings were held in every town, and the utmost enthusiasm was created.
+In Saratoga, a large concourse of people, among whom were many of the
+visitors at the Springs, gathered for a war meeting. Stirring speeches
+were made. Ladies offered their diamond rings, their watch chains, their
+watches and other valuables to those who should come forward and enter
+the service. Under the influence of such enthusiasm, many came forward
+and enrolled their names, and received the jewels from the fair hands of
+the patriotic donors. By such efforts as these, all over the country,
+from two to three hundred recruits were raised for each regiment in our
+corps, and large accessions were made to the ranks of the whole army.
+
+The advent of the new comers was hailed with joy by the veterans, who
+had become sadly discouraged by their small and constantly decreasing
+numbers.
+
+Our men were enjoying the welcome rest and the abundant supply of food
+obtained in this delightful country, and many varieties of diet, well
+remembered as familiar in former years, but unknown to them since their
+campaigns commenced, adorned their humble mess tables. Among other
+luxuries, "hasty pudding" and johnny cake became common articles of
+diet. The process of producing these articles, was after the rude manner
+of men who must invent the working materials as they are needed.
+One-half of an unserviceable canteen, or a tin plate perforated by means
+of a nail or the sharp point of a bayonet, served the purpose of a
+grater or mill for grinding the corn. The neighboring cornfields,
+although guarded, yielded abundance of rich yellow ears; which, without
+passing through the process of "shelling," were rubbed across the
+grater, yielding a finer meal than is usually ground at the grist mills.
+The meal being obtained, it was mixed with a large or small quantity of
+water, as mush or cake was desired, and cooked.
+
+The men complained of want of proper and sufficient clothing, and many
+of them were absolutely barefooted. On whom the blame for the long delay
+in furnishing these necessary articles should rest, we can only refer to
+the controversy between the Major-General commanding the armies of the
+United States and the Major-General commanding the Army of the Potomac.
+
+Soon after midnight, October 11th, the corps was ordered to move to
+Hagerstown. In the midst of a heavy shower the march was made, and
+Hagerstown was reached soon after daylight. Here a new cause of
+excitement occurred. Stuart, with his cavalry, was in our rear;
+Chambersburgh was burned, and other towns sacked. The Vermont brigade
+was hastily loaded into cars and sent to Chambersburgh in pursuit of the
+cavalry, which was already far on its way to the Potomac. Of course they
+could only return, having had an excursion through the country at
+government expense. The Third brigade of Smith's division marched
+hastily to the Maryland and Pennsylvania line, to where a stone bridge
+crossed the Antietam; a battery of artillery was also here, and the
+brigades and battery prepared to defend the crossing. But no enemy
+appeared, and the two brigades returned to Hagerstown; the Vermonters to
+occupy the town as provost guard, the other to encamp in a delightful
+grove a mile beyond.
+
+Thus ended the famous campaign of Antietam; which had humbled the pride
+of the boastful confederates, and had turned back their hordes to their
+mountain fastnesses in Virginia for safety. A campaign which, while
+conducted with great hesitancy and a total want of that celerity of
+movement usually considered absolutely necessary to brilliant success in
+military operations, yet had preserved the north from imminent and
+immediate danger which threatened it. Our losses in killed, wounded and
+missing, in this campaign, amounted to fifteen thousand two hundred and
+twenty.
+
+The army was posted, two corps, the Second and Twelfth, at Harper's
+Ferry; the remaining corps along the Potomac, above and below that
+point, for twenty miles. Here, six weeks were spent in getting ready for
+another campaign; the President, meanwhile, constantly ordering an
+advance across the river; General McClellan, constantly offering excuses
+for delay. It is not our purpose to discuss the merits of these excuses,
+but it may not be out of place to mention, that although the Sixth corps
+was represented as being in worse condition, in regard to clothing and
+shoes, than any other corps, that corps finally crossed the river before
+it received its clothing, showing that even the corps least supplied
+with these important articles could undertake the campaign even after
+another month's wear of the old clothes and the advent of the cold
+weather. On the 18th of October, that portion of the Third brigade able
+to perform duty, was marched to Clear Spring to perform picket duty,
+leaving in camp the recruits, who were unarmed, and the invalids. Thus
+the brigade occupied two distinct camps several miles apart. The duty on
+picket was by no means severe, and the country was delightful. The boys
+found little difficulty in procuring abundant supplies of luxuries, such
+as soft bread, hoe cakes and other articles, from the farmers; and as
+the enemy was at Winchester, they were not in great alarm from rebel
+raids.
+
+The Hagerstown camp was indeed a pleasant one. The people were generally
+loyal, and seemed glad to furnish the soldiers with all the comforts
+possible. There was little duty, and the invalids had time for
+recovering their exhausted strength, while the recruits were afforded an
+opportunity for drill.
+
+General Slocum, who had commanded the First division of our corps since
+the corps was organized, was assigned to the command of the Twelfth
+corps, in place of General Mansfield, who lost his life at Antietam.
+
+In the Vermont brigade an important change occurred, General Brooks, the
+old and tried commander of the brigade, was assigned to the command of
+the first division of the corps, succeeding General Slocum, who took
+command of the Twelfth corps. General Brooks was one of the most
+energetic and brave brigade commanders in our army, and notwithstanding
+his abrupt and sometimes very stern manners, had endeared himself by his
+excellent discipline and fighting qualities, not only to his brigade,
+but to the whole division.
+
+An amusing incident, well calculated to illustrate the mingled
+sentiments of love and fear entertained for the general by even those in
+his own command, occurred at a meeting of the officers of the brigade,
+immediately after the order for the transfer. The object of the meeting,
+was to make arrangements for presenting the general with a suitable
+testimonial of their regard. Some discussion occurred in regard to the
+character of the gift. Some proposed a silver service, some a sword. At
+length it was proposed, that a fine horse and equipments be purchased.
+An officer rose and said that it was all very well to talk about buying
+a horse for General Brooks, but he would like to know who would be so
+bold as to undertake to present it to him! Another officer suggested
+that the horse might be saddled and bridled and hitched in front of the
+general's quarters during the night, with a note tied to the bridle
+stating for whom it was designed, and by whom presented.
+
+A magnificent silver service was finally presented to the general, who,
+forgetting his rough manners, received the beautiful gift of his loved
+brigade with tears standing on his brown cheeks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE SECOND ADVANCE INTO VIRGINIA, AND THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH.
+
+    Marching in Maryland--Arrival at New Baltimore--General
+    McClellan superseded by General Burnside--Thanksgiving in
+    camp--The grand divisions organized--The march resumed--Fatal
+    delays--In order of battle--The crossing--Fredericksburgh
+    bombarded--Situation of Fredericksburgh--Scenes of activity--The
+    Bernard house--Scenes at the hospital--The battle on the
+    right--Charges of the Pennsylvania reserves--The river
+    recrossed--Reflections.
+
+
+Thus, for nearly six weeks, the army remained at Hagerstown, and on the
+line of the Potomac, resting and waiting for clothing. On the 28th of
+October, orders came to clear all the camps of sick; and all from our
+Sixth corps were sent to hospitals in Hagerstown. At dark, we set out,
+and making a night march of a few miles, reached Williamsport, where we
+bivouacked and remained two days, and thence went to Boonsboro.
+
+The march from Williamsport to Boonsboro led us through a magnificent
+country. On either side of the road, the long lines of corn shocks and
+the vine-clad houses, formed a picture of wealth and comfort. We halted
+at Boonsboro in sight of the field of Antietam, and passed our
+bi-monthly muster. At daybreak in the morning we were again on the road.
+The first part of our way led through a beautiful open country, but we
+were soon winding among the hills that form the slopes of "Pleasant
+Valley."
+
+The forests on the hillsides, glowing with the brilliant colors of
+autumn, the fine old residences, appearing here and there among the
+trees, and the plethoric stacks of hay and grain, combined, indeed, to
+make it a "pleasant valley," and, as the lines of troops filed along the
+roads, the spectacle was beautifully picturesque. We passed South
+Mountain, where the rebels had met with such a bloody reception from our
+forces, and not long after we were on the ground of the battle of
+Burkettsville, where our Sixth corps had charged up the hill and had
+driven the enemy in confusion. Every tree bore lasting marks of a
+terrible fight. For more than a mile, the forest was completely scarred
+by bullets and shells; not a tree had escaped, and many of them were
+pierced like the cover of a pepper-box. We halted near Berlin, in a
+charming valley, where we staid over Sunday. Monday morning, we crossed
+the Potomac to Virginia, on pontoon bridges, passed through the little
+towns of Lovettsville and Purcellville, Union Town and Upperville, then
+crossing the valley almost from west to east, from the Blue Ridge to the
+Kittoctan mountains, at length, on Thursday, reached White Plains, a
+station on the Front Royal and Manassas railroad, not far from
+Thoroughfare Gap. Here we were overtaken by a cold storm of rain, sleet
+and snow, gloomy enough, but not so gloomy as was the news that here
+reached us of the elections in New York. Whatever the attitude of the
+political parties may have been before or since that time in reference
+to the war, in our army the result of the New York elections was
+regarded, at that time, as a repudiation of the war.
+
+We reached New Baltimore on the 9th, and the next morning we were
+notified that, by order of the President, General McClellan was relieved
+from the command of the army of the Potomac, to be superseded by
+Major-General Burnside.
+
+No sooner had the farewell order of General McClellan been read to the
+troops, than the whole army was ordered into line for review by corps.
+The retiring and the incoming generals, each with his long train of
+followers, galloped along the whole of the line of the army, while
+batteries fired salutes and bands played "The Star Spangled Banner" and
+"Hail to the Chief." Many of the regiments cheered the departing general
+with great enthusiasm, while others observed a studied silence.
+
+A week was spent at New Baltimore, and then another week on the banks of
+Aquia creek, not far from Stafford Court House.
+
+The 27th of November was Thanksgiving day, in nearly all the loyal
+States, and doubtless our friends at home, as they gathered in many a
+family circle that day, to partake bounteous Thanksgiving dinners, spoke
+of those who were away at the war, and thought, that with them,
+Thanksgiving could only be a hard day's march in the rain or mud, with
+rations of hard bread and pork; and so, many kind hearts pitied the
+soldiers as they thought that we were deprived of the luxuries which
+they were enjoying.
+
+But we, too, enjoyed a pleasant Thanksgiving. In the morning, throughout
+the corps, there was brigade inspection; we put on our good clothes and
+presented ourselves to our generals, looking our best; then as we
+marched back into the various camps, we found dinner smoking in many a
+cook-tent, and the odor of roast meats rising throughout the whole corps
+like an odor of sweet incense. Fresh sheep pelts hanging here and there
+in considerable profusion, told of good cheer among all the men.
+
+As evening approached, the voice of singing was heard from all the
+camps, and groups were gathered under the shadow of the chestnut trees,
+where many pairs of government shoes were shuffling to the music of
+violins. Throughout the limits of the corps, good humor and mirth
+prevailed; the sick forgot their pains, and the homesick ones, for the
+time, looked bright, as they yielded to the general feeling of
+happiness.
+
+General Burnside, immediately upon taking command, consolidated the army
+into three grand divisions, of two corps each. The Right, to consist of
+the Second corps, General Couch, and the Ninth, General Wilcox; General
+Sumner to command the grand division. General Hooker was placed in
+command of the Center division, which consisted of the Third corps,
+General Stoneman, and the Fifth, General Butterfield. The Left grand
+division consisted of the Sixth corps, under General Smith, and the
+First corps, under General Reynolds; General Franklin was assigned to
+the command.
+
+The command of the Second division, Sixth corps, was given to
+Brigadier-General A. P. Howe.
+
+At length, we resumed our march, reaching Brooks' Station the first
+night; then, after a day's delay, we started again. The weather was
+intensely cold, and the mud almost unfathomable. The troops, with much
+difficulty, moved about six miles, reaching the rear of Falmouth
+Station, opposite Fredericksburgh; but the trains, at midnight, had only
+proceeded two miles. In the ambulances, the sick suffered beyond
+description. Six soldiers from the Third brigade, Second division, died
+in the ambulances that night. Even the well men in camp could hardly
+manage to keep warm. Few persons in that vast army slept, and the ring
+of hundreds of axes and the falling of trees, which were to be piled on
+the fires, were heard all night.
+
+The Right and Center grand divisions, had arrived in the vicinity of
+Falmouth several days before; and it had been the design of General
+Burnside to cross his army over the Rappahannock, seize the heights of
+Fredericksburgh, and push on toward Richmond, before the enemy could
+throw a sufficiently strong force in his front, to offer serious
+resistance. In this, doubtless, he would have been successful, but "some
+one had blundered," and the Commander-in-Chief suffered the
+mortification of seeing his plans foiled, and his series of forced
+marches a failure, because the pontoons which were to meet him on his
+arrival before Fredericksburgh were still at Washington; and this
+through the criminal neglect of some one. This campaign, which promised
+more than any previous campaign of the Army of the Potomac, was now
+destined to prove a failure.
+
+From the time that the first troops appeared in front of
+Fredericksburgh, nearly three weeks were spent in waiting for pontoons;
+while General Lee had abundant time to bring together all his forces and
+post them in such positions, as to dispute our passage at any point, for
+twenty miles up and down the river. In guarding this extensive front,
+General Lee had stretched out his army to such an extent, that Burnside
+hoped, by throwing his whole army across at one point, to pierce the
+weak line before his enemy could concentrate his forces.
+
+On the morning of the 11th of December, we marched to a point about two
+miles below Fredericksburgh. The whole army was in motion. The ground
+had become hardened by frost, and a light coating of snow lay upon it.
+The wheels no longer sunk in the mire; but artillery rolled easily over
+the frozen ground.
+
+The Right grand division, Sumner's, had already taken its position
+immediately in front and above the city of Fredericksburgh; the Center,
+Hooker's, and the Left division, Franklin's, now took position below the
+town.
+
+As we descended from the heights of Stafford, into the valley of the
+Rappahannock, dense clouds of fog obscured the view of the opposite
+bank, and it was only at noon that we could distinguish objects on the
+farther side of the river. Engineers were hard at work laying pontoon
+bridges, being submitted to a brisk musketry fire from the rebel
+skirmishers, who at times charged upon them, killing and wounding
+several of the workmen, and greatly hindering the work. A few volleys
+from our batteries, which were brought forward presently, put these
+troublesome parties to flight, and the work went on. Still, during all
+the day, the enemy strove with artillery and infantry to prevent the
+laying of the bridge, but to no avail.
+
+On the right, where the veteran Sumner commanded, the task of throwing
+the bridges across, was far more difficult than at the lower crossing.
+In the storehouses and dwellings along the banks of the river, swarms of
+rebel soldiers were concealed; and these, by pouring murderous volleys
+into the midst of the pontoniers, compelled them to desist from the
+attempt to finish their bridge. Determined no longer to be thwarted by
+these concealed foes, General Burnside, having previously notified the
+civil authorities of the town, that if the houses were used as covers
+for men who were shooting our soldiers, the town must suffer the
+consequences, ordered our batteries to concentrate their fire upon it
+and batter down the walls. Soon after noon, the bombardment commenced.
+One hundred and seventy cannon belched forth the huge iron missiles upon
+the devoted city. The roar of the artillery was terrific, and as the
+winds rolled away the huge columns of smoke, we saw that the city was on
+fire, the flames leaping to the skies. The spectacle was one of awful
+grandeur. The bursting bombs, shooting forth their flashing coruscations
+from the columns of smoke, the great tongues of flame from the burning
+buildings, leaping to the heavens, the clamor of the bursting shells and
+the shock of the artillery which shook the earth, made up one of the
+most terribly magnificent of scenes.
+
+In the midst of all this direful tumult, and while the conflagration of
+the city drove the confederates out of their places of concealment,
+Sumner's forces succeeded in laying their bridge and crossing troops;
+not, however, until two brave regiments had crossed in boats and
+captured or dispersed the rebel sharpshooters, who had given so much
+trouble. Hooker also effected a crossing at the same time. We had now
+bridges across at three points; "Franklin's Crossing" being nearly two
+miles below the town.
+
+The city of Fredericksburgh is upon the south bank of the Rappahannock
+river. Fronting the city, on the north side of the stream, rises a steep
+bluff--Stafford Heights--which approaches near the river above and
+opposite the town, and gradually recedes from it below. This was the
+side held by our army. Behind the town, on the south, the ground rises
+in several successive terraces until it reaches an elevation called "the
+mountain." Each terrace commands all below it, and the whole forms a
+position of unsurpassed advantages for defense. Here, between these high
+grounds, and stretching on either side of the river, is the valley of
+the Rappahannock--almost a level plain of six miles in length, and
+averaging two and a half miles in breadth, narrowing in front of the
+town to less than a mile, and spreading out, at the point where our
+lower bridges were thrown across, to at least three miles. On the crest
+of the heights, north of the river, were posted our batteries in great
+numbers. On the plain and on each of the terraces south of the river,
+the enemy was intrenched in most formidable positions.
+
+The advance of the enemy fell back, as our forces crossed the river,
+leaving us in possession of the plain on both sides, and of the town.
+Night came on, and the spectacle was unutterably grand, as the sheets of
+fire burst from the mouths of the opposing batteries; but at length the
+roar of battle subsided, and except the firing of pickets, all was
+quiet. Franklin threw but a small force across the river; a strong
+picket line, well supported, holding a semi-circular tract of the plain.
+The Eighteenth and Thirty-first New York were the first of the Sixth
+corps to cross the bridge.
+
+The Sixth corps returned to the heights and bivouacked for the night,
+leaving a few regiments to hold the plain in front of the bridge. It was
+the intention of the commanding general to press the enemy closely in
+front with the Right and Center grand divisions, while the Left division
+was to make a flank movement on the right of the enemy's line, seizing
+the road to Bowling Green, and rendering the rebel position untenable.
+
+Before dawn on the following morning, we made our way again to the
+river. Thousands crowded upon the banks, or hurriedly dashed across the
+bridge. The rumble of wheels upon the frozen ground, the tramp of
+thousands of men, the neighing of innumerable horses, mingled with the
+roar of musketry. The sun rose in splendor, and the spires of the city,
+two miles to our right, shone brightly, for only the lower part of the
+town had been destroyed by the conflagration of the day before, and tens
+of thousands of muskets gleamed in the morning light. The broad plain,
+on the south bank, swarmed with the hosts of Franklin and Hooker.
+Musketry fire became more and more brisk, as our forces moved into
+position, but no general engagement came on. Shells from the rebel
+batteries came bursting in our midst, and in reply, our own guns on
+Stafford Heights sent their shells screaming over our heads, to burst in
+the midst of the rebel artillerists.
+
+A fine stone mansion of large dimensions, situated on the south bank of
+the river, and a little below the bridge, was taken by the surgeons of
+our Second division, for a hospital. The position was exposed to the
+rebel fire, but it was the best that could be found. Just in front of it
+the gallant General Bayard, of the cavalry, was struck by a shell, and
+killed instantly. Others, some of whom had been previously been wounded,
+received fatal shots at the very doors of the house. The owner of this
+magnificent mansion still remained in it. He was an old secesh bachelor,
+very aristocratic in his notions, and highly incensed at the use his
+house was put to by the "hireling Yankees." But he was taken care of by
+a guard. His servants cooked for the wounded and our surgeons; his fine
+larder furnished us delicacies and his cellar rich old wines.
+
+Doubtless his feelings on delivering to us the keys of his wine cellar
+were not unlike those of Sir Hugh Berkley in "The Wagoner;" who
+
+  "--only knew they drank his wine;
+  Would they might hang, a scarecrow line,
+  On the next lightning blasted tree."
+
+Saturday, the sun appeared, bright and warm as on a spring morning. The
+battle now commenced in terrible earnest. First, on the left, the
+booming of heavy guns and the rattle of musketry told of hot work in our
+own front. Then gradually the battle rolled on to the right; and while
+it thundered there, our forces on the left remained comparatively quiet.
+Then, back again came the roar of cannon, the shrieking and cracking of
+shells and the din of musketry.
+
+The hills in our front were thickly wooded, and in these woods
+"Stonewall" Jackson had concealed his forces. General Meade, with his
+division of Pennsylvania reserves, and Gibbons, with his division, both
+of Reynolds' First corps, were sent to take and hold the Bowling Green
+road, which lay in the edge of the wood. Gallantly and in splendid
+order, the two divisions moved up toward the edge of the wood. Gibbons'
+division halted at the railroad, near the wood, Meade's pressed forward,
+and presently disappeared among the trees. Although considerable
+resistance was met with, the gallant division continued to press
+forward, the rebels steadily giving way. Suddenly, the roar of cannon
+became awful, and the fire of musketry almost deafening. The rebels had
+opened an enfilading fire upon the division, which made fearful havoc.
+The men who had so gallantly marched into the woods, came hurrying back
+in disorder; not, however, until they had succeeded in capturing several
+hundred prisoners from the enemy. A flag, one or two mounted officers,
+and a squad of a dozen or twenty men were all that could be recognized
+as a regimental organization; all others had fallen before the deadly
+fire that met them, or had lost their commands. The men quickly rallied
+about their flags and again charged into the woods, and again they were
+sent back in disorder. They were now withdrawn, and the rebels charged
+upon the line of the Sixth corps. The troops of our Second division were
+lying down behind a slight elevation of ground, and, as the rebels
+charged down furiously upon us, our men suddenly rose and poured a
+deadly volley into them. At the same time the troops of the First
+division met their attack with spirit, and sent them reeling back to
+their cover in the forest.
+
+The wounded poured into our hospitals, and well did those surgeons, who
+had seized the stone mansion, earn that day, lasting gratitude from
+their division.
+
+Never had wounded men been so quickly or so well cared for. It was the
+beginning of an era of _organized_ labor in that department. Among the
+earliest of the wounded was General Vinton, commanding the Third
+brigade, Second division. A ball had passed into the abdomen, and was
+cut out from his back. The unfortunate men were stowed in every part of
+the great house, and in the smaller buildings surrounding it, and tents
+furnished shelter for those unable to find room in the buildings. After
+General Vinton was wounded, Brigadier-General Thomas H. Neill was
+ordered to assume the command of our brigade, which he did on the
+battle-field.
+
+Meanwhile, on the right, Sumner's and Hooker's forces were striving,
+with herculean efforts, to dislodge the enemy from his strongholds, but
+to no avail. His position was impregnable, and the Union forces only
+advanced against the works to meet with deadly repulse from the savage
+fire of the concealed foe, and to fall back with fearful losses. Thus
+the struggle lasted until evening, when the roar of battle was hushed,
+and our tired troops slumbered upon their arms.
+
+On Sunday morning the rattle of musketry and the thunder of artillery
+commenced again, but, as little reply was made by the enemy, the
+demonstration on our part soon ceased, and the day was spent in
+comparative quiet. It was said that General Burnside, unwilling to give
+up the struggle, had ordered an advance of the Ninth corps, which he was
+personally to lead, against one of the rebel strongholds, but that he
+had yielded to the advice of the grand division commanders to refrain
+from the attempt.
+
+Monday still found us on the battle-field. The thumping of artillery was
+renewed, but not fiercely. Our wounded were removed to the other side of
+the river. A kind providence had favored them, for the weather had been
+delightful. Had such weather prevailed as we experienced a few days
+before, many of the wounded, faint and exhausted from the loss of blood,
+must have perished with the cold. During the night the whole army was
+withdrawn, with as much secrecy as possible, across the pontoon bridges.
+No sooner had the troops crossed to the north side of the river than the
+bridges were taken up, and the two armies were again separated by the
+Rappahannock. As the bridges were being taken up, the rebels rushed to
+the bank and fired into the pontoniers, but were repelled by the men of
+the Seventy-seventh New York. That regiment formed a picket line along
+the bank of the river, but were ordered not to fire unless the enemy
+did. "A pretty order," said Terry Gray, of Company B, "to wait till a
+man is killed before he can fire his gun!" The army went into camp on a
+line from Falmouth to Belle Plain; the Sixth corps occupying nearly the
+center of the line, at a place called White Oak Church, from a little
+whitewashed meeting house, without bell or steeple, in the midst of a
+clump of white oak trees.
+
+The attempt to capture the heights of Fredericksburgh by a direct
+assault was indeed a daring undertaking, and one involving a fearful
+risk. The only hope of success lay in the active and hearty cooeperation
+of all the commands of the army. Such cooeperation was not to be had. To
+the Left grand division was assigned an important work which it failed
+to accomplish; not because it was defeated in the attempt, but because
+the attempt was not made in earnest. The troops were brave and eager to
+meet the enemy. None were ever more brave or more desirous to test their
+valor. The heroic deeds of those who did advance against the enemy will
+ever redound to the glory of our arms; and had all the forces of the
+Left grand division been brought fairly into action, the result might
+have been different. Surely such troops as composed the grand old Sixth
+corps were fitted for a nobler work than standing upon an open plain,
+exposed to fierce artillery fire, without ever being allowed to turn
+upon the enemy. Our defeat had cost us more than twelve thousand men, in
+killed, wounded and missing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE WINTER AT FALMOUTH.
+
+    Camp at White Oak Church--"The mud march"--Return to
+    camp--General Neill--General Hooker supersedes General
+    Burnside--Burnside's magnanimity--General Hooker as a
+    soldier--Reconstruction--The cavalry organized--Business
+    departments renovated--The medical department--Ambulance
+    system--Quartermasters' and commissary departments--Life in
+    camp--Snowball battles--In the Seventy-seventh--The Light
+    division--Review by General Hooker--General John Sedgwick--Scene
+    at head-quarters--Review of the army by the President--Preparing
+    for the campaign.
+
+
+The men built huts, and made themselves as comfortable as they could, in
+their camp at White Oak Church, but disease spread rapidly, especially
+among the recruits. The regiments were crowded closely together on
+ground too low and wet for good camping ground, and the men, having
+never before erected winter quarters from shelter tents, were not so
+expert as they became in the succeeding winters; so they suffered from
+inconvenient quarters, as well as from the low ground and crowded camps.
+
+[Illustration: White Oak Church]
+
+Our army was now composed in large part, of the recruits sent from the
+north during the preceding summer and autumn, and thousands of these had
+never had any idea of fighting or of suffering the privations of army
+life. They had enlisted for the large bounties which were paid at that
+time, with the determination to leave the service as soon as their
+bounties were paid, and a favorable opportunity offered itself for
+escape. Desertions became alarmingly frequent; indeed, when a few weeks
+later General Hooker assumed command, there were more than eighty-four
+thousand absentees, with and without authority. The great number of
+desertions, we think, should be attributed to the fact that so large a
+proportion of the new recruits had enlisted for money, rather than to
+the demoralization of the army.
+
+Notwithstanding the inconveniences to which the men were subjected, and
+the advance to midwinter, the weather was in our favor. The sun shone
+brightly, the days were warm and the roads dry. It became evident that
+General Burnside was determined not to allow the delightful weather and
+the excellent roads to pass unimproved. Indications of a general
+movement crowded upon us, and on the 20th of January came the order to
+march.
+
+The whole army broke camp and moved toward Banks' Ford, two miles up the
+river from White Oak Church. On the march, an order from the commanding
+general was read to the troops, announcing to them that the auspicious
+moment had at length arrived when we were to reap the glorious fruits of
+our long toils. At five o'clock we halted in the thick woods at Banks'
+Ford, the point selected for crossing the river, and in a few minutes
+were quietly and comfortably bivouacked out of sight of rebels on the
+opposite side. Scarcely had we settled ourselves for a comfortable
+night's rest, when the clouds, which had been gathering since morning,
+broke in rain, and the delightful Indian summer gave way to the rainy
+winter of the south. All night long the rain poured, and all the next
+day. It was evident we had waited too long. But the commander was
+determined not to abandon his effort to outflank the enemy. By morning,
+the roads were so softened by the rain, that horses could not haul
+artillery or pontoons into position. Men took the place of horses. The
+whole Vermont brigade was detailed to drag the pontoons and guns to the
+river. All day long, working and tugging with the mud above their knees;
+here a hundred men pulling at a pontoon boat, there a party prying a
+cannon out of the mire with long levers, and still other parties laying
+strips of corduroy road. The Vermonters passed a disagreeable day.
+
+General Burnside was not idle all this while. Riding from one point to
+another, now personally superintending the placing of a battery in
+position on the bank of the river, now encouraging the men who lugged at
+the boats and guns, and now selecting places to cut new roads, he passed
+the night and the day in fatiguing and anxious labor. As he rode through
+the camp of our division in the afternoon, with only two staff officers,
+himself and his horse completely covered with mud, the rim of his hat
+turned down to shed the rain, his face careworn with this unexpected
+disarrangement of his plans, we could but think that the soldier on
+foot, arm oppressed with the weight of knapsack, haversack and gun, bore
+an easy load compared with that of the commander of the army, who now
+saw departing his hopes of redeeming the prestige he had lost at
+Fredericksburgh.
+
+Men were detailed from each of the regiments of the corps to return to
+Falmouth, a distance of five miles, to bring on their backs two days'
+rations; those brought by the men being nearly exhausted. But during the
+night it was determined to abandon the attempt to cross the river. The
+enemy, by this time fully aware of our intention, was prepared for us,
+and a crossing could only be made at great sacrifice, perhaps with
+defeat. So at sunrise in the morning we were on the road back to our old
+camp; this time for permanent winter quarters. All along the road lay a
+multitude of dead horses and mules, which had fallen in the tremendous
+but unavailing efforts of the day before. Artillery and wagons still
+stuck fast in the mud, and cannoniers and teamsters lifted and tugged
+with rails and with poles to raise the piece or the wagon from the mire.
+
+The mud was deep, the day was gloomy and the men were discouraged. They
+straggled badly. Regiments were not to be distinguished. The whole
+column became an unorganized crowd, pressing toward the old camps. Tired
+and discouraged as were the men, they kept up their lively sallies and
+jokes, as though all was smooth work. Toward evening the troops of our
+corps arrived on their old ground, now to be our home until the opening
+of spring, and at once fell to work to restore to some degree of comfort
+that most desolate of scenes, an abandoned camp. Unfortunately, on
+leaving the place, little thinking that they were so soon to return,
+they had burned everything combustible, and thus a strip of board or a
+piece of timber could hardly be found within the limits of the corps.
+Nevertheless, comfortable quarters were soon erected, and the routine of
+drills and picket was resumed.
+
+Brigadier-General Neill, who was assigned to the command of the Third
+brigade, was active in encouraging his men to provide good quarters, and
+in furnishing every facility in his power to make them comfortable. The
+general was a portly gentleman, with light red hair and whiskers, and a
+small blue eye, ceremonious in his style, and a perfect pattern of
+courtliness. He had, at West Point, won the appellation of "Beau Neill,"
+a title which never left him. He was a good commander in camp. He
+originated the brigade dress parade that winter, often calling out the
+brigade on fine evenings, and substituting the brigade for the
+regimental parade. The custom was at length adopted in many brigades in
+the army of the Potomac; but few gave credit for the improved parade to
+the originator of it.
+
+The second failure of General Burnside rendered his removal from the
+command of the army a thing to be expected; and no one was surprised
+when the order came relieving him, and assigning General Hooker to the
+command. It must be confessed that our failure at Bank's Ford had done
+much to demoralize the army and destroy the confidence in the commanding
+general so absolutely necessary to success. On our way back from Bank's
+Ford, as we passed Fredericksburgh, we saw huge placards posted up by
+the rebels with taunting inscriptions, such as "Burnside stuck in the
+mud," printed in conspicuous letters. The men caught up the words, and
+"Burnside stuck in the mud" passed from one end of the disordered column
+to the other. When we had failed at Fredericksburgh, the men were as
+willing as ever to try again under the same commander. They believed him
+to be at least earnest and brave. They knew that he was noble and
+self-sacrificing. In the noble letter to General Halleck, in which he
+assumed all the responsibility for the failure at Fredericksburgh, they
+found renewed assurance that he had all the qualities of a true
+soldier--bravery, integrity and true manhood; but an army must have
+success, or it cannot long repose confidence in the general. So, while
+the Army of the Potomac regarded General Burnside with great respect, it
+gladly welcomed the advent of "Fighting Joe Hooker" to the command.
+
+General Hooker had fairly won the title of "Fighting Joe" at the
+slaughter of Williamsburgh, where, almost single-handed with his
+division, he had stemmed the tide of battle for hours, until reinforced
+by Kearney, and then, with the help of that hero, had held the whole
+rebel army until it was outflanked by our Second division.
+
+In all the battles of the Peninsula he had been conspicuous, and at
+South Mountain and Antietam his fighting propensities were exhibited in
+more than their wonted splendor. In person he was of large stature, with
+fine features, brilliant eye, his side whiskers and ruddy countenance
+giving a more youthful appearance than his light gray hair would
+indicate. His gleaming eye told of the spirit which animated the man,
+and his determined air betokened the persistent and fearless soldier. In
+battle or on review he rode a magnificent milk white steed, a powerful
+animal and of extraordinary fleetness. Mounted on this superb war horse,
+he was the most conspicuous, as he was always one of the handsomest men
+in the army.
+
+The energy of the new commander soon began to be manifested in the
+reconstruction and reorganization of the whole army. The first step in
+the progress of reconstruction, was the revocation of the order making
+three grand divisions of the army. By the abolition of the grand
+divisions, Generals Sumner and Franklin were relieved from their
+commands; and the corps commanders, no longer subject to intermediate
+commanders, were again directly responsible to the general-in-chief of
+the army. Doubtless General Hooker had seen that the creation of these
+grand divisions had much to do with the failures of General Burnside.
+
+The cavalry next engaged the attention of the general. The whole force
+was thoroughly reorganized and put in an efficient condition, under
+command of Major-General Stoneman. Hereafter, men were not to ask, "Who
+ever saw a dead cavalryman?" To General Hooker, the cavalry of the Army
+of the Potomac owes its efficiency and the glorious record it from that
+time made for itself.
+
+The superiority of the rebel cavalry, in the early part of the war, was
+generally attributed to the supposed fact that the young men of the
+south were so much better horsemen than those of the north. In reality,
+this had little, if anything, to do with it. It is even very doubtful if
+there was any difference in favor of the superior horsemanship of the
+southern cavalry. Their strength lay in their union. The rebel cavalry
+was organized from the beginning; ours was an incoherent mass of men,
+having no proper relations or dependencies within itself. From the day
+that it became organized, the superiority of the rebel cavalry passed
+away forever. We had always better horses, and our men were certainly
+never inferior to the rebels. All that was needed was the proper
+combination of action; and, as soon as this was secured, our cavalry
+became the finest in the world.
+
+The business departments were also thoroughly renovated. The changes in
+the medical, quartermasters' and commissary departments were such as to
+bring each to a standard of perfection, which had never before been
+reached by those departments of any army in the field. No army had ever
+been provisioned as was ours that winter. Soft bread, potatoes, beets,
+carrots, onions, fresh beef, flour, sugar and coffee, constituted the
+regular rations of the men, and facilities were afforded for procuring
+luxuries not in the regular supply.
+
+The medical department became so thoroughly systematized, that wounded
+and sick men were cared for better than they had ever been in an army
+before. This radical change had commenced under General Burnside; but
+was perfected under General Hooker, by the efficient and earnest medical
+director of the army, Dr. Letterman; to whom belongs the honor of
+bringing about this most desirable change.
+
+By the new system, the surgeons were enabled to accomplish a far greater
+amount of work, and in much better order than under the old; and the
+wounded were better and more quickly cared for. By this system the
+hospital of the division was the unit. From the division, a medical
+officer of good executive ability was selected, to whom was assigned the
+general oversight of the hospital. One or more surgeons of well known
+skill and experience were detailed from the medical force of the
+division, who were known as "operating surgeons;" to each of whom was
+assigned three assistants, also known to be skillful men, who were
+either surgeons or assistant surgeons. To the operating surgeons all
+cases requiring surgical operations were brought, and thus the wounded
+men had the benefit of the very best talent and experience in the
+division, in the decision of the question whether he should be submitted
+to the use of the knife, and in the performance of the operation in case
+one was required. It was a mistaken impression among those at home, that
+each medical officer was the operating surgeon for his own men. Only
+about one in fifteen of the medical officers was intrusted with
+operations.
+
+From each brigade an assistant surgeon was detailed to provide food and
+shelter for the wounded. His duty was to superintend the erection of
+hospital tents as soon as there was a prospect of an engagement, and to
+have hot coffee and rations of food ready for the wounded as soon as
+they came to the hospital; he was to attend to their clothing, bedding
+and rations as long as they remained in the hospital.
+
+Another assistant surgeon from each brigade was selected to keep the
+records; to take the name and character of wound of every one who was
+brought to the hospital, with the operation, if any; and the list of
+deaths, the place of burial, and all other matters necessary to record.
+An assistant surgeon was to remain with each regiment, and attend to
+getting the wounded from the field into the ambulances, and to arrest
+hemorrhage in case of necessity.
+
+Thus, all labor was systematized. Every officer and nurse knew exactly
+what to do: each had his own part of the work assigned to him, and there
+was no conflicting of orders or clashing of opinions.
+
+Our ambulance system was also very perfect--so complete, indeed, that,
+after a year of trial in the Army of the Potomac, congress adopted it as
+the ambulance system of the United States. To Doctor Letterman, also,
+belongs the honor of originating this system.
+
+The ambulances of each corps were under command of a captain, who acted
+under directions from the medical director of the corps. A lieutenant
+commanded the ambulances of a division, and a second lieutenant those of
+a brigade. To each ambulance was assigned a driver, and two
+stretcher-bearers; and to three ambulances a sergeant, mounted. The
+ambulances of a division always went together, behind the division, and
+on the march were attended by a surgeon, an assistant surgeon, a
+hospital steward, a cook, and three or more nurses, who were to attend
+to the wants of the sick in the ambulances, and at night, if any were
+unable to return to their regiments, to erect tents for them, and supply
+them with food and bedding. In an engagement, the stretcher-bearers of
+each regiment, with the sergeant, reported to the assistant surgeon in
+attendance with the regiment. As soon as a man was wounded, he was
+brought to the medical officer, put into an ambulance, and taken to the
+division hospital. By this means, ordinarily, every man was carried to
+the hospital of his own division.
+
+The improvements in the quartermasters' department were nearly as great;
+and we have already alluded to the abundant supplies furnished by the
+commissary department.
+
+Great difficulty was experienced by the troops of our corps in getting
+wood. The men of our Second division lugged wood on their backs a mile
+and a half, with which to do their cooking and warm their tents. But
+notwithstanding the hardships they endured, the inclemency of the
+winter, and their severe picket duty, the men were gay. In many of the
+regiments, the sounds of the guitar and accordion could be heard every
+evening; and on pleasant afternoons and evenings, parties assembled in
+the company streets and danced cotillions, and polkas, and jigs, to the
+music of violins. When snow covered the ground, mimic battles with
+snowballs were a frequent amusement. At times, one regiment would
+challenge another, and a general melee would follow. Snowballing was,
+particularly, a favorite amusement with our friends of the Twenty-first
+New Jersey, who never let an opportunity pass for indulging in their
+favorite sport. Each party carried its flags and was led by officers
+chosen for the occasion. The capture of a flag, or of a number of
+prisoners, from an opposite party, caused great glee among the victors.
+A good deal of interest was excited throughout the Second division by a
+snowball battle between one of the Vermont regiments and the
+Twenty-sixth New Jersey. Both regiments formed in line of battle, each
+officered by its line and field officers, the latter mounted. At the
+signal, the battle commenced; charges and counter-charges were made,
+prisoners were taken on either side, the air was filled with the white
+missiles, and stentorian cheers went up as one or other party gained an
+advantage. At length victory rested with the Vermonters, and the Jersey
+boys surrendered the field, defeated.
+
+Another favorite amusement in the corps was the game of base ball. There
+were many excellent players in the different regiments, and it was
+common for the ball-players of one regiment or brigade to challenge
+another regiment or brigade. These matches were watched by great crowds
+of soldiers with intense interest.
+
+In our Seventy-seventh regiment, matters went on much the same as in
+other regiments of the corps. We had our share of disease and
+desertions. We had our ball-players and our violinists; our singers and
+our story-tellers, as every regiment had. At regimental head-quarters,
+matters went on gaily. It was the custom of the officers of the field
+and staff to collect in one of the tents as evening came on, and, in
+company with friends from other regiments, pass the hours in lively
+converse, in singing and relating amusing stories.
+
+We had a glee book and an old copy of the "Carmina Sacra," and then our
+friend, Colonel, now Major-General, Connor, was never at a loss for a
+song, and Colonel French often displayed his genius with the violin, and
+our friend, the chaplain, could always tell a good story or perpetrate a
+joke. Chaplain Norman Fox was an accession to our staff, who joined us
+when we first encamped at White Oak Church. He was a gentleman of
+enterprise and talent, who, soon after his arrival in camp, instituted a
+series of religious meetings on week days, in addition to the regular
+services of the Sabbath, and a good deal of religious interest was
+awakened among the men.
+
+Among other changes, we lost one of our most valuable and beloved
+officers. Dr. Campbell, who had for weeks been declining in health, was
+obliged to resign. The doctor was a most genial and companionable man,
+and an excellent officer. We greatly missed his hearty laugh, his fund
+of stories and ready wit in our social gatherings. The doctor was
+afterward appointed surgeon of the Fortieth New York, but was attacked
+with spotted fever, from which he recovered only after a long illness,
+during which he again resigned.
+
+The First brigade, Second division, which for some time past had been
+under command of General Calvin A. Pratt, was broken up, and a new
+brigade, called the "Light division," was formed from the regiments of
+the First brigade, and one regiment from each the First and Third
+divisions. The regiments were, the Fifth Wisconsin, the Sixth Maine, the
+Thirty-first and Forty-third New York, and the Sixty-first Pennsylvania.
+Colonel Burnham, of the Sixth Maine, was placed in command.
+
+Among other reviews in the Sixth corps during the winter, was one by
+General Hooker, of our Second division and the Light division. The
+troops were formed in line, and the general and staff were escorted to
+the ground by the Twentieth New York, of Neill's brigade, in splendid
+style. The regiment was composed entirely of German Turners. Their drill
+surpassed that of any regiment of regulars, and the exquisite neatness
+they displayed in their dress and in the care of their equipments,
+together with the perfection of their movements, made them the finest
+appearing regiment in the service, when on parade. It is to be regretted
+that the prestige of the regiment was not always sustained on the
+battle-field. As the regiment and cavalcade appeared on the field, it
+was a brilliant pageant; first came our brigade band, one of the finest
+in the army, then the pioneers of the Twentieth, their axes, shovels and
+picks polished so that they glistened in the sunlight like burnished
+silver; then the Twentieth regiment, in column by company, marching with
+step as perfect as though all were directed by a single will; following
+the regiment, rode General Hooker on his superb white horse, a head and
+shoulders above all his cavalcade. The immense suite, consisting of
+General Hooker's own staff, and a large number of major-generals and
+their staffs, completed the brilliant column. The division was drawn up
+in a line, stretching a half a mile across the field, straight as the
+flight of an arrow, with artillery on either flank. The general and his
+brilliant retinue, rode to the right of the line, and advanced slowly
+along the front of the whole division, inspecting closely each regiment
+as he passed, the bands playing "Hail to the Chief," the colors dipping,
+and the bugles pealing notes of welcome. Having passed the entire front
+of the line, the chief now rode at a rapid pace along its rear to the
+point of beginning. He then, with his attendants, took a position on a
+slight elevation of ground at a distance from the line, when the whole
+division, in column, marching to the place, passed in review before him,
+and the pageant was ended.
+
+An important change in the command of our corps occurred about this
+time. General Smith, who had so long commanded our division, and for
+some time past our Sixth corps, was relieved of his command, and ordered
+to the department of North Carolina. His successor was General John
+Sedgwick, then well known as one of our best division commanders, and
+one of the sternest soldiers in the Army of the Potomac. Bred as a
+soldier, he had served with great distinction in Mexico, and at the
+breaking out of the rebellion he had joined the Union army, and was soon
+placed in command of a division in Sumner's corps, which, under his
+command, became the best division of the corps, as the Sixth corps
+became the best in the army. Modest and retiring in his ordinary
+intercourse with his fellows, he exhibited the most brilliant qualities
+in time of battle. The dignity of his bearing fitted him to command, and
+he needed not the insignia of rank to command the deference of those
+about him.
+
+None who witnessed the farewell reception of General Smith, will forget
+the scene at corps head-quarters. The two generals, the old and loved
+leader of the Second division and of the corps, and the new commander,
+stood side by side. General Smith, tall, well dressed, his regulation
+coat buttoned closely about him, his easy and graceful manner and
+conversation; General Sedgwick, of stouter build, wearing a loose blouse
+and coarse blue pants, such as are furnished the private soldier, strong
+and manly in his appearance, and somewhat abrupt in his manner. Officers
+returned to their camps satisfied that although the corps had lost a
+favorite commander, it had also gained a brave leader.
+
+One of the grand events of the winter was the review of the whole army
+by President Lincoln. The review continued two days. The first was
+occupied in reviewing the Second, Fifth, Sixth and Third corps; the
+second of the remaining corps. It was a most imposing spectacle, never
+to be forgotten by those who were actors or spectators. The President,
+in his civilian's dress and tall hat, accompanied by General Hooker, and
+followed by an immense suite, was welcomed by the thundering of
+artillery as it fired the national salute. The different corps were
+drawn up in line, each occupying a plain within sight of the others.
+Riding in front of the corps, the President and the immense cavalcade
+passed along the whole line, inspecting carefully each regiment, then
+returned in the rear. This inspection over, the President and staff
+stationed themselves in some favorable position, and the whole corps
+passed in review before him. The same process was repeated with each
+corps.
+
+How one unaccustomed to such physical fatigues could endure such labor,
+commencing early in the morning and only resting at dark, was a wonder.
+It seemed as if the President's physical, like his mental constitution,
+could bear up under the most trying and continued labors. As the warm
+weather of spring appeared, the men adorned their camps with evergreen
+trees and beautiful arches, so that the camps presented a pleasant
+appearance; but we had little time to enjoy these, for as soon as the
+roads began to be passable, preparations were pushed forward for the
+spring campaign.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.
+
+    Orders to move--The river crossed--Sedgwick's command--The First
+    corps withdrawn--Gallant conduct of the Light
+    division--Advancing to the heights--The line of battle--The
+    columns of attack--Attack of Howe's columns--Of Newton's
+    column--Of Burnham's--Misfortune following victory--Fight of
+    Bartlett's brigade--The First division at work--A critical
+    position--The Sixth corps surrounded--Savage fight of Neill's
+    brigade--The corps withdraws to Banks' Ford--Recrosses the
+    river--Hooker's operations on the right--Position of the
+    corps--Rout of the Eleventh corps--The rebels repulsed--Jackson
+    renews the attack--The rebels again repulsed--Hooker recrosses
+    the river.
+
+
+On Tuesday, the 28th of April, the Sixth corps received orders to break
+up its camp and be ready to march at a moment's notice. Eight days'
+rations had been issued to the men, who were in the highest spirits,
+having forgotten all their former discouragements, and were now only
+anxious for an encounter with the enemy. A storm of rain of some
+violence set in on the morning of the 28th, which rendered marching
+difficult. At twelve o'clock we received the order to "fall in," and in
+five minutes we were on our way to take our place in the line of battle.
+A march of six miles through thickets and bogs, brought us to the rear
+of Falmouth Station, at a short distance from the river. Here we
+bivouacked for the night, and were awakened before daylight in the
+morning by the sound of artillery and musketry at the river, where
+Russell's brigade, of the First division, was forcing a passage across
+the stream. The Second division only had been allowed to rest quietly
+during the night. The men of the Light brigade had toiled from dark
+until nearly dawn, carrying the pontoon boats on their shoulders to the
+river side, and launching them in the stream. So noiselessly had they
+conducted their operations, that the pickets of the enemy took no alarm
+until they suddenly saw the braves of Russell's brigade approaching in
+the boats, just as dawn was breaking. The astonished confederates fired
+a few volleys of musketry, and our guns threw among them a few charges
+of cannister, and the rebels fled precipitately. A number of prisoners
+were captured, among them the officer of the picket-guard. Colonel
+Irwin, of the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, who had, at Antietam, commanded
+the Third brigade of the Second division, was among the wounded on our
+side.
+
+At sunrise the Second division filed down to the river side, and took
+position in line of battle. Our horses cropped the green blades which
+had sprung from the grain scattered for their food nearly five months
+before. The division was upon the very spot where it lay before, at the
+first battle of Fredericksburgh. The bridge also was in the same place
+that Franklin's bridge had been. The point was known as Franklin's
+Crossing.
+
+The First division of our corps (Brook's) was on the other side of the
+river, holding the plain for some distance. The pickets of that division
+formed the half of a circle of about three-fourths of a mile in
+diameter, the center being at the pontoon bridge, where some earthworks
+were thrown up. At our left, about a mile down the river, the First
+corps had also effected a crossing. The rebels had offered strong
+resistance, but the crossing was gallantly accomplished by Wadsworth's
+division in boats. Like the First division of our own corps, Wadsworth's
+division was holding a semi-circular portion of the plateau; but being
+able to maintain the position by some fighting.
+
+Sickles' Third corps was upon the high ground in the rear, ready to come
+to the assistance of the corps at the river. The three corps, First,
+Third and Sixth, were under command of General Sedgwick.
+
+The rebels spent the day in throwing up intrenchments and shelling
+Reynolds' position. Toward night the artillery practice ceased, and the
+First and Sixth corps bivouacked where they had stood during the day,
+but Sickles and his corps were ordered to the assistance of Hooker, on
+the right.
+
+The morning of the 30th was lowery, but the clouds dispersed as the day
+advanced. About noon the troops were massed by brigades, and a
+congratulatory order from General Hooker was read to them, amid great
+cheering. "The enemy," said the order, "must now come out and fight us
+on our ground, or retreat ingloriously." Nothing more of interest
+occurred that day; but, in the afternoon of the following day, the First
+corps became engaged in a fierce artillery duel with the enemy, in which
+the corps lost a large number of its men in killed and wounded. At
+sunset an order came from General Hooker, at Chancellorsville, for
+General Sedgwick to assume a threatening attitude--to make a severe
+demonstration--but to make no attack. There was much marching and
+getting into position, and regiments and divisions were marched and
+countermarched in such a manner as to convey to the rebels the
+impression that a grand attack was to be made at that point. The enemy
+was evidently deceived by these maneuvers, and heavy columns of rebel
+infantry commenced to form upon the old battle-field. While we stood in
+line of battle, one of our bands near the skirmish line struck up the
+air, "Dixie." The rebels, hearing the strains, set up defiant cheers,
+which were answered by our army in the most tremendous shouts
+imaginable. The contest seemed for the time to depend on strength of
+lung, and our boys certainly beat them at shouting.
+
+As the sun disappeared behind the hills, when Hooker's guns were
+thundering, we retired to our tents. All day long the earth had been
+shaken by tremendous firing of artillery on the right; and now, as
+darkness gathered over the scenes of conflict, the thundering of the
+guns and the trembling of the earth seemed like a succession of
+earthquakes. The spirit of our boys rose, as the battle on the right
+progressed, and there seemed to be indications of work for them. Groups
+might be seen at any time, when we were not standing in line of battle,
+telling yarns, singing songs, playing ball and pitching quoits, while
+they momentarily looked for the order to advance upon the heights, into
+the very jaws of death.
+
+Saturday morning, May 2d, the First corps was withdrawn from its
+position; its bridges were taken up, and the corps moved past us up the
+river to join the main body of the army under Hooker, on the right. The
+Seventy-seventh was sent to do picket duty on the ground occupied by the
+First corps the night before. Our reserve was posted a little way from
+the river, in a pleasant field, where the fresh clover furnished a soft
+bed for the men, and a dainty bite for our horses. Just in front of us
+was a lovely spot--the residence of Doctor Morson, for fifteen years a
+surgeon in the United States navy. The place was in remarkable order;
+the gardens in full bloom, the mocking birds building their nests, and
+the greenlets warbling sweetly among the flowering shrubs.
+
+We strolled along the banks of the beautiful river, gathering flowers
+and glancing at our "secesh" neighbors on the opposite bank, only a few
+yards distant; or we lounged in the shade of our tents, enjoying the
+charms of a lovely May day, while the terrible din of battle on the
+right, where Hooker's forces were contending, shook the ground beneath
+us, and we knew that ere the sun set, thousands of our brave comrades
+must be sacrificed.
+
+As the evening drew near, we who were on the north side of the river saw
+our skirmishers, of the "Light division", drive back the skirmish line
+of the enemy. It was a gallant feat, and finely executed. Our hearts
+leaped for joy as we watched our brave fellows, their line as perfect as
+though on drill, advance, firing rapidly, and pressing the enemy at
+"double-quick." They made no halt until they had crossed the whole
+breadth of the plain and reached the base of the hills.
+
+Few who were then in the Sixth corps will ever forget that scene. The
+sun, just sinking behind the hills where Hooker was at work, threw a
+beautiful golden light over the plain, and crowned the heights with
+brilliant hues. It was one of those evenings of surpassing loveliness,
+such as gladdened our hearts only at long intervals. Prominent in the
+foreground of the beautiful scene was a noble white steed, with its
+gallant rider, dashing from one end of the skirmish line to the other.
+None who witnessed the spectacle will forget the white horse and the
+fearless rider; and few of the Second or Light divisions need be
+reminded that the horseman was Colonel Baker, of the Forty-third New
+York, who was then in charge of the skirmish line.
+
+The "Light division" was, as we have before stated, the First brigade of
+our Second division, with regiments from the First and Third divisions
+which had been, a short time before leaving camp, detached to form an
+independent organization. The arrangement was broken up immediately
+after this battle, and the regiments put in the First and Second
+divisions again.
+
+Immediately after the brilliant advance of the "Light division," the
+Seventy-seventh regiment was ordered to leave the picket line and join
+its brigade. The Second division crossed the river and took position,
+the Third brigade in front, the Vermont brigade in rear. The
+Thirty-third and Forty-ninth New York, of the Third brigade, went
+forward as pickets in front of the hills, relieving pickets of the
+"Light division," which moved to the right. We remained in line all
+night, sometimes throwing ourselves upon the ground to catch a moment's
+sleep, then roused in expectancy of an advance.
+
+At four o'clock in the morning we did advance. Straight across the plain
+we went, until we came nearly to the base of the heights, where the
+hosts of the enemy awaited us, then taking the Bowling Green road, filed
+to the right and proceeded to the rear of Fredericksburgh; the
+Seventy-seventh in front, the Twenty-first New Jersey, the Forty-ninth
+New York, Twentieth New York, Seventh Maine and Thirty-third New York,
+constituting the Third brigade, under command of General Neill,
+following in the order mentioned. Then came the Vermont brigade, Colonel
+L. A. Grant commanding; these two brigades forming the whole of Howe's
+(Second) division of the Sixth corps since the First brigade was
+detached.
+
+As we gained the rear of the eastern part of the town, the batteries of
+the enemy opened upon us, and swarms of infantry rose up in our front
+and poured volleys of bullets into our ranks. The "Light division" and
+Newton's Third division of our corps had passed through the streets of
+the town, and were now on our right. The skirmishers from Wheaton's and
+Shaler's brigades had struck those of the enemy near a large mansion,
+where, each party dodging behind the garden fence, the cherry trees and
+the outhouses, they kept up a lively engagement for several minutes, but
+Newton's advance was forced to yield the ground.
+
+In the meantime, the long line of rifled cannon which surmounted
+Stafford Heights, on the north side of the river, as at the first battle
+of Fredericksburgh, were throwing huge shells across the wide valley and
+stream into the works of the enemy. One or two field batteries near the
+head of our own column, and some attached to the other divisions, got
+into position and opened a fierce cannonade.
+
+General Howe quickly formed his troops in line, as did the other
+division commanders.
+
+The line of battle of the corps extended from the pontoon bridge at
+Franklin's Crossing to the right of the town of Fredericksburgh. First,
+on the left, Brooks' division held the plain in front of the crossing.
+Next, on the right, in front of Marye's Heights, was Howe's Second
+division; then the "Light division," Colonel Burnham; and on the extreme
+right was Newton's Third division. Gibbon's division of the Second
+corps, which, because its encampment was in plain view of the enemy, had
+been left behind, also crossed into the town by a bridge which it threw
+over, and took position on the right of the corps.
+
+General Sedgwick, finding that the heights could only be carried by
+direct assault, directed storming columns to be formed in the Second and
+Third divisions and the Light division, which order was at once carried
+into execution.
+
+In the Second division, General Howe directed General Neill to lead the
+advance. The plan of attack of the division was in two lines of battle
+of three regiments each.
+
+The first line consisted of the Thirty-third New York, Colonel Taylor,
+the Seventh Maine, Colonel Connor, and the Twenty-first New Jersey,
+Colonel Van Houten, preceded by the Seventy-seventh New York, Colonel
+French, as skirmishers. The line was commanded by General Neill[1]. The
+second line consisted of the Sixth Vermont, Colonel Barney, the
+Twenty-sixth New Jersey, Colonel Morrison, and the Second Vermont,
+Colonel Walbridge, and was under command of Colonel L. A. Grant. Both
+lines were arranged from right to left, in the order above mentioned.
+
+    [1] "I was ordered to form three regiments as the _advance of a
+    column of assault_ against the heights of Marye's Hill, back of
+    Fredericksburgh. I led the Thirty-third New York, Twenty-first
+    New Jersey and Seventh Maine Volunteers, preceded by the
+    Seventy-seventh New York, who were acting as skirmishers, under
+    a heavy fire of shot and shell."--_Neill's Report._
+
+The Forty-ninth and Twentieth New York formed the right reserve, and the
+Third, Fourth and Fifth Vermont, under Colonel Seavor, the left reserve.
+
+The next column was composed of the Seventh Massachusetts, Colonel
+Jones, and the Thirty-sixth New York, Colonel Walsh; both under the
+command of Colonel Jones--the Fifth Wisconsin, Colonel Allen, acting as
+skirmishers. Supporting the column, in line of battle, were the Sixth
+Maine, Colonel Harris, Thirty-first New York, Colonel Jones, and the
+Twenty-third Pennsylvania, Colonel Ely.
+
+The right column of all consisted of the Forty-third New York, Colonel
+Baker, and the Sixty-first Pennsylvania, Colonel Spear--the two
+regiments under command of the latter officer, who fell, mortally
+wounded, while leading the charge. The Sixty-seventh New York, Colonel
+Cross, and the Eighty-second Pennsylvania, Major Bassett, under command
+of Colonel Shaler, supported this right column.
+
+At half-past ten, the arrangements for storming the heights were
+completed, and Newton's batteries opened upon the enemy. At the sound of
+Newton's first gun, General Howe ordered his batteries to direct their
+fire upon the heights, and then ordered the storming column forward.
+
+The division advanced toward the bold bluffs, which, bare of trees as
+well as the plain below, allowed the enemy an excellent view of all our
+movements. A railroad traversed the plain near the bluffs, and in a deep
+cut through which the road passed, were rebels. They rose up as we
+advanced, and poured showers of leaden hail into our line; but one of
+our batteries, getting an enfilading fire on the road, sent the
+gray-coated occupants hurriedly to the rear. For a moment we halted, the
+batteries on either side playing into each other with spirit.
+
+It was a moment of contending emotions of pride, hope and sadness, as
+our gallant boys stood face to face with those heights, ready to charge
+upon them. At double-quick, and in splendid style, they crossed the
+plain. Our line was perfect. The men could not have made a more orderly
+appearance had they been on drill. Proud of their commands, Generals
+Howe and Neill, and Colonel Grant, cheered the men onward, while
+Lieutenant-Colonel French, in charge of the skirmish line, inspired, by
+his own intrepid behavior, the utmost confidence and bravery in his men.
+They took the matter as coolly as though on parade.
+
+Just in rear of the division, three batteries of Parrott guns were
+playing into the works of the enemy, while from the heights above, all
+the opposing batteries poured a terrible and destructive fire upon the
+advancing lines. Having gained the rifle pits at the base of the hills,
+they pushed forward to capture the heights.
+
+[Illustration: STORMING OF MARYE'S HEIGHTS BY HOWE'S DIVISION.]
+
+A more grand spectacle cannot be imagined. There were the hills, enough
+to fatigue any man to climb them without a load and with no one to
+oppose. At the foot of the hills were thousands of the enemy, pouring
+into them volleys of musketry, and on the heights were their lines of
+earthworks, with their artillery, from which poured grape and cannister
+in a frightful storm. But the boys pushed nobly, steadily on, the rebels
+steadily retreating, the division coming up in splendid style. Generals
+Howe and Neill and Colonel Grant directing the movements and cheering on
+the men, as they pressed undauntedly against the murderous storm of iron
+and lead that met them from above. Our men were falling in every
+direction, but the lines were immediately closed, and on they passed.
+With shouts and cheers that drowned the roar of artillery, the noble
+division, with bayonets fixed, mounted the heights, the rebels
+retreating in confusion. Of that noble column the skirmishers of the
+Seventy-seventh first reached the heights of Marye's Hill, the
+Thirty-third New York, in line of battle, followed, and then the Sixth
+Vermont,[2] the other regiments of the two brigades being but a moment
+behind. But the work was not all done yet. On our left was an earthwork
+of strong profile, from which now the rebels turned their guns upon us.
+Against this the column turned, and soon gained possession of it also. A
+third stronghold then fell into our hands, and we were in undisputed
+possession of the heights. While the troops under Neill and Grant had
+thus nobly stormed the works in front, Colonel Seaver, with his three
+regiments, had scaled the heights further to the left.
+
+    [2] General L. A. Grant, in his report, does unintentional
+    injustice to a brave regiment. He says: "The Sixth Vermont
+    followed the Thirty-third New York, _and was the second_ to gain
+    the heights of Fredericksburgh." The Thirty-third was not the
+    first to gain the heights on that part of the line. The
+    testimony of General Neill, as well as of the members of the
+    regiment, and the many trophies it captured, fully establish the
+    claim of the Seventy-seventh to the honor.
+
+With one or two exceptions, every regiment in the division had behaved
+with great gallantry.
+
+The Seventy-seventh New York captured a stand of colors belonging to the
+Eighteenth Mississippi regiment, two heavy guns, a large number of
+prisoners, among whom was Colonel Luce of the Eighteenth Mississippi,
+and great numbers of small arms.
+
+As the regiment reached the heights, and took possession of the guns,
+General Howe rode up, and, taking off his hat, exclaimed: "Noble
+Seventy-seventh! you have covered yourselves with glory!" The general's
+words were greeted with tumultuous cheers.
+
+In the second work, the Thirty-third New York captured a piece of heavy
+ordnance and a number of prisoners. The regiment had exhibited great
+spirit and bravery. Six color-bearers had been shot down successively.
+
+It was at the signal of the first gun in Newton's front that General
+Howe had ordered the charge of the Second division. The Third division
+and the Light division had not been idle while the events we have
+described were going on. It will be remembered that the column on the
+right consisted of the Forty-third New York and the Sixty-first
+Pennsylvania, supported by a line of battle; and that the other column
+consisted of the Seventh Massachusetts and Thirty-sixth New York, also
+supported by other regiments.
+
+The ascent in front of the Third and Light divisions, though steep, was
+less precipitous than in front of Howe's column, and a good road led to
+the heights. But a stone wall skirted the base of the hills, behind
+which the rebels swarmed in great numbers.
+
+Under the fire of the rebel batteries, Newton's and Burnham's regiments
+lay, some in the outskirts of the town, some in the cemetery, until
+General Sedgwick gave the order for the advance. Then, almost at the
+same time, both commands moved up the glacis towards the heights.
+Colonel Jones, with his two regiments, the Seventh Massachusetts and
+Thirty-sixth New York, pushed forward up the telegraph road, against the
+stone wall, bearing to the right of the road; their knapsacks and
+haversacks were left behind that they might be unencumbered with
+needless burdens. As they approached within three hundred yards of the
+wall, a murderous volley checked the advance, and threw the head of the
+column into disorder. In two minutes the men were rallied, and again
+they approached the wall, this time nearer than before; but again they
+were broken. A third time they were rallied; this time they pushed
+straight forward to the works.
+
+The column under Colonel Spear started briskly forward, divested, like
+the others, of knapsacks and haversacks. Sallying from the town at
+double quick, in column of four ranks, they crossed the bridge just
+outside the city, when the gallant Colonel Spear received his mortal
+wound, and fell at the head of his men. The Sixty-first, which led the
+column, shocked at the death of their beloved leader, broke, and in
+confusion turned toward the town. This unfortunate confusion spread to
+the men of the Forty-third, who, checked by the disordered mass in
+front, and submitted to a galling fire, also commenced falling back.
+Finding any attempt to get the men through the disordered mass in front,
+the gallant Wilson drew his colors to the right and rallied his regiment
+around them. Then, bounding forward, the regiment reached the heights
+scarcely behind any of the regiments on the left, capturing a gun and
+many prisoners.
+
+The line of battle under Colonel Burnham advanced on the left of the
+road; the Fifth Wisconsin on the skirmish line, the Sixth Maine, the
+Thirty-first New York, and the Twenty-third Pennsylvania in line. Four
+more gallant regiments could not be found in the service. Leaving
+everything but guns and ammunition, they started forward, encountering a
+shower of bullets, grape and canister, as soon as they rose above the
+slight knoll which had concealed them. We of the Second division looked
+with admiration upon the advancing line; our flag--it was the flag of
+the Sixth Maine--in advance of the others, its brave color-guard
+bounding forward, then halting a moment while the men came up, then
+dashing forward again, and finally gaining the heights before us all! It
+was a noble spectacle, and filled our hearts with pride for our brave
+comrades of the Light division. The Light division secured as trophies
+about seven hundred prisoners and five cannon.
+
+Thus the heights were won. It was a glorious day for the Sixth corps.
+Never was a charge more gallantly made. But it was a sad day, for many
+scores of our brave comrades lay stretched in death, along the glacis,
+and on the steep ascent, in the ravines and along the road.
+
+The Seventh Massachusetts, the Sixth Maine, the Fifth Wisconsin, the
+Second Vermont, and the Seventy-seventh, Thirty-third and Forty-third
+New York, were among the greatest losers. The Sixth Maine reached the
+rebel works with the loss of six captains and the major, and a
+proportional number of enlisted men. Two color-bearers and
+Lieutenant-Colonel Newman were shot in the Thirty-first, and Colonel
+Jones, of the Seventh Massachusetts, was seriously wounded, while one
+hundred and twelve of his brave men were either killed or wounded.
+
+The wounded had been taken to the city, where they were kindly cared for
+by the surgeons of the corps, who had seized the town for hospital
+purposes. Churches and private dwellings swarmed with the unfortunate
+men, whose mangled forms told of the fearful work of the day. Surgeons
+were hard at work ministering relief to the suffering, binding up the
+wounds or removing the mangled limbs which offered no hope of recovery;
+while nurses administered food and coffee, and prepared beds, such as
+could be extemporized from blankets spread upon the floors. More than
+three thousand wounded were brought into the city before nightfall.
+
+Upon the very heels of the brilliant success of the corps commenced
+disaster. An order from General Hooker had directed General Sedgwick to
+advance toward Chancellorsville, and form a junction with the main army.
+So the corps which had so nobly won the heights pressed on for further
+achievements. The heights were left behind. Brooks' division, which now
+took the lead, had advanced as far as Salem Church, on the
+Chancellorsville pike, when, instead of meeting any portion of Hooker's
+army, a few shells from rebel guns warned the division of the presence
+of the enemy.
+
+A dense thicket was in front, and Bartlett's brigade, which had the
+advance, was deployed to skirmish and ascertain the position of the
+concealed foe. Presently, having fallen upon a strong line of
+skirmishers, the brigade was formed in line of battle; the
+Twenty-seventh New York on the right, then the Fifth Maine, then the One
+Hundred and Twenty-first New York, and on the left the Ninety-sixth
+Pennsylvania; the Sixteenth New York holding the skirmish line in front.
+General Bartlett advanced his line to the thicket, the Sixteenth driving
+the rebel skirmishers, the brigade following closely. At the edge of the
+thicket General Bartlett halted the line, but being ordered by General
+Brooks to advance rapidly, he pushed on again.
+
+Advancing through the thicket about thirty rods, the brigade suddenly
+found itself face to face with a rebel line. The confederates were lying
+down in a road which traversed the thicket; and, when the Union line was
+within twenty yards, they suddenly discharged a volley, which, had it
+been well aimed, must have almost annihilated the brigade; but the fire
+was returned with effect, and presently, the confederates were glad to
+leave the road, which was almost filled with their dead and wounded, and
+seek shelter behind rifle pits. The rifle pits were but a few yards in
+rear of the road, and here a very strong force was posted. The Union
+forces occupied the road, and directed their fire against the works; but
+the rebel fire cut down their unprotected ranks like grass before the
+scythe. For fifteen minutes the gallant regiments endured this murderous
+fire, and then fell back in good order, having lost, within twenty
+minutes, nearly seven hundred men; of whom two hundred and seventy-three
+were from the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York.
+
+The New Jersey brigade, and the whole division, had by this time been
+brought into action, and great slaughter was made in almost every
+regiment. Newton's division was also fiercely engaged on the right,
+Wheaton's brigade holding its position only by the most stubborn
+fighting. The enemy having forced the First division to retire, advanced
+against our line; but the batteries under Williston, Rigby and Parsons,
+by splendid practice, repulsed the onset. The Second division, forming
+the rear of the column, had not been brought into the engagement.
+
+Darkness came to the relief of the corps, and the men slept soundly on
+their arms after the arduous duties of the day; but there were many
+misgivings among officers in regard to what to-morrow might bring forth.
+
+While we rested, the enemy was bringing up reinforcements from the
+direction of Richmond. Very early in the morning the siege guns on
+Stafford Heights, opposite the town, sent some shells screaming across
+the valley to the heights of Marye's Hill, giving the alarm to those in
+the town and to those who had so recently left it. Lines of rebels were
+seen all along the outskirts of the town and on the crests above.
+Fifteen thousand confederate troops were between the Sixth corps and
+Fredericksburgh Heights. The surgeons immediately prepared to send the
+wounded across the river, but, supposing that to accomplish the whole
+before the rebels should take possession of the town would be
+impossible, made every preparation for being themselves taken prisoners.
+A small detachment of Gibbon's division still guarded the town, but
+nearly all his troops had recrossed the river and were on Stafford
+Heights. But the small force in the town seemed sufficient to convey to
+the rebels the impression that it was well guarded, for they made no
+attempt to seize the immense amount of hospital stores which was at
+their mercy, or to molest the wounded or the surgeons.
+
+The Sixth corps was now in a critical position; its communications
+entirely cut off, and surrounded by hosts of the enemy. The corps was
+sandwiched between the rebels on the heights and Lee's whole army; while
+on its left was a strong force, and on its right an impassable river.
+Dispositions were at once made to meet the emergency.
+
+Brooks' division was drawn back, and Howe's, still in the rear, changed
+front and quickly extended the line of battle to the river, so as to
+include Banks' Ford, six miles above the city, over which communications
+were at once established.
+
+The whole of Early's rebel division occupied the crest of Marye's and
+Cemetery Hills; the divisions of Anderson and McLaws were on our flank;
+and the brigades of Hays, Hoke and Lawton, supported by Lee's whole
+army, were in our rear. We were in the vicinity of Salem Church, and our
+only line of retreat was upon the road leading to Banks' Ford.
+
+The first demonstration of the rebels, on the morning of the 4th, was
+against the position held by Neill's brigade. A company from the Seventh
+Maine, and two companies from the Forty-ninth New York, in conjunction
+with a part of Martin's battery, and supported by the remaining
+companies of the Forty-ninth, gallantly repulsed and routed a whole
+brigade of rebels, capturing two hundred prisoners, and the colors of
+the Fifty-eighth Virginia regiment; which last trophy was borne off by
+the men of the Forty-ninth, and was the second stand of colors taken by
+that gallant brigade in this engagement, the Seventy-seventh having
+captured the other.
+
+The day wore away with little fighting till five o'clock. General Howe
+had so disposed his troops as to occupy two positions.
+
+In front was the Third brigade, holding a crest which overlooked a
+ravine through which the rebels must pass. Behind the brigade was
+another ravine, in which was a thin skirt of woods. In rear of this
+second ravine, and behind a swell of ground, the Vermont brigade was
+strongly posted, forming the second line of battle. There were in each
+of these two brigades about three thousand men.
+
+Now came the most fearful struggle of the campaign. At five o'clock the
+rebel hordes came, with deafening yells, upon the division. The
+divisions of Early, Anderson and McLaws rushed upon the single brigade
+of less than three thousand men, massing their troops in the ravine, and
+charging with impetuous fury. But the noble regiments heroically
+withstood the shock, the Germans of the Twentieth only going to the rear
+in confusion. The stubborn resistance of the brigade prevented the
+rebels from piercing our lines, and cutting off our retreat, and thus,
+by its gallantry, enabled the corps to cross at Banks' Ford. But one
+thousand men--more than one-third of the brigade--fell on that crest.
+Colonel Van Houghton, of the Twenty-first New Jersey, was mortally
+wounded, and many other choice spirits were among the fallen. General
+Neill was injured by the fall of his horse, which was shot. General Howe
+now ordered the brigade to fall back, and the decimated regiments left
+the front line, and fell behind the strong position held by the
+Vermonters. The rebels, thinking this a retreat, followed with yells of
+exultation, but were met by the second line of battle, which, from its
+position behind the swell of ground, was concealed, with a murderous
+fire, which sent them reeling back to the cover of the first ravine.
+Their charge had inflicted little damage upon the Union line. It was now
+nearly dark, and the reception which the rebels had received had so
+completely routed and broken them, that they made no further attempt
+upon our lines.
+
+About nine o'clock, the division was ordered to fall back to Banks'
+Ford, now two miles distant from us. We fell back quietly, and found
+that the other divisions had preceded us, and were snugly behind rifle
+pits. They had fallen back as soon as it was dark, leaving the Second
+division to cover the retreat.
+
+Meantime, comparatively little fighting had been done by the other
+divisions, though a constant skirmish was kept up, and in the evening
+the confederates managed to get in the rear of a part of the picket of
+the Light division, capturing a large number of prisoners from the
+Forty-third and Thirty-first New York, and Sixty-first Pennsylvania.
+
+The position at Banks' Ford might have been held until reinforcements
+could have reached the corps from Hooker; but, unfortunately, that
+general, receiving from General Sedgwick first, intelligence that he
+could not safely hold the position, then that he could, ordered the
+corps to be withdrawn, and afterward countermanded the order; but the
+last order was only received when the movement had been accomplished.
+
+Toward morning the corps recrossed the Rappahannock on pontoon bridges;
+not without the utmost difficulty; one bridge being destroyed by rebel
+artillery, and the other barely saved from destruction long enough to
+allow the troops hurriedly to pass over.
+
+The corps had passed through a fearful ordeal, and had shown itself to
+be made of heroic material. No two more brilliant feats had been
+performed during the war, than the storming of the heights of
+Fredericksburgh, and the splendid resistance when surrounded and
+attacked by overwhelming forces. The men came out of the fight, not
+demoralized, but as ready to scale those terrible heights again, if
+called upon, as they had been on the 3d of May.
+
+General Sedgwick had manifested during the fights, those masterly
+qualities which made him one of the greatest soldiers of the age. His
+conduct on the retreat was cool and unimpassioned. Personally examining
+every part of the ground in front and rear, riding from one end of the
+line to the other, now ordering a battery placed at some commanding
+point, and now looking out a new position to which his troops might fall
+back in case of necessity, he was everywhere present, full of energy, as
+determined to save as he had been to win.
+
+Throughout the land the glorious deeds of the Sixth corps became
+household words; but its glory had been dearly purchased. Five thousand
+of the heroes who crossed the Rappahannock on the 2d of May, were either
+dead or wounded. Colonel Van Houghton, one of New Jersey's bravest sons,
+had received a mortal wound, from which he died in the hands of the
+enemy. Captain Luther M. Wheeler, of the Seventy-seventh, was shot while
+we halted at the foot of Marye's Hill. It was a sad loss to his
+regiment, and the corps. Few more gifted young men could be found in the
+army. He was one of our bravest and most efficient officers. Gentle in
+his relations with his fellows, cool and daring in battle; his youthful
+face beaming with fortitude, was a continual joy to his men in time of
+danger. He died as he had lived, a hero.
+
+The Forty-third had lost Captain Knickerbocker and Lieutenant Koonz. Two
+young men of brilliant promise, greatly loved and respected in their
+regiment and in their native city, Albany.
+
+The wounded men in the hospitals exhibited the same heroic fortitude in
+their sufferings that they had manifested in the charge and in the
+retreat. A few instances are given as illustrations of many: Erskine
+Branch of Company D, Seventy-seventh New York, when his leg was torn to
+shreds by a shell, hobbled off on the sound one and his gun, singing
+"The Star Spangled Banner." Corporal Henry West was shot through the
+thigh, and he was brought to the rear. "I guess," said he "that old Joe
+West's son has lost a leg." The corporal died soon after. While in the
+hospital, suffering from extreme anguish, a wounded man at his side
+lamented that he had come to the war. "I am not sorry that I came,"
+instantly responded the brave corporal.
+
+Let us now turn back and glance hastily at the maneuvers of the main
+army at Chancellorsville. We, of the Sixth corps, could only see by the
+balloon which, like some huge bird, hovered over the army, where it held
+its position, and the unceasing roar of artillery told us of a severe
+struggle with its foe; while rumor brought, now reports of brilliant
+success, and anon tales of sad defeat. We knew little of the true state
+of affairs at the right, and it was only when we mingled with our
+comrades of the other corps that we learned the details of the battle of
+Chancellorsville. We now repeat it as it was given to us. On the day
+that the army broke up its winter camp, General Hooker led the Fifth,
+Eleventh, Twelfth and Second corps, except Gibbon's division of the
+latter, up the river, until he reached Kelley's Ford, about twenty miles
+above Fredericksburgh. Here he crossed his whole force, and pushing
+southward and eastward, uncovered the United States Ford eight miles
+below, which was guarded by a brigade of rebels, and struck the
+intersection of the Gordonsville plank road with the Orange county
+turnpike, about five miles from United States Ford; having by great
+exertions crossed two rivers and marched twenty miles. At the crossing
+of the two roads, west of the turnpike, and south of the plank road,
+stood a single large mansion, the Chancellor house. Here General Hooker
+made his head-quarters, and from this point he disposed the corps of the
+army so as to form a line of battle, which should face south and east,
+with a single corps to guard against an advance from the west. The Third
+and First corps soon joined Hooker's forces, and the corps were posted
+as follows: The Eleventh corps, under General Howard, was on the right
+of the line, three miles southwest of Chancellorsville, facing westward;
+next, to the left of Howard, but far to the south, and holding the
+turnpike five miles in front of Chancellorsville, was Sickles with his
+Third corps; back almost to the plank road, and left of the turnpike,
+was Slocum with the Twelfth corps; and still to the right, and behind
+the plank road, the Fifth corps, under General Meade, faced toward the
+southwest; behind Meade and Slocum, the Second corps was posted, one
+division guarding the approach to the bridge. The country was densely
+wooded. Except an open space about the house, it was a tangled
+wilderness. The ground was low and marshy, and nearly level. Earthworks
+were thrown up in front of all the corps, and everything seemed in
+readiness for the enemy, for whom General Hooker now waited, hoping,
+that by fruitless assaults upon what seemed an impregnable position, the
+enemy would be so exhausted that he might turn upon him with fresh
+divisions, and rout the retreating forces. His programme was to secure a
+position in the rear of the rebel positions at the fords, while that
+portion of the army left at Fredericksburgh was to divert attention from
+the principal movement. Stoneman, with the cavalry, was to make a grand
+raid on the communications of the rebel army, burning the bridges and
+tearing up railroads. The main body of the army having secured its
+position, and accomplished its work, the Sixth corps was to press
+forward and harass them in their retreat toward Richmond.
+
+Saturday afternoon, almost at dark, the First corps, Reynolds', which
+had that morning parted company with the Sixth corps, crossed the river
+and took position near the ford, four miles in rear of Howard.
+
+The rebel army had been on the southeast of ours. Sickles, on the
+afternoon of Saturday, discovered a train of wagons and ambulances
+moving across the pike far in his front. He sent a force to cut it in
+two, and was successful in taking a large number of prisoners and in
+creating a panic in the train. He advanced, and was met by a strong
+force of the enemy. He now sent to General Howard for reinforcements.
+General Howard led a brigade to his assistance in person, and then at
+full speed galloped back to his corps. He was just in time. Bursting
+shells on the right of his line told of the presence of the enemy.
+"Stonewall" Jackson, with an immense force, had passed round our army,
+and now came like an avalanche upon the right division of the Eleventh
+corps, General Devins. The men were cooking their coffee, when suddenly
+the whizzing of innumerable bullets aroused them from their culinary
+engagements. The hosts of Jackson, with yells and shouts, fell like a
+thunderbolt upon the astonished division, and it melted away like a
+snowflake in summer. The next division, Shurz, tried to maintain the
+ground, and did what men could do, but could not withstand the shock of
+fifty thousand men. General Hooker, fearing that the flying Germans
+would stampede the whole army, directed the cavalry which was with him,
+to charge upon the fugitives and arrest their flight; but no power could
+halt them. The commanding general at once directed General Sickles to
+attack the enemy on the flank, and, if possible, check his farther
+advance.
+
+General Howard, with great presence of mind and perseverance, succeeded
+in stopping the rout at a stone wall, behind which he posted his line.
+Forty pieces of artillery were also, by General Hooker's order,
+concentrated to oppose the confederates, who again rushed forward with
+mad desperation, and were met with terrific fire from this long line of
+guns. They staggered back, but soon rallied, and again charged, and
+again met with a terrible repulse. The conflict now ceased for the
+night. Hooker drew in his lines, making them more compact, changed the
+disposition of some of the corps: throwing the Eleventh corps from the
+right to the left of the line, and bringing Meade, with the Fifth corps,
+to the right. Sickles and Slocum, with the Third and Twelfth corps, were
+near the Chancellor house. Artillery was massed to command the
+approaches to the turnpike, and earthworks went up in the night as if by
+magic. At daylight, Sunday morning, Jackson, with all his forces,
+advanced on the turnpike, against the Chancellor place, not with the
+thin line of battle, but in solid mass. His men poured from the woods
+like a torrent, their shouts and yells making a pandemonium of the
+wilderness. Suddenly, from the mouths of forty cannon was hurled against
+them a cruel storm of grape and canister, which ploughed through the
+advancing column, carrying death and destruction in its course, while
+the infantry from the Third corps poured into the faces of the desperate
+foe a terrible hail storm of bullets which almost decimated the heavy
+column. With the desperation of madness, the rebels rushed against this
+terrible fire, almost reaching the muzzles of the guns, only to be
+hurled back again by the fearful tornado in front. The Third corps
+seemed hardly able to hold its position, but now General Hooker sent two
+divisions of the Second corps to attack the enemy in the flank. These,
+with the Fifth corps, came with great force upon the left of the column.
+It reeled, the huge mass wavered to and fro, and then fell back in
+flight. The troops at the house, however, had been forced back, and
+General Hooker again shortened his lines, making his forces still more
+compact.
+
+Again, in the afternoon, the rebels came on exultingly, but not with the
+desperation that marked the attack of the morning. Hour after hour they
+strove to drive back or break in two the Union line, but it was
+immovable. Artillery poured into the ranks of the assailants the most
+deadly fire, until they fell back, long before nightfall, disheartened
+and defeated. Hooker had at length succeeded in accomplishing a part of
+his object. He had allowed his enemy to fight him until his army was
+exhausted and dispirited, while he himself had half his army fresh and
+ready to charge upon the weakened foe. Now came the time for action. If
+he now succeeded in putting the enemy to flight, the rebel cause was
+destroyed; if, on the contrary, he suffered a repulse, what would be the
+result? The river was swelling rapidly; the pontoons could even now with
+difficulty be held together. If, haply, they were to be swept away, all
+means of retreat would be cut off, and a repulse would amount to
+annihilation. Sedgwick and the Sixth corps were driven back, and
+Stoneman, who had gone with his cavalry toward Richmond, was not heard
+from. In the midst of these doubts, he called a council of corps
+commanders, who agreed, not unanimously, that it was advisable to
+recross the river. So the army, on Wednesday, was withdrawn across the
+river, when victory seemed ready to rest on our banners.[3] Without
+doubt, had the general known of the panic created by the cavalry in the
+rear, or had he been sure that his communications would remain intact,
+the result would have been far different.
+
+    [3] The author makes no attempt to discuss the merits of the
+    controversy, which grew out of this battle, between two of the
+    best soldiers of our army. The reader will find, in the Report
+    on the Conduct of the War, 1865, all the facts and arguments on
+    both sides, by those most competent to give them--Generals
+    Hooker and Sedgwick.
+
+The loss to the whole army, in this campaign, was over seventeen
+thousand in killed and wounded.[4] Very many of these were left in the
+hands of the enemy.
+
+    [4] The following statement exhibits the loss to the various
+    corps in killed, wounded and missing:
+
+    1st,         292
+    2d,        2,025
+    3d,        4,039
+    5th,         699
+    6th,       4,925
+    11th,      2,508
+    12th,      2,883
+    Cavalry,     145
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+SECOND ENCAMPMENT AT WHITE OAK CHURCH AND THE PENNSYLVANIA CAMPAIGN.
+
+    The army in its old position--A trip to Dixie--The wounded at
+    the hospitals--Introduction of army badges--Adornments of the
+    camps--The "Third crossing"--The Barnard mansion--Exchanging
+    papers--A broken lieutenant--The Pennsylvania campaign
+    commenced--Restriction of baggage--A severe march--An army
+    bathing--At Centreville--Bristow Station--March to
+    Maryland--General Hooker succeeded by General Meade--Position of
+    the army.
+
+
+The army now turned back to its old position, encamping in line nearly
+as before, only all the troops which had encamped on our left, between
+the Sixth corps and Belle Plain, were placed far to the right, leaving
+the Sixth corps on the left of the army, instead of being nearly in its
+center. The corps occupied a line nearly a mile in rear of the old camp,
+where the ground had been unoccupied, and where a growth of young pines,
+and, in places, considerable groves of oak timber, afforded far more
+attractive surroundings than the old quarters.
+
+The wounded were taken to an immense field hospital at Potomac creek,
+where hospital tents sufficient to accommodate eight thousand wounded
+men were erected in a locality where cool breezes could play freely
+among the encampments, and where pure water could be obtained. On the
+9th, many of our wounded were brought to the side of the river at
+Fredericksburgh and sent over to us by the enemy, in pontoon boats,
+under flags of truce. On the morning of the 10th, the surgeon of the
+Seventy-seventh was ordered to proceed at once to Banks' Ford to receive
+wounded officers who were to be removed from the enemy's lines. The
+doctor was soon at the ford, where he found a boat and a flag of truce
+at his disposal. He crossed the river and met the officer in command,
+who received him courteously, but declared that he knew nothing of any
+officers to come there. The surgeon addressed a note to General Wilcox,
+commanding the brigade at Banks' Ford, but he knew as little about it as
+the officer at the river. "There are plenty of federal officers here,"
+said he, "and we shall be glad to send them across to your lines at any
+time when General Hooker shall apply to General Lee for them; but I know
+of no arrangement of the kind now." Believing that some arrangements had
+been made for the transfer of the wounded officers, but that the order
+had not yet reached General Wilcox, the surgeon spent the day among the
+rebels, conversing with their officers, while his boatmen, having with
+them a canteen of brandy, soon made themselves very popular with the
+crowd of rebel soldiers who gathered about, dressed in motley colors,
+buff, blue, gray, butternut, and colors indescribable. They were all in
+good humor and lively, and the hours passed pleasantly, as the men from
+the two opposing armies chatted in the shade of some oak trees. Finding
+little prospect of executing his peaceful mission, the surgeon obtained
+permission from General Wilcox to get the remains of Colonel Van
+Houghten, of the Twenty-first New Jersey regiment, who was shot at Salem
+Church, and died from his wound next day. Doctor McNiel, of the
+Twenty-first, with a party of men, proceeded to the place where the
+colonel was buried, a mile and a half from the ford, and brought the
+remains to the river and across to our own lines. On reporting at
+General Hooker's head-quarters, the surgeon found that no agreement had
+been concluded until late in the day for the delivery of the wounded
+officers; so he had spent the day in rebeldom to little effect, except
+the restoration of the body of the colonel to his friends, and leaving a
+company of nurses to assist our surgeons who were already in attendance
+upon our prisoners.
+
+Nearly all our wounded were at length returned to us, and were sent to
+Potomac Creek, or to Washington. At Potomac Creek, the cooeperation of
+the Sanitary Commission was of great assistance to the surgeons; and
+many comforts and luxuries, the gifts of our friends at home, cheered
+the hearts of the wounded and suffering heroes. Sheets, pillow cases,
+handkerchiefs, with jellies and canned fruits, were distributed in
+profusion. Here was the place for manifesting the overflowing interest
+and noble generosity of the people of the north, and thousands blessed
+them for their munificence.
+
+A mistaken idea prevailed among friends at home, that the agents of the
+Sanitary Commission resorted to the battle-field, ministering to the
+wants of the wounded, dressing the wounds, bringing the crippled from
+the field, and feeding the hungry. Our illustrated papers were filled
+with fine engravings, representing these acts of mercy on the
+battle-field. These were pictures of the imagination. Nothing of the
+sort was done. No Sanitary or Christian Commission agents frequented the
+battle-field. All wounded were brought from the field by soldiers,
+placed in ambulances of the government and taken to the field hospitals,
+where all the wounds were dressed by surgeons or their nurses, and where
+all were fed by officers selected for this special duty. The Sanitary
+and Christian Commissions had a great mission. They were the
+representatives of the lively interest felt by the people of the north,
+for the army it had sent forth to maintain the institutions of their
+country. They found abundant opportunity for accomplishing their mission
+at the large hospitals after the roar of battles had passed away; but
+they had nothing to do with the care of the wounded on the battle-field.
+
+Just before leaving camp for the campaign just closed, General Hooker
+had issued an order assigning to each corps and division its badge,
+which was to be worn by every officer and soldier connected with either
+of the corps. The men of the Sixth corps now regarded their cross with
+greater pride than had ever ancient knight looked upon the heraldry
+which emblazoned his arms. It had been baptized in blood, and amid
+wonderful achievements of heroism. Every member of the noble corps felt
+an exulting pride in his relation to it, and regarded his badge as a
+mark of great honor.
+
+The introduction of these badges became of great service to the army.
+Every man could easily recognize the corps and division of any other one
+in the army; and each corps learned to feel a pride in its own badge.
+
+We had seven corps in the army; First, Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth,
+Eleventh and Twelfth. The badge of the First corps was a lozenge, that
+of the Second a shamrock, of the Third a diamond, of the Fifth a Maltese
+cross, of the Sixth a Greek cross, the Eleventh a lunette, and of the
+Twelfth a star. The badge of the First division of each corps was red,
+that of the Second white, and of the Third blue. All wagons and
+ambulances were marked with their appropriate badge, and the sick
+soldier who fell to the rear with a pass to the ambulances, had no
+difficulty in finding his own train; and quartermasters and others
+connected with the trains were greatly assisted in their duties by this
+ingenious device.
+
+The camps of all the regiments of our divisions were pleasantly located,
+and great pains were taken in laying them out and in decorating them.
+When regiments were not sheltered in groves, pines were transplanted in
+the company streets in great profusion; and arches and bowers of the
+most elaborate and elegant designs, formed of the boughs of the red
+cedar and pine, exquisitely entwined with the bright green holly, formed
+a most attractive and beautiful feature of our second camp at White Oak
+Church. At division head-quarters, General Howe had caused to be erected
+a most elegant hall of these rural materials, which was a wonder of
+architectural beauty as well as exquisite taste and ingenuity. Its
+alcoves, its vestibules and its arches, were marvels of elegance. Here
+came officers, high in command, and brilliant dames, and passed a night
+in the service of Terpsichore, while bands discoursed stirring music.
+
+In the camp of the Seventy-seventh, the adornments were profuse and
+beautiful. At head-quarters, a palace of green arose among the trees
+near our tents. For days, mule teams hauled huge loads of cedar boughs,
+which were woven into massive pillars or elegantly turned arches, and
+the structure rose like one of those fair bowers we read of in fairy
+tales. Our surgeon and quartermaster were preparing the elegant
+structure for the reception of their wives. It was almost complete,
+needing only a few finishing touches, and the anxiously awaited guests
+were expected on the following day; when, alas for the expectations of
+men, an order came to be ready to march at daylight next morning! The
+ladies, although too late to enjoy this rustic palace, arrived in time
+to find the corps in line of battle, and witness fierce artillery duels
+between the opposing armies. In their eagerness to watch the flight of
+the shells, they sometimes manifested greater bravery than their
+companions, whose experience had taught them to regard with suspicion
+the shrieking missiles.
+
+We had passed a pleasant month at this camp, and the men were eager,
+notwithstanding their comfortable quarters, for active campaigning. The
+health and spirits of the soldiers of the corps had never been better,
+and in spite of the failure at Chancellorsville, they felt a great deal
+of confidence. So the order to move was received with pleasure, and we
+turned away from our pleasant camps willingly.
+
+We left camp on the morning of June 5th, one of the loveliest of days,
+and, taking the road we had already trod on two occasions, halted in the
+valley of the Rappahannock, on the very spot where we had rested at the
+first and second battles of Fredericksburgh, and prepared, for a third
+time within six months, to cross the river. A correspondent of one of
+the daily journals, writing from head-quarters of the army, says:
+"Howe's splendid division of the fighting Sixth corps was selected for
+the work of crossing, and the point for laying the bridges was just
+below the mouth of Deep Run, at the identical spot where we had crossed
+twice before."
+
+Pontoons and batteries of artillery formed long lines behind the little
+ridge which runs parallel with the river, and the infantry marched and
+countermarched to get in right positions. Here, behind the little ridge,
+we rested, until about five o'clock in the afternoon, our men mounting
+the ridge, and gazing across the river, where the enemy had turned the
+rifle pits thrown up by our First division, to their own use; and, in
+return, the rebels raised their heads above the breastworks, or ventured
+to the river side, wondering what could be the intention of the army, so
+recently driven from these grounds, in making such preparations for
+another crossing. There seemed but a small force opposed to us; a strong
+picket on the bank, and the reserve posted behind the breastworks, were
+all that could be seen, though we well knew that the heights beyond
+swarmed with opposing hosts, as they had twice before. At length the
+engineers drew the pontoons to the edge of the river, the
+Seventy-seventh being detailed to assist in unloading. The rebels betook
+themselves to the rifle pits, and opened a brisk fire; but presently
+they were glad to draw their heads behind the earthworks, for five of
+our batteries, Williston's, McCartney's, Cowen's, Haines' and
+McCarthey's, were run out upon the plain, and opened a fierce fire,
+whole batteries firing by volleys, until the whole plain, on the further
+side, was a sheet of flame from the bursting shells, and huge clouds of
+dust, plowed up by the shrieking missiles, rose so as to obscure the
+heights. The rebels could only load, and thrust their guns above the
+earthworks, firing at random, for no man could raise his head without
+coming in the way of the fiery messengers of death, which filled the
+air. Still their fire, although at random, was annoying, and it was
+evident that the safest method was to cross men in boats, enough to
+drive the rebels from their pits, or capture them, and then build the
+bridge without opposition.
+
+The Twenty-sixth New Jersey and Fifth Vermont regiments leaped into the
+boats, quickly crossed, and, rushing from the bank, charged upon the
+pits. The rebels were now, for the first time offered an opportunity for
+flight; for while the artillery was filling the whole plain with
+bursting shells, there remained no alternative but to hug the earth
+behind the rifle pits; now that the artillery ceased, they scattered
+across the plain in hot haste, before the rapid charge of our boys. The
+two regiments pursued the fugitives, and many of them threw down their
+arms; we captured about seventy-five prisoners; of these, thirty-six
+were captured by Captain Davenport, who, with eighteen of his men, was
+marching up the ravine through which passes the Deep Run, when they came
+upon the rebels, whom they obliged to surrender, their captain
+delivering his sword to Captain Davenport. Five or six men of the
+engineers were killed, and some wounded. The Vermonters and New
+Jerseymen, also, had a few men wounded.
+
+The Seventy-seventh had one man killed. Sergeant Rex Haines was shot
+through the head. He was a brave man, and one of the best soldiers in
+the regiment. He had, until that very day, been confined to the hospital
+with severe illness. A few of our men, also, received slight wounds.
+
+The engineers proceeded at once to lay the bridges, and on the following
+morning the whole division crossed. Our picket reserve made their
+rendezvous at the ruins of the fine mansion which we had used for our
+Second division hospital at the first battle. Now nothing but the bare
+walls and heaps of rubbish marked the place where the beautiful
+residence had stood. A regiment of Mississippians had occupied the
+place, and had ruthlessly and willfully burned it. Yet the fine
+chestnuts and broad-spreading oaks afforded as luxurious a shade as in
+the palmy days when the old bachelor proprietor lounged beneath their
+shadow.
+
+The picket line extended nearly to the railroad, and, as before, formed
+a semi-circle, radiating from the pontoon bridge. The enemy had also
+formed a strong picket to oppose us, and the two lines of skirmishers
+were within a few yards of each other.
+
+It was a beautiful Sabbath, and all day long the troops lay upon the
+plain, wondering what was to be done. There were the frowning batteries
+of the enemy on the hills in front, apparently able to blow the whole
+division into the air, and we could, with our glasses, discover great
+numbers of infantry at the base of the hills, half hidden by the low
+growth of pines. The main body of our army still remained in camp; only
+our Sixth corps had moved. Evidently the enemy concluded that the
+advance was rather one of observation than attack, and quietly awaited
+our movements. Some firing was for a time kept up on the skirmish line,
+and now and then a shell would come crashing through some of the houses
+at the right, where our pickets were concealed; but at length, by mutual
+consent, the pickets of each army watched the movements of their
+opponents without molesting them. During this quasi-truce, a spirit of
+sociability manifested itself, and our boys soon struck up an
+acquaintance with their dangerous neighbors. At length an exchange of
+papers was proposed, and upon mutual agreement of temporary amity, a
+Yankee and a Johnnie would step into the open space between the two
+lines, shake hands, inquire each other's regiment, trade papers and
+retire.
+
+There came at this time, to each company of one regiment, a copy of the
+New York Observer, Independent, Christian Examiner, Evangelist and other
+papers, and Mr. Alvord, the agent of the Tract Society, had just been
+among the men, distributing copies of the American Messenger. These were
+soon collected and carried over to be exchanged for copies of the
+Richmond Enquirer, Sentinel, and Examiner. The trade was not kept wholly
+within the limits of literary exchange, but sugar and coffee passed into
+the rebels' hands in return for plugs of tobacco. At length an order
+came from division head-quarters, stopping this illicit practice. Our
+boys declared that they were acting the part of colporteurs to the
+barbarian rebels, and, if they had been allowed to continue the
+distribution of religious papers among them, they would soon be
+convinced of the error of their ways, and desist from further fighting.
+
+During the night of the 8th, our division was withdrawn to the north
+side of the river, our place being taken by the Third division. We
+retired to Stafford Heights and bivouacked. Our bivouac became our
+encampment for a week. There we lay, wondering what was next to be done,
+while the artillery on either side exchanged shots. The 32-pounders on
+our hills sending their huge shot across to the opposite heights, and
+the rebel guns replying, sometimes with shells of most improved pattern,
+and at other times throwing over huge pieces of railroad iron.
+
+An incident of much interest to Neill's brigade occurred while we were
+here. A lieutenant, belonging to the Twenty-first New Jersey regiment,
+had been tried by a court-martial, and convicted of cowardice at the
+battle on May 3d. The whole brigade was brought out at the hour for
+evening parade, and formed in a hollow square. To the center of the
+inclosure the culprit was brought. His sentence was then read to him,
+which was that he be dismissed the service in disgrace. The
+adjutant-general of the brigade then proceeded to execute the details of
+the sentence. The sword of the cowardly officer was taken from him and
+broken over his head; his shoulder-straps and buttons were then cut off,
+and his pistol broken and thrown away. The sentence, and the manner of
+its execution, were ordered to be published in the newspapers of the
+county where the regiment was raised. A similar sentence was executed in
+the Seventy-seventh regiment on the same evening. Lewis Burke, of
+Company F, was convicted of cowardice at the same battle. He was brought
+before the regiment, which stood in line; his sentence read, his buttons
+and the blue cord on his coat cut off, and a placard marked "Coward"
+hung to his back. A guard, with fixed bayonets pointing at his back,
+then marched him off, the band playing "The Rogues' March." Burke went
+to serve out his time at the Dry Tortugas at hard labor, without pay or
+allowance.
+
+As we looked upon the execution of these humiliating sentences, we could
+not help feeling how much better it would have been to have fallen nobly
+on that field of battle, honored and lamented, than to live to be thus
+degraded and despised. It had never been so forcibly impressed upon our
+minds, how much better it was to die nobly than to live in disgrace.
+When we thought of the noble Wheeler and his brave companions, who had
+given their lives for their country on yonder heights, and then turned
+to the sickening scene before us, we could but exclaim, "How are the
+dead to be envied!"
+
+At length, on Saturday night, June 13th, we withdrew from
+Fredericksburgh, and commenced the memorable Pennsylvania campaign.
+There had been, for several days, indications that General Lee was
+throwing his army to our right, and was crossing the Rappahannock in the
+vicinity of Culpepper. At length this had become a certainty; and the
+whole army was quickly moved to come up with him. All day long the
+hurrying of trains, the movements of troops, the intense activity at the
+railroad station, where everything was being hastily thrown into cars,
+had indicated a sudden leave-taking.
+
+At length the trains were off, and the whole army in motion. Our own
+corps being rear-guard, started at ten o'clock at night. The darkness
+was intense, and a thunder shower prevailed. Our route for a long time
+lay through a thick woods, where the branches of the trees, meeting over
+our heads, shut out the little light that might have penetrated the
+thunder clouds, and the column was shut in perfect darkness. The road
+was terribly muddy, and the batteries which were trying to pass over the
+same route, were frequently stuck in the mire. Our men stumbled over
+stones and fallen trees, often falling beneath the feet of the horses.
+Men fell over logs and stones, breaking their legs and arms. Thus we
+continued the hasty and difficult march, while the rain poured in
+torrents upon us. Later in the night the road became more open, and the
+rain ceased. The darkness was not so black, still it was difficult to
+see the road. We were passing over corduroy; some of the logs were a
+foot, and others a foot and a half through. They were slippery from the
+rain, and the men, heavily laden with knapsacks, guns and cartridges,
+tumbled headlong, many of them going off at the side, and rolling far
+down the steep embankments. A laugh from the comrades of the luckless
+ones, while some one would call out, "Have you a pass to go down there?"
+was the only notice taken of such accidents; and the dark column hurried
+on, until at three o'clock in the morning, we halted at Potomac creek,
+where we slept soundly upon the ground until morning.
+
+The following day was Sunday. Our corps did not march until evening; we
+lay resting from the fatigues of the night before, and watching the
+immense army trains hurrying by, the horses and mules lashed to their
+full speed, or viewing the destruction of the great hospitals which had
+been established here.
+
+There were here immense quantities of stores; bedding, glass and
+earthenware, instruments and medicines, with cooking and other utensils
+which could not, in the haste of breaking up, be transported; so they
+were thrown in great heaps and burned.
+
+All day long the trains crowded by, four and five wagons abreast; the
+drivers shouting and lashing their beasts to their greatest speed. No
+one who has not seen the train of an army in motion, can form any just
+conception of its magnitude, and of the difficulties attending its
+movements. It was said that the train of the Army of the Potomac,
+including artillery, at the time of which we speak, if placed in a
+single line, the teams at the distance necessary for the march, would
+extend over seventy miles.
+
+At Fairfax Court House, soon after this, the trains were greatly
+reduced, and again at Fairfax Station; and after General Meade took
+command of the army they were still further reduced. Yet,
+notwithstanding all these curtailments, our trains were said to be
+between thirty and forty miles long.
+
+How little did the impatient people, who clamored at all times, in
+winter as well as summer, for an immediate "advance" of the army,
+consider that this immense body must always advance with the army; that
+it must always be protected; that the army on every march and at every
+halt must be so disposed as to prevent the enemy from reaching it from
+front, flank or rear; and that when an advance was commenced, if the
+trains were to become blocked up, or stuck fast in mud, the whole army
+must wait for them, no matter whether it had reached a favorable
+position for a halt or not. It was no small undertaking to move an army
+with such a train; yet there were many at home who thought the army
+could move from one place to another with the greatest ease.
+
+It is true that the enemy got along with smaller trains than ours, and
+it is true that the rebel army on that account was more easily moved
+than our own. It was one of the disadvantages of too liberal a
+government that our movements for two years were weighed down with these
+cumbersome trains; and even after so long an experience of their evil it
+was with strong feelings of opposition that the reduction was acquiesced
+in.
+
+A captain or lieutenant of the line was allowed a small valise, in which
+to carry his company books and his clothing; and a staff officer was but
+little better off. Must this little be reduced? Surely the ammunition
+and the commissary trains could suffer no diminution. The amount of
+hospital supplies carried in the wagons was already limited; could it be
+reduced? The people were clamoring to have wagons of the Sanitary and
+Christian Commissions admitted to the hospital trains, to carry articles
+which, although they were gratefully received by the soldiers, yet were
+not absolutely necessary. The ambulance train was surely not too large,
+and we could spare no artillery.
+
+Yet the train was reduced. Small as was the valise of the line officers,
+it must be still smaller; little as was the baggage of the staff
+officer, it must be less; and inconveniently contracted as was the size
+of the mess chests, they must be still further reduced.
+
+Thus, through the day, we watched the hurrying trains as they swept by
+with immense clatter and tumult; and the files of troops, guards to the
+trains, pressing forward, amid the clouds of dust and the rattle and
+noise of the wagons. As the sun sunk in the west, we gathered about a
+green knoll, in the shade of a pine grove, and sung old familiar hymns;
+then the chaplain made a prayer; thus was offered the evening sacrifice
+for the Sabbath. Few who gathered--
+
+  "Where through the long drawn aisle or fretted vault,
+  The pealing anthem swells the note of praise,"
+
+offered more heartfelt thanksgiving, or more earnest supplications for
+future protection, than the band of veterans seated on that mossy bank,
+while about them was the confusion of a great army, pressing to meet its
+foe.
+
+At length, at nine o'clock at night, we took the road, and, joining the
+mighty column, marched rapidly forward. The night was dark, and the
+roads uneven, yet the men pressed forward with wonderful spirit. They
+had heard during the day that Lee with his army, avoiding us on the
+right, and moving with secrecy, had already eluded us, and was rapidly
+making his way into Maryland, taking his route through the Shenandoah
+Valley. This was enough to stimulate men whose greatest desire was to
+meet their opponents in open fight, even on rebel ground. But now the
+rebels were invading northern soil; Maryland, Pennsylvania, and even New
+York, were threatened, and the men knew no limit to their enthusiasm.
+"We can whip them on our own soil," said they. "There is no man who
+cannot fight the better when it is for his own home." Such expressions
+passed from lip to lip as the dark column pushed on during the whole
+night. At times there would be a halt; not for rest, for the men,
+expecting momentarily to move on, would stand in the ranks; then, on
+again. Here and there were the camps of troops who had occupied the
+extreme right of the army. Fine arbors and avenues had been erected from
+the cedar boughs; these were set on fire, and the whole heavens were
+aglow with the flames. Morning dawned, the march was becoming tedious.
+The men were faint, and wanted rest and coffee; but there was no halt.
+
+Faint and weary, yet with determination, the masses of men toiled along.
+At length, as the morning advanced, the heat of the sun was almost
+intolerable, and the dust suffocating. Not a leaf stirred on the trees.
+Vegetation drooped under the scorching rays, and the clouds of dust was
+so dense, that one could not see half the length of a regiment.
+
+The men at length began to fall from exhaustion. One after another, with
+faces burning with a glow of crimson, and panting for breath, would turn
+to the surgeons of their regiments, and receive passes to the ambulances
+and a draught from the surgeon's flask; but at length no more passes
+could be given; the ambulances were crowded, and so many were falling on
+every side, that it became useless to require or attempt to give passes,
+or even for the surgeons to attempt to relieve the sufferers.
+
+In every corner of the rail fences, and under every tree and bush,
+groups of men, with faces glowing with redness, some with streams of
+perspiration rolling down their cheeks, and others with their red faces
+dry and feverish, strewed the wayside and lined the hedges. Here the
+color-bearer of a regiment, his color lying beside him, lay gasping for
+breath; there a colonel, his horse tied to the fence, strove to fan the
+air into a little life with his broad-brimmed hat. Under one little
+clump of cedars might be seen an exhausted group of line officers,
+captains and lieutenants, and under the next, a number of enlisted men
+who could no longer keep the road. The spectacle along the roadside
+became appalling. Regiments became like companies, and companies lost
+their identity; men were dying with sunstroke; and still the march was
+continued. This could not last much longer, for the brave men who still
+held out were fast losing strength, and soon there would be no troops
+able to move. At length, at nearly three o'clock, we came in sight of
+the little, old, depopulated town of Dumfries. Here, to the joy of all,
+we saw men filing into the fields for a halt. There was no cheer, no
+expression of gladness; for the tired men, with feet blistered and raw,
+worn out by seventeen hours' constant march, almost melted and
+smothered, cared little for demonstrations. Throwing themselves upon the
+ground, they rested for half an hour, and then, rousing long enough to
+cook their coffee, they refreshed themselves with their hard tack, pork
+and coffee, and were ready to sleep. Here the Vermont brigade was drawn
+up in line, and some half a dozen men, skulkers, principally from the
+Twenty-sixth New Jersey, were drummed out of camp, the bands of the
+brigade playing "The Rogues' March." All who were participants of that
+day's work, remember it as the most trying march of the Army of the
+Potomac. Very grateful to the weary army was sleep that night, but, at
+two o'clock in the morning, the shout passed along the line, "fall in!
+fall in!" And so, without coffee, we rolled our blankets and fell into
+line. But, as often happens, when the whole army is to move, some parts
+must wait long before the others are out of the way. So we of the Sixth
+corps waited until four o'clock, and got our coffee finally before the
+rest of the column had made way for us. It was another hot, dusty day,
+but not so intolerable as the day before, and about two or three o'clock
+we arrived at Occoquan creek, crossing at Wolf Run Shoals. Here we had
+two or three hours' rest. The men had no sooner halted than they plunged
+into the stream, and the wide creek was soon alive with swarms of men
+splashing and diving in the cooling element.
+
+It was a novel sight. An army bathing. A brigade of nine months Vermont
+troops, had been stationed here during the winter. They were full
+regiments, never thinned by exhausting labors, hard campaigns or the
+trying ordeal of battle. They now bade farewell to their comfortable
+quarters and picket duty, and joined the Grand Army on a real campaign.
+Although we had already made a long march, at four o'clock we were again
+on the road, and before dark we reached Fairfax Station, six miles from
+Wolf Run Shoals. This was a more cheerful march than the others. The
+men, refreshed by their bath, and strengthened by a good dinner and two
+hours' rest, now went shouting, singing and laughing, as though marching
+was but play.
+
+This day we heard that some part of Lee's army was in Pennsylvania! The
+men were as anxious to go forward as were their commanders. The corps
+bivouacked in groves on the turnpike, which led from Fairfax to
+Manassas, resting for the night and the following day. Here our train
+underwent a process of purging. Needless articles, and many useful ones,
+which could be disposed of, were sent to the rear. The trains were to go
+with smaller loads, and many teams were to be taken from them.
+
+We had marched, since setting out from before Fredericksburgh, through a
+country, well enough by nature, but neglected, barren and depopulated.
+How large a portion of this great State was in this sad condition? Its
+naturally rich fields were grown up to scrub pines, mugworts and
+wormwood. Its fair valleys desolate of inhabitants, or inhabited by low
+white trash, as idle as ignorant. The groves and fields where we now
+rested were pleasant for a bivouac, but the fields were waste land, and
+the oak timber was all that seemed of any value, as far as we could see.
+Yet we were now within a few miles of Washington, where articles of food
+brought fabulous prices, and wood could scarcely be procured. Why were
+these fine lands desolate? Was it because agriculture was unprofitable?
+Surely, with Washington and Alexandria so near, and Baltimore at a short
+distance farther, there should be a good market for produce. Was it
+because the war had put a stop to agricultural pursuits? The scrub pines
+and dwarf oaks growing upon deserted tobacco fields, where the ridges
+were still plainly visible, showed that before the war indolence
+prevailed.
+
+At five o'clock on the morning of June 19th, we were again on the march,
+reaching Fairfax Court House before noon. Again our train was
+overhauled, baggage reduced, and teams sent to the rear. By this time
+the train began to assume more reasonable dimensions. General officers
+were strictly forbidden the use of ambulances, henceforth all ambulances
+were to be used for their legitimate purposes, and general officers and
+their staffs were to get along with a more reasonable amount of baggage,
+while regimental officers were to be allowed only the most limited
+amount of transportation. A single small valise only was the extent of
+baggage for each regimental officer, and a mess chest of the size of a
+cracker box, was to be the allowance for all officers of a single
+company.
+
+About Fairfax Court House was stationed a division of cavalry and some
+infantry, under the command of General Stahl. These troops, like the
+brigade of Vermont troops, had been employed in guarding the country
+against the inroads of guerilla bands. These were now also to join the
+Army of the Potomac, and their gallant conduct at Falling Waters, a few
+days after, showed them to be composed of the best material.
+
+General Hooker, unwilling to favor General Lee, by uncovering the
+capital, and wisely judging of his wary enemy's motives, instead of
+pushing rapidly forward to Maryland, as Lee desired, threw the different
+corps into positions, which should at once be favorable for watching his
+movements, and resisting any attack. Accordingly, our own corps, turning
+partly back from our line of march, on the 20th, marched towards Bristow
+Station.
+
+We passed through Centreville, its powerful forts and redoubts
+garrisoned by large regiments of men, who wore bright new uniforms, and
+whose officers had red tufts upon their caps. These new uniforms were
+soon to be as grimy and dusty as those of the veterans, at whom they now
+gazed with so much interest, and the full regiments were soon to find
+their ranks thinned by the same terrible process which had made those
+passing by them only fragments of regiments.
+
+The works about Centreville were of most powerful character, having been
+made even stronger than at the last battle of Bull Run. In the forts and
+redoubts upon the commanding positions, was mounted heavy artillery, and
+the long lines of trenches and breastworks, stretching far to the
+flanks, and commanding declivities where musketry and artillery could
+sweep an advancing force with terrible effect, rendered the position
+impregnable from any direct assault. The few dilapidated houses still
+remaining to mark the site of the village, presented a forlorn and
+pitiful appearance. Deserted by their owners, occupied as stables and
+storehouses some of them falling in ruins, and all dirty and
+dilapidated, they were a mournful commentary on the ruthless destruction
+which follows in the footsteps of war. Still further on, our route led
+us along the Manassas Gap railroad. Here were more sad pictures of the
+havoc of war. The track was torn up, the ties burnt. Every now and then,
+numbers of car wheels and axles, iron bands and braces, couplings and
+reaches, showed where whole trains had been burned.
+
+Here and there, the incombustible materials among the debris showed the
+lading of particular cars. The remains of fruit cans, tin plates,
+blacking boxes and glassware, told of sutlers who had disposed of their
+wares at less than the usual exorbitant prices. Heaps of spikes and
+handleless hammers, and iron bars, reminded us of disconcerted plans in
+railroad extension, while numberless solid shot, bullets and fragments
+of shells, showed where car loads of ammunition had been consumed in
+harmless explosions.
+
+At length, after a hard day's march, we arrived at Bristow Station,
+where the corps turned into the fields and bivouacked.
+
+The tower and wind-mill which had been used for raising water to the
+tank, remained alone to show where the station had been; all the other
+buildings being destroyed, except where still remained the dismantled
+ruins of what had once been a hotel.
+
+Here, as for miles back on the road, were the remains of ruined cars and
+their contents.
+
+The surrounding country was delightful. A mile or two south of us was a
+little church in the midst of an oak grove. It is an agreeable
+peculiarity with the southern people, that they are accustomed to locate
+their country churches in the midst of pleasant groves, sometimes at a
+distance from any residence. In this respect, they certainly exhibit
+better taste than the people of most of our northern States, who have
+such a propensity for setting the church on the summit of some high hill
+where not a tree or shrub adorns the grounds, and the aspiring steeple
+seems, like Babel, to be striving vainly to reach the heavens.
+
+On the morning after our arrival here, we heard the sounds of
+cannonading not far off, and learned that the cavalry under General
+Pleasanton were hotly engaged at Aldee and Upperville, with Stuart's
+rebel cavalry, and that our forces were getting the best of the
+desperate encounter, winning laurels for themselves and gaining another
+of that series of victories which was destined to remove the derision in
+which that arm of the service had been held, not from any previous want
+of good fighting qualities on the part of our cavalry. General
+Pleasanton had attacked Stuart's forces near Middleburgh, driving the
+rebels in confusion through Upperville to Ashby's Gap, taking some
+pieces of artillery and a large number of prisoners. General Kilpatrick,
+in this engagement, had exhibited fighting qualities of the first order,
+riding in front of the men and leading the way when they hesitated. His
+gallant conduct inspired for him the confidence and admiration of his
+men. It was the commencement of a brilliant career which made him one of
+the first cavalry commanders in the army. His dashing ride from the
+Peninsula to Fredericksburgh, with but a handful of men, eluding the
+watchfulness of the wily Stuart, had already established his talent for
+bold adventure, and his conduct on this occasion proved his personal
+bravery. These are the two great qualities needed for a cavalry officer,
+and Kilpatrick's name at once became a tower of strength among his men.
+
+In this pleasant locality the corps remained, an outpost for the army,
+guarding the passes from the Shenandoah, for five days. The weather was
+delightful, and the men enjoyed, to the utmost, the needed rest. They
+lounged in the shade of their tents or in the neighboring groves, or
+strolled along the railroad track, examining curiously the ruined
+remains of the trains. In a delightful spot at a distance from the
+camps, almost surrounded by a grove of oak trees, the hospital tents of
+our Second division were erected. To this quiet and lovely spot, where
+cool breezes always played, were brought the sick and weary, and
+carefully nursed.
+
+But General Lee despaired of inducing General Hooker to uncover the
+capital, so, leaving Virginia with his whole army, he pushed toward
+Pennsylvania, determined at least to draw our army as far away from
+Washington as possible, and to reap rich harvests of spoils among the
+overflowing granaries of the Keystone State. No sooner had the movement
+of the main body of Lee's army into Maryland commenced, than General
+Hooker, with his forces, commenced the pursuit.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE GETTYSBURGH CAMPAIGN.
+
+    The rebels in Pennsylvania--Panic at Harrisburgh--Alarm at
+    Baltimore and Washington--Sixth corps leaves Bristow Station--A
+    surprise--General Meade takes command--Position of the
+    army--Marching through Pennsylvania--An unprecedented
+    march--Exciting news--Battle of Gettysburgh--Death of
+    Reynolds--First and Eleventh corps fall back--Second day's
+    battle--The battle-field--Fighting at Round Top--On the
+    right--The grand onset--The battle decided--Rebel and Union
+    wounded.
+
+
+Meanwhile, great excitement prevailed at the north, especially in
+Maryland and Pennsylvania, on account of the invasion of the rebel army.
+As early as the 15th of the month, more than a thousand rebel cavalry
+had reached Chambersburgh, which they had sacked. Two days before, the
+battle of Winchester was closed. Ewell, with overwhelming numbers had
+fallen upon General Milroy's force, which had unwisely been, by order of
+somebody, thrust far away from its base, and out of the reach of
+reinforcements, routing the division, and in its flight capturing its
+artillery and a large portion of the infantry.
+
+Nothing now opposed the march of the invaders through the Shenandoah
+Valley. In Harrisburgh, the excitement rose almost to a panic. All the
+paintings, books, papers, and other valuable articles, were removed from
+the capitol, packed in boxes and loaded into cars, ready to be sent off
+at the first sign of immediate danger. The citizens formed themselves
+into military companies, and worked day and night throwing up redoubts
+and rifle pits about the city. Men unaccustomed to manual labor
+vigorously plied the pick and the spade, and kept up their unwonted toil
+with an earnestness worthy of veteran soldiers. To add to this confusion
+and alarm, the trains of Milroy's division that had escaped capture were
+rattling through the streets in search of a resting place. Throughout
+the State of Pennsylvania business was suspended. The governor was
+calling loudly for men to rush to arms in defense of their homes; and
+General Couch was striving to organize the militia which presented
+itself.
+
+Baltimore and Washington were like besieged cities. Stuart was
+threatening the Baltimore and Ohio road, and bodies of rebel cavalry had
+penetrated within half a dozen miles of Washington. Bells rung out the
+alarm, and the affrighted citizens rushed to arms. Loyal leagues were
+now of service, forming the nucleus of many an improvised company of
+defenders. All these facts we learned from the newspapers, a few stray
+copies of which fell within the path of the army, and from the highly
+colored accounts of citizens, who, with expressions of the utmost alarm
+and anxiety, related what they had heard or seen.
+
+On the night of the 26th of June, the Sixth corps left Bristow Station.
+The darkness was intense, and a drizzling rain rendered marching
+disagreeable. The march was rapid, and some of the men fell behind, and
+were next day collected and marched off to Richmond, by the guerilla
+parties that constantly hung upon our flanks and rear. Before daylight
+we halted at Centreville. The men threw themselves upon the wet ground,
+and slept for two hours, while the rain beat upon them. Then, at six
+o'clock, they were again roused, by the order to be ready to move at
+once. While taking our coffee, and waiting for the final order to march,
+some villain, belonging to the troops stationed at Centreville, set fire
+to the little Episcopal chapel that stood not far from us, and was the
+only building remaining in the little village which pretended to any
+appearance of modern architecture. Those vandals who follow an army,
+bent on nothing but destruction, are among the unavoidable evils of war,
+and even the most severe discipline is insufficient to effectually
+arrest all mischief of the kind.
+
+Our march was a severe one for men who had been on the road all night,
+and the men were glad when we bivouacked a little before dark, in a
+beautiful oak grove near Drainsville. Very early next morning,
+descending into the lovely valley of the Potomac, we reached Edwards'
+Ferry, where troops were crossing; after a delay of one or two hours,
+waiting for troops of another corps to cross the pontoon bridge, we
+followed, and were in Maryland again. All day long troops were passing
+over the bridges and taking their positions upon the neighboring hills,
+ready for starting anew in the morning; for nearly the whole army was
+crossing at this point, and as the process was necessarily slow, those
+who went over first waited for those behind.
+
+On Sunday, we left Edwards' Ferry; marched through Poolesville and
+Barnstown to Hyattstown. A halt was made at Barnstown for dinner, and
+the Sixth corps left the road and occupied a pleasant valley, where the
+chestnut trees afforded a grateful shade for the men. They had just
+unslung knapsacks, when we were all startled by the sound of a church
+bell, which seemed in our midst. The boys gazed for a moment in mute
+astonishment in the direction from which the sound came, when they
+discovered at a short distance from them, a little church half hidden
+among the trees, and the parishioners gathering for service. When the
+first surprise was over, the word passed from one to another, "It is
+Sunday!" "It is Sunday!" and they set up a shout that demonstrated that
+they had not forgotten to love the institutions of civilization, even
+after so long an absence from a civilized country. Few who were present
+at this time, will ever forget the thrill of pleasurable surprise which
+we all experienced at hearing once more the sounds which so forcibly
+reminded us of home.
+
+Some of the men attended the service. It was a Catholic church, a small
+edifice which had once been white, but, by the action of the weather for
+many years, it had now become brown. The seats and altar had never been
+painted, and the plaster of the inner wall had, in places, fallen from
+the lath. The parishioners seemed quite devout people, and the pastor a
+sincere man. In his prayers he remembered the President and the
+government, and he supplicated for peace. The reverend father said that,
+owing to the confusion in town, there would be no sermon, but he wished
+the good people to pray for sister A., who was at the point of death,
+and for the repose of the soul of brother B., who was already dead. Some
+of our officers engaged in a pleasant conversation with the pastor after
+service. He was an agreeable, shrewd man, and professed to be a good
+Unionist.
+
+It was at Hyattstown that we first learned that General Hooker had been
+superseded, in the command of the army, by General George B. Meade. The
+announcement of this unexpected change at such a time, was received with
+astonishment, and by many with indignation. To deprive the leader of a
+great army of his command just upon the eve of a great battle, when, by
+the most brilliant marches and masterly strategy, he had thrown this
+army face to face with his enemy, thwarting his designs of moving upon
+the capital, without some offense of a grave character, was an act
+unheard of before in the history of warfare. It seemed, from later
+information regarding this extraordinary measure, that a difference had
+arisen between General Hooker and his superior at Washington in regard
+to the disposition of troops at Harper's Ferry, and that, each refusing
+to surrender his opinion, General Hooker was relieved. His successor
+demanded the same disposition on the very next day, and it was granted!
+
+The army was not dissatisfied with the appointment of General Meade; the
+soldiers would as readily fight under Meade as under Hooker. They were
+anxious to retrieve what had been lost at Chancellorsville, and would
+have been glad could General Hooker have shared in the victory which
+they believed they were about to achieve; but the men of the Union army
+fought for their country and not for their leaders. So they at once
+transferred their hopes and their obedience to the new commander.
+General Meade was well known to the army as a good soldier, the brave
+general who had, with his single division, dashed upon the rebels at the
+first Fredericksburgh, and as the leader of a corps which behaved
+gallantly at Chancellorsville. All were willing to try him, and hoped
+for the best.
+
+The movement from Fredericksburgh had been conducted with consummate
+skill and energy, and now the army was moving in several columns by
+roads nearly parallel, with the twofold object of greater rapidity of
+movement, and of sweeping a greater extent of country.
+
+The Sixth corps was now upon the extreme right, marching toward
+Manchester; next, on our left, was the Twelfth corps, at Taneytown, a
+little hamlet named in honor of the chief justice of the United States,
+whose residence was there. At a point a dozen miles north and west of
+us, was the head-quarters of the army, and the Second and Third Corps.
+Further to the left, at Emmitsburgh, were the First, Fifth and Eleventh
+corps. Upon either flank of this line, extending twenty miles, was
+cavalry. Thus the army was guarding a great extent of country, at the
+same time that the different corps were within supporting distance of
+each other.
+
+The rebel army under General Lee, one hundred thousand strong, occupied
+an equally extended line to the north and west of us, stretching from
+Harrisburgh through Chambersburgh and Cashtown.
+
+At five o'clock, Monday morning, 28th, the corps marched again, passing
+through Monroville, New Market, Ridgeville and Mount Airy Station,
+halting for the night at Sam's creek. As the corps passed through
+Westminster on the following day, the people welcomed us with
+demonstrations of joy, which were all the more earnest, as the rebel
+cavalry had, but two hours before, taken a hasty leave of them. At night
+we were at Manchester, at least twenty miles from the left of the army,
+and between the line of march of the enemy and Baltimore. We rested here
+until evening of the next day. The plot was thickening, and the hostile
+forces were moving cautiously, each watching the movements of the other,
+and each ready to seize any opportunity for rushing upon its enemy to
+destroy it. Thus far our marches had been of most fatiguing character.
+We had, in the last four days, passed over one hundred miles of road. It
+is to be remembered that these marches were made under burning suns, and
+that each soldier carried with him his gun, knapsack, haversack,
+containing five days' provisions, and forty rounds of cartridges. The
+men had kept up wonderfully during this trying campaign, but the great
+march of all, in which this magnificent corps was to outdo all that was
+ever recorded of wonderful marches, was yet in store for it.
+
+We waited at Manchester until evening. The inhabitants were well
+supplied with rye whisky, and it must be confessed that soldiers have a
+way of finding out the existence of that luxury, and of supplying
+themselves with it; and as the men of the old Sixth corps were in no
+respect behind their comrades of the other corps, many of our brave
+fellows became, long before dark, considerably inebriated.
+
+At nine o'clock in the evening of the 1st of July, we were on the road,
+but it was eleven before we were fairly under headway. Those who during
+the day had indulged so freely in the rye whisky of the farmers, as to
+disable them from marching or even standing in line, were quietly thrown
+into the clumps of bushes by the roadside, and left to be gathered up by
+cavalry squads that were scouring the country for stragglers. Those that
+were left by our own provost-guards were picked up by rebel scouts.
+
+The column now pushed rapidly on; all night the weary march was kept up.
+A halt of ten minutes for breakfast, and then on again. Now we heard
+that a part of the army, the First corps, had already engaged the enemy
+at Gettysburgh, with doubtful issue, and that its commander, General
+Reynolds, was killed.
+
+New ardor was now kindled in the breasts of the men of the Sixth corps
+at these tidings, and they pressed forward at a pace unusual, even for
+them. The day was bright, the sun pouring scalding rays from a cloudless
+sky. The men strove hard to keep in the ranks, for few in that corps
+were willing to be left behind in a fight.
+
+Yet some gave out from exhaustion, but even these, at a slower pace,
+followed the rapidly moving column.
+
+At the houses on the roadsides, the citizens, their wives and daughters,
+were bringing water, from which the soldiers filled their canteens as
+they passed. At Littletown we saw citizens bringing the wounded from the
+field in their carriages, and many wounded soldiers who could walk were
+making their way to the village. The marching was more rapid. Our
+friends were waiting for us. Soon we saw above the valley that lay
+before us, clouds of smoke and the white puffs of bursting shells. As
+yet we could distinguish little of the sound of battle, but those small
+fleecy clouds which appeared so suddenly, flashing forked lightning,
+told us of work ahead. It was five o'clock when the Sixth corps arrived
+on the battle-field, having made an unprecedented march of thirty-four
+miles! We halted in reserve, not to rest, but to wait a few moments
+until our place should be assigned us in front. We had more marching to
+do! Four miles more of marching and countermarching that night, made
+thirty-eight miles in a single day. Such marching as had been done by
+the Sixth corps since leaving Bristow Station, is unparalleled in the
+history of armies.
+
+The roar of battle was terrific. On our left, where rose a hill covered
+with timber on the top and side, a fearful struggle seemed in progress,
+and the roll of musketry and the rapid discharge of artillery was almost
+deafening.
+
+Let us now turn back and review the operations of the First and the
+Eleventh corps since yesterday morning. We give it as it was related to
+us by members of the First and Eleventh corps. General Buford,
+commanding the cavalry on the left flank of the army, had advanced north
+of the town of Gettysburgh, and had fallen in with large bodies of
+cavalry, supported by infantry. He became hotly engaged with this force,
+and at once reported the information to General Meade that he had found
+the enemy in large force. General Reynolds, who, with the First corps
+had by this time reached Marsh creek, within easy striking distance of
+Gettysburgh, was directed to urge his troops forward to Gettysburgh as
+rapidly as possible. The corps pushed on, and reaching Gettysburgh,
+filed through the town, leaving it to the rear. General Buford was found
+fiercely struggling to maintain his position against the infantry of the
+enemy. At once, General Reynolds proceeded to select a position for his
+line of battle. Without a moment's hesitation, the corps was deployed;
+the division of Wadsworth, leading the van, was in position; a battery
+which had been brought to the front was slowly forced back, but the
+gallant Wadsworth, bringing more infantry into line, arrested the
+retreat, and in turn forced back the hostile forces, who were now found
+to be in large numbers. It was at this time that General Reynolds,
+riding forward with a few members of his staff, to inspect the field
+with the view of bringing the rest of his troops into favorable
+position, was shot through the neck, the enemy having, at the moment,
+opened a full volley of musketry. The noble commander, feeling the
+wound, turned to his soldiers and shouted, "Forward men! for God's sake,
+forward!" and fell, dying, into the arms of one of his companions.
+
+This sad loss only fired the hearts of the soldiers to more desperate
+determination, and they rushed into line upon the run, burning to avenge
+their beloved leader. General Doubleday, of the Second division of the
+corps, was next in rank, and took command. The encounter was sharp, and
+the rebels were giving way. Three hundred prisoners were brought in, and
+the corps was put into position to hold its ground. The force of the
+enemy now engaged, proved to be the corps of General A. P. Hill, and the
+prisoners declared that the rest of the confederate army was close at
+hand. A column of the enemy now moved toward the left of our line,
+debouching from a piece of woods, and occupying a close proximity to our
+forces. Volley after volley was poured into the advancing column,
+without avail, except to stretch many of its men upon the ground,
+wounded and dying.
+
+At length the brigades of Doubleday's own division were ordered to
+charge upon the obstinate line. They obeyed with alacrity, their cheers
+and shouts ringing above the roar of musketry. The rebels gave way
+before this impetuous charge, and several hundred more prisoners were
+brought in.
+
+Thus far the First corps was victorious, but its ranks were becoming
+terribly thinned.
+
+In the meantime, General Howard, with the Eleventh corps, was hastening
+to the assistance of the First. Just before receiving his fatal wound,
+General Reynolds had sent a messenger to Howard, who, with his corps,
+was ten miles behind, to hasten forward as rapidly as possible.
+
+The men of that corps were burning to wipe out the unfortunate record of
+Chancellorsville, and the roar of artillery before them, inspired vigor
+in their movements and urged them forward; but the noise of the battle
+was heard by others.
+
+Ewell, with his confederates, was but three miles off; and while the
+Unionists looked for the coming of help, a fresh corps reinforced the
+rebels. But the opposing forces were, for the time, willing to allow a
+lull in the battle. So, from ten o'clock until half-past two the First
+corps held the enemy at bay. By this time a division of the Eleventh
+corps was on the ground and another on the other side of Gettysburgh.
+General Howard took command. The Union reinforcements were just
+arriving; those of the rebels had already taken their position, and were
+ready for a desperate charge.
+
+Suddenly, rushing from the cover of the woods in which they had
+debouched from the York road, the old corps of Stonewall Jackson, now
+under Ewell, charged, with yells, down upon the Eleventh. The Germans,
+this time stood their ground, returning with spirit, the volleys of
+their old antagonists.
+
+On the left, Hill was also charging fiercely upon the First corps, and
+the sturdy divisions of Wadsworth and Cutler were almost destroyed.
+
+The rebel line now overlapped that of the Union forces on either flank,
+and the two corps under Howard were in danger of being surrounded by the
+greater numbers of their adversaries. The lines began to waver under the
+fearful storm of lead and iron, and the order was given to fall back.
+The lines retired in good order until they reached the town. There, in
+passing through the streets, the Germans became confused and alarmed,
+and the retreat of the corps became a rout. Twelve hundred were taken
+prisoners in the streets. The First corps maintained its line of battle
+and held its foe at a distance in spite of the deadly fire which was
+decimating its ranks. The heroic Wadsworth cheered and encouraged his
+men by his own noble example, while the messengers of death shrieked
+thickly about him. On the right of the corps, Hill had already forced
+back the line, and now the Eleventh corps having left him, both flanks
+of his division were exposed. It was useless to protract the hopeless
+struggle, and these sturdy troops also fell back, retiring slowly and
+firmly, while the rebels, flushed with victory, were pouring into front
+and flank the most deadly fire. It was a moment of vital importance to
+our army and our cause. A rout of these two corps, while the remaining
+two-thirds of the army was separated in columns far distant from each
+other, must insure the destruction of each column in detail, and give to
+the rebels undisputed sway throughout the north. But the christian hero,
+whose empty sleeve testified of hard fought fields before, was still
+sufficient for the crisis. Halting the retreating divisions as they
+reached the line of hills upon the south side of the town, and selecting
+a ridge called Cemetery Hill for his second line of battle, he reformed
+his disordered ranks, and planting batteries so as to sweep the
+declivity in front and on right and left, awaited the onset of the
+victorious hosts. On they came, until half through the town, when, from
+the whole line of guns on the crest, burst a murderous fire, from which
+the assailants staggered in consternation.
+
+The tide was turned; for now a part of Hancock's Second corps was coming
+up, and in half an hour the rebels retired, and the one-armed general
+was master of the situation. But the day had been a fearful one for the
+two corps.
+
+The First corps had lost its general, loved and admired for his bravery.
+Hundreds from the ranks of the corps, lay beyond the village stretched
+in death. Of those who went into the fight in the morning, but one-half
+remained.
+
+The havoc was almost as fearful in the Eleventh corps. Hundreds had been
+killed and a greater number captured. Yet there was no faltering among
+those veterans, and when, toward evening, the Third and Twelfth corps
+arrived upon the field, their confidence and hope rose, and all now
+believed that our army was yet destined to achieve a grand victory.
+
+No further demonstrations were made on either side that night. Each
+party was gathering its strength for the grand conflict. Late in the
+evening General Meade arrived on the field, and with General Howard
+proceeded to inspect the ground, and make arrangements for posting the
+troops of the army.
+
+The Eleventh corps was still to occupy Cemetery Hill, just opposite the
+town. Upon a knoll to the right of the Eleventh corps was the First
+corps, and still farther, and forming the extreme right of the army, was
+the Twelfth corps, General Slocum. On the left of Cemetery Hill,
+occupying the extension of the ridge and a prominent hill, Round Top,
+the Third corps, General Sickles, was posted, and the Second corps,
+General Hancock. The Fifth corps was to be held in reserve until the
+arrival of the Sixth corps. Thus through the night, the two armies lay
+upon their arms, each watching the other, to wake to a contest more
+fearful than the last.
+
+At daylight Thursday morning, July 2d, the rebel skirmishers opened fire
+upon parts of our lines of pickets, but there was little betokening any
+general engagement. Occasionally a few of the skirmishers of the enemy,
+would make a charge upon parts of our line forcing back the pickets, but
+a gun from some one of our batteries would hastily send them to the rear
+again. Doubtless it was for the purpose of disclosing the positions of
+our batteries, that their dashes were made. Thus the day wore on until
+four o'clock.
+
+General Sickles, with the Third corps, had moved out beyond the general
+line of battle nearly a mile, and had come upon the advance of the
+enemy, where Longstreet, with one-third of the rebel army, was
+concentrating his forces against the left flank, with the hope of
+turning it and seizing the ridge.
+
+The battle opened at once. Seven batteries of artillery opened upon
+front and flank of the exposed corps, and large bodies of infantry in
+column by division. The corps withstood the shock heroically, and was
+soon strengthened by troops from the Second corps. Our artillery now
+opened upon the rebels from the ridge, and hurled destruction upon them.
+The valley was filled with bursting missiles, and the smoke rolled up in
+huge columns. It was at this stage of the great battle that the Sixth
+corps arrived on the ground, after its unparalleled march, and the Fifth
+corps was at once ordered into the fight. For an hour the Sixth corps
+was the reserve of the army, but even this reserve was soon called into
+action.
+
+The writer, while our corps waited for orders, rode along the front,
+from where the Second and Third corps were engaged in their deadly
+struggle with the enemy, across Cemetery Ridge and to the hill where, on
+the right of the line, Slocum had established his head-quarters, and he
+will attempt to describe the field as he saw it.
+
+To form a correct idea of the position of the armies, one should imagine
+two ranges of hills, between which was the valley and the village of
+Gettysburgh.
+
+These ridges are nearly parallel, and are from a mile to a mile and a
+half asunder. Their course is not a direct line but curving. The ridge
+on which our forces are posted, bend outward and backward, so that the
+line is in the form of a half circle, fronting from the center, while
+the rebels were forced to occupy an exterior line facing towards the
+center.
+
+At Gettysburgh several roads converge, first, on the right is the
+Baltimore turnpike, next is the road to Taneytown, and further to the
+left is the Emmitsburgh road. These all meet at Cemetery Hill, which is
+the key to the whole situation.
+
+Cemetery Hill is in the center of a range of hills running south and
+west from Gettysburgh, and considerably in front of the others. Standing
+upon its summit, the spectator looks down upon the village, a little to
+his right and upon the long declivity stretching between the crest and
+the town.
+
+The crest of this ridge is bristling with batteries, which are so
+arranged as to sweep the declivity, the valley below, and the opposite
+range of hills. Here, by the side of the Baltimore pike, General Howard
+has his head-quarters, and just in front lie long lines of infantry, who
+wear the crescent badge, which distinguishes the Eleventh corps.
+
+Stretching to the left and rear, Cemetery Ridge gradually diminishes in
+elevation, until it reaches an abrupt peak which rises considerably
+above the other hills of the range. This is Round Top. It is covered
+with timber at its summit, its sides are rugged, and, toward the enemy,
+quite steep. On the north slope of Round Top, the Second and Third corps
+are maintaining the unequal struggle with one-third of the rebel army.
+The roar of musketry is awful beyond description, and the whole valley
+trembles with the thunder of the artillery. On the right of Cemetery
+Ridge is another elevation, Slocum's Hill, where the commander of the
+Twelfth corps sits among the huge fragments of rock, watching his own
+and the enemy's line in his front, and where is another battery, which
+from time to time is sending its screaming messengers to the hills
+beyond or across a little stream which winds along the right of his
+position.
+
+In rear of Slocum's Hill is a little whitewashed cottage, surrounded by
+a picket fence. There are two or three wall tents in the yard, and many
+horses are tied to the fence. This is the head-quarters of the army.
+From this point General Meade is directing all the movements of the
+Union forces.
+
+It will be seen that our troops could be sent from one point to another
+of the line, easily and quickly, while the rebels, who occupied the
+exterior of the circle, must make long circuits in order to reinforce
+one part of the field with troops from another. For the first time since
+Malvern Hill, our forces had the advantage of position.
+
+The rebel lines which had so fiercely attacked the Third corps, steadily
+advanced, pouring destruction before them, while the two corps, unable
+to resist the weight of the advancing columns, steadily fell back. At
+the moment that the Sixth corps reached the field, the Fifth were
+rushing to the assistance of the wavering lines on Round Top.
+
+It was a glorious spectacle, as the veteran wearers of the St. Andrew's
+cross rushed along the rear of the peak and among the rocks, at
+double-quick, and then suddenly moving by the flank, formed in line of
+battle. Through the woods and down the slope they rush, fall upon the
+advancing columns, and check their progress. The Union line now advance
+upon the rebels, who fall back more. Shot and shells pour in a fearful
+storm from the rebel batteries, sweeping the slope of Round Top and the
+crest of Cemetery Hill. Here, near Howard's quarters, a train of
+ambulances and army wagons attract the fire of the enemy, and the
+bursting shells soon send them hurrying through the narrow defile in the
+rocks through which the road passes, panic stricken. For more than two
+hours the desperate battle rages on the left, while the right, except
+that on either side artillery belches forth its thunders, is quiet. The
+Sixth corps, the only reserve of the army, is also put into the line on
+the left; only one brigade, Neill's, is sent to the right to reinforce
+Slocum, who has also sent a great portion of his corps to the left, and
+against whom the rebels are now charging. The doubtful contest ceases as
+darkness gathers over the battle-field, leaving the rebels still in
+possession of some of the ground occupied by Sickles' corps at four
+o'clock.
+
+Both armies again lay upon their arms, waiting for daylight, by which to
+renew the contest. The losses in the Second and Third corps had been
+fearful, and scarcely less were those of the Fifth. From our own Sixth
+corps, there were many killed and wounded, but compared with these
+others, the loss was slight. General Sickles had been wounded early in
+the fight, and suffered amputation of a leg. The morning of July 3d
+dawned brightly, and at once the rattle of musketry told of the renewal
+of strife. On the right, where Slocum with a single division of his own
+troops and our Third brigade of Howe's division, Sixth corps, held the
+long line, an attempt was made to retake the rifle pits which the rebels
+had captured yesterday. The rebels in turn charged furiously. They had
+possession of some of our pits, and now they hoped to turn our flank and
+rout the army; but the small force replied to the desperate charge of
+the whole of Ewell's corps with the most stubborn resistance. Charge
+after charge was made, but to no avail. At length Neill's brigade passed
+far to the right of the rebel line, and poured an enfilading volley into
+the gray-coats. They, supposing that a heavy force had got on their
+flank withdrew, when our forces charging in turn, drove them with great
+loss from the rifle pits, which were held during the remainder of the
+engagement in spite of repeated efforts to dislodge our forces. By noon
+quiet prevailed along the whole line, except that now and then a shot
+from some of our batteries screamed across the valley, but eliciting no
+reply. The rebel lines could be seen moving here and there as if
+preparing for a desperate struggle. The men at our batteries declared
+that so completely had they got the range of the other crests that the
+rebels dare not open a piece. Little did they imagine that more than a
+hundred guns were concentrating just behind the little strip of woods
+below them.
+
+This unwonted silence continued until about one o'clock, when suddenly,
+as though pandemonium had broken loose, the air was filled with the
+shrieks, screams, howls and clangor of bursting shells. The sky was
+filled with smoke, amid which flames darted in every direction, and the
+valley and hills quaked with the thunders of artillery. Never on this
+continent had been heard such cannonading as this. For two hours this
+storm of shell and shot raged in all its fury. At the first opening of
+the storm, parts of our line were forced back, but they quickly advanced
+again. Horses and men fell together, mangled and torn by the screaming
+missiles. In some of our batteries every horse was destroyed, and the
+men drew back the pieces by hand to save them from capture. One hundred
+and twenty-five guns were concentrated against our left center, which
+continued for two hours to belch forth death and destruction. At length,
+when it was supposed that our guns were silenced, and our infantry
+confused by the fearful cannonade, came the expected charge of infantry.
+Longstreet's corps, massed, with Picket's division in front, rushed
+forward with the well known yells, which rang above the clangor of
+musketry and artillery, and threw themselves with utmost fury upon the
+Union lines. Our men had waited the onset with unflinching courage, and
+now poured into the assailants a most murderous fire, which hurled them
+back and strewed the ground with their dead and dying. Again, with the
+fierceness of desperation, they rush forward, and again are met with the
+same deadly reception. Hundreds from the attacking columns, in order to
+escape the certain doom, threw down their arms and came in as prisoners.
+The tide of battle lulled for a time.
+
+Again artillery did its work alone, until about four o'clock, when the
+last desperate charge was made, the grand effort which was to sweep the
+Union lines in confusion, or result in the total defeat of the rebel
+army.
+
+The heavy masses swept up as before, with the desperation of madness.
+They advanced until they were fairly on our lines, and, at some points,
+actually pushed them back. Then they were met with enfilading fires,
+from which the carnage exceeded all that had been before. Nearly the
+whole of Picket's division, finding itself unable to retreat through the
+fiery storm, was captured, and the remaining divisions reeled back in
+confusion, leaving the ground literally covered with dead.
+
+This decided the fate of the battle. The enemy had staked all upon this
+last desperate charge, and had been hurled back in confusion and with
+enormous losses.
+
+No pursuit was attempted, but, although the rebels were not at once
+driven from their position, they had suffered a terrible defeat, and
+they must retreat with all speed to their defenses in Virginia, or
+submit to the destruction of their army. Our wounded were collected in
+great numbers in and about the field hospitals, which were composed
+chiefly of hospital tents, some farm house with its large barns, serving
+as a nucleus for each. To these, thousands of our brave comrades were
+brought with mangled limbs, torn bodies or bleeding heads, yet,
+notwithstanding their terrible wounds, exhibiting their accustomed
+heroism. Long trains of ambulances were bringing in crowds of poor
+fellows with arms or legs torn to shreds, yet who never uttered a word
+of complaint, and who, indeed, appeared cheerful, and some even gay.
+
+In this respect there was the greatest contrast between the wounded of
+the Union and the rebel armies. A Union soldier, if so severely wounded
+that he could by no possibility assume a cheerful countenance, would
+shut his teeth close together and say nothing. While a rebel, if he
+could boast of only a flesh wound, would whine and cry like a sick
+child. One unaccustomed to such scenes as can only be witnessed about a
+field hospital in time of battle, would be filled with astonishment at
+the stoical bravery manifested by the northern troops. If one had passed
+along where our men were lying in rows, he would only now and then have
+heard a groan escape from some poor fellow who had received a bullet
+through the abdomen or some such fatal and painful wound. But let a
+group of wounded rebels be placed in some part of the hospital, and
+their groans were heart-rending. This contrast is not overdrawn. Every
+surgeon who has had opportunities to observe the difference in the
+bearing of wounded men of the two armies, can testify to the greater
+heroism of the northern soldier at such times.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+PURSUIT OF LEE'S ARMY.
+
+    Scenes of the field of Gettysburgh--The rebel hospitals--The
+    sightless rebel soldier boy--The Sixth corps at
+    Fairfield--"Hurrah for the Union"--Kilpatrick's handiwork--At
+    Waynesboro'--On picket--A division of militia--The Vermonters at
+    Funkstown--The army at Funkstown--Meade's failure to attack--New
+    York riots--Return to Virginia.
+
+
+The battle was over and the invading army which had suffered such a
+crushing defeat, had only to gather up its shattered remnants and
+hastily retrace its steps southward. We were in no condition to renew
+immediate hostilities. Every man and every gun had been brought into
+service. Never before had all of our army been fought at once. At
+Gettysburgh, every man of the infantry reserve, and every gun of the
+reserve artillery had been brought into action. The men were exhausted
+by their tedious marches and hard fighting, while our ammunition was
+well nigh spent.
+
+During the night of the 4th of July, Lee's army retreated, and on the
+morning of the 5th, our Sixth corps, Sedgwick's cavalry as the corps was
+called, was sent in pursuit on the Fairfield road. The battle-field was
+horrible. Dead men were thickly strewed over the fields with their faces
+blackened, and eyes starting from their sockets; and upturned, swollen
+horses lay, sometimes in groups of six or eight, showing where some
+battery had suffered fearfully. As we passed the scene of the conflict
+on the left, at the foot of Round Top, was a scene more than usually
+hideous. Blackened ruins marked the spot where, on the morning of the
+third, stood a large barn. It had been used as a hospital. It had taken
+fire from the shells of the hostile batteries, and had quickly burned to
+the ground. Those of the wounded not able to help themselves were
+destroyed by the flames, which in a moment spread through the straw and
+dry material of the building. The crisped and blackened limbs, heads and
+other portions of bodies lying half consumed among the heaps of ruins
+and ashes, made up one of the most ghastly pictures ever witnessed, even
+on the field of battle. But we passed these direful scenes to meet with
+others of less shocking but still sad character. Every house and barn
+from Gettysburgh to Fairfield was a hospital; and about most of the
+large barns, numbers of dilapidated hospital tents served to increase
+the accommodations for the wounded.
+
+All of the worst cases were left in these hospitals, the number being
+estimated, by the rebel surgeons in charge, at no less than fifteen
+thousand. Never had we witnessed such sad scenes as we were passing
+through to-day. The confederate surgeons were doing what they could for
+their wounded, but they were destitute of medicines and surgical
+appliances, and even food sufficient to supply those in their charge. At
+one of these barns some of our officers stopped, and as they passed
+among the gray-clad sufferers who were lying in rows upon the barn
+floors, one, a boy apparently not more than sixteen years of age,
+attracted the notice of one of the company, a surgeon. The lad looked
+more like a delicate girl than a soldier; his hair fell from his fair
+forehead in long flaxen curls upon his pillow of straw, some of them
+matted with blood; his cheek was rosy, and his soft white hand told of a
+youth spent amid more tender scenes than those of the camp. A piece of
+linen laid across his face covered a ghastly wound where a ball had
+passed through his face, and had torn both his eyes from their sockets.
+
+The surgeon spoke a kind word to the youth, who stretched out his hand,
+saying, "Come near me, I want to touch you." The doctor stooped over
+him, and the boy, pressing his hand in his own, said, "You are a friend,
+are you not?" "Yes, I am a friend to all the unfortunate." "But are you
+not a confederate?" "No." The boy clung to the hand of the surgeon in
+silence for a moment, and then said slowly, "I did not think a federal
+would speak so kindly to me; your voice sounds like that of a friend,
+and your hand feels like one; will you not stay with me?" When the other
+told him that he must follow his command, he replied: "Oh! I shall never
+hear any one speak so kindly to me again; my mother lives in North
+Carolina, but she will not see me. Can you not stay?" The doctor was far
+from being a rebel sympathizer, yet he turned away from the poor boy,
+with a sad face and a deep drawn sigh, to join the moving column.
+
+Early next morning we passed through the somewhat dilapidated village of
+Fairfield. Our advance threw a few shells down the street, scattering a
+body of cavalry, which had been left in town, and killing some of the
+horses attached to their battery. A mile beyond the town the South
+Mountain range rose in our front, the road running through a narrow
+pass. Here the rear guard of the rebel army was strongly posted. Neill's
+and the Jersey brigade advanced against the rebel skirmishers, but after
+losing some six or eight men they were ordered to halt. General Sedgwick
+deeming the position too strong to assault with his corps from the
+front, reported to General Meade that the pass was very strong, and one
+in which a small force of the enemy could hold in check for a
+considerable time, a force much larger than its own. The main body of
+the army, therefore, was moved around their flank by way of Frederick;
+while Neill's brigade, with Colonel McIntosh's brigade of cavalry and
+two light batteries, all under command of General Neill, were made to
+form a flying division to harass the enemy in the rear.
+
+Our march over the mountain that day was by a wild, romantic route, than
+which none more charming could be asked by tourist in search of nature's
+wildest moods. Before each little log house by the roadside would stand
+a wondering group, astonished at seeing such multitudes of men in those
+secluded regions, where scarcely a dozen travelers usually passed in a
+week. At one place, as the column was passing a cottage half hidden by
+sunflowers and flowering beans, those at the head of the column were
+heard cheering heartily; and, as we advanced, other voices took up the
+cheer, exciting the curiosity of those behind. In the midst of the
+noise, sounded a shrill voice; and as we approached, we saw, sitting
+upon the fence in front of the cottage, a little boy, about four years
+old, his face flushed with excitement, his flaxen hair flying in the
+wind, as he was waving his little hat, and with childlike indistinctness
+shouting in his shrill tones, "Hurrah for 'e Union! Hurrah for 'e
+Union!"
+
+Soon those in the rear of the line heard those ahead shouting again, and
+another shrill voice was heard between the cheers of the men. There by
+the roadside stood an old man, over whom more than eighty years had
+passed, with voice indistinct with the tremor of age, all excited as the
+little boy had been, his hair tossed about by the breeze, as with hat
+swinging he too was shouting, "Hurrah for the Union! Hurrah for the
+Union!" And the cheers of the multitude again rang in response to the
+old man's shout. We could but note the similarity and the disparity. One
+vaguely dreamed of those blessings which the other had fully realized,
+and for which he had struggled; and the same shout was lifted up by
+those two children--the one of four, and the other of fourscore--the one
+with the flaxen curls of childhood, and the other with the white locks
+of age--the one voice with the shrill treble of infancy, and the other
+with the high-keyed tones of decrepitude. Those people, who had seen the
+rebel army pass a few hours before, now felt the value of the Union.
+
+On the summit of the mountain we passed Monterey Springs, a charming
+summer retreat, where the Pennsylvanians resort to indulge in the sports
+of trout-fishing and deer-hunting. Passing down the western slope of the
+mountain, the handiwork of Kilpatrick was strewed along the roadside for
+miles. As the battle of Gettysburgh drew to a close, and General Meade
+knew that Lee must retreat toward Virginia, he had sent the dashing
+Kilpatrick with his brigade of cavalry to harass the rebels in their
+flight. Reaching these mountains, the cavalry had come upon a long rebel
+train of wagons and ambulances, hastening with all speed, with their
+lading of stolen goods and provisions and their wounded men, towards the
+Potomac. With shouts and cheers the horsemen dashed from the cover of
+the woods, upon the flying train, shot the leading horses and mules,
+captured the drivers and remaining animals, appropriated the stolen
+goods to their own use, and burned the wagons. Now, as we marched down
+the forest road, the wildness of the scene was heightened by the remains
+of the ruined wagons which lined the wayside, some burned, some with the
+wheels disabled by cutting the spokes, others tumbled off the steep
+embankment. For more than three miles, these remnants of the rebel
+trains met our view.
+
+It was near the middle of the afternoon when the column, the army under
+General Neill, descended into the beautiful Cumberland valley, and
+arrived at the village of Waynesboro. The people gave our little army a
+joyous reception, and we encamped at a little distance from the village.
+One regiment, the Seventy-seventh, was sent on picket on the banks of
+the Antietam creek, and so pleasant was the duty that the regiment
+petitioned to be allowed to remain until the army moved, to which
+request General Neill very graciously assented. Our picketing on the
+Antietam became one of the bright sports in the history of our
+campaigning. We were a mile in advance of the other troops, and the
+picket line was two miles long, so that we were not at all crowded. The
+weather was fine, the country delightful, and the people kind and
+hospitable. The most friendly relations sprang up at once between the
+people and the soldiers, the inhabitants supplying the boys with
+luxuries, and taking them into their houses as welcome guests, the
+soldiers on their part guarding the people against the depredations of
+stragglers and militia.
+
+The grain was ripe for the harvest, and the farmers were short of help;
+but the boys laid aside their guns, and swung the cradle and the scythe
+with a zest that showed that they worked with a good will. Day after day
+the boys of the Seventy-seventh reaped and bound in the fields, while
+the good ladies worked day and night to make bread and cakes for the
+veterans, who had so long been accustomed to diet on pork and hard tack.
+Soft bread, milk, poultry and the staple luxury of Pennsylvania, apple
+butter, was a glorious improvement on the usual bill of camp fare, and
+kind sympathizing Union people were much better calculated to render our
+stay among them agreeable, than the bitter rebels among whom we had so
+long been.
+
+The left wing of our extended picket line was under command of Major
+Babcock, who, with the line officers of his part of the picket,
+established head-quarters at the house of a miller, whose comfortable
+rooms and well filled larder afforded substantial inducements to our
+friends; but the great attractions at the miller's house were doubtless
+the three charming daughters, whose merry faces and bewitching eyes
+rejoiced the hearts of our gay major and his associates. Word came to
+the right of the line that our friends on the left were in the enjoyment
+of far more than the usual allowance of pleasure for men on picket, and
+thither started the colonel and the doctor, and our friend, Colonel
+Connor, of the Seventh Maine, to investigate the matter. Riding through
+a lovely region, now rising to the summit of some gentle eminence, from
+whence they could look away upon the surrounding country, its rich
+fields of grain ready for the harvest, its charming groves of oak, and
+its neat farm houses, making up a most delightful landscape, now
+descending into some green valley where babbling brooks danced over
+pebbly beds, and now reining up to listen to the complaint of some
+cottagers, who said that "the militia were robbing them of their pigs
+and their poultry, and but for the old soldiers, who were perfect
+gentlemen, they would be stripped of everything they had;" now fording
+the bright waters of the Antietam, and anon halting to converse with
+some group of men who were reclining beneath the shadow of some clump of
+chestnuts or oaks, doing picket duty as amateurs, the party at length
+arrived at the miller's house, nestled in a pleasant grove by the side
+of the beautiful river. Here was the major, and here were the happy line
+officers, and here was the main reserve of the left wing of the picket,
+all exhibiting the most abundant good humor. Here, also, they found our
+chaplain, and Chaplain Osborn, of the Forty-third New York. It was
+evident, at a glance, that the reports of gay soldiering which had
+reached the right of the line were in no way exaggerated. The miller
+took the horses, and the party was ushered into the house, when the good
+lady and her merry daughters welcomed them heartily. The miller brought
+out his best wines and his biggest apples. The ladies were smiling, the
+wines were good, and the apples delicious, and the hearts of the
+soldiers were gladdened. The ladies retired, leaving the gentlemen in
+possession of the airy sitting-room. They sung Old Hundred, and
+Coronation, and Lenox, and Cambridge. Now our friend, Colonel Connor,
+would lead off in a rollicking soldiers' song; then our chaplain would
+follow with "Benny Havens, Oh!" and all would join in the chorus.
+Chaplain Osborn, of the Forty-third, could tell a good story, and relish
+a glass of wine; and so they passed a happy hour, singing and chatting,
+till called to dinner, where the long table was loaded from the
+abundance of the miller's stores. Dinner over, the company strolled
+among the fruit trees and along the banks of the river; but at length,
+as an end must come to all pleasures, our party, who had left the right
+of the line in the morning, galloped back to their quarters, satisfied
+that picket duty was not necessarily the most vexatious in the service.
+
+The Forty-ninth was provost guard for the town, and a merry time the men
+had of it. Here in the principal hotel, General Neill established his
+head-quarters, and in regal style amid flowers and fruits he received
+the homage of the citizens and soldiers. The remaining regiments of the
+brigade were stationed in a lovely grove half way between the town and
+the picket line. They lounged in the shade of their beautiful camp, or
+strolled to the village or to the picket line on the Antietam. They
+purchased from the people fruit and bread, apple butter and other
+luxuries, enjoying a pleasant respite from labors, while the Forty-ninth
+guarded the town and the Seventy-seventh the river. But notwithstanding
+all the pleasures of this bright episode in our campaign, the boys were
+not without a source of annoyance.
+
+Soon after our arrival at Waynesboro, we were joined by a large division
+of New York and Pennsylvania militia, under our old commander General W.
+F. Smith, who still held a prominent place in the affections of the
+boys. The militia was composed mostly of young gentlemen who had left
+their places behind the counter or at the desk, for the double purpose
+of lending their aid to their country in its hour of need, and of
+enjoying a month of what they hoped would be amateur soldiering.
+
+On the evening of their arrival, they were all complaining bitterly of
+the terrible marches they had endured, and swore they would shoot the
+general if they ever got into a fight. They had marched all the way from
+Harrisburgh, to which point they had been brought in cars, at the rate
+of from eight to fifteen miles a day! In addition to the severe marches,
+they had been subjected to great privations; many of them had not tasted
+any _butter_ for more than a week, and nearly all declared that they had
+absolutely nothing to eat for several days. The writer, who listened to
+these grievous complaints from some who had been his friends in civil
+life, pointed to their trains of wagons loaded with boxes of hard bread.
+"What," replied the militia-men, "You don't expect us to eat that hard
+tack do you?"
+
+These regiments of militia were undisciplined and unaccustomed to the
+hard fare of the soldier's life, and the majority of the men took to
+plundering the inhabitants of the neighboring country, and perpetrating
+other depredations equally dishonorable in the eyes of the old soldiers.
+As the veterans constituted the picket and the guard of the town, and
+were intrusted to guard many of the houses of the citizens outside of
+the village, they found great annoyance in attempting to resist the
+incursions of the militia, and rather frequent collisions resulted, in
+which the old soldiers usually got the best of the encounter.
+
+The citizens very soon learned to look upon the veterans as their
+friends and their protectors, while they regarded with dread any squad
+of soldiers that might approach, if they were clad in new uniforms.
+
+But, on the 11th of July, we drew in our picket line, the brigade
+assembled, and at dark the troops, veterans and militia, were fording
+the Antietam, the water nearly to their waists. We marched rapidly all
+night, halting at a place called Leytirsburgh. At daylight next morning,
+we were again marching. The day was extremely hot, and large numbers of
+the men fell by the wayside from sun-stroke. At Smithville we fell in
+with the First corps, which was moving towards Hagerstown, and the
+hearts of the men were gladdened by the sight of the old familiar flags
+of the Army of the Potomac. We had been absent from the main body of the
+army for a week, and it seemed now as though we had fallen in with old
+friends from whom we had been long separated. Falling in the rear of the
+First corps, we marched toward Hagerstown. At 2 o'clock a most terrific
+thunder-storm arose, such as had never overtaken our army, even in
+Virginia. Huge black clouds rose from the north and from the west and
+south, and meeting overhead poured down great volumes of water, until
+the road through which we were marching, and which was bordered by high
+banks on either side, was filled with a mad torrent which reached to the
+knees, and in places to the waists of the men. At sunset we reached
+Funkstown, where the main body of our corps was in line of battle,
+having yesterday met the rebels and driven them more than a mile. Our
+friends of the Vermont brigade had, as usual, given a good account of
+themselves; and the head-boards of pine, here and there among the trees,
+showed that the victory had not been gained without a struggle.
+
+In marching from Boonsboro towards Funkstown, the Vermont brigade in
+advance of the corps, the little stream, Beaver Creek, was passed, and
+General Howe found Buford's cavalry in his advance holding a strong
+position against the skirmishers of the rebel infantry. At General
+Buford's request, General Howe sought and obtained permission to send
+the Vermont brigade to relieve the cavalry. Colonel Lewis with his Fifth
+Vermont and part of the Second, and Colonel Barney with the Sixth
+regiment, at once deployed as skirmishers, forming their line two miles
+long. The Third and Fourth regiments were supporting a battery, and the
+balance of the Second was held in reserve. They saw the rebel infantry
+approach a strip of woods in front, and at once advanced and occupied it
+themselves. Against this long thin line of skirmishers, the rebels
+opened a severe fire of artillery and musketry, and advanced to drive
+the skirmishers from their position; but the brave mountaineers never
+dreaming that a Sixth corps skirmish line could not hold a rebel line of
+battle, resolutely refused to leave and sent the presumptious rebel line
+of battle to the rear in confusion; not, however, until Colonel
+Stoughton with the Fourth and Colonel Seaver with the Third, came
+forward to the support of the Fifth and Sixth. Again, the rebels,
+disgusted at being repulsed by a skirmish line, came up in several lines
+of battle and charged upon the Vermonters and they again went to the
+rear in confusion. A third charge was made against the obstinate
+skirmish line, and a third time the attack was broken. Meanwhile a
+strong force attempting to cross the Antietam and come in on the flank,
+was repelled by the Second Vermont.
+
+The gallant brigade had repelled Anderson's brigade, of seven large
+regiments, from its front, and another from its flank.
+
+An instance of a skirmish line, a mile and a half from any support,
+resisting repeated attacks of troops in line of battle, is rarely found
+in the history of armies.
+
+The men used from sixty to eighty rounds of cartridge, and when the
+first supply was exhausted, a fresh one was brought to the front on
+stretchers.
+
+The victory cost the brigade a loss of nine men killed and fifty-nine
+wounded, while the enemy lost more than two hundred men.
+
+The men of Neill's brigade were rejoiced to find themselves once more
+with the glorious old corps, and when their brigade flag, bearing the
+insignia of the Greek cross, was once more thrown to the breeze, it was
+greeted with vociferous cheers. Brisk skirmishing was going on along the
+line, and frequent charges were made by our Union pickets upon the rebel
+line, which usually resulted in the capture of a greater or less number
+of the enemy's pickets. All things indicated a great battle on the
+morrow. The two armies were facing each other in a line in front of
+Hagerstown, near a hamlet called Funkstown, the line of battle extending
+several miles. The rebels had occupied the higher grounds, and had
+thrown up strong earthworks to dispute our progress. Night came on with
+rain, and all expected to be roused early by the sound of battle. But
+morning came and passed, and the day wore on with little activity on our
+part. Here and there skirmishers kept up a rattle of musketry, but no
+general engagement came on. Much as the veterans, who knew too well the
+risks of battle, usually dreaded a general engagement, this time there
+seemed a universal desire, on the part of the men, now to strike a blow
+which should destroy their adversaries before they should be able to
+cross the river again.
+
+Deserters and prisoners from the rebel army represented it in a
+deplorable condition; and the men of the ranks in our army believed that
+this was the grand opportunity for striking a final blow. And
+notwithstanding the assertion of general officers that the Potomac was
+so swollen as to prevent the crossing of the rebel army, there were few
+privates in our ranks who were not ready to declare that, unless we gave
+battle at once, the prey would surely escape. Thus, as the day wore on,
+great dissatisfaction was expressed all along the ranks--men openly and
+freely cursing the hesitancy which held them back, as they believed,
+from a certain victory. So, when they arose on the morning of the 14th,
+to find that there was no enemy in our front, they were more incensed
+than surprised. There was certainly a very general ill-feeling pervading
+our army at this easy escape of the rebel army, which even the glorious
+news of Vicksburg and Port Hudson failed to pacify.
+
+Brisk firing in the vicinity of the Potomac, however, warned us that
+there were still rebels enough left on the north side of the river to
+offer some resistance. We learned, late in the day, that the firing was
+caused by a brilliant charge of Kilpatrick's cavalry upon the rear guard
+of the rebels at Falling Waters, where they captured several hundreds of
+prisoners; thus adding one more brilliant success to their many daring
+achievements during this campaign. Marching until nightfall, we reached
+Williamsport, and encamped very near the spot that had been our
+resting-place on a former occasion, nearly a year before.
+
+Why General Lee and his army were allowed to cross the Potomac
+unmolested, we do not attempt to explain; nor do we condemn the
+determination of General Meade not to give battle. When men of such
+well-known military ability and bravery as General Sedgwick advise
+against a movement, it may be well to hesitate; yet it will doubtless be
+the verdict of history, that the hesitancy of General Meade at this time
+was his great mistake.
+
+A hard march on the 15th brought the Sixth corps to Boonsboro, where our
+Second division encamped on precisely the same ground that we had
+occupied on the 31st of October last. Neill's brigade made the march at
+a breakneck pace, leaving the Vermonters far to the rear, who declared
+that the recent associations of the former with the cavalry had
+transformed them into a flying brigade. While resting here, a large body
+of rebel prisoners was marched past. They were mostly those who had been
+captured by Kilpatrick's men at Falling Waters. The rebels were hungry
+and destitute of rations. Our men at once divided their rations of hard
+bread and coffee with them, who, officers and all, declared that it was
+the best meal they had enjoyed for several days, and expressed
+themselves greatly pleased with the generosity of their guardians.
+
+Notwithstanding our glorious success at Gettysburgh, and the good news
+from the west, we were now hearing news that made our hearts sick, and
+caused the cheeks of the New York soldiers to burn for the disgrace of
+their native State. It was a source of the deepest mortification to the
+brave New Yorkers, to feel that their own State and the great metropolis
+had been outraged by the most disgraceful riot that had ever stained the
+annals of any State or city in the Union, all for the purpose of
+overawing the government in its efforts to subdue the rebellion. Our
+companions from other States, with the generosity that characterizes
+soldiers, never derided us with this disgrace, but alluded to the riot
+as an uprising of foreigners, who had for the moment overpowered the
+native element. Even the fact that the governor of that great State had,
+in the midst of these terrible scenes, addressed the miscreants as his
+"friends," was alluded to with a delicacy that won our hearts.
+
+It was one of the pleasant indications of a union of hearts as well as
+of States, that the soldiers of our sister States looked upon these
+riots in the light of a general calamity, rather than a disgrace to a
+particular State.
+
+Crossing the South Mountain range, from Boonsboro to Middletown, the
+Sixth corps reached Petersville, three or four miles north of Berlin,
+where the army was to cross the Potomac. Here, nearly the whole army was
+crowded into a space of not more than three miles, all waiting for the
+orders to cross. The men were universally eager to push forward, and the
+necessary delay caused by crossing the men and material of so large an
+army seemed to them a wearisome expenditure of time. While waiting here,
+the Second division was honored by the presence of several ladies, wives
+of officers of different regiments, who had been waiting in Washington
+an opportunity of visiting their husbands, and had met them here. As a
+memento of this brief visit, the Seventy-seventh New York received from
+the wife of the surgeon the gift of a pair of beautiful guidons, which
+the regiment boasted were unequaled in the army. The design was a white
+cross, the badge of our division, upon a ground of deep blue silk. In
+the center of the cross were wrought the figures "77." These beautiful
+guidons were carried by the regiment until its final discharge from the
+service, when, with the old banner, the tattered national flag, and the
+magnificent new flag which was presented afterward by the ladies of
+Saratoga, they were presented to the State of New York, on the Fourth of
+July, 1865, in the presence of General Grant and a great concourse of
+illustrious men.
+
+On Sunday, the 19th, the Sixth corps crossed the pontoon bridge to
+Virginia, the bands playing "O carry me back." As usual, while the corps
+was crossing a bridge or passing a difficult place, General Sedgwick
+stood at the farther end of the bridge preventing confusion and hurrying
+up teams which might obstruct the way. We climbed the rocky defile, and,
+at four o'clock, found ourselves well on the Virginia side of the
+Potomac. On our march we passed through the little village of
+Lovettsville, and, much to the surprise of all, the doors and windows of
+the dwellings were filled with ladies, whose hair and dresses were
+decked with ribbons of red, white and blue, and scores of Union flags
+waved a welcome to our soldiers. Such a sight had not greeted us before
+in Dixie, and it was most refreshing to witness such a demonstration of
+loyalty in Virginia.
+
+The corps encamped about ten miles from the river, near a beautiful
+clear stream of water, which was very soon filled with bathers. Here
+orders came for each regiment in the army to send, to the State in which
+the regiment was raised, a certain number of commissioned officers and
+enlisted men for recruiting duty.
+
+The march on the 20th was slow and through groves and pleasant meadows.
+Twelve miles were made, and we halted for the night and the next day.
+Wednesday we passed through Union town and Snickersville, reaching the
+base of Cobbler's mountain, a high spur from the Blue Ridge, not far
+from Ashby's Gap. Thursday the Sixth corps proceeded to Ashby's Gap,
+and, halting there for a few hours in a most delightful valley, again
+started southward. Vines of the trailing blackberry covered the ground,
+and the delicious fruit grew in such profusion that the men enjoyed a
+continual feast. Never had we, in our wanderings in the south, found
+such an abundance of fruit, and the effect upon the health of the men
+was marvelous. By the time that we reached Warrenton the occupation of
+the surgeons was almost gone. At no time, perhaps, in the history of the
+Army of the Potomac, did the medical reports exhibit a more general
+state of health than during our stay in the vicinity of Warrenton.
+
+Thus, marching along at the foot of Blue Ridge, now turning aside to
+enter some mountain pass, and again proceeding on the general course,
+the army, on the 25th of July, reached the vicinity of Warrenton, our
+Sixth corps occupying a line from Warrenton to Waterloo, the scene of
+some of the early engagements of General Pope's army at the first rebel
+invasion. The First division was stationed in and about Warrenton; the
+Jersey brigade being provost guard of the town, where the gentlemanly
+conduct of the men, and the strict order preserved in the town, won for
+them the good opinions of the town's people, as well as of army
+officers. The Third division was in the rear of the other two divisions,
+and guarding the flank. The Second division encamped about an old
+Baptist church, which, inclosed by a thick growth of trees, large and
+small, had been, before the war, the only house of worship for miles
+around. No paint had ever stained its seats or casings, and no steeple
+from its roof had ever pointed toward heaven. The pulpit, the white
+folks' seats and the black folks' seats, were all in ruins now. The
+Rappahannock river was but a half a mile distant, and the
+Seventy-seventh and Fifth Vermont were sent to perform picket duty along
+its banks. On the following day the camps of the two regiments were
+moved to the vicinity of the river, in front of the remainder of the
+division, and we were ordered to perform picket duty while the division
+remained in its present camp. The camp of the Fifth Vermont was
+established a fourth of a mile from that of the Seventy-seventh, its
+lines joining ours on the left. On the bank of the river just below our
+camp, was the residence of Mr. Hart and a grist-mill; hence the place
+was called "Hart's Mills."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+CAMPS AT WARRENTON, THE CENTREVILLE CAMPAIGN AND THE BATTLE OF
+RAPPAHANNOCK STATION.
+
+    Camp at Hart's Mills--A ride to the Sulphur Springs--Contrabands
+    going north--The Vermonters go to New York--Jersey Brigade at
+    Warrenton--The Sixth corps at Cedar Mountain--Retreat to
+    Centreville--Battle of Bristoe Station--Advance to
+    Warrenton--Battle of Rappahannock Station--Flight of Lee's army.
+
+
+
+The camp at Hart's Mills was truly a pleasant one. It was situated in
+the midst of a most delightful oak grove, on a projecting hill, around
+whose base the Rappahannock coursed in a beautiful curve. Along its
+banks was our picket line. Westward the view extended over a charming
+valley to the Blue Ridge, some ten miles away; and at evening, when the
+sun sank behind those fine hills, tinging them and the clouds with
+gorgeous colors, the prospect was truly delightful. The village of
+Warrenton was some four miles distant, and the celebrated Warrenton
+Sulphur Springs about three miles down the river.
+
+Under the direction of Chaplain Fox, a place in the grove was selected,
+a speaker's stand was erected, surrounded by rows of log seats, and here
+services were held on the Sabbath; and on other days of the week there
+were other regimental gatherings, which the men greatly enjoyed. At
+evening, the place would be lighted by Chinese lanterns of various
+colors, hung among the boughs of the oak trees, giving to the grove a
+most romantic appearance.
+
+On one evening the regiment, with many invited guests from the division,
+assembled in this lovely spot and listened to speeches from several
+gentlemen of eloquence, the brigade band lending the aid of fine music
+to the evening's entertainment.
+
+Thus pleasantly passed the time of the two regiments--the
+Seventy-seventh and Fifth Vermont--in doing picket duty for the Second
+division, along the banks of the Rappahannock. Our friends of the Fifth
+Vermont were, in addition to the pleasant location of their camp and
+their easy picket duty, favored with the presence of the wives of some
+of their officers. A ride to the Sulphur Springs was always a pleasant
+pastime; and we recall with pleasure one of these excursions. A small
+party, including one of these ladies, enjoying a morning's drive, turned
+their horses' heads towards the Springs. A merry gallop across three
+miles of delightful country, through pleasant groves and over rolling
+meadows, fording clear sparkling streams and leaping fences, brought the
+party to the former Saratoga of the south.
+
+The morning had been cool and cloudy, but as our friends reached the
+little settlement the clouds were breaking away, and the sun began to
+pour blazing rays upon them. They secured their horses and walked into
+the grounds, in the midst of which General Birney, commanding a division
+of the Third corps, had established his head-quarters; and as it was
+then the dinner hour, the general and his staff were gathered around the
+board under the shade of the chestnut trees, while a band discoursed
+sweet music for the benefit of those at table.
+
+Oak, chestnut and ailanthus trees form a rich and grateful shade for the
+grounds, which dip so as to form a kind of basin, in the center of which
+rises the cupola which covers the spring. As we step down into the
+inclosure of the cupola, indeed as we approach it at a distance, a
+strong sulphurous odor is perceived; but there is a delightful coolness
+as we sit down upon the benches which are placed around the area of the
+cupola. Several Vermont officers greeted our friends as they approached,
+offering the odorous drink to the lady. There are two springs or vats
+within the cupola, each inclosed by marble sides; and the water stands
+so high that we may dip it ourselves, thus dispensing with the necessity
+of the "dippers," such as take our dimes at Saratoga.
+
+A glass of the sparkling fluid was presented to our lady friend, who
+raised it to her lips, and then turning her face away, with an
+expression of infinite disgust, and saying, with a good deal of energy,
+"I don't want any," handed back the glass. The gentlemen endeavored to
+convince her that the water was good; but even after adding a little
+fine brandy, she could not be induced to quaff the liquid, which she
+declared carried with it such powerful suggestions of unserviceable
+eggs.
+
+Our friends lingered about the grounds for some hours, enjoying the cool
+shade and examining the old buildings, the principal one of which was
+originally a fine structure, but it had been burned the year before by
+our soldiers. The massive columns and high walls were still suggestive
+of the hilarious old times when the chivalry used to congregate here in
+all its glory. Encircling the grounds was a row of long one and two
+story buildings, most of them painted yellow. These were divided into
+small apartments which had been used as lodging rooms. There were a
+dozen or more of these buildings, all dilapidated by age rather than
+suffering from the ruthless usage of war. They inclosed the grove which
+occupied ten or twelve acres of land.
+
+Except the circle of buildings immediately surrounding the grove and
+springs, there were but very few dwellings in the neighborhood, those
+evidently intended for the purpose of receiving summer boarders. It was
+said that about five hundred boarders used to spend the summer here
+every year, and double that number of visitors took rooms at Warrenton,
+a mile and a half distant, from which place they rode to the springs
+morning and evening to quaff the odorous fluid, or to stroll about the
+groves. The new White Sulphur Springs in the Shenandoah Valley had, for
+some years past, diverted the patronage from the Warrenton springs, and
+thither, at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains, great numbers of
+fashionable southerners had resorted.
+
+It was evidently a blessing that this resort had been despoiled by war.
+It sadly needed renovating and modernizing, and so long as the old
+buildings stood, no southerner had the enterprise to pull them down and
+replace them with better ones. A few thousands of dollars in the hands
+of an enterprising Yankee would soon make this one of the most
+delightful resorts in the southern states.
+
+One of the characteristic features of our picket duty on the
+Rappahannock, was the great number of contrabands who came through our
+lines.
+
+Squads of gray-headed old negroes, young negro women and children,
+carrying in bundles all their worldly store, constantly applied for
+permission to enter the lines on their way to the north. The cavalry who
+scouted in front on the south side of the river, returned with wagons
+loaded with little darkies, whose mothers and elder sisters and
+grandsires trudged along on foot. All wagons going to Warrenton without
+other lading were filled with these refugees from slavery, old and
+young, some black, some olive and some white; some with black curly
+wool, some with wavy black hair, and some with brown ringlets.
+
+Our northern soldiers had, by this time, begun to look upon slavery in
+its true light. They had also learned that the negroes were their
+friends. It required a long schooling to teach them this lesson, but it
+was thoroughly learned at last. We heard now no jeering and hooting when
+a negro or wagon load of negroes went by. The soldiers treated them with
+the greatest kindness, and aided them in every way to get off to the
+north.
+
+While our boys did not hesitate long to take from the white inhabitants
+any articles that they thought they were in need of, it was considered
+an act of outrageous meanness to take a chicken or any other property
+from the negro people.
+
+While passing through Orleans, on our way to the present camp, a great
+many slave children were standing along the streets watching us. Many of
+these children were nearly white. The attention of one our captains, who
+was one of the last relics among us of that class of men who were loyal
+to their country but despised the negro, was fixed upon a beautiful
+child of olive complexion and wavy hair, who stood gazing in innocent
+wonder at the passing column. The child was indeed a picture of
+unadorned beauty, in her long coarse garment of "negro cloth." The
+captain turned to a staff officer and as a tear stole down his rough
+cheek at the thought of the degradation of the beautiful child, he
+exclaimed, "Isn't it horrible."
+
+It is hardly necessary to say that the captain's sentiments from that
+moment underwent a radical change, and ever after there were none more
+ready to afford assistance to the needy refugees, than our generous but
+hitherto prejudiced captain.
+
+Many of these colored refugees had the greatest faith in what they
+deemed the promises of the Bible. There was an almost universal faith in
+the ultimate overthrow of the south by the north, and this belief was
+founded in most cases upon their supposed Bible promises.
+
+[Illustration: "WHAT'LL OLE MISSUS DO NOW?"]
+
+One of these people, a gray-haired negro, bent with age and leaning
+heavily upon his staff, who hoped to spend the evening of his life in
+freedom, said to the writer: "Our massas tell us dat dey goin to whip de
+Yankees and dat Jeff. Davis will rule de norf. But we knowd it warnt so
+cause de Bible don't say so. De Bible says that de souf shall prevail
+for a time and den de norf shall rise up and obertrow dem."
+
+Where the old man found this strange prophecy he did not say, but many
+of the slaves declared this to be Bible truth and all asserted it in the
+same way.[5]
+
+    [5] Since the above paragraph was in print, a friend has called
+    my attention to the passage in Daniel, chap. xi, verses 13-15,
+    as the probable origin of this belief among the negroes. He
+    further assures me that he is informed that the negroes in North
+    Carolina entertained the same belief.
+
+Among those who were thus fleeing from bondage, were two fine boys, each
+about twelve years of age and from the same plantation. Each gave his
+name as John, and as they were both remarkably bright little fellows,
+they were at once adopted into our head-quarters family. Their sprightly
+manners, their ready wit and their kindly good nature soon brought them
+into general favor. We were very early one morning startled by an
+extraordinary commotion in front of head-quarters, where the two Johns
+stood swinging their hats, leaping and dancing in most fantastic manner,
+and screaming at the top of their voices the wildest exclamations of
+delight. Looking in the direction to which their attention was turned,
+we saw a group of eight or ten negro women and small children
+accompanied by an aged colored patriarch. One of the Johns suddenly
+forgetting his ecstacy of delight, rolling up the whites of his eyes and
+holding his hands above his head, exclaimed with impressive gravity, "Oh
+my Lor a massa! What'l ole missus do now?"
+
+The party consisted of the mothers and younger brothers and sisters of
+the two boys with their grandfather. Forgetting for a moment their joy
+at the escape of their friends from slavery, the boys were overpowered
+with the vision of "ole missus" left desolate, without a slave to
+minister to her many wants.
+
+On the morning of the 6th of August, we were astonished to find the camp
+of our neighbors of the Fifth Vermont deserted, and their picket line
+occupied by a regiment from the Third division. The surprise was still
+greater when we learned that the whole of the Second brigade had been
+ordered to New York city to guard against any resistance which might be
+offered to the enforcement of the draft. The order had reached the
+brigade after midnight, and at three o'clock it was on its way to the
+north. Thus the Third brigade was now all that was left of the Second
+division of the Sixth corps. Up to this time General Howe had kept the
+division, except the two regiments on picket, hard at work at division
+drills. It is safe to say that no division in the army performed more
+labor in drills than Howe's during the time that it was under command of
+that officer. The whole division was encamped in one of those charming
+localities which make this part of Virginia more beautiful than almost
+any other, and aside from the continual round of drills, the time passed
+most agreeably. The Jersey boys here spent the time in pleasant
+alternation of guard duties and social enjoyments; a part of the time
+being devoted to military affairs, and a much greater part spent in
+agreeable attentions to the winning young ladies of Warrenton.
+
+But, like every other brief respite for the army of the Potomac, this
+was destined to come to an end. On the 15th of September the army moved
+toward Culpepper, which was reached on the 16th; the Sixth corps taking
+position at a place called Stonehouse Mountain, three miles west of
+Culpepper.
+
+Here we remained three weeks; the camps were by no means so delightful
+as those about Warrenton and Waterloo, and the weather was becoming
+quite cold, so that our three weeks stay at Stonehouse Mountain had
+little about it to make us desire to make it longer. Some pleasing
+incidents, however, relieved the monotony of our stay at this place, the
+presentation of an elegant sword to Colonel French, by the line officers
+of the Seventy-seventh, was the first. The presentation was followed by
+festivity and merriment, and in the evening our friends of the Seventh
+Maine, forming a torchlight procession, marched to the camp of the
+Seventy-seventh to congratulate the colonel and line officers upon the
+mutual trust and confidence existing between them. The next was the
+return of the Vermont brigade from New York. The Third brigade was drawn
+up in line to receive our returning comrades, and with much ceremony
+welcomed them back to the division. It must be acknowledged that both
+brigades would have been better pleased with the unrestrained welcome
+which would have been expressed in cheers than by the formal military
+salute.
+
+On Monday, October 5th, the Sixth corps marched to Cedar Mountain on the
+Rapidan, the scene of General Banks' conflict with Jackson. The First
+corps was already stationed in the vicinity of Raccoon Ford, and the two
+corps now occupied a line of five or six miles along the bend of the
+river, holding the roads to Culpepper and Stevensburgh. The two corps
+were thus thrown out ten miles in front of the main army, having little
+communication with the rear. Few wagons were allowed to follow us, and
+those were ordered to the rear under a strong escort. On Friday, the
+11th, the signal officers stationed on the summit of Cedar Mountain,
+while watching the rebel signals, read the message sent by their flags:
+"I am at James City. J. E. B. S." Thus it was known that Stuart was
+making for our rear, and as long trains of wagons had also been
+discovered moving in the direction of James City, it became evident that
+Lee was endeavoring to throw his whole army in the rear of our own.
+General Meade determined to draw the rebel army back if possible;
+accordingly the Sixth and First corps were ordered to build extensive
+fires and be in readiness to march at a moment's notice. On the
+following morning, Buford, with a division of cavalry, appeared at
+Germania Ford, some twelve miles below us, while our infantry advanced
+as though about to cross at Raccoon Ford and the fords in front of the
+Sixth corps. The ruse of threatening to cross the river by the two
+corps, succeeded in calling the rebel infantry back to check our
+advance; and at night, after building large fires, the two corps hastily
+withdrew toward Culpepper, which we reached at daylight, after a severe
+march. After a brief halt for breakfast, the corps, with the whole of
+the infantry, was on its way toward Brandy Station, leaving the cavalry
+force under Pleasanton to cover the retreat. A rapid march, in which the
+army moved in several parallel columns, brought the infantry all safe
+across the Rappahannock at Rappahannock Station. But the cavalry were
+not allowed to retreat without some hard fighting. Their guns could be
+heard by us during the afternoon, and toward evening the firing became
+more rapid and nearer. Indeed, the rebels advanced almost to the banks
+of the river.
+
+Gregg, with a brigade of cavalry, was overtaken by a considerable force
+of the enemy, near Jefferson, early in the day, and after a severe
+engagement of two hours, fell back, crossing the river at Sulphur
+Springs.
+
+Kilpatrick with his brigade, following the trail of the infantry, and
+designing to form a union with Gregg, found, on passing Brandy Station,
+that his way was blocked by a whole division of rebel cavalry, which had
+slipped in between him and the rear of the infantry. Halting for a
+moment to take a single glance at the situation of affairs, the dashing
+general shouted to his men, "Boys, there are the cusses!" Then,
+springing to the head of the column, he led his men to such a charge as
+has rarely been witnessed even in our cavalry service.
+
+The road was strongly guarded by three regiments of cavalry in solid
+column, flanked on either side by a regiment in line. Directly upon this
+strongly posted force, the gallant general and his brave fellows rushed
+with shouts and oaths, and sabre thrusts, trampling down everything in
+their way. Unable to withstand this impetuous and unexpected onset, the
+rebels gave way, allowing the Union brigade to pass between their broken
+ranks. Dead men and horses lay thickly scattered upon the ground when
+the victorious brigade left the field to join the infantry at the river.
+
+Thus, hotly pursued, General Meade determined to offer battle to the
+pursuing army, making the Rappahannock his immediate base of operations.
+Accordingly, early the following morning, a large portion of the
+infantry and artillery was countermarched across the river, where,
+within a mile of the stream, the line of battle was formed, and we
+waited the onset of the enemy until past noon. Then, Buford's cavalry
+having engaged the enemy in front, three corps, the Second, Fifth and
+Sixth, commenced to advance in line of battle. It was a grand spectacle.
+During two years of service we had not seen its like. Our line of battle
+stretched across the vast plain, nearly three miles in length, straight
+as the flight of an arrow. At each flank were several battalions _in
+echelon_. In the rear of the center of each wing of the line, was a
+heavy reserve in solid square, and, following in the rear of each
+square, a large column, stretching back to the river and across the
+pontoon bridges to the farther side of the stream.
+
+Thus the line of battle moved forward across the plain, never for a
+moment losing its perfect form. Brisk cannonading and musketry were kept
+up by the cavalry in front, and the army earnestly hoped that General
+Lee might accept our challenge to an open field fight, but the rebel
+general was too wary to accept battle on such equal terms, and pushed on
+toward Sulphur Springs, hoping to reach Centreville before us.
+
+Our line of battle halted at dark, at Brandy Station. But there was no
+time to be lost; resting there until eleven o'clock, we were ordered to
+retrace our steps to the river; this time not in line of battle, but in
+all haste. The night was dark, and the troops had already made long
+marches; so when they reached and crossed the river at daylight, they
+were fairly worn out. An hour for sleep and breakfast was allowed, the
+railroad bridge was blown up, and again we were on a grand race
+northward.
+
+It was a great medley; baggage wagons, pontoons, ambulances, artillery
+and troops, all thrown together in splendid confusion. Drivers cursing,
+cannon rattling, soldiers singing and shouting, horses racing, and all
+that sublime confusion which can never be seen except in a hasty but
+well directed retreat of a vast army.
+
+We passed Warrenton Junction and Bealton Station, and at eight o'clock
+halted near Kettle Run, having marched more than thirty miles within
+twenty-four hours.
+
+We had not long to rest, for at daylight, October 14th, we were again on
+the road, making quick time. We passed our old camp at Bristoe, and the
+familiar scenes at Manassas Junction, and crossed Bull Run at Blackman's
+Ford. We reached Centreville at three P.M. The booming of cannon in the
+rear, the huge clouds of smoke, and the heavy rattle of musketry, told
+us there was hot work on the ground we had lately passed over; and as we
+formed in line of battle in front of Centreville, the soldiers said,
+"Here is the third Bull Run, but this time the run will be on the other
+side."
+
+To the Second corps had been assigned the duty of guarding the rear of
+the army. About twelve o'clock, as the rear of that corps was crossing
+Broad Run, a wide and muddy stream at Bristoe Station, the rebel corps
+of A. P. Hill suddenly appeared from the cover of the woods in the
+vicinity, and, running out a battery, opened a severe fire of artillery
+and musketry upon the column, which was in a degree of confusion, owing
+to the difficult crossing of the stream.
+
+In a moment order was restored, and the troops so placed as to defy the
+advance of the enemy.
+
+The rebels, finding that their attack upon the advance was fruitless,
+now turned their attention to the rear division, which was advancing
+toward the run. Opening upon the column a fierce cannonade and a storm
+of bullets, they hoped to throw the division into confusion, but again
+they were disappointed. After a severe fight, the rebels were forced to
+flee across the run in great disorder, leaving in the hands of the
+Second corps five pieces of artillery, two stands of colors, and four
+hundred and fifty prisoners. Such was the battle of Bristoe Station.
+
+At dark that evening the Sixth corps moved to Chantilly, where we rested
+for the night. Next morning we took a new and stronger position, where
+we waited, listening to the roar of cannon where the cavalry was
+contending with the advance of the enemy, and wondering how soon our own
+turn would come. Suddenly, at three o'clock, the doubts seemed to be
+removed. An officer came dashing along the line, with the order to
+"Strip for the fray! the enemy are coming down upon us!" The men stood
+to arms, and again we waited for the attack, but none was made: our
+cavalry had arrested the advance of the enemy. At night the firing died
+away, and we pitched our tents and slept undisturbed.
+
+In the afternoon of the 16th, the Seventy-seventh being on picket, a
+horseman suddenly rushed in front of the head-quarter tents, saying that
+the left of our picket line was attacked. It proved that a body of rebel
+cavalry had discovered some wagons outside the picket line, and had made
+a dash upon them. Our boys drove them back in haste, but the line was
+strengthened in the expectation of a more important demonstration. This,
+however, was the last we saw of the rebels on our part of the line.
+
+Lee, finding himself too late to occupy the works around Centreville
+before us, and hopeless of the success of any flank movement, turned his
+army again towards the Rappahannock.
+
+On the following morning, October 17th, our army started in pursuit, the
+rain falling upon us in torrents, rendering the mud deep and the
+marching hard. We halted that night at Gainesville, marched the next day
+through New Baltimore, and reached Warrenton at night. On our march we
+had passed the bodies of many of our cavalrymen, who had been killed in
+the constant skirmishes which had been going on since our advance. Near
+New Baltimore, where Kilpatrick's brigade had been forced back, the
+bodies of his men lay scattered along the roadside, nearly all of them
+stripped of their clothing by the rebels.
+
+The army encamped in the vicinity of Warrenton; the Sixth corps
+occupying a pleasant ridge just in front of the town. Here we remained a
+fortnight.
+
+Our first week at Warrenton was anything but agreeable. The cold
+northwest winds swept through our camps, carrying chilly discomfort
+everywhere. The men shivered over their log fires; but while the fitful
+wind drove the smoke and fire into their faces, it froze their backs. At
+our head-quarters, as we drew closely about our fire, dreading equally
+the chilly winds and the provoking clouds of smoke, one of the party,
+perhaps reading for the amusement of the others from a volume of Saxe's
+poems, a stranger, had one chanced to drop in among us, would have
+imagined that Saxe must have written most grievous tales of woe, and
+that our hearts and eyes were all melted by the sad stories. At length,
+having suffered these disagreeable exposures for a week, the men of the
+corps fell to work to erect comfortable quarters, and thinking that the
+present camp might possibly become winter quarters, they made for
+themselves much more comfortable huts than had served them in their
+winter's camp at White Oak Church. Generals Neill and Grant reviewed
+their brigades, and then Generals Howe and Wright reviewed their
+divisions, and last of all, General Sedgwick had a grand review of the
+whole corps, which was a very splendid affair.
+
+The weather became again mild and agreeable. Pontoons were arriving and
+there were many indications that we must soon leave our comfortable
+quarters. At length, at ten o'clock at night, November 6th, came the
+order, "Reveille at half-past four; move at daylight." So good-bye, fine
+quarters and comfortable fire-places, we must be off.
+
+We were in line and commenced moving from camp at daylight, November
+7th. We marched rapidly, taking the road to Rappahannock Station. The
+Sixth and Fifth corps only had taken this road, the remaining corps
+were, however, either on the move or under orders to move, the Third
+corps having taken the road to Ely's Ford, and the others following.
+General Sedgwick was placed in command of the Fifth and Sixth corps,
+while General Meade accompanied the left wing.
+
+At noon we halted within a mile of the Station, and the corps was
+immediately thrown into line of battle. The men were allowed to rest on
+their arms for an hour or two, wondering what was to come.
+
+In front of us was a line of low hills, stretching parallel with our
+line of battle, and on the slope toward us, and within pistol shot of
+us, were rebel cavalry pickets, sitting upon their horses and facing us
+with the coolest impudence; but not a shot was fired at them. We had not
+rested here long before we heard the booming of cannon on our left,
+where, three miles down the river, the Third corps had already engaged
+the enemy. At length the order came to move forward. The Second
+division, under General Howe, held the right, the Third brigade
+constituting its front line, the Vermont brigade its second, the
+Forty-third New York as skirmishers. On the left, was the First
+division, the Sixth Maine on the skirmish line, the Second and Third
+brigades in the advance, the New Jersey brigade in the reserve; and in
+the center the Third division, under General Terry.
+
+In this order the corps pushed forward up the hills, the rebel horsemen
+whirling and flying before our advance. As our skirmishers gained the
+summit of the hills, the rebel infantry delivered their fire upon them,
+but the brave boys of the Forty-third and of the Sixth Maine pushed on,
+never halting or wavering for a moment, driving the enemy before them
+until they had pushed the rebel skirmishers close upon their line of
+battle.
+
+The First division at once became hotly engaged, the rebels disputing
+the advance with unavailing obstinacy. That noble division bore the
+brunt of the battle. While the Second and Third divisions behaved with
+great gallantry, doing all that was required of them, and doing it with
+that fighting joy so characteristic of the whole corps, the First
+division, from its position, was called upon to perform unusual feats of
+valor. As General Sedgwick was that day in command of the right wing of
+the army, General Wright, of the First division, commanded the corps,
+and General Russell, the brave, unassuming and beloved commander of the
+Third brigade, commanded the division.
+
+The skirmishers of our Second division, the Forty-third New York, pushed
+gallantly forward, their brave Colonel Baker riding rapidly from one end
+of the line to the other, his white horse making a prominent mark for
+the rebels. The line of battle of the whole corps followed closely upon
+the skirmishers. As we reached the summit of the hills, a grand panorama
+of the battle opened before us. The whole battle-field could be seen at
+a single glance; a rare occurrence. On one side were the eminences
+occupied by our own line of battle, and on the other, a line of hills of
+equal elevation, covered with swarms of rebels. Between the two ranges
+of hills, stretched a plain one-fourth of a mile wide and from one to
+two miles long, which was occupied by the skirmishers of the opposing
+forces.
+
+The rebels were posted in strong positions behind extensive earthworks,
+forts, redoubts and rifle pits; and their artillery was posted so as to
+sweep the plain and the sloping grounds confronting them. Their gray
+lines of infantry were pouring out from behind the earthworks to meet us
+at the edge of the plain.
+
+As our line of battle appeared on the crest of the hills, the rebel
+batteries opened a terrific fire upon us. The air was filled with the
+shriekings of these fearful projectiles, which exploded with startling
+frequency above our heads and just behind us; but, fortunately, the
+rebels aimed high, and many of the shells ploughed the ground in our
+rear or burst about our hospitals. The First division was pressing
+toward the rebel works at double quick, under a terrible fire of
+musketry and artillery, the boys with the red crosses pushing everything
+before them. They neared the rebel works, and the skirmishers along the
+whole line threw themselves upon the ground waiting for the line of
+battle to come up. The rebel skirmishers did the same. Each moment the
+scene became more exciting. Rebel infantry crowded the opposite side of
+the plain, the slopes of the hills and the rifle pits. The whole line
+was ablaze with the fire of musketry, and the roar of battle constantly
+increased.
+
+At length, toward evening, the rebels having been driven back to the
+cover of their rifle pits, the Third brigade of the First division,
+consisting of the Sixth Maine, the Fifth Wisconsin, the Forty-ninth and
+One Hundred and Nineteenth Pennsylvania, regiments whose fame already
+stood high in the army, was ordered forward.
+
+First the Maine and Wisconsin regiments rushed forward, the intrepid
+Russell riding at the very front. At his order to "charge," the two
+regiments quickened their pace to a run, and, with bayonets fixed,
+without ever stopping to fire a gun, the gallant fellows ran forward.
+They seized the fort, but the rebels rallied and drove them out. Again
+they charged; a hand to hand encounter followed. The boys leaped over
+into the fort, using their muskets for clubs, and, when the work was too
+close for that, dropping their guns and pommeling their adversaries with
+their fists. The general had sent back for the remaining regiments of
+the brigade, but, in the ten minutes that elapsed before the
+Pennsylvanians could come up on a run, half the men of the Sixth Maine,
+and nearly as many of the Wisconsin regiment, had fallen. The whole
+brigade leaped over the embankments, capturing hundreds of the rebels.
+
+Not less gallant was the charge of the Second brigade, led by the young,
+ambitious Colonel Upton. His regiments were the One Hundred and
+Twenty-first New York, his own, the Fifth Maine, and the Ninety-fifth
+and Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania. The brigade occupied the left of the
+Sixth corps, joining the Fifth corps. Under cover of the growing
+darkness, the courageous Upton led the One Hundred and Twenty-first New
+York and Fifth Maine within a few yards of the rebel rifle pits, when
+the order to charge was given. Instantly the rifle pits were ablaze, and
+a destructive volley was poured into the two regiments. Another moment
+and the Union boys were leaping into the rifle pits, sweeping everything
+before them. All this while not a shot had been fired by Upton's men,
+but, charging with the bayonet, they carried all before them.
+
+The confederates took to their heels, and attempted to flee to the other
+side of the river, but their pontoon bridge was in possession of our
+troops, and hundreds of panic-stricken rebels leaped into the rapid
+stream and attempted to swim across. Some succeeded, but many were
+drowned in the attempt. Sixteen hundred prisoners, eight pieces of
+artillery, four battle-flags, and more than two thousand stand of small
+arms, were the trophies of this splendid victory.
+
+The credit of this brilliant success belongs mainly to the First
+division; yet the Second and Third divisions, while less actively
+engaged, performed their part with alacrity and bravery, and the many
+dead and wounded from these two divisions attested the severity of the
+fight along their portions of the line. The loss to the corps, in killed
+and wounded, was about three hundred, among whom were many choice
+spirits. The commander of the Fifth Wisconsin, Captain Walker, was
+killed. Captain Ordway succeeded to the command. He leaped upon the
+parapet, and fell dead inside the rebel fort.
+
+All this time the Third corps was actively engaged at Kelly's Ford,
+three miles to our left. It had found the rebels strongly posted on the
+opposite side of the river, well protected by forts and rifle pits. The
+artillery of the corps was taken to the river side and brought to bear
+upon the rebel works. At length a storming party was selected and massed
+on the banks. At the word, the brave fellows plunged into the stream,
+and rushing across, charged the strong works of the rebels with great
+fury. The occupants were obliged to flee, but five hundred of them were
+left as prisoners.
+
+Owing to the depth and force of the stream between the works the Sixth
+corps had taken, and those still occupied by the rebels on the other
+side, it was impossible to push our victory further that night. The
+confederates, finding our troops in possession of their pontoon bridge,
+had set it on fire at the end still held by them; thus all pursuit was
+for the time cut off. But on the following morning the rebels had
+retreated, leaving us to rebuild the bridge and cross at our leisure.
+
+Without further delay we pushed on toward Brandy Station, which we
+reached toward evening, the cavalry having preceded us.
+
+The whole of Lee's army, except the forces stationed at Rappahannock
+Station and Kelly's Ford, had been encamped in the vicinity of Brandy
+Station, and their recently deserted camps, where they had erected
+comfortable huts and made many other preparations for a winter's stay,
+showed that their hasty leave was entirely unexpected to them. In many
+instances officers had forgotten to take their valises and trunks with
+them, and Union soldiers strutted about in the garb of rebel brigadiers
+and colonels.
+
+It was said, by the rebel prisoners taken by the cavalry, that while the
+fights were in progress on the Rappahannock, General Lee was holding a
+grand review of his army, when suddenly the information reached him that
+the Yankees were coming. The review was broken off, and there was
+hurrying of regiments to their respective camps, each regiment,
+independently of its division or brigade, making hot haste for its own
+quarters. Baggage was quickly thrown into wagons, and a general stampede
+toward the Rapidan commenced at once.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE ARMY AT BRANDY STATION.
+
+    Encampment at Brandy Station--The Mine Run campaign--Crossing
+    the Rapidan--Battle of Locust Grove--The army on Mine Run--The
+    order of battle--The army withdraws--Back at Brandy
+    Station--Reconnoissance to Madison Court House--Ladies in
+    camp--Chapel tents.
+
+
+The Sixth corps went into camp on the right of the army, two miles from
+Brandy Station. We occupied land belonging to John Minor Botts. Mr.
+Botts boasted that he owned six hundred miles of fence when we came upon
+his possessions. He could not say that when we had been there a week!
+His fences were burned, and his forests cut down; and it was generally
+known that our chief quarter-master was paying him immense sums of money
+for the wood used by our army.
+
+At the end of a week it became pretty evident that our stay at Brandy
+Station might be of considerable duration, possibly for the winter.
+Accordingly, the men proceeded once more to build houses for the winter;
+and never, since we had been in service, had they constructed so
+comfortable quarters as they now built. All about us were the rebel
+camps, in which they had vainly hoped to spend the winter; and these
+furnished timbers already hewn, fine stones ready for use in making
+chimneys, and hewn saplings ready prepared for bunks. The Sixth corps
+was encamped in a fine forest, which should have furnished not only
+great abundance of timber for use about the quarters, but for fuel for
+the winter; but owing to the wasteful manner in which the wood was at
+first used in building log fires in the open air, the forest melted away
+before the men had fairly concluded that there was any necessity for
+using it economically.
+
+Preparations were hurried forward for another advance. The railroad,
+which had been destroyed by the rebels at the time of the raid to
+Centreville, from the Rappahannock to Bristoe Station, was to be
+rebuilt, and the bridge across the Rappahannock, which we had ourselves
+destroyed, was to be replaced, before the army could safely undertake
+another advance. It is one of the mysteries which people who have never
+been connected with a great army have greatest difficulty in
+comprehending, that an army advancing into such a country as we were now
+threatening, must have ample and easy communications with its base of
+supplies. Could such people for a moment realize the vast amount of
+material consumed by such an army as ours, the mystery might be solved.
+To attempt to advance into a desert country without first either
+providing a supply for many days, or opening ready communications with
+our base of supplies, would have been suicidal. General Sherman might
+lead his army through a fertile country, where the ravages of war had
+not appeared, and, by sweeping across a territory forty miles wide,
+collect abundant supplies for his men; but our army was now to march
+into a wilderness where even a regiment could not find subsistence. The
+newspapers at the north that condemned the delay at Brandy Station, and
+sneered at the idea that the army needed a base of supplies, simply
+exhibited their profound ignorance of the first principles of
+campaigning.
+
+By the 25th the road was completed as far as Brandy Station, the bridge
+rebuilt, and a large amount of supplies brought up; and the army was
+ordered to move at an early hour on the 26th.
+
+The hour for moving was assigned each corps, and the order in which it
+was to march, that no delay or confusion might occur. The Third corps
+was to start as soon as daylight, and the Sixth was to follow it.
+
+Our Sixth corps was moving at sunrise, the hour designated, toward
+Brandy Station. Presently the head of the column halted in the midst of
+the camps of the Third corps, which were yet undisturbed. According to
+the order for marching, the Third corps was to precede the Sixth, and
+should have been out of camp before we arrived, but as yet not a tent
+was struck nor a wagon loaded, and most of the men were asleep in their
+quarters. The Sixth corps was obliged to halt and stand in the mud for
+hours, waiting for the delinquent corps to get out of the way. Here was
+the first blunder of the new campaign.
+
+At length at eleven o'clock we moved again, taking the road to the
+Rapidan. Our march was slow and tedious, and instead of reaching the
+river at noon as was expected, and as General Meade's orders
+contemplated, the head of the Third corps only reached the river at
+Jacobs' Ford long after dark, and here again a delay was occasioned by a
+mistake of the engineers, who had not brought a sufficient number of
+boats to this point to complete the pontoon bridge; a part of the bridge
+had therefore to be extemporized out of poles.
+
+The road for several miles was merely a narrow passage cut through the
+forest; a dense growth of stunted pines and tangled bushes, filling up
+the space between the trees of larger growth. Our corps moved along very
+slowly, halting for a moment, then advancing one or two rods, then
+standing still again for perhaps several minutes, and again moving
+forward for a few steps. This became very tedious. The men were faint
+and weary, and withal discouraged. They were neither advancing nor
+resting.
+
+From one end of the column of the Sixth corps to the other, through the
+miles of forest the shout, coffee! coffee! passed from one regiment to
+another, until there could be heard nothing but the vociferous demand
+for coffee. At eleven o'clock at night the order "ten minutes rest for
+coffee," passed down the line and was received with shouts of approval.
+Instantly the roadside was illuminated with thousands of little fires,
+over which the soldiers were cooking their favorite beverage.
+
+We crossed the Rapidan at Jacobs' Ford at midnight, leaving Upton's
+brigade on the north side as rear-guard, and in another hour the men had
+thrown themselves upon the ground without waiting to erect shelter
+tents, and were sleeping soundly notwithstanding the severity of the
+cold. The Fifth and First corps had crossed at Culpepper Ford and the
+Second corps at Germania Ford about noon, and were in the positions
+assigned them.
+
+The position assigned to the Third and Sixth corps was not reached.
+These corps were ordered to proceed to Robertson's Tavern, a point some
+seven miles beyond the ford, but the night was far advanced, the men
+exhausted and the country little known, so these two corps did not seize
+this very important point as directed. Of course the responsibility for
+this delay was not with the Sixth corps or its commander, who was
+directed to follow the Third.
+
+Next morning the Third corps commenced the advance, and we of the Sixth
+were drawn out in line of march to follow; but it became evident that
+the advance was not unobstructed. Sharp picket firing and the occasional
+booming of cannon revealed to us the fact that that corps had fallen in
+with the enemy. Thus the day passed; the Sixth corps resting quietly,
+while the Third was skirmishing with the enemy in front, until about
+three o'clock, when the firing increased and there was evidently a
+severe engagement in front.
+
+The First and Second divisions of the Sixth corps were now hurried along
+the narrow and winding path to the support of the Third corps--our Third
+division being left near the river to cover the bridges and trains. That
+corps was now fiercely engaged. The sulphurous smoke filled the woods,
+and the roar of musketry became so general, and the forest echoed and
+reechoed the sound, so that it lost the rattling usually heard, and
+became a smooth, uniform roll. Our corps at once took its position in
+line of battle, so as to support the Third corps and protect the
+interval between the Third and Second corps, with Ellmaker's brigade on
+the right, and Neill's and Upton's on the left, while the Vermonters and
+Torbert's Jersey brigade were held in reserve; but the corps was not
+called into action. The dense growth of young timber completely obscured
+all view of the operations at a little distance, and, indeed, rebel
+scouting parties were able to hang close upon our flanks, and even
+penetrate our lines, protected from view and from pursuit by the tangled
+forest.
+
+On our right, the Second corps also encountered a force of the enemy,
+and became engaged in the vicinity of Robertson's Tavern. They succeeded
+in driving the rebel force, which was small, back to the cover of the
+wilderness. Gregg, also, with his cavalry, became engaged, but drove the
+rebels back.
+
+It now appeared that the fight of the Third corps was brought on by a
+blunder. General French, in attempting to lead his corps to Robertson's
+Tavern, had mistaken the road, and, by bearing too far to the west, had
+encountered Ewell's corps, which was hastening to intercept our
+progress. The rebels made repeated charges upon the corps, but were each
+time repulsed, and under cover of the night they fell back, leaving
+their dead on the ground. The loss to the Third corps was between three
+and four hundred; that of the rebels, judging from the dead left upon
+the ground, must have been greater.
+
+While the fight was in progress, General Sedgwick and his staff
+dismounted and were reclining about a large tree, when the attention of
+all was directed to two soldiers who were approaching, bearing between
+them a stretcher on which lay a wounded man. As the men approached
+within a few rods of the place where the general and his staff were, a
+solid cannon shot came shrieking along, striking both of the stretcher
+bearers. Both fell to the ground--the one behind fatally wounded, the
+other dead. But the man upon the stretcher leaped up and ran away as
+fast as his legs could carry him, never stopping to look behind at his
+unfortunate companions. Shocking as was the occurrence, neither the
+general nor the members of his staff could suppress a laugh at the
+speedy restoration of the man who was being borne disabled from the
+field.
+
+The two corps moved during the night to Robertson's Tavern, the
+destination which they should have reached twenty-four hours before.
+
+The unexpected encounter with the rebels in the Wilderness had hindered
+the two corps thus long, and as might have been expected the time was
+not left unimproved by General Lee. On moving in the morning on the road
+to Orange Court House, Lee's whole army was found strongly posted along
+the banks of a muddy stream called Mine Run. Our army was brought into
+position on the north side of the stream, and arrangements commenced for
+a general assault. Sharp picket firing and the occasional roar of
+artillery, warned us that we were on the eve of a great battle. A cold
+storm of rain rendered the situation cheerless and uncomfortable, but
+the excitement of getting into position, regiments and brigades marching
+from one part of the line to another, now approaching where the bullets
+of the rebel skirmishers whistled about them, and then withdrawing a
+little to the rear, kept up the spirits of the men notwithstanding the
+tedious storm.
+
+The greater part of the lines of both armies were in the midst of
+forests. Between the two lines and in the midst of a deep valley, was
+the little stream Mine Run, bordered on each side by marshes in which
+were luxuriant growths of reed grasses. The marshes and slopes on either
+side were thickly set with low pines and scrub oaks, offering
+concealment to both parties.
+
+Darkness closed over the two armies, neither of which was yet prepared
+for battle. The night was spent by both parties in throwing up
+earthworks, and the morning revealed several strong lines of rifle pits
+on the rebel side of the stream, one commanding another so that in case
+they should be driven from one the next would afford an equally strong
+or even stronger position.
+
+Thus the two armies remained during Sunday. General Meade still waiting
+to perfect his arrangements.
+
+During the day the disposition of the line was completed. General Warren
+with his Second corps occupied the extreme left of the line. His
+position fronted a very strong position of the enemy, where the hills
+rose abruptly to the rear. This being considered by far the strongest
+portion of the enemy's line. Warren was supported by the Fifth corps,
+two divisions of the Third corps, and the Third division of the Sixth
+corps, under General Terry. In the center was the First and Fifth corps,
+and, forming the right, were the two remaining divisions of the Sixth
+corps and what was left of the Third. Our Second division constituted
+the extreme right of the line; the Third brigade the right of the
+division; and the Seventy-seventh New York the right of the brigade.
+
+At two A.M., the Sixth corps and the division of the Third, covered by
+the woods, moved about two miles to a position on the left flank of the
+enemy. The dense thicket and a gentle eminence concealed the corps from
+the view of the rebels, who were but a few yards distant; and in order
+to insure secresy, orders were issued that the men should avoid all
+noise, as far as possible, and refrain from lighting fires.
+
+It was arranged that the grand attack should be made on Monday; and
+early in the evening the commanders of corps were summoned to General
+Meade's head-quarters, where the plan of the battle was laid before
+them.
+
+At a given signal, very early in the morning, General Warren with his
+strong force was to press forward on the right of the rebel line. At the
+same time forces in the center were to open a fierce fire upon the
+enemy, while the Sixth corps, at the same moment, was to rush from its
+concealed position and turn the left flank of Lee's army.
+
+The commanders of the divisions of the Sixth corps summoned the
+commanders of brigades and regiments, and communicated to them also the
+plan of the battle, and assigned to each his part.
+
+The night was bitter cold, and the men of our corps were without fires.
+It was vain to attempt to sleep, and the men spent the night in leaping
+and running in efforts to keep warm.
+
+No one doubted that the morning was to bring on one of the most terrific
+struggles in the history of warfare. No man knew what was to be his own
+fate, but each seemed braced for the conflict. It was a glorious
+moonlight, and the stars looked down in beauty from the cold skies upon
+the strange scene. Thus all waited for the day.
+
+The morning dawned; and soon after daylight the signal gun for the grand
+attack was heard near the center of the line, and an active cannonade
+commenced there.
+
+In a short time the order came for the commencement of the movement on
+the right. The men were ordered to fall in; they were faced to the
+right, to move a little farther in that direction before making the
+direct assault; they stood, with their muskets on their shoulders, their
+hearts beating violently in anticipation of the onset to be made in
+another moment, when an aide rode hastily to General Howe with
+directions to suspend the movement!
+
+Warren, on advancing his line of skirmishers, and viewing the strong
+works thrown up by the enemy during the night, had sent word that he
+could not carry the position before him. And General Meade had ordered
+the whole movement to be discontinued for the time.
+
+Never before, in the history of our army, had such elaborate
+preparations been made for an attack. Every commander and every man knew
+exactly the part he was expected to take in the great encounter, and
+each had prepared himself for it. At the hospitals everything was in a
+state of perfect readiness. Hospital tents were all up, beds for the
+wounded prepared, operating tables were in readiness, basins and pails
+stood filled with water, lint and dressings were laid out upon the
+tables, and surgical instruments spread out ready for the grasp of the
+surgeon.
+
+All day the men remained suffering with cold, their hunger but partially
+satisfied with hard bread without coffee. It was a day of discomfort and
+suffering long to be remembered. It chanced that the hard bread issued
+to our division was old and very wormy. It was, in some cases, difficult
+for a man to know whether his diet was to be considered principally
+animal or vegetable. Our General, Neill, sat with his staff munching
+some of these crackers of doubtful character, when he was handed one
+unusually animated. The general broke the cracker, examined it for a
+moment, and, handing it back to the servant, said, "Jim, give us one
+that hasn't so many worms in it." Many of the men who were on the picket
+line that day and the night before, were found, when the relief came
+around, dead at their posts, frozen.
+
+During the night of December 1st and 2d, the army withdrew from Mine
+Run. The pickets were directed to build fires and keep up a show of
+force. Our Seventy-seventh being that night on the picket line, formed
+the rear of the rear-guard of the army on its retreat. It was three
+o'clock in the morning of December 2d when the picket line was silently
+withdrawn. After a rapid march, it crossed the pontoon bridge at
+Germania Ford at ten o'clock. Scarcely had the troops crossed the
+bridge, when the cavalry of the enemy made its appearance on the south
+side of the river. The Seventy-seventh New York, the Third Vermont and a
+battery of artillery were directed to remain and guard the ford, while
+the remainder of the army continued the march to the old camps. Next
+morning the two regiments and the battery started for Brandy Station,
+and that night slept in their old quarters.
+
+It was now evident that we were in permanent winter quarters. It is not
+our purpose to discuss the merits of this fruitless campaign, but it may
+not be out of place to recall some of the facts relating to it. The
+orders for marching on the 26th, were issued to all the corps commanders
+on the evening previous, indicating the time for leaving camp. The Sixth
+corps was to follow the Third, yet when the Sixth corps reached the camp
+of that corps, there were no signs of moving. Several hours were thus
+lost on the start. General French declared that the order to move did
+not reach him on the previous evening, yet he knew that the movement was
+expected that day. As the result of this and other delays, two corps did
+not reach the position assigned them on the 26th.
+
+When, on the morning of the 27th, General French moved his corps again,
+he took the wrong road, and thus brought on a premature engagement,
+which caused another delay of twenty-four hours. By this time Lee had
+ample opportunity to concentrate his whole army in a strong position on
+Mine Run. Had General Meade's orders been promptly obeyed, Lee could
+have offered no opposition to us at that point, and must have accepted
+battle much nearer Richmond.
+
+Our campaigns for 1863 were now finished; the last two of these had
+certainly been remarkable episodes in the fortunes of our stout-hearted
+army. In October, the rebel army had followed us from the Rapidan to the
+defenses of Washington, and in turn we had pursued the confederates back
+to the Rapidan, all without a battle of any magnitude. Now, in November,
+our whole army had crossed the river and confronted the rebel army face
+to face for days, and again we were back in our old camps without an
+engagement, except the fight of the Third corps, and some skirmishing on
+the part of others.
+
+During the month of December, general orders were issued from the war
+department offering to soldiers of the army, who had already served two
+years, and who had still a year or less to serve, large bounties, a
+release from the term of their former enlistment and thirty-five days'
+furlough, as inducements for them to reenlist for three years from that
+time. Much excitement was created by the order throughout the army, and
+thousands accepted it, nearly all claiming that they cared little for
+the large bounties, but that the thirty-five days' furlough was the
+great inducement.
+
+The only military movement of the winter was Kilpatrick's great raid
+upon Richmond, in which the lamented Dahlgren lost his life.
+
+Simultaneous with this great raid, General Custer, with a division of
+cavalry, made a movement on Charlottesville, and the Sixth corps was
+ordered to move in that direction as support to the cavalry. On
+Saturday, February 27th, the corps, leaving its camp and sick in charge
+of a small guard, marched through Culpepper and proceeded to James City,
+a Virginia city of two or three houses, where the bivouac for the night
+was made. Next morning the corps marched slowly to Robertson's River,
+within three miles of Madison Court House, the New Jersey brigade alone
+crossing the river and proceeding as far as the latter village. Here the
+corps lay all the following day, and as the weather was pleasant, the
+men passed the time in sports and games, but at evening a cold storm of
+rain set in, continuing all night and the next day, to the great
+discomfort of all. Custer's cavalry returned at evening of the 1st of
+March, looking in a sorry plight from their long ride in the mud.
+Reveille sounded at five o'clock on the morning of March 2d, and at
+seven the corps turned toward the old camp, at which it arrived, after a
+severe march through the mud, at sunset the same day.
+
+There were, connected with our camp near Brandy Station, many pleasant
+remembrances; and notwithstanding a few severe experiences, this was the
+most cheerful winter we had passed in camp. One agreeable feature of
+this encampment was the great number of ladies, wives of officers, who
+spent the winter with their husbands. On every fine day great numbers of
+ladies might be seen riding about the camps and over the desolate
+fields, and their presence added greatly to the brilliancy of the
+frequent reviews.
+
+Great taste was displayed by many officers in fitting up their tents and
+quarters for the reception of their wives. The tents were usually
+inclosed by high walls of evergreens, woven with much skill, and fine
+arches and exquisite designs beautified the entrances to these happy
+retreats. The Christian Commission, among other good things which it did
+for the soldiers, and, indeed, this was among the best, made
+arrangements by which it loaned to nearly every brigade in the army, a
+large canvas, to be used as a roof for a brigade chapel. These chapels
+were built of logs and covered with the canvas, and were in many cases
+large enough to hold three hundred people. Here religious services were
+held, not only on Sunday, but also on week day evenings. A deep
+religious interest prevailed in many of the brigades, and great numbers
+of soldiers professed to have met with a change of heart. In our Third
+brigade, this religious interest was unusually great; a religious
+organization was formed within the Seventy-seventh, and Chaplain Fox
+baptized eleven members of the regiment in Hazel river. A course of
+literary lectures was also delivered in the chapel of our Third brigade,
+and Washington's birthday was celebrated in it with appropriate
+ceremonies and addresses. The chapel tent was also a reading room,
+where, owing to the energy of Chaplain Fox, all the principal papers,
+secular and religious, literary, military, pictorial, agricultural and
+scientific, were furnished; and these were a great source both of
+pleasure and profit to the men.
+
+[Illustration: CHURCH CALL.]
+
+Our corps was reviewed by General Grant; by the Russian admiral and
+suite, who for the amusement of the soldiers, performed some most
+ludicrous feats in horsemanship; and by a body of English officers.
+Never had such general good health prevailed among our camps, and never
+were the men so well contented or in so good spirits.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN.
+
+    Preparing to leave camp--General Grant in command--The last
+    advance across the Rapidan--The battle-ground--Battle of the
+    Wilderness--Noble fight of Getty's division--Hancock's fight on
+    the left--Rickett's division driven back--The ground
+    retaken--The wounded--Duties of the surgeons--The noble dead.
+
+
+Many pleasant recollections cluster around the old camp at Brandy
+Station, which will never be effaced from the memory of the soldiers of
+the Army of the Potomac.
+
+But at length preparations were commenced for opening the spring
+campaign, and one of the first orders, looking toward the breaking up of
+our camps, was one directing that our lady friends should take their
+departure, then another to send all superfluous camp equipage to the
+rear.
+
+Our army had been reorganized, its five corps being consolidated into
+three. The three divisions of the First corps were transferred to the
+Fifth, retaining their corps badges. Two divisions of the Third were
+assigned to the Second, preserving their badges, while the Third
+division, Third corps, was transferred permanently to the Sixth corps,
+and became the Third division of that corps. Our old Third division was
+broken up, the brigades of Wheaton and Eustis being transferred to the
+Second division, and Shaler's brigade to the First. Our corps, as
+reorganized, consisted of three divisions, comprising eleven
+brigades.[6]
+
+    [6] The corps, as reorganized, was commanded as follows:
+
+    Major-General John Sedgwick commanding the corps.
+
+    First division, Brigadier-General H. G. Wright, commanding.
+    First brigade, Colonel W. H. Penrose; Second brigade, Colonel E.
+    Upton; Third brigade, Brigadier-General D. A. Russell; Fourth
+    brigade, Brigadier-General A. Shaler.
+
+    Second division, Brigadier-General George W. Getty, commanding.
+    First brigade, Brigadier-General Frank Wheaton; Second brigade,
+    Colonel L. A. Grant; Third brigade, Brigadier-General Thomas H.
+    Neill; Fourth brigade, Brigadier-General L. A. Eustis.
+
+    Third division, Brigadier-General James B. Ricketts, commanding.
+    First brigade, Brigadier-General W. H. Morris; Second brigade,
+    Brigadier-General Truman Seymour; Third brigade, Colonel
+    Keiffer.
+
+During the winter, congress, recognizing the great ability of General
+Grant, had conferred upon that officer the rank of Lieutenant-General,
+giving him, under the President, command of all the armies of the United
+States. General Grant at once proceeded to adopt a plan for harmonious
+movements of all the armies. General Sherman, in the west, was directed
+to push vigorously southward, penetrating the enemy's country as far as
+possible, and prevent reinforcements being sent to Lee's army in the
+east. General Butler, on the Peninsula, was to advance on Richmond,
+taking Petersburgh, and, if possible, Richmond itself, while the Army of
+the Potomac was to attack Lee's army in the front, and force it back
+upon Richmond or destroy it.
+
+These cooeperative movements having been all arranged, each commander of
+an army or department informed not only of the part which he was
+expected to perform himself, but what all were expected to do, the Army
+of the Potomac was ready to move. General Grant had established his
+head-quarters with that army.
+
+At length the order for moving came. On the morning of the 4th of May,
+reveille was sounded at half-past two o'clock, and at half-past four the
+Sixth corps moved, taking the road to Germania Ford.
+
+It was a lovely day, and all nature seemed rejoicing at the advent of
+spring. Flowers strewed the wayside, and the warble of the blue bird,
+and the lively song of the sparrow, were heard in the groves and hedges.
+
+The distance from our camps to Germania Ford was sixteen miles. This
+distance we marched rapidly, and long before sunset we had crossed the
+ford on pontoon bridges and marched to a point three miles south of the
+river, where we bivouacked for the night.
+
+The Second corps, at an earlier hour, had crossed at Ely's Ford, and had
+reached a position near the old Chancellorsville battle-field, and the
+Fifth corps had led the way across Germania Ford.
+
+The infantry had been preceded by the cavalry divisions of Gregg and
+Wilson, under Sheridan. They had fallen in with a small picket force
+which, after exchanging a few shots, had beat a hasty retreat.
+
+Before night the army and the greater part of our trains had effected a
+crossing without opposition; and, doubtless, much to the surprise and
+chagrin of General Lee, we were holding strong positions, from which it
+would hardly be possible to force us.
+
+Except slight skirmishes in front of Hancock's Second corps, there was
+no fighting on the fourth of May. At seven o'clock on the morning of the
+fifth, the Sixth corps moved southward about two miles on the Wilderness
+plank road. Here the corps rested until eleven o'clock, while artillery
+and cavalry passed along the road in a continuous column. At eleven
+o'clock the corps faced to the front, and advanced into the woods which
+skirted the road.
+
+The Sixth corps now occupied the extreme right of the line, General
+Warren's Fifth corps the center, and Hancock's Second corps was on the
+left, near Chancellorsville. Between Warren and Hancock was an
+unoccupied space--a point of vital importance to our line. Thither
+General Getty, with the First, Second and Fourth brigades of our Second
+division, was sent to hold the ground till Hancock, who was ordered to
+come up, should arrive. Our Third brigade being all that was left of the
+Second division, it was assigned to the First division. General Meade's
+head-quarters were just in rear of the Fifth corps. The wood through
+which our line was now moving was a thick growth of oak and walnut,
+densely filled with a smaller growth of pines and other brushwood; and
+in many places so thickly was this undergrowth interwoven among the
+large trees, that one could not see five yards in front of the line.
+Yet, as we pushed on, with as good a line as possible, the thick tangle
+in a measure disappeared, and the woods were more open. Still, in the
+most favorable places, the thicket was so close as to make it impossible
+to manage artillery or cavalry, and, indeed, infantry found great
+difficulty in advancing, and at length we were again in the midst of the
+thick undergrowth.
+
+Warren's corps, on our left, was already fighting, and forcing the enemy
+to retire from his front, when our own corps struck the rebel
+skirmishers, who steadily fell back, disputing the ground. As our line
+advanced, it would suddenly come upon a line of gray-coated rebels,
+lying upon the ground, covered with dried leaves, and concealed by the
+chapparal, when the rebels would rise, deliver a murderous fire, and
+retire.
+
+We thus advanced through this interminable forest more than a mile and a
+half, driving the rebel skirmishers before us, when we came upon their
+line of battle, which refused to retire.
+
+Neill's brigade and the New Jersey brigade were in the first line of
+battle, at the foot of a slope, and in the rear of these two brigades
+were Russell's, Upton's and Shaler's. On the left of the First division
+were Seymour's and Keiffer's brigades, General Morris with his brigade
+remaining on the right.
+
+The enemy now charged upon our lines, making a desperate effort to turn
+our right flank, but without avail. Again and again the rebels in
+columns rushed with the greatest fury upon the two brigades in front,
+without being able to move them from their position. At half-past three
+o'clock our sufferings had been so great that General Sedgwick sent a
+messenger to General Burnside, who had now crossed his corps at Germania
+Ford, with a request that he would send a division to our assistance.
+
+The assistance was promised, but an order from General Grant made other
+disposition of the division, and what remained of the noble old Sixth
+corps was left to hold its position alone. At four, or a little later,
+the rebels retired, leaving many of their dead upon the ground, whom
+they were unable to remove. In these encounters the Seventh Maine and
+Sixty-first Pennsylvania regiments of Neill's brigade, who were on the
+right flank, received the heaviest onsets, and suffered most severely.
+At one time the Maine regiment found itself flanked by a brigade of
+rebels. Changing front the gallant regiment charged to the rear and
+scattered its opponents in confusion. The opposing lines were upon the
+two slopes of a ravine, through which ran a strip of level marshy
+ground, densely wooded like the rest of the wilderness. The confederates
+now commenced to strengthen the position on their side of the ravine,
+felling timber and covering it with earth. The woods resounded with the
+strokes of their axes, as the busy workmen plied their labor within
+three hundred yards, and in some places less than one hundred yards of
+our line, yet so dense was the thicket that they were entirely concealed
+from our view.
+
+Meanwhile the battle had raged furiously along the whole line. The
+rattle of musketry would swell into a full continuous roar as the
+simultaneous discharge of ten thousand guns mingled in one grand
+concert, and then after a few minutes, become more interrupted,
+resembling the crash of some huge king of the forest when felled by the
+stroke of the woodman's axe. Then would be heard the wild yells which
+always told of a rebel charge, and again the volleys would become more
+terrible and the broken, crashing tones would swell into one continuous
+roll of sound, which presently would be interrupted by the vigorous
+manly cheers of the northern soldiers, so different from the shrill yell
+of the rebels, and which indicated a repulse of their enemies. Now and
+then the monotony of the muskets was broken by a few discharges of
+artillery, which seemed to come in as a double bass in this concert of
+death, but so impenetrable was the forest that little use was made of
+artillery, and the work of destruction was carried on with the rifles.
+
+Warren's corps, first engaged, had nobly withstood the fierce assaults
+upon the center of the line, and had even advanced considerably.
+Hancock's command was also hotly engaged. In the commencement of the
+battle, three brigades of the Second division, the First, Second and
+Fourth, with our commander, General Getty, were taken from the Sixth
+corps and sent to the right of Warren's corps, to seize and hold the
+intersection of the Brock road and the Orange county turnpike, a point
+of vital importance, and which, as Hancock's corps was still far to the
+left near Chancellorsville, was entirely exposed. Toward this point Hill
+was hastening his rebel corps down the turnpike, with the design of
+interposing between Hancock and the main army. No sooner had the
+division reached the crossing of the two roads than the First brigade,
+General Wheaton's, became hotly engaged with Hill's corps, which was
+coming down the road driving some of our cavalry before it. The Vermont
+brigade quickly formed on the left of the plank road, and the Fourth
+brigade on the right of the First. The engagement became general at
+once, and each brigade was suffering heavy losses. The men hugged the
+ground closely, firing as rapidly as possible.
+
+Hancock's corps was advancing from the left, but thus far the division
+was holding the ground alone. An attack by the three brigades was
+ordered, and the line was considerably advanced. Again the men hugged
+the ground, the rebels doing the same.
+
+Thus, holding the ground against vastly superior numbers, the division
+sustained the weight of the rebel attacks until long after noon, when
+some of Hancock's regiments came to its support. With the heroic valor
+for which the division was so well known throughout the army, it
+withstood the force of the rebels until its lines were terribly thinned.
+The First brigade had held the ground with desperate valor, and our
+friends, the Vermonters, fought with that gallantry which always
+characterized the sons of the Green Mountain State. Their noblest men
+were falling thickly, yet they held the road.
+
+As Hancock joined his corps on the left of Getty's division, he ordered
+a charge along the whole line, and again the carnage became fearful. For
+two hours the struggle continued, and when the sounds of battle became
+less, and as darkness finally came over the wilderness, it brought a
+season of respite to the hard fought divisions.
+
+A thousand brave men of the Vermont brigade, and nearly as many of
+Wheaton's brigade, with hundreds from the Fourth brigade, had fallen
+upon that bloody field.
+
+In the evening the contest was renewed, especially along the line of the
+Sixth corps, and the dark woods were lighted with the flame from the
+mouths of tens of thousands of muskets.
+
+Charges and counter-charges followed each other in quick succession, and
+the rebel yell and northern cheer were heard alternately, but no decided
+advantage was gained by either party. At two o'clock at night the battle
+died away, but there was no rest for the weary soldiers after the
+fatiguing duties of the day. Each man sat with musket in hand during the
+wearisome hours of the night, prepared for an onset of the enemy.
+Skirmishing was kept up during the entire night, and at times the
+musketry would break out in full volleys, which rolled along the
+opposing lines until they seemed vast sheets of flame.
+
+The position of the two armies on the morning of the 6th was
+substantially that of the day before; the Sixth corps on the right, its
+rear on Wilderness Run near the old Wilderness Tavern, the Fifth corps
+next on its left, and the Second corps with three brigades of the Second
+division Sixth corps, on the left; the line extending about five miles.
+Besides these corps, General Burnside was bringing his troops into the
+line.
+
+Between the two armies lay hundreds of dead and dying men whom neither
+army could remove, and over whose bodies the fight must be renewed.
+
+The battle was opened at daylight by a fierce charge of the enemy on the
+Sixth corps, and soon it raged along the whole line. The volleys of
+musketry echoed and reechoed through the forests like peals of thunder,
+and the battle surged to and fro, now one party charging, and now the
+other, the interval between the two armies being fought over in many
+places as many as five times, leaving the ground covered with dead and
+wounded. Those of the wounded able to crawl, reached one or the other
+line, but the groans of others, who could not move, lent an additional
+horror to the terrible scene whenever there was a lull in the battle. At
+ten o'clock the roar of battle ceased, and from that time until five
+P.M., it was comparatively quiet in front of the Sixth corps, but from
+the left where Hancock's corps and Getty's braves were nobly battling,
+the war of musketry was incessant. There, Hancock had formed his troops
+in several lines of battle, and advanced them upon the plank road.
+Getty's troops, their ranks having been so terribly shattered the day
+before, were allowed to form in the rear. The attack was commenced, but
+presently the enemy came down in terrible fury upon Hancock's lines. One
+after another was swept away, leaving no Union troops in front of Getty.
+Now the exulting rebels came with stunning force against the Sixth corps
+men. They had prepared breastworks of logs and decayed wood, and against
+these light defenses the rebels charged, but only to meet with a deadly
+repulse. Again and again the charge was renewed, and as often the brave
+men who had seen nearly three thousand of their comrades fall on the day
+before, sent the confederates back from the road. At length, the
+divisions on the right and left of Getty having fallen back to the Brock
+road, the division was forced to fall back to the road also, but only
+after exhibiting a steadiness and valor rarely equaled by any troops.
+
+The road was held, in spite of every effort of the enemy to take it; but
+the noble soldier and patriotic gentleman, General Wadsworth, lost his
+life while striving to rally his division to hold the ground against the
+confederates.
+
+Although the storm of battle had abated in our front, the rebels had
+stationed sharpshooters in the trees and other advantageous positions,
+who kept up an incessant and annoying fire, and now and then a shell
+from a rebel battery would drop into our ranks. By these, the corps lost
+many men.
+
+Until the evening of the 6th, our Third brigade of the Second division,
+and the New Jersey brigade of the First division of the Sixth corps, had
+occupied the right of the line of battle along the base of our slope of
+the ravine. Other portions of the First division, and the Third
+division, occupying a position in our rear, on the summit of the slope,
+had been engaged during the day in throwing up earthworks. At 5 P.M.,
+the two advance brigades received orders to fall back to the cover of
+these breastworks.
+
+For thirty hours the Sixth corps, stripped of three brigades of its
+veteran troops, weary from fighting and fasting, had been patiently
+waiting for the relief promised it long ago, and steadily holding its
+ground until half of the advance brigades and almost half of the corps
+was destroyed.
+
+Thirty hours before, General Sedgwick had sent word that the rebels were
+trying to turn our flank, and begged that support might be sent; but no
+support had come. These breastworks had been prepared to give the
+exhausted corps a little protection, that they might, by falling back to
+their cover, occupy a stronger and less exposed position.
+
+Soon after five o'clock, the brigades commenced falling back to these
+works. The rebels discovered the movement, and thought it was a retreat.
+They were evidently already prepared for a desperate assault upon our
+flank; and now that there seemed a retreat, there was no longer any
+hesitation. Cheer after cheer arose from the rebel ranks, and, in
+fifteen minutes after, their yells were mingled with terrific volleys of
+musketry, as they poured in overwhelming numbers upon our flanks.
+
+A brief description of the position will explain the nature of the
+movement, which lost to the Sixth corps the position it had held for a
+day and a half.
+
+When the brigades which had occupied the base of the slope fell back to
+the breastworks, the line of battle was arranged thus: on the extreme
+right was the Third division--a division but a few days before joined to
+the corps--a division composed mostly of new troops who had never before
+faced an enemy, and none of them had ever had any connection with the
+already historic fame of that glorious corps. Next on the left was the
+First division, and joining this division on the left was our own Third
+brigade of the Second division.
+
+The assault of the rebels fell upon the green troops of the Third
+division, who, seized with consternation, fled in confusion without
+attempting resistance. General Seymour whose gallant conduct up to this
+time had won for him the admiration of all, made desperate attempts to
+rally his panic-stricken brigade and refused to go to the rear with
+them. While thus striving vainly to restore order to his shattered
+command, rushing to the front and attempting by his own manner to
+inspire courage in his men, he was surrounded by the enemy and captured.
+He had but just returned from the rebel prisons where he had been since
+the unfortunate battle of Olustee.
+
+The hasty flight of the Third division opened the flank and rear of the
+First division to the charge of the rebels, who now rushed on with
+redoubled fury and with demoniac yells, carrying everything before them.
+The First division fell back, but not in the disorder and confusion of
+the other. General Shaler, with a large part of his brigade, which held
+that part of the line joining the Third division, was captured while
+vainly striving to resist the onset of the rebel forces.
+
+The regiments of our Third brigade were forced from the rifle pits,
+leaving the Seventy-seventh regiment and a part of the Forty-third alone
+contending the ground, exposed to a galling fire on front, flank and
+rear. The gallant regiments remained in the breastworks, pouring their
+fire into the enemy's ranks until ordered to withdraw, to save
+themselves from capture.
+
+The right wing, if not the whole army, was now in danger. It was at such
+times that the great spirit of the noble Sedgwick rose to the control of
+events. It seemed to require adversity to bring out all the grand
+qualities of his nature. We had witnessed his imperturbable bravery and
+determination on the retreat to Banks' Ford, his unsurpassed heroism at
+Antietam, when he kept the field after he was thrice wounded, was
+familiar to the nation, and now we were to see another manifestation of
+his indomitable courage.
+
+Rushing here and there, regardless of personal safety, he faced the
+disordered mass of fugitives of the Third division, and with threats and
+entreaties prevailed upon them to halt; then turning to the veterans of
+the First division, he shouted to them to remember the honor of the old
+Sixth corps. That was an irresistible appeal, and the ranks of the First
+division and of our Third brigade were formed along the turnpike, which
+was at right angles to our former position. The corps now charged upon
+the exultant foe, and forced them back until our breastworks were
+recaptured; but our flank was too much exposed, and again the enemy
+charged upon our front and flank, forcing the corps to wheel back to the
+turnpike, where it had first rallied.
+
+General Sedgwick now ordered another charge, and bravely the men rushed
+forward, ready to obey any order from the revered lips of "_Uncle
+John_." The enemy was again forced back, and again the corps occupied
+the breastworks. It was now dark, but the roar of musketry mingled with
+the deep toned artillery shook the ground, and the dense forest was
+lighted by the scores of thousands of flashing rifles which sent death
+to unseen foes.
+
+The corps had not recovered its line of works without sacrifice, for the
+ground in our rear was covered with our fallen comrades, while many more
+had been captured by the enemy. But we were now able to hold the ground.
+The temporary disorder had arisen, and had been mostly confined to the
+new troops, and even these, when rallied from their momentary confusion,
+had fought with heroic valor. Although, for a time, forced back by the
+surprise of the rebel onset, the old troops of the corps had shown no
+want of courage. _The Sixth corps proper had not lost its pristine
+glory._ Something of a panic had been created among the teamsters in the
+rear, and before dark the trains were hurrying toward Chancellorsville.
+
+Leaving the excitement of the battle, let us now turn where the results
+of this carnage are seen in their sober reality. While we stand in line
+of battle we see little of the frightful havoc of war. The wounded drop
+about us, but, except those left on disputed ground and unable to crawl
+away, they are carried instantly to the rear. The groans and cries of
+the wounded and dying, of which we so often read as filling up the grand
+discord of sounds on the battle-field, are things scarcely known in
+actual war. Rarely, as in the present battles, wounded men, unable to
+get away, are left between the lines in such numbers that, when the
+musketry dies away, their groans become heart-rending. But this is not
+usual.
+
+But at the field hospitals, the work of destruction is seen in all its
+horrors. There, wounded men by thousands are brought together, filling
+the tents and stretched upon every available spot of ground for many
+rods around. Surgeons, with never tiring energy, are ministering to
+their wants, giving them food, dressing their wounds or standing at the
+operating table removing the shattered fragments of limbs. Men wounded
+in every conceivable way, men with mutilated bodies, with shattered
+limbs and broken heads, men enduring their injuries with heroic
+patience, and men giving way to violent grief, men stoically
+indifferent, and men bravely rejoicing that it is _only a leg_. To all
+these the surgeons are to give such relief as lies in their power, a
+task the very thoughts of which would overcome physicians at home, but
+upon which the army surgeon enters with as much coolness and confidence
+as though he could do it all at once. He has learned to do what he can.
+Contenting himself with working day and night without respite, and often
+without food, until, by unremitting but quiet toil, the wants of all are
+relieved. No class of men in the army perform so great labors with so
+little credit as the surgeons.
+
+Lest the author should be accused of undue partiality for his own staff,
+he will quote the words of an unprejudiced witness, who, in speaking of
+the labor, the anxiety and the responsibility imposed upon the surgeons
+after a great battle, says:
+
+"The devotion, the solicitude, the unceasing efforts to remedy the
+defects of the situation, the untiring attentions to the wounded, upon
+their part, were so marked as to be apparent to all who visited the
+hospitals. It must be remembered that these same officers had endured
+the privations and fatigues of the long forced marches with the rest of
+the army; they had shared its dangers, for one medical officer from each
+regiment follows it into battle, and is liable to the accidents of war,
+as has been repeatedly and fatally the case; that its field hospitals
+are often, from the changes of the line of battle, brought under fire of
+the enemy, and that while in this situation these surgeons are called
+upon to exercise the calmest judgment, to perform the most critical and
+serious operations, and this quickly and continuously. The battle
+ceasing, their labors continue. While other officers are sleeping,
+renewing their strength for further efforts, the medical are still
+toiling. They have to improvise hospitals from the rudest materials, are
+obliged to 'make bricks without straw,' to surmount seeming
+impossibilities. The work is unending both by day and night, the anxiety
+is constant, and the strain upon both the physical and mental faculties
+unceasing. Thus, after this battle, operators had to be held up while
+performing the operations, and fainted from exhaustion the operation
+finished. One completed his labors to be seized with partial paralysis,
+the penalty of his over exertion.
+
+"While his duties are as arduous, his exposure as great, and the
+mortality from disease and injury as large as among other staff officers
+of similar rank, the surgeon has no prospect of promotion, of a brevet
+or an honorable mention, to stimulate him. His duties are performed
+quietly, unostentatiously. He does his duty for his country's sake, for
+the sake of humanity."[7]
+
+    [7] J. H. Douglass, Assistant Secretary Sanitary Commission.
+
+The labors of the medical officers had never been so great as at these
+battles. Thousands of wounded men were stretched in and about the
+several field hospitals, and long trains of ambulances, loaded with more
+bleeding victims, were constantly bringing in new subjects of care.
+
+The hospitals of the Sixth corps were located, that of the First
+division about a large house near the turnpike, in rear of the position
+of the division; that of the Third division was near by, and the
+hospital of our Second division was placed on the banks of Wilderness
+Run, near the old gold mine, and within a few rods of General Meade's
+head-quarters. The hospitals of the Fifth corps were also within a short
+distance, on the left.
+
+At the hospital of our Second division, the scene was one of activity
+and sadness. Never had so many of our choice spirits been brought to the
+rear, and never had the division been bereft of so many of its brightest
+ornaments by death.
+
+All the hospital tents belonging to the division were filled to
+overflowing with the unfortunate victims of the battle. There, all the
+space between the different rows of tents, and for many yards in front
+and rear, was covered with others, for whom there was no room under the
+canvas, and, finally, long rows of them were laid upon the ground at a
+little distance from the hospitals as close as they could lie, covering
+many rods of ground.
+
+In the operating tents, the surgeons assigned to the duty of performing
+operations plied their work without rest from the time the battle
+commenced until its close, day and night, while dressers, and those
+whose duty it was to supply the wounded with food, were untiring in
+their zeal.
+
+At midnight of the 6th, the operators were directed to cease their work.
+Ambulances and army wagons in great numbers were loaded with the
+wounded, and the whole train, accompanied by the surgeons, moved toward
+Chancellorsville, taking the turnpike along the rear of the army. But,
+with all the ambulances and army wagons at command, hundreds of these
+unfortunate heroes were left behind; and as it was known that our line
+of battle was to fall back within a few hours, preparations were made
+for their care when they should fall into the hands of the enemy. Four
+assistant surgeons from each division, a number of hospital tents, a
+supply of hard bread and beef, with dressings and instruments, were left
+behind; and with sad hearts, their companions bade them farewell. Like
+preparations were made by the other corps, for those of the wounded who
+must be left to their fate. The long train bearing the wounded reached
+the left of the old battle-field of Chancellorsville toward morning, and
+at once the labor of reestablishing the hospitals commenced. Tents were
+erected, the ambulances unloaded, and the surgeons, already worn out by
+forty hours of incessant toil, resumed their work.
+
+When the Sixth corps reoccupied the breastworks at dark on the 6th, it
+was desirable that the right flank should be protected by old and
+reliable troops. Neill's Third brigade was assigned to that position,
+the Seventy-seventh being upon the extreme right, the Sixty-first
+Pennsylvania thrown out at right angles to protect the rear. On the left
+of the Seventy-seventh was the Forty-ninth New York, the Seventh Maine
+was next, then the One Hundred and Twenty-second, and the Forty-third
+New York was on the left of the brigade.
+
+All was now quiet. No sound was heard except now and then the suppressed
+tones of officers in command. The stars shone through the openings among
+the trees upon a long line of dusky forms lying close behind the
+sheltering breastworks, as silent as death but ready at an instant to
+pour out a storm of destruction. A row of bayonets projected over the
+breastworks; an abattis of steel awaiting the momentarily expected onset
+of the enemy.
+
+At ten o'clock the low tones of command of the rebel officers were heard
+as they urged their men against our rear and flank. Colonel Smith of the
+Sixty-first Pennsylvania, ordered his men to lie down, for they had no
+breastworks, and to reserve their fire. Nearer and nearer came the dark
+line, until within twenty feet of the recumbent Pennsylvanians, but not
+a sound from them. Still nearer the rebel line approached, to within a
+distance of ten feet, when the sharp command rang out, "_Fire_;" and
+rising the Pennsylvanians delivered a withering fire into the rebel
+ranks that sent them reeling back into the darkness from whence they
+came; but a line of prostrate forms where the fire from our line had met
+the advancing column, told of its terrible execution. Twenty minutes
+after this repulse they advanced silently but in stronger force,
+directly in front of our breastworks. They advanced slowly and in
+silence until within a few feet of the Union line, when with wild yells
+they leaped forward, some even mounting the breastworks. But a sheet of
+flame instantly flashed along the whole line of our works; the
+astonished rebels wavered for a moment and then beat a hasty retreat,
+relinquishing with this last desperate effort the attempt to drive back
+the old Sixth corps.
+
+Scarcely a man of the Union force was injured by this charge, but the
+dead and wounded from the rebel ranks literally covered the ground.
+There was no help for them. Our men were unable even to take care of
+their own wounded which lay scattered through the woods in the rear. So
+the rebel wounded lay between the two armies, making the night hideous
+with their groans.
+
+The battle of the 6th was now at an end, neither party having gained any
+decided advantage.
+
+At midnight the Sixth corps fell back upon the plank road to the
+vicinity of the old gold mine mill, where our hospitals had been.
+Intrenchments were thrown up and the position was held without much
+annoyance from the rebels all the next day. The whole line of the army
+remained quiet on the 7th, only a few skirmishes along different parts
+of the line, relieving the monotony of the day.
+
+The two days of fighting had told fearfully upon our ranks. Our
+regiments which a few hours before were well filled, were now but
+fragments of regiments; and our hearts were weighed down with heavy
+grief when we thought of the many grand spirits who had left us forever
+since we crossed the Rapidan.
+
+We thought of the young colonel of the Forty-third, Wilson, beloved and
+admired throughout the corps. His death was a heavy blow to us all. We
+should miss his soldierly presence on the parade; his winning pleasantry
+in our social circles; we were no longer to enjoy his beautiful example
+of unswerving christian morality. His manly form was no longer to be our
+pride, and his heroic valor would never again be manifest on the field
+of battle.
+
+Major Fryer had received his mortal hurt. Fryer was young and gallant;
+his handsome form and brilliant eye were in fine harmony with those of
+his friend and superior. "In their lives they were beautiful, and in
+their death they were not divided."
+
+Captain Hickmot, too, of the Forty-ninth was among the slain. Surely
+death loves a shining mark, and with what terrible precision had he
+chosen his victims. Hickmot's bright eye was glazed in death. His gayety
+was hushed forever. We remembered now his hearty laugh, his friendly
+words and his purity of character, and knew that they were ours only in
+memory.
+
+Wallace of the Forty-third and Terry of the Forty-ninth, too, were gone.
+Colonel Ryerson, the gallant commander of the Tenth New Jersey, was
+mortally wounded.
+
+In the Seventy-seventh we had lost Craig; a youth of rare qualities and
+of stern patriotism.
+
+The Vermont brigade had lost many of its brightest ornaments. Colonel
+Barney of the Sixth was one of Vermont's best men. A kind yet faithful
+commander in camp, gallant and fearless on the field. He was the highest
+type of a man; a christian gentleman. Colonel Stone had been killed
+instantly on the 5th. His urbane manners were remembered by all who
+frequented our division head-quarters, and his bravery had endeared him
+to his men. Colonel Tyler, too, of the Second was among the mortally
+wounded, and all felt his loss deeply.
+
+Captains Bixby, of the Second, Bartlett and Buck, of the Third,
+Carpenter and Farr, of the Fourth, Ormsbee and Hurlburt, of the Fifth,
+and Bird and Randall, of the Sixth--all men of bravery and patriotism,
+all beloved as companions and valued as officers--were among the dead or
+dying. But among Vermont's fallen sons was no more ardent patriot or
+gallant soldier than Captain George D. Davenport, of the Fifth. His
+manly bearing, his brilliant intellect, his ready wit, his social
+virtues and his well known bravery, combined to render him a favorite
+officer in his brigade, while to those who were bound to him by the ties
+of fellowship, his disinterested love and noble generosity rendered his
+friendship of inestimable value.
+
+These were a few among the many noble names of fallen heroes. Never were
+grander men sacrificed for a noble cause than they.
+
+General Getty and General Morris and Colonel Keiffer were among the
+wounded, and we had lost General Shaler and General Seymour, captured by
+the enemy.
+
+General Neill succeeded to the command of the Second division, and
+Colonel Bidwell assumed the command vacated by General Neill.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+SPOTTSYLVANIA.
+
+    Moving by the flank--The wounded abandoned--The Fifth Corps at
+    Spottsylvania--Arrival of the Sixth Corps--Getting into
+    line--Death of Sedgwick--General Wright in command--Battle of
+    the 10th of May--Upton's splendid charge--Battle at "the
+    angle"--Another flank movement.
+
+
+By this time General Grant, finding the rebel position too strong to
+force in front, and finding, by reconnoissance, that the enemy had
+fallen back to strong works where he awaited attack, determined to throw
+the army between Lee's army and Richmond, and accordingly ordered the
+first of that wonderful series of flank movements that have become the
+admiration of the world. The Fifth and Sixth corps withdrew with secrecy
+from the line held by them, and falling into the rear of the rest of the
+army, marched rapidly from the right to the left flank toward
+Spottsylvania. The Sixth corps, taking the Chancellorsville road,
+reached the old battle-field at daylight, and halted for breakfast near
+the ruins of the historic Chancellor House. The Fifth corps taking a
+more direct road to Spottsylvania, and being unencumbered with the
+train, marched rapidly and reached Piney Branch Church, a little hamlet
+in the midst of the woods, about five miles north of Spottsylvania Court
+House, at nine o'clock in the morning. These two corps were quickly
+followed by the Ninth and Second corps, leaving the old wilderness field
+entirely in the hands of the enemy.
+
+Another of those distressful necessities of war occurred on withdrawing
+from the Wilderness. Wounded men of the Fifth and Sixth corps had
+already been left on the site of the hospitals near the old gold mine
+mills, and now hundreds more from every corps were abandoned for want of
+sufficient transportation. Let it not be thought that the Army of the
+Potomac was deficient in ambulances. Our hospital train was immense, yet
+insufficient for such an emergency as the present. To have provided a
+train sufficient for such a time, would have been to incumber the army
+with an enormous establishment, which would so interfere with its
+movements as to defeat the very object in view. The present was one of
+those terrible but unavoidable contingencies which must sometimes occur
+in war.
+
+Trains had returned and brought away some of the wounded left at the old
+gold mine, but many were still there; and now, again, as we loaded
+ambulances and army wagons to their utmost capacity, making a train of
+many miles in extent, some two hundred of the wounded of our Sixth corps
+were left upon the ground. It was, indeed, a sickening thought that
+these noble fellows, who had nobly fallen in their country's cause, must
+be abandoned to the enemy, many of them, perhaps the majority of them,
+to die in their hands. All communication with their friends at home
+hopelessly cut off, and with no expectation of any but the roughest
+treatment from their enemies, it was a sad prospect for the unfortunate
+ones. Medical officers from each corps were directed to remain and care
+for those thus left behind, and a limited supply of rations and
+medicines were also left. Surgeon Phillips, of the Third Vermont, and
+Assistant Surgeon Thompson, of the Seventy-seventh New York, were the
+detail to remain behind from the Second division. They stayed with our
+wounded among the rebels for several weeks, faithfully ministering to
+their wants, until nearly all had been removed to Richmond, when, one
+day, learning that those remaining were to be sent south on the
+following day, they made their escape by night. By traveling throughout
+the night and hiding in the woods by day, they made their way across the
+Rapidan, and finally reached Washington in safety.
+
+The Fifth corps, having taken the most direct road to Spottsylvania,
+arrived at Piney Branch Church at nine o'clock on the morning of the
+8th, where the infantry skirmishers of the enemy were encountered.
+Gregg's division of cavalry had been for some time engaged with the
+rebel cavalry; but the cavalry had not discovered the infantry of the
+enemy before the approach of the Fifth corps. Two divisions of the Fifth
+corps were at once formed in line of battle, Bartlett's brigade of
+Griffin's division being sent ahead as skirmishers. As the corps
+advanced, the skirmishers of the enemy steadily withdrew, until they
+reached a large clearing, called Alsop's Farm, along the rear of which
+ran a small stream, the river Ny, about three miles north of
+Spottsylvania. Here the enemy was formed in force, with a line of strong
+earthworks. An attack was ordered, and bravely Warren's men advanced
+against the breastworks of the enemy; but their efforts to drive the
+rebels were unavailing. The field was composed of a succession of
+ridges, dotted here and there with clumps of pines and oaks, while the
+country in rear, through which the corps had already pressed the
+opposing skirmishers, was a wilderness of trees. The rebels had their
+artillery well posted, and they hurled a fierce storm of shells among
+the advancing lines, arresting their advance. The enemy in turn charged
+upon the Fifth corps, but the Union boys fought with desperation,
+repelling every charge and holding their ground. Our troops behaved
+magnificently, yet they were unable to push their advance further.
+
+It was now evident that Lee, anticipating Grant's strategy, had set
+about thwarting it. As soon as our troops were withdrawn from Wilderness
+Run, Lee had hastened Ewell's corps and a part of Longstreet's on an
+inner road to Spottsylvania, and these troops now confronted us and
+disputed our advance.
+
+Such was the situation when the Sixth corps arrived on the field at two
+o'clock in the afternoon. The day had been the most sultry of the
+season, and many of the men, overcome by the intensity of the heat, and
+exhausted by the constant fighting and marching since the morning of the
+4th, had fallen by the wayside. The corps halted for about two hours,
+and was then ordered to the front to the assistance of Warren's corps,
+which was again hotly engaged with the enemy. We pressed forward along a
+narrow road leading through a thick growth of timber, until we came
+where the Fifth corps was contending the ground. The corps was drawn up
+in line of battle, but did not at once commence an attack.
+
+Before us the ground was rolling and partially wooded, admirably adapted
+for defensive warfare. A wooded ravine, at a little distance from our
+front, concealed a rebel line of battle, and in our rear, were dense
+woods extending to the road along which our line was formed. These woods
+were on fire, and the hot blasts of air which swept over us, together
+with the burning heat of the sun, rendered our position a very
+uncomfortable one. Before long, however, the corps was ordered to the
+left, and took its position in the woods on the left of Warren's corps.
+Our Second division was formed in three lines with the view of attacking
+the enemy.
+
+Soon after dark all things being ready, the division moved forward to
+the attack, but after some desperate fighting on the part of both the
+Fifth corps and our own division, finding the enemy too strongly posted,
+the attack was relinquished.
+
+Toward midnight some changes of position were ordered, but, in the
+darkness, regiments lost their brigades, and wandered about in the woods
+until daylight, some narrowly escaping capture within the lines of the
+enemy.
+
+There was little hard fighting on Monday the 9th, though skirmishing was
+briskly kept up along the whole line throughout the day. Our line of
+battle was now extended from northwest to southeast with Hancock's
+Second corps on the right, Warren's Fifth corps on the right center,
+Sedgwick's Sixth corps on the left center, and Burnside's Ninth corps on
+the extreme left. Our Second division was formed in a clearing on the
+side of a hill which sloped gradually until it reached a swamp, which,
+however, turned and passed through our line at our left. About three
+hundred yards in front of us was a strip of woods one-fourth of a mile
+wide, and beyond the woods an open field where the rebel forces were
+posted behind formidable earthworks. Just in our rear and on the crest
+of the hill, our batteries were posted so as to fire over our heads. On
+our right was a dense forest where the Fifth corps were posted, and on
+our left Burnside's troops occupied a more open country.
+
+The whole line of the army was strengthened with breastworks of rails
+and logs, which the men procured in many cases from almost under the
+rebel guns, while the heavy mist of the morning concealed them from the
+view of their enemies. Over the logs and rails earth was thrown in
+quantity sufficient to protect the men from the shot and shell of the
+enemy.
+
+Although there was little fighting on the 9th, it was a sad day for the
+Sixth corps and for the army; for on that day our corps lost its beloved
+commander, and the army a most distinguished soldier.
+
+General Sedgwick, while standing behind an outer line of works,
+personally superintending and directing, as was his custom, the posting
+of a battery of artillery at an angle which he regarded as of great
+importance, was shot through the head by a rebel sharpshooter, and died
+instantly. The ball had entered his head just below the left eye, and
+passed out at the back of the head.
+
+Never had such a gloom rested upon the whole army on account of the
+death of one man as came over it when the heavy tidings passed along the
+lines that General Sedgwick was killed.
+
+Major-General John Sedgwick, who had so long been identified with the
+Sixth corps, was a native of Connecticut. He graduated at West Point on
+the 30th of June, 1837, and was at once assigned to the Second
+artillery, as second-lieutenant. In 1839, he was promoted to
+first-lieutenant. He served in Mexico, and was brevetted captain for
+gallant and meritorious conduct, in the battles of Contreras and
+Cherubusco. He was soon afterward brevetted major for gallant conduct,
+and greatly distinguished himself in the attack on Cosino gate, Mexico
+city. In 1845 he was made major of the First United States Cavalry, and
+served in Texas until the breaking out of the rebellion. In March, 1861,
+he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, Second United States Cavalry;
+and in April promoted to the colonelcy of the Fourth Cavalry. He was
+made a brigadier-general of volunteers in August, 1861, and assigned to
+the command of a brigade in the Army of the Potomac.
+
+He was afterward assigned to the command of the Third division, Second
+corps, then under General Sumner. He participated in the siege of
+Yorktown, and greatly distinguished himself in many battles on the
+Peninsula. He was particularly noted at the battle of Fair Oaks,
+Savage's Station, and Glendale. His division was one of the few
+divisions of the Army of the Potomac that rendered any assistance to
+General Pope in his unfortunate campaign.
+
+At Antietam he led his men repeatedly against the rebels, and was as
+often forced back, until the ground over which his division had fought
+was covered with dead. He was thrice wounded, but refused to be carried
+from the field until faintness from loss of blood obliged him to
+relinquish his command.
+
+In December, 1862, he was nominated by the President a major-general of
+volunteers, and was confirmed in March, 1863, with rank from the 31st of
+May, 1862.
+
+In January following his promotion, he was assigned to the command of
+the Ninth corps, and, on the 5th of February, was transferred to the
+command of the Sixth corps, relieving General Smith, who was assigned to
+the Ninth corps.
+
+Soon after taking command of our corps, the famous charge upon
+Fredericksburgh Heights was made, in which both the corps and its
+commander acquired lasting renown. General Sedgwick was especially
+commended by General Meade for the manner in which he handled his corps
+at Rappahannock Station, and, in General Meade's absence, he was several
+times in command of the army. He was, on several occasions, offered the
+supreme command of the army, but his excessive modesty forbade him to
+accept so important a command.
+
+No soldier was more beloved by the army or honored by the country than
+this noble general. His corps regarded him as a father, and his great
+military abilities made his judgment, in all critical emergencies,
+sought after by his superior as well as his fellows. The command of the
+Sixth corps now devolved upon General Wright, who had long been well
+known in the corps as the commander of our First division, and who held
+the command of the corps from this time until it was disbanded in the
+autumn of 1865.
+
+Monday night passed quietly. An occasional volley on the picket line
+would rouse us to arms, but there was no general assault, and the tired
+soldiers would throw themselves again upon the ground to catch a few
+moments more of rest.
+
+Our position on Tuesday morning, May 10th, was the same as it had been
+the day previous. During the lull of battle on the 9th, both armies had
+gathered their strength and perfected their plans for a renewal of the
+contest, on a scale of magnificence seldom if ever witnessed by any army
+before. This was destined to be a day of most fearful carnage, and
+desperate attempts on the part of each antagonist to crush the other by
+the weight of its terrible charges.
+
+Active skirmishing commenced along different portions of the line early
+in the morning, and continued to grow more and more general until the
+rattle of the skirmishers' rifles grew into the reverberating roll of
+battle. From one end of the long line to the other the tide of battle
+surged, the musketry continually increasing in volume, until it seemed
+one continuous peal of thunder. During all the battles in the
+Wilderness, artillery had been useless, except when here and there a
+section could be brought in to command the roadway; but now all the
+artillery on both sides was brought into the work. It was the terrible
+cannonading of Malvern Hill with the fierce musketry of Gaines' Mills
+combined, that seemed fairly to shake the earth and skies. Never during
+the war had the two armies made such gigantic struggles for the
+destruction of each other.
+
+At first the heavy assaults were made against the right wing--Hancock's
+and Warren's corps sustaining the principal shock of the enemy's
+repeated charges. Massing their forces against particular points of the
+line held by these two corps, the rebel generals would hurl their gray
+legions like an avalanche against our breastworks, hoping by the very
+momentum of the charge to break through our lines; but a most withering
+storm of leaden and iron hail would set the mass wavering, and finally
+send it back to the cover of the woods and earthworks in confusion,
+leaving the ground covered at each time with an additional layer of
+their dead. In turn, the men of the Fifth and Second corps would charge
+upon their adversaries, and in turn they too would be forced to seek
+shelter behind their rifle pits. Thus the tide of battle along the right
+of the line rolled to and fro, while the horrid din of musketry and
+artillery rose and swelled as the storm grew fiercer.
+
+Meanwhile the Sixth and Ninth corps were quietly awaiting events, and it
+was not until six o'clock in the afternoon that the Sixth corps was
+called into action. Then it was to make one of the most notable charges
+on record.
+
+At five o'clock the men of the corps were ordered to unsling knapsacks
+and divest themselves of every incumbrance preparatory to a charge.
+Colonel Upton commanding the Second brigade of the First division, was
+directed to take twelve picked regiments from the corps and lead them in
+a charge against the right center of the rebel line. The regiments which
+shared the dearly purchased honor of this magnificent charge were, in
+the first line, the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York, the Fifth
+Maine, the Ninety-sixth and One Hundred and Nineteenth Pennsylvania; in
+the second line the Seventy-seventh and Forty-third New York, the Fifth
+Wisconsin, Sixth Maine and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania; and in the third
+line, the Second, Fifth and Sixth Vermont. It was indeed an honor to be
+selected for this duty, but it was an honor to be paid for at the cost
+of fearful peril.
+
+The twelve regiments assembled on the open space in front of our works,
+then silently entered the strip of woods which was between our line and
+that of the rebels. Passing through to the further edge of the woods,
+the twelve regiments were formed in columns of three lines, each line
+consisting of four regiments.
+
+The regiments of the Second division, not included in the charging
+column, formed in the rear, to act as support, but did not advance to
+the charge.
+
+As the regiments took their places, they threw themselves upon the
+ground, and all orders were given in suppressed tones, for the rebels
+were but a hundred yards distant, in the open field, and the minies of
+their skirmishers were whistling among the trees and brushwood.
+
+The other corps of the army were prepared, in case this charging party
+succeeded in breaking the enemy's line, to rush in and turn the success
+into a rout of the rebels. Generals Meade, Hancock, Warren and Burnside
+stationed themselves on eminences, from which they could watch the
+success of the perilous enterprise.
+
+At six o'clock all things were ready, and the artillery from the
+eminences in our rear opened a terrific fire, sending the shells howling
+and shrieking over the heads of the charging column, and plunging into
+the works of the enemy. This was the signal for the attack, and Colonel
+Upton's clear voice rang out, "_Attention, battalions! Forward,
+double-quick!_ Charge!" and in an instant every man was on his feet,
+and, with tremendous cheers, which were answered by the wild yells of
+the rebels, the column rushed from the cover of the woods. Quick as
+lightning, a sheet of flame burst from the rebel line, and the leaden
+hail swept the ground over which the column was advancing, while the
+canister from the artillery came crashing through our ranks at every
+step, and scores and hundreds of our brave fellows fell, literally
+covering the ground. But, nothing daunted, the noble fellows rushed upon
+the defenses, leaping over the ditch in front, and mounting the
+breastworks. The rebels made a determined resistance, and a hand to hand
+fight ensued, until, with their bayonets, our men had filled the rifle
+pits with bleeding rebels. About two thousand of the survivors of the
+struggle surrendered, and were immediately marched to the rear, under
+guard.
+
+Without halting for breath, the impetuous column rushed toward the
+second line of works, which was equally as strong as the first. The
+resistance here was less stubborn than at the first line, yet the gray
+occupants of the rifle pits refused to fly, until forced back at the
+point of the bayonet.
+
+Our ranks were now fearfully thinned, yet the brave fellows passed on to
+the third line of defenses which was also captured.
+
+It was but a shattered remnant of that noble column that rushed from the
+woods against the hostile works, that reached this advanced point, and
+now, finding that reenforcements were reaching the enemy, while our
+column was every moment melting away, a retreat was ordered.
+
+There was not even time to bring away the six pieces of artillery which
+we had captured; they were filled with sods and abandoned.
+
+What remained of the twelve regiments retreated to the cover of our
+rifle pits, leaving the dead and most of the wounded in the enemy's
+hands.
+
+The corps lost, in this charge, some of its ablest men. In the First
+brigade of the Second division Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, of the
+Sixty-second New York, was killed. Captain Carpenter, of the
+Seventy-seventh, one of its first and best officers, and Lieutenant
+Lyon, a young officer of great bravery, were killed in the interior line
+of works, and many other noble fellows of that regiment were left on
+that fatal field. The regiment crossed the Rapidan six days before with
+over five hundred men, and now, after this charge, less than ninety men
+were left, and this is but an example of the losses to most of the
+regiments in that division.
+
+The noise of the battle gradually died away as night threw her mantle
+over the fearful scene of carnage, and both armies were glad of a
+respite from their severe labors.
+
+The 11th of May passed in making new arrangements and in sending the
+thousands of wounded to Fredericksburgh. Immense trains of ambulances
+and army wagons freighted with the mangled forms of wounded men were
+running day and night to Fredericksburgh, and returning with supplies.
+
+Skirmishing was kept up along the line, but no general engagement was
+brought on. During the night the Second corps, General Hancock, silently
+withdrew from the position it had occupied on the right of the line, and
+marching along in the rear of the army occupied a position between the
+Sixth and Ninth corps, which was not before occupied. With great caution
+and silence preparations were made for a desperate attack upon that part
+of the enemy's line fronting this position. This line made here a sharp
+angle and by seizing this angle, it was hoped to turn the right flank of
+Lee's army. Between the position of the Second corps and the rebel
+works, the ground was covered with pines and underbrush, and as it
+neared the defenses ascended abruptly to a considerable height.
+
+As soon as the gray light of the morning began to streak through the
+mists, all was in readiness for the charge, and with strictest orders of
+silence the corps in mass advanced rapidly across the field, the thick
+fog concealing the movement. As the column neared the rifle pits a storm
+of bullets met it; but charging impetuously up the hill and over the
+works, the rebels, surprised and overpowered, gave way; those who could
+escaping to the second line in the rear, though thousands were obliged
+to surrender on the spot, so complete had been the surprise. The
+victorious column now pushed on toward the second line of works, but
+here, the enemy by this time fully prepared for the attack, the
+resistance became more stubborn. The battle now raged with greatest
+fury. The Sixth corps was withdrawn from its position, leaving a strong
+picket line to guard its front, and marching along the rear of its works
+joined in the attack with the Second corps. The works taken by Hancock's
+corps, were occupied by the men of the Sixth corps, and the enemy
+commenced the most desperate efforts to retake them. Forming their
+troops in heavy columns they hurled them against our line with
+tremendous force. Russell's division held the center of the line of the
+corps at a point known as "the angle." This was the key to the whole
+position. Our forces held the rebel works from the left as far as this
+"angle," and the rebels still held the rest of the line. Whoever could
+hold "the angle" would be the victors; for with the angle, either party
+could possess themselves of the whole line of works. Hence the desperate
+efforts to drive us from this position. The First division being unable
+to maintain the position alone, the Second division was sent to its aid.
+And now, as the boys of the Second division took their places in the
+front, the battle became a hand to hand combat. A breastwork of logs
+separated the combatants. Our men would reach over this partition and
+discharge their muskets in the face of the enemy, and in return would
+receive the fire of the rebels at the same close range. Finally, the men
+began to use their muskets as clubs and then rails were used. The men
+were willing thus to fight from behind the breastworks, but to rise up
+and attempt a charge in the face of an enemy so near at hand and so
+strong in numbers required unusual bravery. Yet they did charge and they
+drove the rebels back and held the angle themselves. It was in one of
+these charges that the gallant Major Ellis of the Forty-ninth New York,
+was shot with a ramrod through the arm and in the side, from the effects
+of which he afterwards died. The trees in front of the position held by
+the Sixth corps during this remarkable struggle, were literally cut to
+pieces by bullets. Even trees more than a foot in diameter, were cut off
+by the constant action of bullets. A section of one of these was, and
+doubtless still is, in Washington, with a card attached stating that the
+tree was cut down in front of the position of the Second corps. Our
+gallant brothers of that corps won undying honors on that glorious day,
+but it was the long-continued, fearful musketry battle between the Sixth
+corps and the enemy which cut down those trees. We have no desire to
+detract from the well-deserved honors of the brave men of the Second
+corps, but this is a simple matter of justice. The conflict became more
+and more bloody, and soon the Fifth corps was also engaged, and at ten
+o'clock the battle rolled along the whole line. The terrible fighting
+continued till eleven o'clock, when there was a lull in the musketry,
+but the artillery continued its work of destruction. Thus the second
+line of works was taken, but not without fearful loss to both armies.
+Our corps had fought at close range for eight hours. Behind the works
+the rebel dead were lying literally piled one upon another, and wounded
+men were groaning under the weight of bodies of their dead companions.
+The loss to the rebels in prisoners and guns was also great.
+
+Major-General Edward Johnson with his whole division, General Stewart, a
+brigade from Early's division and a whole regiment, including in all
+between three and four thousand prisoners and between thirty and forty
+guns, were the trophies of this glorious but bloody morning's work.
+These captures were nearly all made by the Second corps in the first
+assault in the morning.
+
+The losses to the Sixth corps were great, but far less than on the 12th.
+The Seventy-seventh lost one of its finest officers. Captain O. P. Rugg
+was shot in the breast and died while being carried to the hospital. The
+captain was a young man of great promise, of genial and lively
+temperament and greatly beloved by his regiment. He had been married but
+a few months before his death, and had parted from his bride at Elmira
+just before the spring campaign opened.
+
+The corps remained near the scene of action during the next day.
+Reconnoissances were made, and another attempt was made on the 14th to
+turn the right flank of the enemy. The Sixth corps, at three o'clock on
+the morning of that day, moved off to the left of our line about two
+miles and encamped about the Anderson House, but our pickets soon found
+the enemy in force in our front, and no attempt was made to bring on an
+engagement. The time passed quietly along the line, only occasionally
+the roar of artillery kept up something of excitement of battle. On the
+night of the 17th, the Sixth corps moved back to the scene of the battle
+of the 12th. At daylight three corps moved forward to attack the enemy's
+line. The Second corps forming the center of the line, the Sixth corps
+the right, and the Ninth corps the left. The first line of rifle pits
+were those which had been abandoned by us on the 12th. These were filled
+with rebel skirmishers, who readily gave way, leaving the works in our
+hands.
+
+Our line of battle advanced till it confronted the second line of the
+rebel works. This was a strong line behind a thick impenetrable abattis
+and held by a powerful force. The three corps pressed this formidable
+line, and a sharp engagement ensued, but without advantage to our
+forces, and it was concluded that an attempt to dislodge the enemy could
+only result in a fearful waste of life. Accordingly the troops were
+quietly withdrawn, though submitted to a galling fire, having lost in
+the morning's work about eight hundred men.
+
+In the afternoon the enemy attacked the Fifth corps on the left, but was
+driven back. The same afternoon the Sixth corps returned to the vicinity
+of the Anderson House, from which it had started on the evening
+previous; and orders were issued to be ready to march toward the North
+Anna.
+
+General Grant, deeming it impracticable to make any further attempt to
+carry the rebel position at Spottsylvania by direct assault, had
+determined upon another flank movement; and his preparations were made
+for moving around the left flank of the enemy during the night of the
+19th, and seizing a position on the North Anna. But late in the
+afternoon of the 19th, Ewell's rebel corps made a fierce assault upon
+the right of our line. Our forces gave the rebels a warm reception, and
+forced them back to the cover of their earthworks.
+
+On the 20th, Aaron B. Quincy, a young soldier, beloved by all who knew
+him, was shot through the breast, and died in a few minutes. His
+faithful Christian character, his undoubted bravery, and his ardent
+patriotism, had endeared him to all.
+
+On the night of the 21st, the flank movement was commenced. Withdrawing
+in silence, and first throwing the right corps in rear of the rest of
+the army and to its left, as at the Wilderness, the troops marched
+rapidly all night, halting for a few moments for breath once or twice,
+and then pressing forward again. During the next forenoon a halt of some
+hours occurred at Quincy Station, near the house where Stonewall Jackson
+died the year before. Then the march was renewed and continued till
+dark.
+
+The Fifth and Sixth corps reached the banks of the North Anna on the
+evening of the 23d, and was soon followed by the Second and Ninth corps.
+Again the enemy, aware of our intentions, and having the shortest line,
+confronted us, and disputed the crossing; but, after considerable
+artillery practice, the Fifth corps succeeded in throwing their pontoon
+bridges and obtaining a position on the south bank. The enemy now
+attacked the corps with great vigor, but were repulsed with equal
+slaughter. The Sixth corps followed at four o'clock in the morning, and
+a little later the Second and Ninth corps also joined us. Strong
+breastworks were thrown up, and parties were sent to the front to
+reconnoiter the position.
+
+A further advance of a few miles was made on the 25th, but finding the
+enemy in a stronger position than he had occupied either in the
+Wilderness or at Spottsylvania, General Grant determined again to
+withdraw and try his favorite flank movement. Accordingly, on the night
+of the 26th, the army was withdrawn to the north bank of the river. The
+night was very dark, and the mud deep. Several days' rain had rendered
+the roads, proverbial for their mud, almost impassable; but heeding no
+difficulties, the army followed without hesitation wherever our great
+leader directed. The Sixth corps, with two divisions of cavalry under
+Sheridan, who had now rejoined the army from his great raid on which he
+had started from Spottsylvania, took the advance. On Saturday, the 28th,
+the corps and the cavalry divisions, after a good deal of hard fighting,
+crossed the Pamunkey river, at Hanovertown. The cavalry, at once
+advancing several miles beyond the river, encountered a large force of
+rebel cavalry, which was driven back. The army encamped at Hanovertown,
+stretching from the river several miles southward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE HOSPITALS AT FREDERICKSBURGH.
+
+    The journey from the battle-field--Sufferings of the wounded--A
+    surgeon's letters--Rebel hatred--Assistance from the north--A
+    father in search of his boy--The wounded sent to Washington.
+
+
+Let us turn now from the field of battle to Fredericksburgh, that great
+depot for wounded men.
+
+It will be recollected that, from Piney Branch church, the trains, with
+the wounded from the Wilderness, were sent to Fredericksburgh. Over a
+rough road, nearly fifteen miles, these unfortunate men, with shattered
+or amputated limbs, with shots through the lungs or head or abdomen,
+suffering the most excruciating pain from every jar or jolt of the
+ambulance or wagon, crowded as closely as they could be packed, were to
+be transported. Already they had been carted about over many miles of
+hard road, most of them having been carried from the old gold mine to
+Chancellorsville, and now again loaded and brought to Spottsylvania.
+They were worn out with fatigue and suffering, and yet there was much
+misery in store for them. Slowly the immense train labored over the
+rough road, now corduroy, now the remains of a worn out plank road, and
+anon a series of ruts and mud holes, until, at three o'clock on the
+morning of the 9th of May, the head of the train arrived in
+Fredericksburgh.
+
+The train had been preceded by some three hundred men who were wounded
+but able to walk. Mayor Slaughter and other rebel citizens surrounded
+these unarmed men, made them prisoners and delivered them to some rebel
+cavalry, who took them to Richmond.
+
+The process of unloading the wounded at once commenced; all the churches
+and other public buildings were first seized and filled. Negroes who
+could be found in town were pressed into the work, yet, with all the
+help that could be obtained, it was a slow process. All night and all
+the next day the work went on. The churches were filled first, then
+warehouses and stores, and then private houses, until the town was
+literally one immense hospital.
+
+The surgeons were too much engaged in transferring the men from the
+wagons to the houses to find time that day to dress many wounds, and
+many an unfortunate soldier whose stump of an arm or leg had not been
+dressed since the first day of the fighting, became the victim of
+gangrene, which set in as the result of this unavoidable want of care.
+No sooner were the men removed from the ambulances than surgeons and
+nurses addressed themselves with all the strength that remained to them
+to relieve the immediate wants of the sufferers. Never before had such
+herculean labors been thrown upon so small a body of men, yet nobly did
+they accomplish the task. All the buildings in town were full of wounded
+men, the walks were covered with them, and long trains of ambulances
+were filling the streets with more. Yet to relieve the wants of all
+these thousands of suffering men not more than forty surgeons had been
+sent from the field.
+
+It was one grand funeral; men were dropping away on every side. Large
+numbers of nurses were detailed as burial parties, and these plied their
+work day after day with hardly time for their needed rest.
+
+Surgeons were completely worn out, and many of them, had to be sent to
+Washington, fairly broken down with their labors.
+
+The following extract from a letter of a surgeon at Fredericksburgh to
+his wife, written on the 11th, may convey something of an idea of the
+experience of the medical officers during those terrible days. He says:
+"We are almost worked to death; my feet are terribly swollen; yet we
+cannot rest for there are so many poor fellows who are suffering. All
+day yesterday I worked at the operating table. That was the fourth day
+that I had worked at those terrible operations since the battle
+commenced, and I have also worked at the tables two whole nights and
+part of another. Oh! it is awful. It does not seem as though I could
+take a knife in my hand to-day, yet there are a hundred cases of
+amputations waiting for me. Poor fellows come and beg almost on their
+knees for the first chance to have an arm taken off. It is a scene of
+horror such as I never saw. God forbid that I should ever see another."
+
+Again, the same officer writing a day or two later, says, "It is
+fearful. I see so many grand men dropping one by one. They are my
+acquaintances and my friends. They look to me for help, and I have to
+turn away heartsick at my want of ability to relieve their sufferings.
+Captain Walker of the Seventh Maine is dying to-night. He is a noble
+good man, and he looks in my face and pleads for help. Adjutant Hessy
+and Lieutenant Hooper of the same regiment died last night. All were my
+friends, and all thought that I could save them. General Sedgwick is
+dead, and General Getty and General Torbert are my patients.... Mrs.
+Lewis has just come; what a blessing her presence will be to the
+colonel, who bears the loss of his arm so bravely. Colonel Barney of the
+Sixth Vermont died yesterday, and Major Fryer of the Forty-third is
+dying. The major says, 'Doctor, can nothing be done?' Major Dudley lies
+in the room where I am writing, seriously wounded.... I have to-day sent
+sixty officers of the Sixth corps to Washington.... Oh! can I ever write
+anything beside these mournful details? Hundreds of ambulances are
+coming into town now, and it is almost midnight. So they come every
+night."
+
+For a time it was almost impossible to obtain sufficient supplies either
+of food or dressings. Everything that could be spared from the field had
+been sent, but in the field they were still fighting terrible battles,
+and there was little to spare. Food was obtained in very limited
+quantities in town, and men went to the houses of citizens and demanded
+sheets, which were torn into bandages.
+
+But large supplies were sent from Washington by the government in a few
+days, so that all necessary articles were furnished in abundance, with a
+profusion of lemons, oranges and canned fruit. The Sanitary Commission
+was also on hand with large supplies of delicacies, which were joyfully
+received by the wounded heroes, who not only relished the luxuries, but
+remembered that they were the gifts of friends at home, who had not
+forgotten the soldiers.
+
+Many of the people of Fredericksburgh exhibited the most malignant spite
+against the "Yankee wounded;" but others, while they claimed no sympathy
+with our cause, showed themselves friends of humanity, and rendered us
+all the assistance in their power. No men, except negroes and white men
+unfit for military duty, were left in town, but the women were bitter
+rebels. Some of them made fierce opposition to the use of their houses
+as hospitals, but they were occupied notwithstanding their
+remonstrances.
+
+At one fine mansion a surgeon rang the door bell, and in a moment saw
+the door open just enough to show the nose and a pair of small twinkling
+eyes of what was evidently a portly women. "What do you want?" snarled
+out the female defender of the premises. "We want to come and see if we
+can place a few wounded officers in this house." "You can't come in
+here!" shouted the woman slamming the door together. A few knocks
+induced her again to open the door two or three inches. "Madam, we must
+come in here; we shall do you no harm." "You can't come here; I am a
+lone widow." "But I assure you no harm is intended you." Again the door
+was closed, and again at the summons was opened. "Madam, it will be much
+better for you to allow us to enter than for me to direct these men to
+force the door; but we must enter." The woman now threw the door wide
+open and rushing into the yard with as much alacrity as her enormous
+proportions would admit, threw her arms out and whirled about like a
+reversed spinning top shouting for help. She was again assured that no
+harm was intended her, but that unless she chose to show us the house we
+should be obliged to go alone. Concluding that wisdom was the better
+part of valor, she proceeded to show us the rooms.
+
+At another mansion, one of the finest in Fredericksburgh, a red-haired
+woman thrust her head out of the side window, in answer to the ring of
+the door bell:
+
+"What do you want here?"
+
+"We wish to place some wounded officers in this house."
+
+"You can't bring any officers nor anybody else to this house. I'm all
+alone. I hope you have more honor than to come and disturb defenseless,
+unprotected women."
+
+"Have you no husband?"
+
+"Yes, thank God, he's a colonel in the confederate service."
+
+"Well, if your husband was at home, where he ought to be, you would not
+be a defenseless woman."
+
+The woman refused to unbolt the door, in spite of all persuasion, but
+while she railed at the "detestable Yankees," a soldier climbed in at a
+window in the rear, and unbolted the door. Her splendid rooms and fine
+mattresses furnished lodgings for twenty wounded officers. Day after
+day, the gloom of death hung over the town. Hundreds of our brave
+fellows were dying. Some of the finest officers of our army were daily
+yielding to the destroyer.
+
+Among the severe losses to the Sixth corps were, Colonel Barney, of the
+Sixth Vermont, who had been shot through the head. He died on the 10th.
+He was one of the noblest of the sons of Vermont, a pattern of a brave
+soldier and Christian gentleman, respected for his ability as a
+commander, and loved for his social virtues; he was lamented by the
+whole corps. Major Fryer, of the Forty-third New York, one of the most
+promising young officers in the corps, died on the 12th, from wounds
+through the left arm and lungs. Captain Walker and Adjutant Hesse, of
+the Seventh Maine, and Lieutenants Hooper and Vining, of the same
+regiment, all died within a few hours of each other. Lieutenants
+Follensbee and Cook, of the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts, and Captain
+Kirkbride, of the One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania, were also among
+those who died. Major Dudley, of the Fifth Vermont, after suffering
+untold agony for many days, finally yielded, and died in the embraces of
+his youthful wife, who had arrived in Fredericksburgh just in time to be
+present during his last hours. The major had gone into the fight sick
+with a fever, but his determined bravery forbade him to remain quiet.
+Receiving a severe wound while thus depressed by disease, he gradually
+sunk, until his brave spirit took its departure.
+
+These were a few of the sad, sad scenes, which brought sorrow to our
+hearts day after day, of the hospitals at Fredericksburgh.
+
+Physicians and nurses from civil life came to our assistance in large
+numbers. Some were earnest men, wholly devoted to the object of
+relieving the distress which they saw on every side. Others had come for
+selfish purposes.
+
+Physicians who had never performed an important surgical operation came
+armed with amputating cases, and seemed to think that there was but one
+thing to be done, _to operate_ as they said.
+
+Distressed fathers and brothers wandered about the town, in search of
+information regarding some son or friend who had been wounded, or
+perhaps, as they feared, killed.
+
+The following is but an example of many sad incidents of this kind: H.
+A. Bowers, of the Seventy-seventh New York, a young man much beloved and
+respected in his regiment, was wounded through the chest on the 5th of
+May, and with the other wounded brought to Fredericksburgh. His father,
+who resided in Albany, received the intelligence that his son was
+dangerously wounded, and hastened to Fredericksburgh in search of him.
+He arrived at that immense hospital, and at once commenced his inquiries
+after his soldier boy. Failing to learn anything of him, except the
+assurance that he had been placed in the ambulances, he sought out the
+quartermaster of the Seventy-seventh, who was with the army train just
+out of town. The quartermaster readily lent his aid in the search, and
+both at once sought the surgeon of that regiment for information, but
+he, having the care of a multitude, could tell them nothing of the
+object of their search. Thousands of wounded men were here, filling the
+city, but, thus far, the important duties of relieving their immediate
+necessities had occupied the attention of surgeons and attendants to the
+exclusion of everything else; and no record or register had been made by
+which a particular wounded man might be found. Unless some friend or
+acquaintance could direct to his place, the search was often long. The
+nurses were instructed to afford the anxious father every assistance in
+finding his son. Two more long weary days were spent in the fruitless
+search, when word was sent to the father that his boy might be found in
+a certain church. Overjoyed at the thought that at last his search was
+to be crowned with success, he hastened to the place. Who shall attempt
+to tell the anguish of that father, when, on reaching the hospital, he
+found that his son had expired half an hour before!
+
+At length, by the 26th of May, all the wounded men were sent by
+transports to Washington, and the hospitals broken up. The surgeons,
+escorted by a squadron of cavalry, crossed the country by way of Bowling
+Green, and, after a three days' journey, rejoined the army at Hanover.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+COAL HARBOR.
+
+    At Hanover Court House--The Eighteenth corps joins the Army of
+    the Potomac--The armies meet at Coal Harbor--Battle of June
+    1st--Battle of June 3d--Terrible exposure--The army strikes for
+    Petersburgh--Charles City Court House--A centenarian--Review of
+    the overland campaign.
+
+
+Early on the morning of the 30th, the army was again moving, advancing
+with heavy skirmishing toward Hanover Court House. Remaining here some
+hours the column retraced its steps a short distance, the rebels
+meanwhile opening a severe artillery fire upon our hospital trains.
+
+Toward evening the enemy attacked our left vigorously but were repulsed,
+and an attack was in turn made by our own troops which resulted in
+forcing the rebels from a part of their intrenchments. Except some
+changes of position and ascertaining that of the enemy, our army lay
+quietly confronting the rebels during the 31st, but on the 1st of June
+we were again on the road marching toward Coal Harbor. The march was a
+hard one. The day was sultry, and the dust, ankle deep, raised in clouds
+by the column, was almost suffocating. It filled the air and hung upon
+the leaves of the trees like snow. Seldom had our men experienced so
+severe a march. As we neared Coal Harbor our Sixth corps in advance, we
+fell in with the column of General Smith's command, the Eighteenth and
+Tenth corps. It was a relief to the old soldiers of the Army of the
+Potomac to see these full regiments, and they felt that with such large
+reinforcements our success must now be insured. It was also a source of
+much gratification to the old Second division to meet again our friends
+Generals Smith and Brooks, whose names were so intimately connected with
+the division, and who still held a large place in the affections of the
+men.
+
+These two corps were a part of General Butler's command, which had
+advanced up the Peninsula as far as Bermuda Hundreds, but were unable to
+make further progress. General Grant had, therefore, directed General
+Butler to send them forward by way of transports to White House Landing,
+to join the Army of the Potomac. They reached us tired and almost
+discouraged by their unusual march of nearly sixteen miles, their trains
+and baggage being left behind.
+
+In the afternoon we had fallen in with ambulances returning with wounded
+cavalrymen, and learned from them that Sheridan had engaged the rebel
+cavalry at Coal Harbor early in the morning, and that he was now
+fighting both infantry and cavalry. Toward that point the troops pushed
+on rapidly, reaching the cavalry line at about four o'clock. The men
+halted a few moments, and then were ordered to fall in and advance
+against the enemy. Skirmishers, as usual, had advanced and prepared the
+way for the lines of infantry and the artillery. The shots of the
+skirmishers had become more and more frequent, till the sharp rattle of
+musketry told of the actual presence of the enemy. The artillery of the
+Sixth corps was at once run out, and a brisk fire opened upon the
+rebels, who replied with their guns, but with less vigor than that
+exhibited by our own. The commands of Wright and Smith were at once
+formed in line of battle, our Sixth corps on the left in line, Rickett's
+Third division holding the right of the line, Russell's the center, and
+Neill's Second division the extreme left of the whole line. On our right
+was Smith's command in single line.
+
+In front of our line was an open space two-thirds of a mile in width,
+beyond which was a strip of pine woods. In these woods the enemy had
+intrenched, and was holding the position in strong force. Lee, again
+anticipating the design of Grant, had sent Longstreet's corps and other
+troops to occupy Coal Harbor, and now, with their rear resting upon the
+Chickahominy, at this point a shallow and easily forded stream, the
+rebels occupied a strong position between our advance and Richmond.
+
+The order for the charge was given, and these two commands, weary and
+exhausted, the veterans of the Sixth corps from many days and nights of
+most severe labor, and both corps by the tedious march of the day,
+dashed impetuously across the ploughed field with shouts and cheers,
+making for the rebel works.
+
+The storm of battle seemed suddenly to have broken without the usual
+warning. It was less than an hour since the Union troops had arrived on
+the field, and already a most bloody struggle was in progress. Volleys
+rang out upon the evening air, crashing louder and still louder. The
+First and Third divisions of the Sixth corps, in heavy columns, rushed
+across the field, cleared the abattis, and seized the rebel works, while
+the Second division, on the left, discovering a strong force of the
+enemy planting a battery on our flank, engaged them and forced them
+back. Smith's command, also, by a desperate charge, seized nearly the
+whole line in the front, that on the extreme right, in front of Brooks'
+command, alone remaining in the hands of the rebels. The whole line
+thundered with the incessant volleys of musketry, and the shot and shell
+of the artillery shrieked and howled like spirits of evil. The sun was
+sinking, red, in the west, and the clouds of dust and smoke almost
+obscured the terrible scene. Hundreds of our brave fellows were falling
+on every side, and stretcher bearers were actively engaged in removing
+the wounded from the field. The First division, after a stubborn
+resistance of a few minutes, was forced to give up the line of works it
+had captured and fall back; only the Third division held its ground. The
+others had advanced as far, but the ground was unfavorable, and in spite
+of most determined efforts to hold the line, they were forced to swing
+back.
+
+This was the first experience of Smith's command in a great battle, and
+well did his men earn the confidence of the veterans who fought by their
+side. Their courage and impetuosity were the subjects of admiration of
+the boys of the old Sixth corps, who declared that Baldy Smith could
+make any troops fight like veterans.
+
+The gallantry shown by our Third division in taking and holding the
+enemy's works, was acknowledged with true soldierly generosity by the
+other divisions of our corps, who thus far had not regarded the new
+division as their peer.
+
+As darkness came on, the conflict still raged, and sheets of flame
+rolled from one end of the line to the other as the discomfited rebels
+strove desperately to regain their lost ground. But as the sound of
+battle died away at nine o'clock, the advantages gained by us were still
+held, and our men set to work to strengthen the works they had captured
+from the enemy and to throw up new ones. Again and again the rebels
+rushed against the Union line hoping to regain their lost ground, but
+without success. The battle, although of brief duration, had been a most
+sanguinary one. The loss to the Sixth corps was about two hundred killed
+and nine hundred and sixty wounded, while the Eighteenth corps lost one
+hundred and twenty-five killed and six hundred and fifty wounded.
+
+Meanwhile the Second, Fifth and Ninth corps were holding the position
+occupied by them the day before, and against these corps most desperate
+assaults were repeatedly made by the enemy, but they were as often
+repulsed with great slaughter.
+
+The movement at Coal Harbor, while it had not succeeded in forcing the
+enemy across the Chickahominy, had secured our communications with White
+House Landing, which now became, after two years, for the second time,
+the base of supplies for the Army of the Potomac. General Grant now
+determined to renew the attempt to dislodge the rebels on the following
+day.
+
+Accordingly, after the fashion of all the movements of the army, the
+Second corps, which now occupied the extreme right of the line, withdrew
+during the night, and falling behind the other corps, marched rapidly to
+the left and took position in that flank on the road leading from
+Dispatch Station to Coal Harbor. The corps did not secure this position
+without considerable fighting, and it was not in condition to take part
+in the expected advance until the afternoon. Then a most violent thunder
+shower set in, putting a stop to all movements for the remainder of the
+day.
+
+The men of the Sixth and Eighteenth corps, tired and worn out from
+marching, fighting, and the hard night's work in throwing up
+intrenchments, had spent the early part of the day in quietly watching
+the enemy, or lounging behind the breastworks, glad of an opportunity
+for rest.
+
+Orders were now given for a simultaneous attack along the whole line, to
+take place at half-past four on the morning of the 3d. Our line of
+battle extended from Coal Harbor to Tolopotamy creek, in the following
+order, from left to right: Second, Sixth, Eighteenth, Fifth, and Ninth.
+This line was nearly parallel with the Chickahominy, and from a mile and
+a half to two miles north of it.
+
+The rebels had not left the day unimproved, in concentrating their
+troops and strengthening their works. They now held three lines of
+breastworks, all of great strength; the first occupied by their skirmish
+lines, the others by strong lines of battle. Between the two armies the
+ground was low and swampy, while the positions occupied by both were
+sandy plains.
+
+At half-past six on the morning of the 3d, our army was astir; and the
+skirmishers, leaving the cover of the rifle pits, were advancing.
+Presently they fell in with the skirmishers of the enemy, and the sharp
+cracking of rifles betokened the storm of battle.
+
+As soon as the skirmishers were engaged, our artillery opened upon the
+rebel works, and the conflict now commenced in earnest. Amid the
+deafening volleys of musketry, the thunders of the artillery, and the
+wild yells of battle, our brave fellows pressed rapidly across the space
+between the hostile lines of works, and the whole Union force was thrown
+against the rebel breastworks almost simultaneously. But the works were
+too strong, the abattis too troublesome, and the rebel forces too
+numerous. Their line could not be taken.
+
+The vigorous and gallant assault made by the Sixth corps, resulted in
+carrying the first line, where the rebel skirmishers had been posted,
+and our troops got within two hundred and fifty yards of the main works,
+but Martindale's division of Smith's corps, which advanced with the
+Sixth corps, and on our right, found the task before it too great; the
+troops of that division became disarranged and were repulsed. Although
+General Smith, who was always up to the front, made several attempts to
+relieve Martindale's division, it failed to take the rifle pits.
+
+The right flank of the Sixth corps, thus exposed, the whole corps was
+forced to fall back.
+
+Thus this grand assault, in which General Grant hoped to force his enemy
+across the Chickahominy, failed with immense loss to us and
+comparatively little to the confederate army, which as usual was
+defended by earthworks, while our men advancing to the charge were
+unprotected. But our brave fellows were to have their revenge.
+
+The battle was over, and again the occupants of the opposing lines of
+defenses watched each other, the quiet being only disturbed by the
+occasional shots of sharpshooters. Darkness closed over the plains of
+Coal Harbor, and even the sharpshooters desisted from their work. The
+stars shed a mild light upon the two armies which had so lately been
+engaged in fierce conflict, each now securely resting behind its line of
+earthworks, and the plain which lay between them, which the hurricane of
+battle had so lately swept, was as still as though the noise of war had
+never been heard there.
+
+Suddenly, at eight o'clock, the rebels in front of our Sixth corps and
+of the Second corps, leaped over their works and rushed with a yell
+toward our lines. At the same time their artillery opened upon us. The
+course of their shells was marked by long curves of fire upon the dark
+sky, while the flashes of the guns and bursting missiles made a sublime
+display of pyrotechnics.
+
+On came the charging column, against the left of the Sixth and the right
+of the Second corps; but nothing pleased our brave boys more than to see
+their enemies come out from the cover of their works to fight.
+
+It had, during all these long days of battles, been ours to charge well
+defended earthworks almost invariably; and whenever the rebels chose to
+assume the offensive, our men were glad to show them the difference
+between being the assailants and the assailed.
+
+Now the rebels came on with determination, but their attack was met by
+volley after volley of musketry aimed for effect; and our well directed
+fire of artillery made great gaps in the advancing lines. The attack was
+nobly repulsed, and many grey-coated soldiers who advanced to the
+charge, were left by their retreating comrades, dead between the two
+lines, while others were ordered in as prisoners. The rebels returned to
+their place, and again all was still. From this time we had no more
+battles at Coal Harbor, yet we daily lost many men by the shots of the
+sharpshooters who were perched in trees, and who kept up a fire at every
+moving thing which showed itself within our lines.
+
+Never before had our army been in a position where there was such
+constant danger as at Coal Harbor. Men in the front line dared not leave
+the cover of the breastworks except in the darkness of night, and even
+then the movement of a company to the rear might bring on a storm of
+shells. High breastworks were thrown up at all angles with the main
+line, and deep trenches were dug, in which the men might pass to and
+from the front without being observed. Even with all these extraordinary
+precautions, no man was safe in venturing to go to the rear by daylight.
+If a soldier collected the canteens of his companions and started to the
+rear for water, he was obliged to crawl along the trenches with the
+utmost secrecy, and even then he was liable to be shot. Not a day
+passed, even when there was no battle, in which scores of men were not
+killed or brought to the hospitals with severe wounds.
+
+The whole plain occupied by our army was dug over. Far to the rear the
+men had intrenched themselves. General officers had their tents erected
+in deep excavations surrounded by embankments of earth, and special duty
+men had each prepared for themselves burrows in the ground, many of
+which were creditable specimens of engineering. One was reminded, in
+riding over the plain, of the colonies of prairie dogs with their
+burrows and mounds. Although we had but two days' actual fighting at
+Coal Harbor, our losses were more than thirteen thousand men, while the
+rebels suffered comparatively small losses.
+
+Thus the army lay upon the burning sands of that arid plain, the greater
+part of the line without the friendly shelter of a tree, weary, yet not
+discouraged; grimy and dirty, and choked with dust, yet uttering no
+words of complaint, for twelve days.
+
+Troops commenced moving toward the rear on the morning of the 11th of
+July, and it became known that we were to make no more attempts to force
+the formidable position. General Grant had ordered another flank
+movement, this time to the James river. Preparations for withdrawing
+went on actively on the 10th and 11th; all the wounded were sent to the
+White House, and the long trains of forage, ammunition and commissary
+supplies which had been allowed to come far toward the front, began to
+pass to the rear. On the 12th, Smith's corps was ordered to the White
+House, thence to embark to City Point, while the remainder of the army
+was to cross the Chickahominy far to the right of the rebel position,
+and march to the James river.
+
+At three o'clock in the afternoon, the long hospital train of the Sixth
+corps moved out toward the left a few miles and halted for the corps,
+which withdrew from the works after dark, and marched with great
+rapidity toward the left. The other corps also withdrew from their
+positions, and the whole army moved off down the Chickahominy, the
+Second corps in advance. The march was kept up all night, a short halt
+only being allowed in the morning near Dispatch Station. Then the column
+pressed on again, the men almost suffocated with the dust, which hung
+over the column like a huge cloud; no halt was made at noon, and the
+men, deprived of their coffee, choked with dust, and burned with heat,
+marched wearily toward night. The sun was sinking in the west, tinging
+the clouds with purple, and crowning the distant hills with gold, when
+we crossed the historic Chickahominy. Two years before we had crossed
+the same stream not far from this very spot. Through how many
+vicissitudes of army life had we passed since that time. The stream was
+not wide, and its banks were well defined where we crossed. Indeed, at
+this point, there was nothing in the appearance of the stream that would
+convey any idea of the difficulties which it had once presented to the
+Union army. The corps bivouacked on high grounds a mile from the river,
+glad to rest from the toiling march.
+
+We were early astir on the morning of the 14th; taking our line of march
+through a delightful section of country where the comfortable farm
+houses and fine residences presented a striking contrast with the
+desolations to which we had become accustomed. As we began to descend
+from the high lands toward the plain, on which stands the little cluster
+of houses called, in southern fashion, Charles City, we beheld, in the
+distance, the James river, lying in all its loveliness, spreading widely
+between its banks. A magnificent prospect opened before us. The river in
+the distance bordered by green fields, one undulating slope four or five
+miles wide, and twice as long, presenting a scene of surpassing beauty.
+There were large fields of grain already yellow and nearly ripe for the
+harvest, green meadows lay in the beautiful valleys, the gentle breeze
+dallied with the tassels of the long rows of corn, which gave rich
+promise of an abundant harvest; fine groves upon the hillside, in the
+valleys and on the plain, gave a charming diversity to the scene, and
+the old mansions, embosomed in vines and trees, and surrounded by
+colonies of outhouses, reminded us of the ease and comfort which had
+reigned here before the ravages of war had desolated Virginia. To the
+right was Charles City, almost hidden by trees, a little town, in
+prosperous days, the home of a few hundred people, now almost deserted.
+
+In the vicinity of Charles City we halted a little before noon. The
+Second corps, which was in the advance, had already reached the James at
+Wilcox's Landing, and was preparing to cross. The men of our corps were
+delighted with the opportunity of once more spreading their tents over
+clean grassy turf, and each quickly pitched his shelter tent preparatory
+to a refreshing rest.
+
+Within two miles of our camp was the residence of the late ex-president,
+John Tyler, which was visited by many of our officers. It was a charming
+spot, with everything about it to please the eye of a lover of the
+beautiful. But except the grounds immediately surrounding the house,
+everything was in the wildness of nature.
+
+The house was stripped of almost everything. The cabinet was carried
+off. The large library had lost many of its choicest volumes, while the
+remainder, with heaps of letters, lay thrown in wild confusion about the
+floor. The pile of sheet music which had been left on the piano by the
+family, had been culled over and nearly all taken away. In fact such a
+sad scene of destruction was rare, even in the track of a great army.
+
+On the morning of the 15th, the corps moved to the river side, where it
+remained while other troops were crossing by ferry and on an immensely
+long pontoon bridge. The river was full of shipping, the forests of
+masts making strange contrasts with the native forests on the river
+banks.
+
+Near the crossing was a superb old mansion, the residence of a rebel
+general, surrounded by its little village of negro cabins. Here many
+officers of the corps resorted, to spend the time in walking among the
+grand old trees, or to stroll through the garden, admiring the elegant
+and rare exotics which adorned the grounds. Here was the magnolia
+grandiflora in full bloom, its immense cup-like flowers filling the
+whole place with delightful fragrance, and the American agave, also
+loaded with a profusion of elegant flowers; roses of the most rare and
+superb varieties, jasmines, honeysuckles, clematis, spice woods, and a
+great variety of other choice plants, were also in lavish abundance.
+There were locust trees of enormous size, and everything that was
+inanimate filled us with surprise and delight. But, within the mansion,
+we were met with the accustomed bitterness and want of civility. Among
+the slaves on the premises was a white-haired negro, who was one hundred
+and eight years old. His wife, who lived upon a neighboring plantation,
+was one hundred and four years of age. When asked his age by the boys,
+he was accustomed to answer, "Well, massa, I'se going on _two hundred_
+now." The old fellow manifested no sympathy for the cause of his master,
+and even he sighed for freedom. When asked of what value freedom could
+be to him now, he answered, impatiently, "Well, massa, isn't a hundred
+and eight years long enough to be a slave?"
+
+The army, which had thus fought its way at fearful cost from the Rapidan
+to the James, was now to change its base, and threaten the rebel capital
+from the south. Petersburgh was now the objective point, and this was
+regarded as the door to Richmond.
+
+Our army had, during the period of a little more than a month, fought
+the most extraordinary series of battles, and executed some of the most
+remarkable movements on record. Never was heroic valor exhibited on a
+grander scale than had been manifested by the Army of the Potomac
+throughout this long struggle, in which every man's life seemed doomed.
+The stubborn perseverance of the general was equaled by the persistent
+determination of his soldiers. Day after day they had been called upon
+to assault earthworks of formidable character, defended by veteran
+troops; and it was usually the case that they had seen, as the only
+fruits of their daring, almost reckless, charges, the ground in front of
+the hostile intrenchments strewed with the lifeless bodies of their
+comrades, while the enemy still held the coveted line of works.
+
+The battle of the Wilderness was a strange, deadly struggle, which no
+man could see. A battle in which both armies were hidden in thickets and
+forests, impenetrable to vision, each making gigantic efforts for the
+overthrow and destruction of the other. It had resulted in no decisive
+advantage to either party. Lee was as ready to meet us at Spottsylvania
+as he had been in the Wilderness, and Grant was determined in his attack
+along the Ny, as though he had met with no repulse on Wilderness Run.
+The soldiers, too, of each army were as ready at Spottsylvania to test
+their relative valor as they had been in the Wilderness.
+
+At Spottsylvania we had lost thousands of our best men, and hundreds of
+our ablest officers in futile attempts to drive our enemy from
+impregnable positions; yet, notwithstanding all our losses, and our
+hitherto unsuccessful assaults, our men rushed against the strong
+defenses at Coal Harbor with as much resolution and fortitude as though
+they had met with no reverses.
+
+From the Rapidan to the Chickahominy the advance had been almost a
+continuous battle, in which our army fought at a disadvantage. The men
+had for more than a month engaged the enemy in mortal combat by day and
+made fatiguing marches by night only to find themselves again face to
+face with the enemy in the morning. Sixty thousand of our comrades were
+either killed, wounded or missing. Of these more than thirteen thousand
+had been lost at Coal Harbor, about thirty-two thousand in the
+Wilderness, and nearly fifteen thousand at Spottsylvania and on the
+North Anna.
+
+It is true that our enemy had suffered great losses, yet not half as
+many rebels as Union men had fallen. At Coal Harbor the disproportion
+was much greater than elsewhere. There the rebel loss had not been
+one-tenth as great as our own. Notwithstanding our frequent repulses,
+and despite the fact that our road was continually blocked by an army
+behind powerful defenses, our march had been straight on toward the goal
+of our ambition, the rebel capital.
+
+From the crossing of the Rapidan to the halt at Coal Harbor, in all our
+battles and all our flank movements, we had not swerved from the direct
+line to Richmond; and now, with unimpaired vigor and still relentless
+determination, the Army of the Potomac, and the imperturbable leader of
+the Union armies, were ready to undertake the capture of Richmond, by
+way of Petersburgh, fully assured that their illustrious valor and never
+failing courage must sooner or later meet with their award.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+PETERSBURGH.
+
+    The march to Petersburgh--Smith's successes--The battle of June
+    18th--The Sixth and Second corps sent to the left--Rebels
+    penetrate the line--Progress of the siege--Sixth corps proceeds
+    to Reams' Station--Kautz's and Wilson's raids.
+
+
+At sunset on the 16th, the Sixth corps gathered upon the banks of the
+James river, and while the First and Third divisions embarked on
+steamers for City Point, the Second division crossed on the pontoon
+bridge. The division marched all night toward Petersburgh, from which
+direction we had heard cannonading all day. The column moved rapidly,
+leaving scores of stragglers, who quietly rolled themselves in their
+blankets and lay down behind the hedges to sleep till morning. The
+following day was sultry, and the dust was very annoying. The men were
+weary from want of sleep, and the march was a severe one; but at sunset
+the division arrived at our lines before Petersburgh. Smith's corps had
+preceded us, and by assaulting the rebel position on the evening of the
+16th, had carried the lines northeast of the town for a distance of over
+two and a half miles, capturing fifteen pieces of artillery and three
+hundred prisoners. General Smith was then reinforced by Hancock's corps,
+which had just arrived by land, but no further advance was made that
+night. This neglect to take advantage of the absence of any large force
+of rebels in the works about Petersburgh was severely censured by
+General Grant, who could not understand why General Smith, now
+reinforced by a large corps, had not at once taken possession of the
+town. The day that the Second division, Sixth corps, arrived in front of
+Petersburgh, the two divisions of that corps which had taken transports
+up the river, were ordered to reinforce General Butler at Bermuda
+Hundreds, where his command had gained some advantages, which were,
+however, lost before night. All the corps having got up, attacks upon
+the rebel positions were renewed on the 17th and 18th. The attack on the
+17th was made by Smith's command, and resulted in the loss of a few men,
+when the lines were withdrawn.
+
+Our Second division now relieved Brooks' division of the Eighteenth
+corps on the front line, the Seventy-seventh taking possession of a
+powerful redoubt, the other regiments taking their places in close
+proximity. The Vermont brigade was placed in rifle pits, as was also the
+First brigade. In order to secure unity of action, General Neill,
+commanding the division, was directed to receive orders from General
+Martindale of the Eighteenth corps.
+
+Standing in the redoubt occupied by the Seventy-seventh, which was upon
+a high bluff, and commanded a fine prospect of the surrounding country,
+we could trace the line of defenses which had already been captured, and
+those yet in the hands of the enemy. The defenses of Petersburgh
+consisted of a line of strong earthworks, in the form of a semicircle.
+Immense redoubts, like the one we now occupied, were placed at frequent
+intervals, upon commanding positions, and these were connected by a line
+of rifle pits and high breastworks. At all advantageous points, also,
+were well constructed rifle pits, in front (now in rear) of the main
+works. Smith's corps had captured eleven of these forts and redoubts in
+the first assault, and they were now occupied by our forces, and the
+strong works which were intended for the defense of the town now
+bristled with cannon pointing toward it.
+
+The line of powerful forts and breastworks commenced about two and a
+half miles below Petersburgh, on the Appomattox, and, circling the city,
+terminated two or three miles above.
+
+Before us stretched the valley of the Appomattox in all its beauty, the
+level plain between us and the river clothed in the verdure of summer,
+the green fields of corn yet untrodden by the troops of either side.
+Below the heights, stretching far to the right and left, was the line of
+rifle pits now occupied by our men, and beyond these could be traced the
+outlines of the new works which the rebels were throwing up. Still
+beyond all these, the spires of Petersburgh towered grandly, and by the
+help of a glass the streets and houses were distinctly visible.
+
+On the 18th, another advance was made by the divisions of Smith's corps,
+a part of the Second corps, and our own Second division. Smith's troops
+advanced spiritedly across the plain, facing a withering fire of grape
+and canister, but were unable to come up to the rebel works.
+
+They were ordered to lie down, and at once every man commenced to throw
+up a little mound of earth in front of him, using his cup or plate, or
+even his hands or jack-knife, in place of a spade.
+
+Under this destructive fire the troops were forced to remain for some
+time, but they at length retired, having lost several hundred of their
+number. Neill's division was on the left of Smith's troops, and did not
+advance as far. Our losses were therefore slight.
+
+Owing to some unfortunate misunderstanding, the surgeons of the
+Eighteenth corps were ordered to the right of the line to establish
+field hospitals; consequently, when the wounded of that corps began to
+come in, there were none of their surgeons at hand. The surgeons of our
+own division, however, quickly proceeded to establish a hospital for
+them, in which they were all received and cared for, their wounds
+dressed, the shattered limbs removed, and all their wants attended to.
+The medical officers of the Eighteenth corps expressed their warmest
+gratitude for this act of kindness on the part of the Sixth corps
+surgeons, this being the second time that we had found an opportunity of
+assisting them in an emergency.
+
+Our lines were daily drawn more closely around Petersburgh, but no other
+general action was brought on for some time. There was constant firing
+of artillery from both sides, and now and then the rattle of musketry
+would pass along the lines.
+
+On the 22d, Colonel Bidwell's brigade occupied the front line of rifle
+pits. The sun was shining brightly, and our men, unprotected by shelter,
+were striving to pass the time with as little discomfort as possible. A
+group of men of the Seventy-seventh were behind the breastwork,
+stretched out upon the sand, resting upon their elbows and amusing each
+other with jokes, when a shell came shrieking into their midst. Its
+explosion threw them in every direction. One went high in the air and
+fell twenty feet from the spot where he was lying when the shell
+exploded. Strange to tell, not a man was killed, yet three had each a
+leg crushed to jelly, and two others were seriously wounded. The three
+whose legs were crushed were Sergeant James Barnes, James Lawrence, and
+James Allen, all of company A. The poor fellows were taken to the field
+hospital completely prostrated from the shock, cold sweat stood upon
+their pallid brows, and life seemed but to flicker before going out. The
+surgeons were making haste to load the wounded and sick into ambulances
+to send to City Point, for we were ordered to march at a moment's
+notice. "You can do nothing for those men," said the wide awake,
+enterprising Doctor Hall, who was superintending the loading of the
+ambulances, as he saw the surgeon who had charge of the operations
+prepare to remove the mangled members. "Better put them into ambulances
+and let them have a chance for their lives! There is no time now to wait
+for operations." "How long will it take you to load your ambulances,
+doctor?" "Twenty minutes, at least." "Then I will have the men ready for
+you." The surgeon gave to each of the unfortunate ones a glass of
+brandy, then administered his chloroform, and in less than thirty
+minutes had amputated the limbs, dressed the stumps, and placed the men
+in ambulances. They were taken at once to City Point, where they were
+placed together. Their cases excited great interest among the attendants
+in the hospital and the visitors, for each had lost a leg just above the
+knee, the name of each was James, they were all from one company, all
+wounded by a single shell, and all as cheerful as were ever wounded men.
+They were afterward removed to Washington and again placed side by side,
+and here, also, they were subjects of great interest to visitors. The
+writer has frequently heard the case of the three Jameses related by
+persons in different States, who never mistrusted that they were men of
+his own regiment. The boys are each well now, each walks with his
+artificial limb, and each is a worthy member of society.
+
+General Grant, finding that his expectation of taking Petersburgh by
+surprise had failed, prepared for a systematic investment of the town.
+Accordingly, the Sixth and Second corps were directed to proceed to the
+left of the present line, so as to envelop the town, and also with the
+view of striking the Weldon railroad, and thus cutting off an important
+source of supplies for the rebel army.
+
+On the 21st of May, the two corps marching in the rear of the rest of
+the army went into position on the left flank, the Second corps on the
+west of the Jerusalem plank road, and the Sixth to the left and rear of
+that corps, its line nearly at right angles with that of the Second
+corps. The cavalry divisions of Wilson and Kautz were, at the same time,
+ordered to proceed still farther to the left, and, cutting the Weldon
+road, continue the march across the country, until they should strike
+the Southside railroad, which they were directed to destroy.
+
+On the morning of the 22d, General Birney, who, during the temporary
+absence of General Hancock, was in command of the Second corps, was
+directed to move his corps forward, so as to press upon the left flank
+of the enemy. This he proceeded to do, without giving notice of his
+intention to General Wright. The result of the movement was to leave a
+wide gap between the Second and Sixth corps.
+
+To the great surprise of the Third division of our corps, which was just
+getting into position, the rebels advanced in strong force upon the
+flank and rear. A sharp skirmish occurred, in which that division and a
+part of the Second division lost some prisoners; but the principal loss
+fell upon the Second corps, for that corps, having thrown its left far
+in advance, was greatly exposed. The principal attack fell upon Barlow's
+division, which occupied the left. That division was driven in confusion
+upon the other divisions of the corps. The whole corps was forced back,
+but after some spirited fighting the rebels were forced back, carrying
+with them a battery belonging to the Second corps, and more than two
+thousand prisoners. From our own corps they had captured about six
+hundred men and a stand of colors.
+
+The responsibility for this unfortunate surprise rests with the
+commander of the Second corps; for General Wright, being entirely
+ignorant of any design to advance that corps, had, of course, made no
+disposition to keep the line intact. The men of the Third division did
+all that men could do under the circumstances, and are entitled to much
+credit for the repulse which they gave the enemy.
+
+From that day, except that at times the roar of artillery shook the
+earth for miles about, we remained quiet until the 29th of June. The
+light sandy soil soon became reduced to powder, and the continual
+passing of mules and army wagons raised huge clouds of dust, which
+completely enveloped the army. At sunset this cloud would settle down
+and become so dense that one could not see objects twenty yards from
+him. The heat was almost intolerable, yet the health of the men was
+better than usual for the summer months.
+
+The surgeons had their hospitals neatly fitted up, and nurses and
+attendants took great pride in adorning the hospital tents with the
+boughs of the magnolia and other beautiful shrubs and flowers. The
+government and the agents of the Sanitary Commission supplied us
+liberally with lemons and vegetables, so, notwithstanding the intense
+heat, and the constant watchfulness of the men behind the earthworks,
+there was comparatively little illness.
+
+In the afternoon of the 29th of June orders came for the Sixth corps to
+march at once to Reams' Station, far to the left, where the cavalry of
+Kautz and Wilson, which had been on an extensive raid, was expected to
+arrive. At four o'clock we left camp, marched all the remainder of the
+day and all night. We found ourselves in the morning at Reams' Station,
+on the Weldon Railroad. The men at once commenced tearing up the track
+and burning the ties. Thus they toiled all the morning, but no cavalry
+made its appearance. Late in the day the corps retraced their steps, and
+arrived that night within two and a half miles of the position we had
+left the day before. We made our bivouac on the Jerusalem plank road,
+and in the morning rejoined the main army before Petersburgh and resumed
+our old position.
+
+The story of the great raid of Kautz and Wilson, which we now learned in
+detail, was one of thrilling interest, full of wild adventure, untold
+hardship and great peril. The two divisions had penetrated far to the
+rear of Lee's army, had destroyed miles of the Weldon railroad, and
+then, reaching the Southside road, the great artery for the supply of
+the rebel army, had torn up the track and burned the ties for dozens of
+miles. In their return they had fallen in with the cavalry of the enemy,
+and, when near Reams' Station, had come upon a strong force of cavalry
+and infantry. An engagement ensued, which resulted in the Union cavalry
+being driven, and hundreds from the immense throng of colored refugees,
+which was following the cavalry towards the Union lines, were ridden
+down by the rebel cavalry and killed. The cavalry at length succeeded in
+reaching our lines by making a circuit farther south, and many of the
+negroes also succeeded in escaping from rebeldom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+SIXTH CORPS TRANSFERRED TO WASHINGTON--BATTLE OF FORT STEVENS.
+
+    The Shenandoah Valley--Hunter's advance to Lynchburgh--The
+    retreat--Rebels advance into Maryland--Battle of Monocacy--Sixth
+    corps goes to Washington--Battle of Fort Stevens.
+
+
+The Shenandoah Valley, which had been the scene of such varied fortunes
+to our army during the war, again became a field of great interest.
+
+Simultaneous with the opening of the spring campaign by the army of the
+Potomac, General Sigel, who then commanded in the valley, commenced to
+move his army. On the 15th of May he met the enemy at New Market, and
+was defeated. He withdrew his army to Harper's Ferry, where, by order of
+General Grant, who was dissatisfied with his management, he was relieved
+of his command by General Hunter.
+
+General Hunter at once resumed offensive operations, moved up the valley
+and encountered the enemy at Piedmont and routed him, capturing fifteen
+hundred prisoners, three pieces of artillery and three thousand stand of
+small arms. He then pursued the routed army to Lynchburgh, which place
+he invested. To meet this movement of Hunter, Lee had sent General Early
+with his corps to the assistance of the rebel garrison. This force
+arrived just before the Union army came up. General Hunter, finding that
+he was confronted by a large force, his ammunition being nearly
+exhausted, the difficulties of transporting over so long a march
+sufficient ordnance stores being very great, he determined to withdraw
+without risking a battle. His want of ammunition forced him to make his
+retreat by that route which would afford most natural obstacles to
+pursuit and attack of the enemy. Accordingly, instead of retiring
+directly down the Shenandoah, he drew his forces off through the Kanawha
+Valley, leaving the Shenandoah open to the rebel army. The march of
+Hunter's men through the Kanawha, harassed by the enemy and destitute of
+food, was one of great severity. The rebels finding the Shenandoah open
+to them, at once pushed northward with a view of ravaging Maryland and
+Pennsylvania, and, if possible, entering Washington.
+
+Owing to the great difficulties encountered by General Hunter's army, in
+reaching Harper's Ferry in time to oppose Early, it became necessary to
+send other troops to meet the invading force. Accordingly, about the 1st
+of July, the Third division of our Sixth corps, under command of General
+Ricketts, was sent to Baltimore, and from thence marched toward
+Frederick, Maryland, where, on the banks of the Monocacy near the
+railroad bridge, the enemy was encountered. The Union forces consisted
+of the division from the Sixth corps, and a few thousand green troops
+collected about Baltimore, all under command of General Wallace. The
+force of Early greatly outnumbered those of the Union general, and after
+a hard fought battle our men were driven back. Although General Wallace
+had met with defeat, he had succeeded in arresting the progress of the
+invasion for a time, and enabled the remainder of our corps and a
+division of the Nineteenth corps to reach Washington in advance of the
+rebels.
+
+Such was the state of affairs in Maryland, when, on the evening of the
+9th July, the First and Second divisions of the Sixth corps were ordered
+to march to City Point at once. The order came at nine o'clock, and
+without delay the troops were in motion. We had become too much
+accustomed to sudden movements, to require long preparations for
+breaking up camp. The march of fourteen miles to City Point made during
+the night, was far more tolerable than it could have been by day. For
+although the roads were composed of dry beds of dust, in which the men
+sank almost ankle deep at every step, and the cloud which rose as the
+column moved along filled their throats and eyes and nostrils, yet they
+were not forced to endure the misery of a long march under a burning
+sun, such as for many days past had scorched these sandy plains.
+
+It was daylight when the Sixth corps reached the James river at City
+Point, and the process of embarking commenced at once. Before noon the
+two divisions, with the horses and baggage, were on board transports,
+which were in readiness when we arrived. The staff of Bidwell's brigade,
+with the Seventy-seventh and part of the Forty-ninth New York, with the
+brigade band, where on board the steamer Escort. We had also on board a
+hundred horses.
+
+Great satisfaction was felt by all at the prospect of leaving the region
+whose natural desolation was heightened by the devastation of war, and
+going to a country of plenty, with which so many pleasant remembrances
+were associated. Each man breathed more freely as the steamer swung out
+upon the river, and our brigade band sounded a good-bye to the scenes of
+our recent labors and privations.
+
+Our fleet was soon steaming down the river, passing scenes of interest,
+many of which were intimately connected with the memories of other
+campaigns. There was Harrison's Landing, the camping ground of two years
+ago, the last one on the Peninsula, where our Union army crowded
+together on the banks of the James, sweltering beneath the oppressive
+heat of a southern sun; Fort Powhattan, where we had crossed the river
+on pontoons a month ago; the iron-clad Atlanta, once a rebel ram, now
+doing service in the Union cause; the ancient settlement of Jamestown;
+the three-turreted monitor Roanoke; Sewell's Point; Hampton, the scene
+of our earliest Peninsula experience; the bay at Newport News, made
+famous by the conflict of the Monitor and Merrimac, the masts of the
+Cumberland still towering above the waters of the bay as monuments of
+the wonderful contest; the old haunts of the Teaser, which had so
+unceremoniously introduced herself to our division; and, as evening came
+on, we passed Fortress Monroe, where the many lights of the fleet gave
+the harbor the appearance of a city in the waves.
+
+The wind was blowing freshly when we rounded Old Point Comfort, and our
+little steamer ploughed the white caps bravely. We made good time, and
+found ourselves the next morning steaming up the Potomac. Aquia creek
+was passed, recalling to mind the encampment at White Oak Church; Mount
+Vernon claimed its tribute of thought, and at two o'clock we touched the
+wharf at the foot of Sixth street, Washington. The rest of the two
+divisions had already reached the wharves, and there, too, were some
+immense sea steamers, crowded with troops of the Nineteenth corps,
+fortunately just arrived from New Orleans.
+
+The process of disembarking occupied but little time. President Lincoln
+stood upon the wharf chatting familiarly with the veterans, and now and
+then, as if in compliment to them, biting at a piece of hard tack which
+he held in his hand.
+
+The column was formed and we marched up Seventh street, past the
+Smithsonian Institute, the Patent Office and the Post Office, meeting on
+our way many old friends, and hearing the people who crowded upon the
+sidewalks exclaiming, "It is the old Sixth corps!" "Those are the men
+who took Marye's Heights!" "The danger is over now!" We had never before
+realized the hold which the corps had upon the affection of the people.
+Washington, an hour before was in a panic; now as the people saw the
+veterans wearing the badge of the Greek cross marching through their
+streets, the excitement subsided and confidence prevailed.
+
+Thus we made our way to the north of the city, the sound of cannonading
+in our front stimulating and hastening the steps of the men. Families,
+with a few of their choicest articles of household furniture loaded into
+wagons, were hastening to the city, reporting that their houses were
+burned, or that they had made their escape leaving the greater part of
+their goods to the mercy of the rebels.
+
+We reached a fine grove in rear of Fort De Russey and made our bivouac
+for the night.
+
+Now we learned the true position of affairs. Early, having defeated the
+small force under General Wallace, pushed on toward Washington, carrying
+destruction in the path of his army. His cavalry reached Rockville, a
+little town twelve miles north of Washington, on the 10th, detachments
+having destroyed portions of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, seized
+trains of cars, in one of which was General Franklin, formerly commander
+of the Sixth corps, who was made a prisoner, but who managed to escape,
+and now, as we reached Washington, his advance was knocking at the
+defenses of that city. The forts were manned by a small force of heavy
+artillery, hundred days' men, and detachments of the Invalid corps; and,
+as we reached the rear of the defenses, regiments composed of clerks and
+employees of the quartermaster's department, with convalescents from the
+hospitals, marched past us to take their places on the front. These
+hasty levies were placed in the forts for the night, to be replaced by
+veteran troops in the morning.
+
+July 12th came bright and glorious. The First brigade of our Second
+division, and our sharpshooters, were on picket in front of Fort
+Stevens; the Second and Third brigades still enjoying the delightful
+shade of the groves in rear of Fort De Russey. From the parapets of Fort
+Stevens could be seen the lines of rebel skirmishers, from whose rifles
+the white puffs of smoke rose as they discharged their pieces at our
+pickets. The valley beyond the fort presented a scene of surpassing
+loveliness, with its rich green meadows, its fields of waving corn, its
+orchards and its groves. To the right was Fort Slocum, and on the left
+Fort De Russey.
+
+The residence of Hon. Montgomery Blair was within the line occupied by
+the confederates, and we heard that the fine mansion had been the scene
+of plunder and destruction, in revenge, as the rebels declared, for
+havoc wrought by our troops in Virginia.
+
+The principal force of the enemy seemed to be in front of Fort Stevens,
+and here it was determined to give them battle. The barracks just in
+rear of the fort were converted into a hospital for our Second division,
+and all preparations were made for receiving our wounded men.
+
+Four o'clock came, but, except that the rebel skirmishers were sending
+their bullets whizzing over the fort, all was quiet. President Lincoln
+and his wife drove up to the barracks, unattended, except by their
+coachman, the superbly mounted squadron of cavalry, whose duty it was to
+attend upon his excellency, being left far behind. The carriage stopped
+at the door of the hospital, and the President and his affable lady
+entered into familiar conversation with the surgeon in charge, praising
+the deeds of the old Sixth corps, complimenting the appearance of its
+veterans, and declaring that they, as well as the people of the country,
+appreciated the achievements of the wearers of the Greek cross.
+
+Thus, for nearly an hour, they chatted of various things, when General
+Wright and his staff arrived on the ground, accompanied by several
+ladies and gentlemen from the city.
+
+All now repaired to the fort, and presently the portly form of Colonel
+Bidwell, followed by his Third brigade, was seen approaching. The brave
+colonel and his brave brigade marched past the fort into the valley
+beyond, the President, the members of his cabinet and the ladies
+praising the hardy, soldierly bearing of the men as they passed. They
+formed in two lines of battle, in rear of the skirmish line of the first
+brigade, the Seventy-seventh on the right of the line, then the Seventh
+Maine, and then the Forty-ninth. The Forty-third New York, Sixty-first
+Pennsylvania, and One Hundred and Twenty-second New York forming the
+second line. The advance line was in charge of Colonel French.
+
+According to preconcerted arrangements, Colonel Bidwell was to signify
+to General Wright, who remained in the fort, his readiness for the
+attack by a signal from the new flag of the Seventy-seventh, which had
+not yet been baptized in battle; then the great guns in the fort were to
+open a storm of shells upon the rebel position, especially upon a house
+behind which and in which numbers of rebels had all day found refuge;
+then General Wright was to signal from the fort the command to advance
+and the brigade was to rush to the charge.
+
+Thus, with a perfect understanding on the part of all concerned, the
+brigade took its place.
+
+The flag of the Seventy-seventh waved the signal of readiness, the heavy
+ordnance in the fort sent volley after volley of thirty-two pound shells
+howling over the heads of our men into the midst of the rebels, and
+through the house where so many of them had found shelter, and then at
+the command of Sedgwick's "man of iron," the brave fellows started
+eagerly forward. They reached and passed the skirmishers, and the white
+puffs of smoke and the sharp crack from their rifles became more and
+more frequent, first the rattle of an active skirmish, and then the
+continuous roar of a musketry battle.
+
+In magnificent order and with light steps they ran forward, up the
+ascent, through the orchard, through the little grove on the right, over
+the rail fence, up to the road, making straight for the first objective
+point, the frame house in front. The rebels at first stood their ground,
+then gave way before the impetuous charge.
+
+The President, the members of his cabinet and the ladies, as well as the
+military officers in the fort, and the crowd of soldiers and citizens,
+who had gathered about it to witness the fight, watched with breathless
+interest the gallant advance as our boys pushed forward, keeping their
+line of battle perfect, except when now and then some regiment having
+the advantage of ground, in its eagerness got a little in advance of
+others, until they saw the rebels take to flight. Then the crowd at the
+fort rent the air with exultant cheers, and as the boys reached the
+house, the people were wild with excitement, shouting and clapping their
+hands, leaping and dancing with joy.
+
+But the rebels did not yield without resistance. They met our men
+bravely, and though forced to seek safety in flight, turned and poured
+their volleys into the ranks of the pursuers.
+
+[Illustration: BATTLE OF FORT STEVENS.]
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, commanding the Forty-ninth, a brave man, who
+had never shrunk from danger, and who had shared all the varied fortunes
+of the brigade since its organization, fell mortally wounded. Colonel
+Visscher, of the Forty-third, who had but lately succeeded the beloved
+Wilson, was killed. Major Jones, commanding the Seventh Maine, was also
+among the slain; and Major Crosby, commanding the Sixty-first
+Pennsylvania, who had but just recovered from the bad wound he received
+in the Wilderness, was taken to the hospital, where the surgeon removed
+his left arm from the shoulder. Colonel French, of the Seventy-seventh,
+was injured, but not seriously. The commanding officer of every regiment
+in the brigade was either killed or wounded.
+
+The fight had lasted but a few minutes, when the stream of bleeding,
+mangled ones, began to come to the rear. Men, leaning upon the shoulders
+of comrades, or borne painfully on stretchers, the pallor of their
+countenances rendered more ghastly by the thick dust which had settled
+upon them, were brought into the hospitals by scores, where the medical
+officers, ever active in administering relief to their companions, were
+hard at work binding up ghastly wounds, administering stimulants, coffee
+and food, or resorting to the hard necessity of amputation.
+
+At the summit of the ascent, the confederates were strengthened by their
+second line of battle, and here they made a stout resistance; but even
+this position they were forced to abandon in haste, and as darkness
+closed in upon the scene, our men were left as victors in possession of
+the ground lately occupied by the rebels, having driven their
+adversaries more than a mile.
+
+The Vermont brigade now came to the relief of the boys who had so
+gallantly won the field, and the Third brigade returned at midnight to
+the bivouac it had left in the morning. But not all returned. Many of
+those brave fellows who went with such alacrity into the battle, had
+fallen to rise no more. In the orchard, in the road, about the frame
+house and upon the summit, where the rebels had made so determined a
+resistance, their forms were stretched upon the green sward and in the
+dusty road, stiff and cold. Many more had come to the hospital severely
+injured, maimed for life or mortally wounded.
+
+The little brigade, numbering only a thousand men when it went into
+action, had lost two hundred and fifty of its number.
+
+During the night the raiders made their escape toward Rockville. The
+prisoners left in our hands told us that they had anticipated an easy
+victory in front of Washington, believing that the forts were defended
+only by convalescents and quartermaster's men, and, when they saw the
+white crosses of the old Sixth corps, they were seized with
+consternation. They now understood that the city was guarded by veterans
+who had acquired, in the rebel army, a disagreeable reputation.
+
+While the battle was in progress, President Lincoln stood upon the
+parapet of the fort watching, with eager interest, the scene before him.
+Bullets came whistling around, and one severely wounded a surgeon who
+stood within three feet of the President. Mrs. Lincoln entreated him to
+leave the fort, but he refused; he, however, accepted the advice of
+General Wright to descend from the parapet and watch the battle from a
+less exposed position.
+
+Cavalry was sent in the morning to ascertain the direction of the flight
+of the enemy, but the infantry remained quietly awaiting events.
+
+We gathered our dead comrades from the field where they had fallen, and
+gave them the rude burial of soldiers on the common near Fort Stevens.
+None of those high in authority, who had come out to see them give up
+their lives for their country, were present to pay the last honors to
+the dead heroes. No officer of state, no lady of wealth, no citizen of
+Washington was there; but we laid them in their graves within sight of
+the capital, without coffins, with only their gory garments and their
+blankets around them. With the rude tenderness of soldiers, we covered
+them in the earth; we marked their names with our pencils on the little
+head-boards of pine, and turned sadly away to other scenes.
+
+But though no concourse of citizens followed the patriots to their
+humble resting place, though no bands wailed the solemn dirge, and no
+casket but the earth inclosed their remains, their deeds were not
+forgotten. Their memory was enshrined in the hearts of the people; and
+after a few weeks their remains were exhumed from their scattered
+graves, they were placed together in a little inclosure on the sunny
+slope in front of the fort, and a beautiful monument tells the story of
+their noble sacrifice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
+
+    The Sixth and Nineteenth corps follow the enemy--Crossing the
+    Potomac--Averill's fight at Snicker's Gap--Return of the Sixth
+    corps to Washington--March back to Harper's Ferry--Return to
+    Maryland--Death of Major Ellis--General Sheridan assigned to
+    command--Back in the Valley--Charlestown--John Mosher--March to
+    Fisher Hill--Return to Charlestown--Fight at Charlestown.
+
+
+At one o'clock the column of the Sixth corps moved away from Fort
+Stevens, marching through the little village of Tanleytown, following in
+pursuit of the rebels. We moved rapidly till ten o'clock, then halted,
+much fatigued, at Potomac Cross Roads. At five o'clock, next morning, we
+were once more on our way, and after a march of twelve hours through a
+pleasant country, we made our bivouac at Poolsville, having marched
+thirty-six miles since leaving Fort Stevens. Our Sixth corps, with the
+two divisions of the Nineteenth corps, now constituted a new army, under
+command of General Wright, General Getty having command of the Sixth
+corps. At Poolsville we lay all day, waiting for our small cavalry force
+to find out the course which Early's army had taken, but on Saturday
+morning, the 16th, we were moving at daylight. We marched toward the
+Potomac, which we forded near the scene of Ball's Bluff slaughter. The
+spectacle at the ford was novel and exciting. The stream was wide, but
+not more than two or three feet deep. The bottom was rough and stony,
+and the current was strong. For nearly a mile up and down the river the
+brigades were crossing; the stream filled with infantry wading with
+difficult steps over the uneven bottom, mounted officers carefully
+guiding their horses lest they should stumble, trains of artillery and
+wagons slowly toiling through, and groups of pack animals scarcely able
+to keep their footing under their huge burdens. The laugh of hundreds
+sounded up and down the river, as some unfortunate footman, slipping
+from a smooth stone, would, for a moment, disappear beneath the surface
+of the river, or as some overloaded mule or pack horse, losing his
+footing, would precipitate his load, and peradventure the small negro
+boy, who, in order to secure a dry passage across the ford, had perched
+himself on the top of the bags and bundles, into the rushing waters.
+
+The troops gathered upon the southern bank of the river, and the
+infantry proceeded to empty the water from their boots and shoes, and to
+wring it from their stockings. This short task over, the march was
+resumed.
+
+Passing through a section where some very interesting conglomerate rocks
+attracted the attention of those scientifically inclined, we left the
+little town of Leesburgh behind, and at eight o'clock in the morning
+encamped in a ploughed field, tired and hungry, and, it must be
+confessed, a little dissatisfied at the idea of sleeping on ploughed
+ground while fresh meadows were on every side of us. In this bivouac we
+spent the Sabbath, and services were held by the chaplains in the
+various brigades.
+
+Early Monday morning the march was resumed, our little army passing
+through the delightful hill scenery of Loudon county, and through the
+diminutive villages of Hamilton and Purcellville. As the afternoon
+advanced, we found ourselves toiling up the ascent of the Blue Ridge,
+pleasant farm houses and fine orchards greeting our sight on either side
+of the road. Darkness was upon us before we passed through Snicker's
+Gap, a deep gorge in the mountains, through which winds a rough, unkept
+road; and by the moonlight we spread our blankets for another night's
+rest.
+
+The morning revealed the lovely Shenandoah Valley spread out before us,
+its river lying at our feet.
+
+The troops of the "Army of Virginia," under Averill, had engaged the
+enemy with doubtful success before our arrival. Indeed, the troops on
+both sides seemed to have become demoralized. The rebels were
+retreating, and Averill's men had made their way back to the east side
+of the river in such hot haste as to leave some of their flags floating
+in the stream.
+
+We remained during the 19th in apparent uncertainty as to what course to
+pursue, whether to give chase to the enemy, who it was now supposed had
+made good his retreat up the valley, or to return to Washington. But an
+order from General Grant, directing General Wright to get back to
+Washington at once with the Sixth corps, that the troops might be at
+once returned to the Army of the Potomac before Early could reinforce
+Lee, determined our course, and at night we were again passing through
+Snicker's Gap, the infantry and teams crowded together in the narrow
+defile to the great inconvenience of the footmen and annoyance of the
+artillerymen and teamsters. Marching rapidly all night and the next day,
+halting only a short time for coffee in the morning and at noon, we
+retraced our steps to Leesburgh, then following the turnpike we reached
+and passed Drainsville, and halted near Difficult creek. July 23d, the
+corps marched through Lewinsville and Langley, passed Camp Griffin, the
+memory of which was indissolubly connected with our first winter in the
+service, crossed Chain bridge and went in camp near Tanleytown, five
+miles out from Washington.
+
+Transports were waiting on the Potomac to convey us to City Point, but
+as matters in the valley still seemed unsettled, the corps remained at
+Tanleytown, and on the 25th, it became certain that Early with his army
+was again moving down the valley, threatening Maryland and Pennsylvania.
+The Sixth corps received orders to move at once toward Harper's Ferry,
+but by some delay it was noon of the 26th when it turned back from
+Tanleytown toward the scene of our future brilliant operations.
+
+The day on which the corps moved had been hot, and many of the men,
+weary with long marches, had been forced to fall out, but, most of all,
+bad whisky from Washington had demoralized great numbers, and these,
+with the sick and weary, made up a great crowd of stragglers. The task,
+which was assigned to the rear-guard, the Seventy-seventh New York, of
+urging these inebriated and discouraged ones toward their commands, was
+not an easy or agreeable one. The corps made all haste in the direction
+of Frederick, which city it reached on the 28th, crossing the field of
+General Wallace's battle with Early.
+
+Without halting at Frederick, except to get our coffee near Monocacy
+creek, we pushed on to Jefferson, getting into camp at midnight. The
+next day we marched through Knoxville, Newton and Sandy Hook, through
+that wonderful gorge in the mountains at Harper's Ferry, and arrived at
+evening footsore and weary at Halltown, four miles south of Harper's
+Ferry. Then, next day we were ordered back again. The whole command
+poured into the deep valley at Harper's Ferry, the day was sultry even
+for that locality, not a breath of air seemed to be stirring, and the
+high mountains on every side reflected the heat and kept off the breeze.
+Into this hot, dusty inclosure among the hills, the whole army poured,
+and as there was only a single pontoon bridge to serve as an outlet,
+there was of course great delay. Horses stood harnessed to the cannon or
+under the saddle, the sweat literally pouring off their sides like rain,
+while men panted for breath and seemed almost on the point of
+suffocation. It was late in the night when our corps was all over the
+bridge, and the march was continued without rest during the whole night
+and all next day till we arrived again near Frederick City, where we had
+a night and a day of rest. We now learned that the cause of our sudden
+countermarch was the raid of Early's cavalry, who had burned the city of
+Chambersburgh, and caused much destruction of property elsewhere.
+
+By this time the Sixth corps was, in army parlance, "about played out."
+Even our famous marches on the Gettysburgh campaign were eclipsed by
+this perpetual series of forced marches for nearly a month. The men were
+very much worn from their campaigns before leaving Petersburgh, but now
+we had had a month of traveling, night and day.
+
+Hardly were the troops settled in camp for a night of rest, before the
+bugle called them to go again. Now when we marched, horses would drop
+down by dozens along the road, unable to rise again. Their riders would
+strip them of their saddles, and leave the worn out steeds to their
+fate. If, by chance, one of these deserted horses, after a few hours of
+rest, could muster strength to rise to his feet, he was doomed to be
+seized by some drummer boy, or other wight of the "bummer" tribe,
+mounted and rode till his strength again failed. Then the dismounted
+bummer would coolly remove his hempen bridle, shoulder his drum, and
+seek for another steed. For two or three days past the weather had been
+excessively hot, and men could be seen lying all along the roadside, as
+we marched, suffering from sunstroke.
+
+Wednesday, August 3d, the Sixth corps marched to Buckeystown, a little
+village on the Monocacy, about five miles south of Frederick.
+
+The different brigades of the corps were scattered about on the
+hillsides which bounded the pleasant valley of the Monocacy, where pure
+fresh air was in abundance, and the men gladly availed themselves of the
+privilege of bathing in the delightfully clear waters of the river. For
+a distance of nearly two miles the river was filled with bathers at all
+hours, except in the hottest part of the day and in the night, and even
+then some might be seen enjoying the luxury of the bath.
+
+At Buckeystown we remained two days, in the enjoyment of a pleasant
+bivouac; yet, as though no place was free from evil, an event occurred
+here afflictive to our brigade and to the corps.
+
+Among the most energetic and brave officers of our Third brigade, was
+Major Ellis, of the Forty-ninth New York. He had been wounded at
+Spottsylvania while leading a charge against the enemy at the terrible
+"angle." A ramrod had passed through his left arm, and bruised the chest
+near the heart. He was taken to Fredericksburgh, from whence he went to
+Washington, and thence home. Returning to his command before he had
+fully recovered, he was advised by medical officers not to attempt any
+severe duty. But being detailed to the staff of General Russell,
+commanding the First division, he at once resumed active military
+duties. On these recent marches, the major, weary of inaction, had taken
+command of a body of men who acted as additional provost-guard to the
+division.
+
+In this position he had exhibited his usual energy, though it was
+thought by some he executed his duties with too great severity. Ever
+since receiving his wound, he had complained of severe neuralgic pains
+in the region of the heart. Except that this pain was slightly more
+acute than usual, the major retired to his tent on the night of the 3d,
+in his accustomed health.
+
+In the morning he sent his servant from the tent for a moment, and when
+the man returned the major was dead. An autopsy was made by the writer
+of these pages, in the presence of about twenty of his professional
+brethren. A sharp splinter of bone from one of the ribs was found with
+its acute point piercing vital organs.
+
+The funeral display was the most imposing ever witnessed in any corps of
+the Army of the Potomac. We had seen military pageants on a large scale,
+but nothing to compare with this in its solemn sublimity.
+
+The remains were laid in state in a large tent near General Russell's
+head-quarters, wrapped in a silken flag, and the tent itself was draped
+with the Stars and Stripes. Presently the major's regiment, the
+Forty-ninth New York, came as mourners, unarmed, and formed in two ranks
+facing each other near the tent. Then the chaplain of the Forty-ninth,
+led in a short religious service, very appropriate and very impressive,
+while the whole of the First division was being formed in two parallel
+lines facing each other, and about eighty paces apart. The service over,
+a regiment of heavy artillery came to act as escort. The remains,
+inclosed in a rude coffin, wrapped in the flag under which he had so
+often fought, were placed in an ambulance, and the funeral cortege began
+its slow march through the long lines of sunbrowned veterans who stood
+on either side. First in the procession was the escort, the muskets of
+the men reversed, preceded by a band playing a solemn dirge. Then the
+ambulance with the remains, the major's hat, coat and sword lying upon
+the coffin; then his riderless horse, saddled and bridled, and led by a
+servant; then the regiment as mourners; and finally General Russell and
+the staff of the First division with the division flag, and the staffs
+of the three brigades of the division, and our Third brigade, Second
+division, each with its flag, with a large concourse of officers,
+personal friends of him whose remains were thus honored.
+
+As the cortege proceeded with slow steps between the lines of soldiers,
+they stood with arms presented, and the colors of the regiments drooped
+as the procession passed. Thus attended the remains were conveyed to the
+railroad station, three miles distant, where they were placed on board a
+train for Washington.
+
+Lieutenant-General Grant visited our army on the 5th of August, and, in
+consultation with General Hunter, determined upon a course for our
+future operations. So quietly was this visit of the Commander-in-Chief
+of the armies made, that very few in our little army knew of the
+presence of General Grant.
+
+Among other things determined upon at this time was a change of
+commanders. General Hunter, who had commanded the "Army of the
+Shenandoah," with credit to himself and honor to our arms, was to be
+relieved, and General Philip S. Sheridan, who had, since the
+commencement of the spring campaign, commanded the cavalry corps of the
+Army of the Potomac, was to take command of all the forces operating
+against Early. The department of West Virginia, Washington, Susquehanna
+and the Middle Department, were to constitute the "Middle Military
+Division," to be under the command of General Sheridan. To this middle
+military division the Sixth corps was temporarily assigned. This was a
+new era in the history of that corps. Hitherto it had been, from the
+beginning, connected with the noble Army of the Potomac. Its history and
+its fame were inseparably connected with the history of that army, and
+when the corps had come to the rescue of the capital, it came as a
+detachment of the Army of the Potomac. Now, for the first time, the
+corps was to be identified with another army. But great as was the fame
+and honor which the corps had, by noble deeds, won for itself, it was
+now, by heroic achievements in the new field, to crown itself with
+glories even more dazzling than those in its proudest days in the old
+army.
+
+We were ordered, on the evening of the 5th, to march immediately. The
+troops of the Sixth corps proceeded at once to Monocacy Junction, where
+they took cars for Harper's Ferry. The quartermasters, and hospital
+trains followed rapidly by the wagon roads.
+
+Troops and trains reached the heights beyond Harper's Ferry at night,
+and on the following morning the line of battle was established at
+Halltown.
+
+General Sheridan now assumed command. We knew little of him except that
+he had very successfully commanded the cavalry of the Army of the
+Potomac for the last three months, but we were satisfied that General
+Grant trusted to his generalship, and we had already learned enough of
+General Grant's knowledge of human nature to place confidence in the
+general of his choice.
+
+One thing pleased us at the start. Our new general was visible to the
+soldiers of his command; wherever we went he was with the column,
+inhaling the dust, leaving the road for the teams, never a day or two
+days behind the rest of the army, but always riding by the side of the
+men. His watchful care of the details of the march, his interest in the
+progress of the trains, and the ready faculty with which he brought
+order out of confusion when the roads became blockaded, reminded us of
+our lamented Sedgwick. Another feature of the new administration pleased
+us. When the head-quarter tents of the commander of the Middle Military
+Division were pitched, there was one wall tent, one wedge tent and two
+flies. This modest array of shelter for the general and his staff was in
+happy contrast with the good old times in the Army of the Potomac, when
+more than eighty six-mule teams were required to haul the baggage for
+head-quarters of the army.
+
+At Halltown we remained for a few days, gaining what we so much needed,
+rest. The air was delightfully cool and refreshing, and it seemed as
+though each particular breath was laden with health and strength.
+
+We were rejoiced to see some of our Army of the Potomac cavalry joining
+us, and our army began to assume dimensions which filled us with
+confidence. We had now the Sixth corps, General Wright, two divisions of
+the Nineteenth corps under General Emory, and Hunter's "Army of
+Virginia," usually called the Eighth corps, under command of General
+Crook. Our cavalry consisted of Averill's force which had been in the
+valley, and we were now receiving two divisions from the Army of the
+Potomac, one in command of General Torbert, the other of General Wilson.
+The cavalry force was soon afterward organized, with General Torbert in
+command of the whole force, and Generals Custer, Averill and Merritt,
+each in command of a division.
+
+On the tenth of the month we commenced our march up the Shenandoah
+Valley. No sooner had the sun made its appearance above the Blue Ridge
+than we found the day to be most intensely hot. Soldiers were falling
+along the roadside in great numbers overcome with the heat, and what
+added to the hardships of the day's journey was the want of water. The
+turnpike along which we marched was parallel with a fine stream of water
+on either side, but the water was so far distant as to be useless to the
+soldiers. Yet there were a few springs and wells at some distance from
+the road which supplied those who could leave the column.
+
+We passed through Charlestown, the scene of the trial and execution of
+John Brown. There was the court house to which he was brought on his
+couch to receive his trial for treason, and there the jail in which he
+spent his last days, and from which he was led to execution. How had all
+things changed! The people who stood about the gallows of John Brown,
+and gnashed their teeth in their bitter hatred, were now themselves
+guilty of treason. The court house was in ruins, and the jail was but a
+shell of tottering walls. The town also had suffered fearful ravages
+from war, and now a Union army was marching through its streets, every
+band and every drum corps playing the stirring but to southern ears
+hateful air, "John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave," and we
+may anticipate our narrative to say that whenever our army or any part
+of it had occasion to pass through this town, the bands always struck up
+this air, as if to taunt the inhabitants with the memory of their
+victim, and played it from one limit of the town to the other. So John
+Brown was revenged!
+
+The Shenandoah Valley has been often called the "Garden of Virginia,"
+and truly it is a lovely valley, yet as we marched along we could see
+but little cultivation. The groves of oak were delightful. Teams with
+wagons might be driven anywhere among them. But the fields were mostly
+desolate. Here and there a field of corn promised a medium crop if left
+to ripen untrodden by our army, but there was no luxuriance of
+vegetation. The mountains, the Blue Ridge on one side and the North
+mountains on the other, rose abruptly from the valley in parallel lines,
+and looked as though a race of Titans had been at war, and had thrown up
+these long ridges as breastworks for opposing forces.
+
+A little beyond Charlestown was a lovely meadow, lying between two
+groves of oak. At the further end of the meadow was a neat white
+cottage, where there seemed more comfort than we had seen elsewhere in
+the valley. The place was away from the direct line of march, and partly
+concealed by the groves.
+
+Those who left the column were furnished by the family with pure sweet
+water from a well, which the family asserted was sunk by order of
+General Braddock. Such places were so rare that our men and animals
+suffered from thirst. Few who were on that march will forget a spring
+which we passed near the close of that day's march. A large white frame
+house stood upon an elevation, surrounded by trees, and at foot of the
+elevation, a large spring, under the shade of a huge willow, and
+surrounded by other trees. The water gushed out from a fissure in the
+rock, clear as crystal, and in such volume that a large brook was formed
+at once. Over the spring was the usual "spring house." Soldiers filled
+this building, covered the great rocks, crowded the grove, and for many
+yards around a dense mass of men pressed to get near the tempting
+fountain, all eager to fill their cups and canteens, and hasten on with
+the column. No one can know with what delight the soldiers quaffed the
+sparkling fluid from their sooty coffee pots, who has not suffered the
+torture of extreme thirst.
+
+We halted near Clifton, and resumed our march on the following morning,
+to suffer, if possible, more from heat and thirst than ever. At night we
+bivouacked near Opequan creek. We threw ourselves upon the grassy sward,
+with the beautiful canopy of heaven with its mottled clouds and
+twinkling stars and flying meteors, for our tent. For many of us, this
+was the only tent we had slept under since leaving Petersburgh, and we
+were satisfied with it. The air was purer and the breeze fresher than
+when we were inclosed by canvas.
+
+Again, on the morning of the 12th, we were marching. We passed through
+the villages of Newtown and Middletown, and halted at night on the banks
+of Cedar creek.
+
+We were startled in the morning by the announcement of the death of a
+good soldier. John Mosher had marched with the column the day before,
+but owing to the overpowering heat was obliged to fall a little behind.
+Toward evening, finding himself too much exhausted to walk further, he
+applied for and obtained permission to ride in an ambulance of the First
+division. During the night he was found to be dying. The kind hearted
+surgeon in charge of the hospital of the First division, Dr. Crehore,
+and one of his assistants, spent some hours with him, using every means
+to restore him, but without avail. He died before morning. A letter in
+his pocket told his name and regiment. We made a grave near Cedar creek,
+and a few of his comrades stood around it while he was lowered to his
+bed of earth, wrapped in his blanket. The chaplain offered a brief
+prayer; his fellows in arms fired a parting salute, and we left him to
+sleep in the valley where, a few weeks later, some of his companions
+were to rest by his side.
+
+On the 13th all the troops were across on the south side of Cedar creek.
+The pickets of our Second division occupied one end of the village of
+Strasburgh, while those of the enemy held the other. We were sure that
+we must fight here, and we were not unwilling. Our cavalry was scouting
+on the flanks, skirmishing with rebel cavalry and searching for a way to
+outflank Early's army. The rebels held a position of great strength, and
+to make a direct assault would be to run a great risk of a repulse. The
+walls of the valley, the Blue Ridge and the North Mountains, came close
+together here, and, to render the position stronger, Fisher Hill, a
+commanding eminence, a prominent object in the landscape, to be seen
+from one end of the valley to the other, rose directly in our front and
+obstructed our passage. Upon the declivities of this hill the enemy had
+planted batteries so as to command our approach from any direction.
+
+We remained gazing at this strong position till nightfall, and then
+recrossed the river, and made our position strong for defense. General
+Sheridan had been instructed by General Grant not to bring on a general
+engagement unless it was forced upon him. General Grant regarded our
+army rather as one of defense than for offensive operations. Should we
+suffer defeat, the capital and the rich fields of Pennsylvania and
+Maryland would again be open to the rebels. So we were to watch their
+movements and hold them in check, but we were not to risk a battle with
+them.
+
+Meanwhile, the ubiquitous Mosby was at work in our rear, at Berryville,
+with a band of guerrillas. He had made a bold dash upon a long train,
+belonging principally to the cavalry, and guarded by almost a brigade of
+hundred days' men; had dispersed the inexperienced guard, which was
+scattered along the road for miles; had captured the mules, and burned
+the wagons and supplies. Seventy-five wagons had fallen a prey to the
+adventurous bandit, while the hundred days' men had made good their
+escape. Old men, women and children, joined in the work of destruction,
+setting fire to the wagons, and carrying off whatever articles they
+could easily remove from them. Prisoners whom they captured were
+murdered, either by Mosby's band, or by the more merciless citizens, and
+left unburied.
+
+This raid upon our communications led General Sheridan to fear a more
+general advance of the rebels beyond the mountains, with a view of
+coming with force upon our rear.
+
+So, on the evening of Tuesday, the 16th, the army marched northward down
+the valley again. All night and all the next day the weary march was
+kept up. We went through Winchester, where the rebel women came out by
+hundreds to rejoice at our retreat, and halted on the banks of the
+Opequan for the night. Then, when the morning came, we were off again,
+and, after a severe march, formed in line of battle a mile south of
+Charlestown.
+
+The Jersey brigade, under Colonel Penrose, was left as rear-guard and
+support to the cavalry on the retreat. At Winchester the brigade,
+flanked by cavalry, made a stand. The enemy came down upon the brigade
+in large force, handled it roughly, and sent the Jersey boys through the
+town in confusion. Their resistance had been all that could have been
+asked; but the brigade, staunch as it was, was not enough for the force
+that came against it.
+
+Our Sixth corps guarded the turnpike leading from Harper's Ferry to
+Winchester. On the left of the pike, facing southward, was our Second
+division, and on the right our First division.
+
+The Eighth corps held the center of the line, and the Nineteenth corps
+the left, its flank resting on Berryville.
+
+On Sunday morning, the 21st of August, our cavalry was driven back upon
+the infantry, and we suddenly discovered the enemy coming down upon the
+Sixth corps in three heavy columns. With scarcely any warning we found
+shells pitching into our camp among the standing tents, and bullets
+whistling among the trees that afforded us shelter from the sun.
+
+The corps was quickly in line, the tents struck and everything in
+fighting trim. Our boys received the onset of the rebels with cool
+bravery, giving them back volley for volley. The fight was kept up for
+several hours, the Eighth corps being but slightly engaged, and the
+Nineteenth corps not at all. Our Second division, Sixth corps, receiving
+the weight of the attack. Our men threw up breastworks along the front,
+and at length the Vermont brigade was ordered to charge upon the enemy.
+The charge was executed with the usual brilliancy and fighting joy of
+that brigade and the confederates were glad to leave us in undisputed
+possession of the ground.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+BATTLE OF WINCHESTER.
+
+    Encampment at Berryville--Leaving camp--The advance--Taking
+    position--Advance and retreat--Death of Russell--"I know they'll
+    run"--Reminiscences--At the hospitals--A regiment going
+    home--"Why don't he come."
+
+
+The rebels were repulsed; but as our position at Charlestown was one
+that might easily be flanked, our army fell back during the night to the
+strong position at Halltown, where defensive works were thrown up, and
+again we awaited the advance of the enemy; but except some skirmishing
+on the left of the line, no attack was ventured by Early; and after two
+or three days he withdrew to the vicinity of Winchester, and established
+his line along the west bank of Opequan creek, so as to cover the three
+roads leading from Martinsburgh, from Harper's Ferry and from Berryville
+to Winchester. We followed and established our line on the east side of
+the creek, and some miles from it, at Berryville.
+
+Our encampment at Berryville was one of the most delightful of our
+resting places, even in the Shenandoah Valley. We passed the days
+pleasantly, strolling or riding among the groves of black walnut,
+visiting among the various regiments, amusing ourselves with chess and
+books. Nothing occurred to interrupt these pleasant pastimes and the
+monotony of picket duty until the 13th of September, when the Second
+division was directed to make a reconnoissance to the Opequan. We
+marched to the creek very early in the morning, found the enemy in
+force, lost a few men by the shells from the rebel batteries, and
+returned to camp.
+
+On the 15th our army was visited by Lieutenant-General Grant. The story
+of his visit we give in his own words:
+
+"I left City Point on the 15th to visit him (General Sheridan), at his
+head-quarters, to decide, after conference with him, what should be
+done. I met him at Charlestown, and he pointed out so distinctly how
+each army lay; what he could do the moment he was authorized, and
+expressed such confidence of success, that I saw there were but two
+words of instruction necessary--_Go in!_ ... I may here add that the
+result was such that I have never since deemed it necessary to visit
+General Sheridan before giving him orders."
+
+Thus the two armies lay face to face, with the stream and a narrow strip
+of country between them, either able to bring on an engagement at any
+time. The quiet was broken on the morning of the 19th, when we advanced
+to win the first of that series of brilliant victories which startled
+Europe and America; which gave to our little army an enviable renown
+among the armies of the Union, and established the reputation of our
+chief as one of the foremost generals of the age.
+
+Early had taken the initiative. On Sunday the 18th, he had sent General
+Gordon's division toward Martinsburgh, with orders to drive out the
+Union forces, and destroy the government property. Gordon was met by
+Averill's cavalry and driven back to Drakesville. Sheridan, discovering
+the mistake made by Early in separating his forces, was quick to avail
+himself of the advantage of his enemy's blunder. Orders were issued to
+move at once, but, for some reason, several hours elapsed before the
+army was ready.
+
+We left our pleasant camps at Berryville, at two o'clock Monday morning,
+the Sixth corps in advance, moving in two columns, one on either side of
+the road, the ammunition wagons, artillery and ambulances taking the
+pike. The Third brigade, Second division, led the infantry. The
+Nineteenth corps followed the Sixth, marching in similar order, its
+infantry in the fields and its artillery and wagons on the pike, while
+Crook's Kanawha corps moved further to the south, with orders to connect
+with the Sixth corps at Opequan creek. Two divisions of cavalry, under
+Merritt and Averill, were directed to amuse the enemy near Bunker's
+Hill, and draw the attention of the rebel generals in that direction as
+much as possible. It was the design of General Sheridan thus to amuse
+the enemy on the left while he should march his army up the Berryville
+and Winchester pike, strike the right flank of Early's army, and by a
+sudden and unexpected attack, to get in the rear and cut off the retreat
+of the rebel forces. By one of those inexplicable mistakes, which
+sometimes upset the plans of our generals, this design was not fully
+realized, and had General Sheridan been less determined and less
+dashing, he might have abandoned the idea of attacking Early at all.
+
+At five o'clock Wilson's cavalry had crossed the creek before us, having
+dispersed the pickets of the enemy, driving them back to their line of
+field works, and then, by a dashing charge, had leaped their horses over
+the breastworks of the first line of defenses, and routed the rebels,
+capturing about fifty of their number.
+
+Immediately after this gallant exploit of the cavalry, the Sixth corps
+crossed the creek and advanced on the turnpike about a mile, where the
+enemy was found in force. As we moved along, through the deep ravine,
+following the pike, we were warned of the active work we might expect in
+front, as we saw cavalrymen coming to the rear, some leading their
+wounded horses, others with their heads bound in bloody handkerchiefs,
+some with arms hanging in slings, others borne on litters. Here by the
+roadside might be seen the prostrate, lifeless form of some soldier of
+the Union; there, where a silvery brook babbled along across the pike,
+on its grassy banks, and beneath the shadow of a large tree, was
+gathered a little group of boys in blue, performing the last acts of
+kindness to a comrade in whom the vital spark was almost extinguished,
+and a surgeon bending over the dying soldier striving to render less
+painful the few lingering moments of life.
+
+We moved up a steep ascent and formed in line of battle in a cornfield;
+the Third brigade on the left, the First in the center, and the
+Vermonters on the right; then on the left of the Second division the
+Third division got into position, and the First division came up in the
+rear as reserve. Our artillery was brought into position and a vigorous
+shelling commenced on both sides.
+
+The Sixth corps was now ready for a charge upon the enemy, but it was
+discovered that, by some misconception of orders, the Nineteenth corps,
+which should have been on the ground, was left far behind. Orders were
+dispatched to hasten it to the field of action, but two hours, precious
+hours to that army, elapsed before it was in position.
+
+Those two hours of delay enabled Early to strengthen his right; to throw
+up strong earthworks, and bring Gordon's division on the run, to his
+assistance. We had been fortunate only in seizing the position on the
+west side of the stream, or the battle would, from this delay, have been
+worse for us.
+
+Merritt and Averill, by skillfully maneuvering their troops in front of
+Bunker's Hill, had enabled us to seize this advantage.
+
+The Nineteenth corps was formed on the right of the Sixth, in four lines
+of battle; Wilson's cavalry was on our left. It was eleven o'clock when
+the advance was sounded. In our front were undulating fields, traversed
+by deep ravines, almost stripped of timber, except where the rebels had
+formed their line of battle in a belt of woods that skirted the
+turnpike. It was an imposing spectacle to watch that line of battle,
+stretching three miles across the fields, as it moved toward the rebel
+lines, the men as composed as though on parade, the line straight and
+compact, the various division, brigade and regimental flags floating
+gaily in the sunlight. Away in our front we could see Winchester; its
+gleaming spires and shining roofs, bright with the warm glow of mid-day,
+and we proudly felt that before night it would be ours. Onward, through
+the cornfields and over the grassy knolls, now descending into a ravine
+and now rising upon the open plain, where the rebel artillery swept with
+terrible effect, the long line pressed forward, regardless of the
+destructive fire that constantly thinned our ranks. At every step
+forward, men were dropping, dropping; some dead, some mortally hurt, and
+some with slight wounds. Now on this side, now on that they fell; still
+the line swept forward, leaving the ground behind it covered with the
+victims.
+
+Thus we pushed onward, the rebels falling back, desperately disputing
+every step, when a murderous fire, from batteries which the enemy had
+skillfully placed, suddenly swept our right with fearful slaughter.
+
+Thus far all had gone well. Now our hearts were sick as we looked far to
+the right and saw the Nineteenth corps and our Third division falling
+back, back, back, the grape and canister of the hostile cannon crashing
+through the now disordered ranks, and the exulting rebels following with
+wild yells of victory.
+
+The retreat of the troops on the right of the Second division left its
+flank, held by the Vermonters, exposed, and they, too, were forced to
+fall behind the Third brigade, which still held its ground, the fire in
+its front being at the moment less severe. Our batteries were rushed
+forward, and the gallant First division, the noble Russell at its head,
+came bravely up to the rescue.
+
+As the noble soldier brought his division into position a cannon ball
+swept him from his horse--dead. A great spirit had fallen, and in a
+moment we were made an army of mourners. "I have lost my captain," said
+Sheridan, as the work of the day closed.
+
+We all remembered the modest, almost bashful, demeanor of the fallen
+general among his friends, and his glorious heroism in the presence of
+his enemies, and many tears moistened the brown cheeks of rough soldiers
+as they thought of the loss of one of our best beloved leaders.
+
+But, notwithstanding the loss of their hero, the brave division pushed
+straight on. Nothing could withstand them; and now, joined by the other
+troops of the corps, the boys with the red crosses press on, and as the
+peals of musketry and artillery roll through those valleys, it tells of
+victory for the Union. The lost ground is regained, and now the fire in
+front of the Sixth corps slackens.
+
+We rested, throwing ourselves on the ground, waiting for orders. Some of
+the men, fatigued from the early march and severe morning's work, slept;
+while others regaled themselves from their well filled haversacks; and
+many gathered in groups to talk over the doings of the morning, and to
+speak of those who had been stretched upon the sod, who had fallen with
+their faces to the foe.
+
+We were waiting for Crook's corps. It had halted on the eastern bank of
+the river as reserve for the army. Now it was brought forward at quick
+pace and placed, a part on the right of the Nineteenth corps, where the
+rebels could be seen massing troops on their left, with a view of
+turning our right flank, the other part in rear of the Nineteenth corps.
+Averill and Merritt, too, were with the army, and our whole force was
+together. It was nearly three o'clock when Crook's forces were brought
+into position. His right was in a thick forest, and against him were
+heavy columns of rebels.
+
+At length we, of the Sixth corps, heard rapid firing away on the right
+of the forest. All was attention. Every man stood to his arms ready to
+advance. Sheridan came to our part of the line. His face all aglow with
+excitement, the perspiration rolling down his forehead, his famous black
+steed spotted with white foam, a single orderly at his back. He rode
+straight to General Getty, exclaiming, "General, I have put Torbert on
+the right, and told him to give 'em h--l, and he is doing it. Crook,
+too, is on the right and giving it to them. Press them, General, they'll
+run!" and then, using one of those phrases sometimes employed in the
+army to give additional force to language, he shouted again, "_Press
+them, General, I know they'll run!_" And then the shout that went up
+from the men drowned all the other noise of the battle.
+
+We did press them, and they did run. Over the long stretch of open
+plain, down into the deep hollow, up again and over the rolling ground,
+past the white farm house, on we went. The rebels would run, then
+reaching a commanding position, they would turn their artillery upon us
+and sweep our line with iron hail. On our left was Wilson, with the
+cavalry charging through the growing corn, the sabres gleaming in the
+sunlight, the iron scabbards clanging against iron spurs, the horses
+dashing madly forward in seeming disorder, but all rushing, like an
+avalanche, against the right wing of the enemy. Now the retreat became a
+rout. The cheers of the Union boys rose strong and clear above the roar
+of artillery and the harsh rattle of musketry, and Early's scattered and
+demoralized divisions were rushing through Winchester in consternation
+and unutterable confusion. Frightened teamsters were lashing their
+animals through the streets in greatest alarm; riderless horses were
+galloping here and there, and pack mules were on a general stampede.
+Some streets became entirely blocked up by the disordered mass, and even
+footmen could not press through; a squad of cavalry coming to one of
+these obstructions leaped from their horses and made their escape on
+foot. Our cavalry, taking advantage of the confusion, rushed among the
+panic stricken fugitives and gathered hundreds of them; captured fifteen
+battle-flags and five guns.
+
+The remnants of the rebel army collected some miles beyond the town, and
+reformed; but after a short rest made haste to get farther up the
+valley. As we advanced we found the mountains full of fugitives, and in
+the town were thousands of their wounded.
+
+The infantry halted upon the high grounds at the borders of the town,
+leaving the cavalry to follow up the pursuit of the flying foe; and as
+Generals Sheridan, Wright, Emory and Crook rode along our front, we made
+the welkin ring with lusty cheers. Glorious leaders of a victorious
+army!
+
+At our feet was Winchester, the scene of Washington's early military
+experience. Here he was stationed during the French war, and shared in
+the perilous sentinelship of the frontier. For then the valley was
+ravaged by French and Indians, and fearful massacres were of frequent
+occurrence; and when Washington demanded of Governor Dinwiddie
+reinforcements, and was refused, he offered to resign; and when the
+governor could not allow him to resign he sent him men.
+
+Here, on the ground occupied by the Seventy-seventh New York regiment,
+near the ruins of an old church, was the grave of General Daniel Morgan,
+the hero of Quebec and Saratoga, the friend of Washington. A plain
+marble tablet, broken across, now covered the grave, with a simple
+inscription, his name and the date of his death, 1802.
+
+In the cemetery, still north, we saw, as we passed, the resting place of
+Thomas, Earl of Fairfax; a great tory in his day, and the owner of
+immense tracts of land in this part of Virginia, and from whom Fairfax
+county took its name.
+
+The sun had sunk to his golden rest behind the wall of hills on our left
+when we arrived at the outskirts of Winchester; and, as darkness set in,
+the infantry of our victorious army stretched themselves upon the ground
+to sleep. It had been a hard day's work, and the men were faint. It
+required no unusual inducements to woo the angel of sleep.
+
+If the day had been an active one on the field, it had been no less so
+in the hospitals. First, early in the morning, came ambulance loads of
+men with white crosses; they were from the Third brigade, Second
+division, all from the Seventy-seventh New York. Then came others from
+the Forty-ninth New York, from the Seventh Maine, and from the One
+Hundred and Twenty-second and Forty-third New York. Then came men from
+the Vermont brigade, and from our First brigade, and soon the hospitals
+of the Third division began to be filled. Then, last of all, came the
+men of the red crosses, bleeding and mangled. Surgeons worked all day
+and all night. There was no rest as long as a wounded man was uncared
+for. Yet, when morning came, and the medical officers were ordered
+forward with the army, there was much to do, and faithful men were left
+to finish the needful task. Next morning Winchester was full of rebel
+wounded and rebel prisoners. Five thousand men in gray were under guard
+in the court house yard and other public places, and Colonel Edwards'
+brigade of the First division was left to take care of the prisoners and
+the town. Many brave men had fallen. Russell was gone; the gallant Upton
+was wounded; Colonel Elright, of the Third division, was dead, and many,
+many brave boys were lying with their blackened faces to the sun, a slip
+of paper or a letter envelope pinned to the breast of each to tell the
+buriers his name and regiment.
+
+[Illustration: "WHY DON'T HE COME?"]
+
+The term of service of one of our regiments, the Fourth Vermont, had
+expired, and on the day after the battle the small remnant of the
+regiment, a company of about forty men, under command of Colonel Foster,
+started for Harper's Ferry, on their return home. They had suffered
+heavily, and they left many of their brave comrades dead upon the
+battle-field, or suffering in the hospitals. How had those noble boys,
+whose lives had, at the very expiration of their three years of toil,
+danger and privations, been given for their country, rejoiced at the
+prospect of a speedy reunion with the loved ones at home. How had they
+written, even the day before the battle, "we are going home!" and then
+how had the loving ones, away among the beautiful green hills of
+Vermont, exulted at the thought that now, after three long years of
+suspense and anxiety, the danger and toil were over. And we can picture
+to our thoughts the mother who watches with eager interest the smoking
+train as it dashes along at the base of the old hills, wondering if her
+patriot son will not come to-day; but instead, a letter comes with the
+heavy news, a great battle has been fought and her son lies in the
+Valley; or, on the banks of the sunny Champlain, some young sister or
+lover gazes from the window of the cottage among the trees, at the
+steamer as it glides over the surface of the beautiful lake and touches
+at the wharf near by. But her soldier boy is not on board, and she
+watches in vain to see his familiar form coming toward the cottage. She
+sadly leans her head upon her hand and sighs, "Why don't he come?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+FISHER HILL.
+
+    March up the valley--Strasburgh--The army confronting Fisher
+    Hill--The flank movement--Flight of Early--The
+    pursuit--Guerrilla warfare--Southern refugees--Starting for
+    Washington--Return to Cedar creek.
+
+
+We started very early in the morning in pursuit of Early's defeated
+army, which it was supposed would halt at the strong position at
+Strasburgh. On the battle-field which we left, the lifeless bodies of
+many of our men were awaiting the office of the burial parties. They
+lay, not in thick clusters, but here and there over a great extent of
+ground, showing that they had fallen while the lines were in motion; but
+in places, six or eight mangled bodies would lie in close proximity,
+showing the fatal effects of some well directed shell.
+
+In Winchester were nearly five thousand prisoners, and more were
+constantly coming in, and hundreds of rebel wounded were being cared for
+by sympathizing friends and confederate surgeons.
+
+We reached the vicinity of Strasburgh, the Sixth corps in advance, at
+three o'clock on the 20th, and, as we expected, found the rebels
+awaiting us in a position, which the citizens of the valley assured us
+could be held by Early's army against one hundred thousand men. The
+position was indeed a formidable one, but nothing daunted our spirited
+leader set about devising a way of taking it.
+
+At Strasburgh the two chains of mountains, the Blue Ridge and the
+Alleghanies, approach each other, making the valley quite narrow. As if
+to interpose an impassable barrier to the advance of an army, a
+mountain, Fisher Hill, stretches across from the Blue Ridge to the
+branch of the Alleghanies called the North Mountains. At the foot of
+this mountain, on the north, is the village of Strasburgh, and still
+north of Strasburgh Cedar creek runs almost directly across the valley.
+We took possession of the northern part of the village of Strasburgh,
+the Union pickets occupying one part of the town, and the rebels the
+other. The night passed with little of interest.
+
+On the morning of the 21st squads of rebel prisoners were coming in to
+army head-quarters, and as brigade after brigade of cavalry passed, each
+carrying a large number of confederate flags at the head of the column,
+it looked as though our cavalry had adopted the confederate banner and
+had paraded in gala day splendor.
+
+The mists and fogs melted away, and we discovered that our enemy, lately
+routed and disorganized, now with confidence confronted us and awaited
+our advance. During the night the mountain had been the scene of busy
+labors, and now, breastworks of earth and stones, and lines of
+troublesome abattis, rendered the position, so strong by nature,
+apparently too formidable for any army to attempt to force. But,
+notwithstanding the brilliant success at Winchester, neither the rebel
+army nor our own fully appreciated the fertile resources of our gallant
+leader. Starting with his staff early in the day, he rode from one end
+of the picket line to the other, carefully noting the character of the
+ground.
+
+To attempt to storm those heights, now strengthened with earthworks and
+bristling with cannon, would be presumptuous; but away on the right
+seemed the vulnerable point of the enemy's line. Returning to his
+quarters, Sheridan determined at once upon his plan of attack. The
+Nineteenth corps was thrown farther to the left, and our Sixth corps
+occupied the position in the center, facing now to the south. Crook's
+corps was thrown well to the right, where the North Mountain formed a
+precipitous wall for the valley. All day the sharp crack of the
+skirmishers' rifles, and the ring of the pioneers' axes were heard as
+the two lines faced each other, each watching the movements of the
+other, and each actively engaged in felling trees from which breastworks
+were made.
+
+During the night Crook's corps and our Third division were toiling along
+the side of the mountain unseen and unexpected by the rebels. All night
+and the following morning these two commands labored to drag artillery
+along the precipitous mountain side, executing every movement in silence
+and with utmost secrecy. The Nineteenth corps and the First and Second
+divisions of the Sixth were all this time keeping up a show of
+determination to attack in front.
+
+At length, just as the sun was sinking behind the mountain barrier, a
+wild shout was heard from the hillside where Crook's corps and our Third
+division were rushing down from the cover of the forest, upon the flank
+and rear of the astonished confederates. The shout was taken up by the
+troops in front, and at the same time the two remaining divisions of the
+Sixth corps and the Nineteenth corps advanced against the rebel front.
+Completely surprised by the movement on the flank, the rear of the rebel
+army was quickly thrown into a panic. Still resistance was kept up along
+the front. Steadily the troops of Wright and Emory pressed forward, the
+rebel gunners firing their shells over the heads of our men, our line
+advancing over ditches and fences, over fallen trees and stone walls,
+each man his own commander and each pressing eagerly forward. In the
+foremost line rode Phil Sheridan, the men cheering him lustily as they
+pressed hastily forward. "Let us take the guns," shouted the men; and
+forward at double-quick they rushed. The panic in the rear had by this
+time reached the front, and the whole rebel army was rushing in
+unutterable confusion and rout, up the valley. They left with us sixteen
+guns, of which Bidwell's brigade captured six. We gathered up the
+prisoners, and they numbered eleven hundred.[8] The hill was strewed
+with small arms, and cannon and caissons met our view wherever we
+passed.
+
+    [8] The prisoners taken thus far, at Winchester and Fisher Hill,
+    including the wounded, numbered more than seven thousand. The
+    absurdity and falsity of Early's statement, that his effective
+    force at Winchester amounted to only eight thousand five hundred
+    men, is readily seen. The rebel surgeons at Mount Jackson, and
+    the citizens, while claiming that we outnumbered Early's forces,
+    acknowledged that he retreated from Winchester with more than
+    twenty thousand men.
+
+We had lost, as the cost of this brilliant victory, less than forty men
+in the army; and the confederate loss in killed and wounded was scarcely
+greater.
+
+We followed the routed army through Mount Jackson, where were large
+hospitals, occupied by wounded confederates, and attended by confederate
+surgeons; then pressed on to New Market, keeping up a running fight with
+the rear-guard of the rebel army.
+
+On the 25th we reached Harrisonburgh, a village more than sixty miles
+above Winchester.
+
+Our march had been a grand triumphal pursuit of a routed enemy. Never
+had we marched with such light hearts; and, though each day had found us
+pursuing rapidly from dawn till dark, the men seemed to endure the
+fatigue with wonderful patience. Our column, as it swept up the valley,
+was a spectacle of rare beauty. Never had we, in all our campaigns, seen
+anything to compare with the appearance of this victorious little army.
+The smooth, wide turnpike was occupied by the artillery, ambulances and
+baggage wagons moving in double file. The infantry marched in several
+parallel columns on either side of the pike, and a line of cavalry,
+followed by a skirmish line of infantry, led the way. Cavalry, too, hung
+on either flank, and scouted the country. It was intensely exciting to
+watch the steady progress of the advancing skirmishers. Now, as they
+reached the base of some sloping eminence, the rebel skirmishers would
+confront them; then, as they advanced, never halting nor slackening
+their pace, the confederates would surrender the ground, to appear in
+our front on the next commanding ground. So we marched up the valley--a
+grand excursion--skirmishing only enough to maintain a constant state of
+pleasant excitement.
+
+At Harrisonburgh we remained until the 29th, then marched farther up the
+valley to Mount Crawford, while the cavalry penetrated as far as
+Staunton. The rebel army was broken up and demoralized, yet considerable
+force was in the vicinity of Lynchburgh, and Early devoted himself to
+reorganizing it.
+
+Guerrilla warfare was a favorite resort of the rebels in the Shenandoah
+Valley, and many of our men were murdered in cold blood by the cowardly
+villains who lurked about our camps by day as harmless farmers, and
+murdered our men at night dressed in confederate uniform. Among those
+who lost their lives by this cowardly species of warfare, were Surgeon
+Ochenslayer, Medical Inspector of our army; Colonel Tolles, Chief
+Quartermaster, and Captain Meigs, son of the Quartermaster-General, U.
+S. A.
+
+We fell back from Mount Crawford to Harrisonburgh, burning barns, mills
+and granaries, driving before us cattle and sheep, and bringing white
+and black refugees without number. From Harrisonburgh we again fell
+back, retracing our steps through New Market, Mount Jackson and
+Woodstock, and encamped on the evening of the 8th of October on the
+north bank of Cedar creek. Each day as we marched, dark columns of smoke
+rose from numberless conflagrations in our rear and on either flank,
+where the cavalry was at work carrying out the edict of destruction of
+the valley. A certain number of mills with the grain contained, a
+specified number of wheat-stacks and granaries, and cattle and sheep
+sufficient for the wants of the people of the valley were saved; all
+other mills, barns, stacks and granaries were burned, and all other
+cattle and sheep driven away. Seventy mills, with the flour and grain,
+and over two thousand barns filled with wheat, hay and farming
+implements were thus committed to the flames, and seven thousand cattle
+and sheep were either driven off or killed and issued to the men. This
+destruction, cruel as it seemed, was fully justified as a matter of
+military necessity. For so long as a rebel army could subsist in the
+valley, so long a large force must remain to guard the frontier of
+Maryland.
+
+Hundreds of refugees accompanied us from Staunton, Mount Crawford and
+Harrisonburgh: Unionists who had endured persecution until it was no
+longer endurable, and who now left houses and farms to find relief in
+the north from their sufferings for loyalty; and negroes who sought
+freedom from their ancient bondage.
+
+Among the latter class was a group which had followed the cavalry from
+Staunton, and which now took a place in our Sixth corps hospital train,
+which attracted universal attention. The party rode in one of the huge
+Virginia wagons, so familiar to those who have spent much time in those
+parts, and consisted of an aged colored woman, probably more than ninety
+years old, one or two younger women, a black man of fifty, who was a
+cripple, a boy of twelve or fifteen years, and a very large number of
+small children, varying in hue from jet black to dark brunette. The load
+was drawn by four broken down, spavined animals, the crippled man riding
+one of the horses of the rear span, the boy one of the leaders. The
+soldiers manifested great interest in this curious load of refugees, and
+freely divided with them their hard tack and coffee. The writer of these
+pages, reining his horse to the side of the vehicle, addressed the aged
+negress, "Well, aunty, are all those your children?" "Lor, no massa,
+dey's only eighteen ob 'em." Doubtless she designed to say that there
+were only eighteen of the children, not that "only eighteen" were her
+own.
+
+As our army neared Fisher Hill the cavalry of the enemy became annoying
+to our rear-guard. General Sheridan said to General Torbert, that the
+annoyance must be stopped at once. Accordingly Custer and his horsemen
+lay in wait for the rebel cavalry, attacked them, drove them away beyond
+Mount Jackson, and took eleven pieces of artillery and three hundred
+prisoners from them. They gave us no more trouble at that time.
+
+Monday, October 10th, the Sixth corps, leaving the Eighth and Nineteenth
+guarding the line of Cedar creek, turned toward the left and proceeded
+to Front Royal. The Seventy-seventh was made provost guard of the town,
+and the brigades were stationed along the mountain passes. Here, in the
+enjoyment of lovely weather, pleasant associations, a bountiful supply
+of lamb and honey, and untold quantities of grapes of delicious flavor,
+the corps remained several days, and the men even flattered themselves
+that in the enjoyment of these luxuries they were to pass the winter.
+But, as usual with bright anticipations, these were suddenly dispelled
+by the order to march, on the morning of the 13th, toward Ashby's Gap.
+
+[Illustration: "GOING NORF."]
+
+From the direction of our march it was evident that we were on the road
+to Washington, and rumor had it that we were to be shipped at once for
+Petersburgh. We reached the bank of the Shenandoah, where we expected to
+cross to the gap; the corps was massed by the river side, and the men
+looked dismally into the cold, dark waters, and shivered at the thought
+of wading through the stream whose waters would reach nearly to their
+necks. But while we waited to get ready for crossing, a courier came to
+General Wright with a message from Sheridan to return to his army in
+haste. We heard that Longstreet's corps had reinforced Early, and that
+an attack had been made, but with no important result. We turned about,
+encamped for the night among the hills, started again at three o'clock
+in the morning, and joined the army again on Cedar creek, in the
+afternoon of the 14th, where we remained in the enjoyment of undisturbed
+quiet for several days.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK.
+
+    Position of the Union forces on Cedar creek--Demonstrations by
+    Early--The morning of October 19th--Eighth corps
+    straggling--Nineteenth corps routed--The Sixth corps to the
+    rescue--Death of General Bidwell--The Sixth corps holds the
+    enemy--General Wright prepares for another attack--Arrival of
+    Sheridan--The charge--The rout--Guns, wagons and prisoners--The
+    victors in camp.
+
+
+Our army was thus resting in apparent security along the banks of Cedar
+creek. The men were amusing themselves in visiting the numerous caverns
+in the vicinity, strolling among the pleasant groves or wandering by the
+shady borders of the stream. Sheridan had left the army and returned to
+Washington for a day or two, to make arrangements for his future
+movements, and General Wright had temporary command of the army.
+
+Our infantry force was arranged from left to right along the creek,
+first, on the left of the turnpike, General Crook's "Army of Virginia,"
+or as it was more generally known, the Eighth corps, holding the left
+flank, facing eastward and southward; then, the Nineteenth corps,
+holding the pike and facing toward the south, its line occupying high
+bluffs which overhung the creek. On the right of the Nineteenth corps,
+and almost at right angles with it, was the Sixth corps, its line
+extending far toward the north. The corps faced the stream, looking
+directly west. The divisions of the corps were posted, on the right the
+Second, in the center the First, and on the left the Third division.
+
+On the flanks of the infantry, cavalry was posted; Custer on the right
+of the Sixth corps, and Averill's division, now under Colonel Powell, on
+the left of the infantry line, near Front Royal. Our line thus extended
+from North Mountain, on the right, almost to Front Royal, on the left,
+following nearly the course of Cedar creek, and that part of the north
+branch of the Shenandoah which crosses the valley at right angles.
+
+The enemy had been trying our line at various points, during the last
+two or three days, and in one instance had captured or dispersed a small
+squad of cavalry on the right, and captured some signaling instruments.
+These demonstrations were little heeded; our line had been posted by
+General Sheridan, and these slight attacks seemed of little account. In
+Early's army, however, they were considered of more weighty import. That
+army had recently been reinforced by Longstreet's corps of sixteen
+thousand men, and the immediate defeat, and, if possible, destruction,
+of Sheridan's army was regarded, by both General Lee and the authorities
+at Richmond, as absolutely necessary to the safety of Lee's army. Hence
+every preparation had been made for a most determined attack, and these
+lighter demonstrations had been made to ascertain the exact position of
+our troops.
+
+When, at two o'clock, on the morning of the nineteenth of October, we
+heard rapid firing where Custer, with his horsemen, held the right, and
+on the left, where Averill's cavalry was posted, we turned over in our
+blankets and said, "The cavalry is having a brush," and went to sleep
+again. And then, at a later hour, at four o'clock in the morning, when
+we of the Sixth corps heard brisk picket firing in front of the Eighth
+and Nineteenth corps, we were scarcely aroused from our slumbers, for we
+thought it to be a mere picket skirmish, in which none but those
+directly engaged had any particular interest. But when the firing became
+general along the whole line of these two corps, and we saw hundreds of
+men going with hasty steps and lengthy strides to the rear, we were at
+length aroused to the truth that a battle was really in progress.
+
+From a Sixth corps point of view, the scene was at first extremely
+ludicrous, we did not know and could not have believed at that time that
+the flank of our army was turned, and that the enemy was actually in
+possession of the camps of one whole corps; and when we saw stragglers
+filling the fields, taking rapid strides toward the rear, scarce any two
+of them going together, some without hats, others destitute of coats or
+boots, a few with guns, many wearing the shoulder straps of officers,
+all bent on getting a good way to the rear, never stopping to answer a
+question or explain what was going on at the front, the spectacle was to
+us of the Sixth corps one of infinite amusement. None of these hundreds
+and thousands of stragglers were so undignified as to run, but such
+walking was never seen before. None of them deigned to look to the right
+or left, they were bent only upon getting as far on the road to
+Winchester as possible.
+
+At length the truth flashed upon us. More than half of our army was
+already beaten and routed, while the remainder had been in ignorance of
+the fact that anything serious was transpiring. Now the rebels were
+pouring down toward the Winchester and Strasburgh turnpike, sending a
+perfect shower of bullets whistling about the vicinity of the
+head-quarters of the army, into the Sixth corps hospital camp and into
+the trains, which were by this time joining in the stampede.
+
+Staff officers now came riding furiously through the camps of the Sixth
+corps, with orders to fall in at once, and proceed at double-quick to
+the left.
+
+We may now turn back and trace the cause of this unexpected state of
+affairs. Early had, without doubt, assured himself of the exact position
+of our army through information conveyed by spies, who were able to
+comprehend the whole situation. He then prepared for a bold and sudden
+movement, which should take by surprise one flank of our army. Kershaw's
+rebel division advanced along the sides of the mountains, and, at
+midnight, crossed the north branch of the Shenandoah, still observing
+the most complete silence. Even the canteens of the soldiers had been
+left behind lest the sound of them should betray the movement.
+
+The whole division over, it was massed on the left of General Crook's
+command. A dense fog enveloped the whole surrounding country, and so
+thick was it that no man could see an object a few feet from him. Under
+the cover of this fog, the rebels succeeded in quietly capturing a large
+part of the picket force and nothing now interposed between the rebels
+and General Crook's camps. Toward these they hastened, and so complete
+was the surprise, that the men of the Eighth corps were, for the most
+part, quietly sleeping in their tents. The few who had got into the
+breastworks were subjected to a fierce fire in the flank, and were soon
+forced to abandon the line. The rebels seized the Union batteries along
+that part of the line, and turned them upon the camps of the Nineteenth
+corps, and at the same time a rebel line of battle advanced against that
+corps from the front. The confusion became every moment greater.
+Daylight was just merging from night, the thick mists hung like an
+impenetrable veil over the field, and the men of the Nineteenth corps
+were unable to tell whence came all this storm of missiles; but,
+trailing their guns in the direction from which the shells seemed to
+come, the gunners worked their pieces at random. A general stampede was
+commenced. The men of the Eighth corps were mostly fugitives; and those
+who strove to keep in line were forced back. Both the fugitives and the
+disordered line of battle, were rushing through the camps of the
+Nineteenth corps. The officers of that corps were, with shouts and wild
+gesticulations, striving to collect their disordered commands, but with
+little success. Riderless horses were galloping here and there, cows,
+with which the army was well supplied, were bellowing, mules were
+braying, bullets whistling and shells howling. The Eighth corps having
+left the way clear, the rebels came down upon the Nineteenth, which gave
+way and was doubled upon the Sixth corps, but although thrown into
+confusion it was not in the panic with which the Eighth corps yielded
+the ground.
+
+It was at this critical moment that the warning was given to the Sixth
+corps. General Wright being in command of the army, the corps was in
+charge of General Ricketts. He at once faced the corps to the rear, and
+moved it over the plain in face of the advancing hosts of the enemy.
+General Ricketts was wounded very early in the engagement of the corps,
+and the command fell upon General Getty.
+
+The Second division held the left of the new line, the First the center,
+and the Third the right. Bidwell's brigade was the left brigade of the
+Second division, the Vermonters held the center, and Warner's First
+brigade the right. The Second division was posted in the edge of an open
+oak grove. General Grant, of the Vermont brigade, was in charge.
+
+We now awaited the onset of the victorious columns, which were driving
+the shattered and disorganized fragments of the Eighth and Nineteenth
+corps, beaten and discouraged, wildly through our well formed ranks to
+the rear.
+
+The hope of the nation now rested with those heroes of many bloody
+fields. Now that peerless band of veterans, the wearers of the Greek
+cross, whose fame was already among the choicest treasures of American
+history, was to show to the country and the world, an exhibition of
+valor which should tower above all the grand achievements of the war.
+
+The corps, numbering less than twelve thousand men, now confronted
+Early's whole army of more than thirty thousand men, who, flushed with
+victory, already bringing to bear against us the twenty-one guns which
+they had just captured from the two broken corps, rushed upon our lines
+with those wild, exultant yells, the terror of which can never be
+conceived by those who have not heard them on the field.
+
+With fearless impetuosity the rebel army moved up the gentle rise of
+ground in front of the Sixth corps, and the attack, from one end of the
+line to the other, was simultaneous. It was like the clash of steel to
+steel. The astonished columns were checked. They had found an immovable
+obstacle to their march of victory.
+
+The Second division, on the left, nearest the pike, had received the
+most severe shock of the attack, while Bidwell's brigade, which held the
+extreme left, and the key to the pike, had sustained the attack of the
+whole of Kershaw's rebel division, which came up in compact order to
+within very close range. The gallant brigade received the onset with
+full volleys, which caused the right of the rebel line to stagger back,
+and the whole line was, almost at the same moment, repulsed by the
+corps. The cavalry on our flank--and never braver men than the cavalry
+of our little army mounted saddles--were doing their best to protect the
+pike leading to Winchester, and it was the great aim of both the cavalry
+and the single organized corps of infantry to hold this pike; for on
+this depended the safety of the whole army, and more, of our cause.
+
+The rebels checked, General Bidwell ordered his brigade to charge.
+Rising from their places in the little graveyard and the grove, the
+brigade rushed forward, the rebels breaking and running in confusion
+down the declivity which they had but just ascended with such
+confidence, and across the little stream. But the rebel artillery sent
+our men back to their places, to the shelter of the roll of ground. The
+charge cost us dearly. Major Brower, of the One hundred and
+twenty-second New York, lost his life. Captain Lennon, of the
+Seventy-seventh, was mortally wounded, Lieutenant Tabor was killed.
+Captain Taylor, commanding the Sixty-first Pennsylvania, was also
+killed, and many other valuable lives were lost, but the most severe
+blow to the brigade and the corps, was the loss of our gallant General
+Bidwell. He fell, while bravely directing the charge, with a frightful
+shell wound. He was at once borne to an ambulance. The general sent one
+of his staff for the writer of these pages. When he reached the
+general's ambulance, the wounded man said: "Doctor, I suppose there is
+no hope of recovery." When told that there was none he exclaimed, "Oh,
+my poor wife!" Then after a moment he said, "Doctor, see that my record
+is right at home. Tell them I died at my post doing my duty." A few
+hours of intense suffering and the brave man was relieved by death.
+
+The fall of General Bidwell left Colonel French, of the Seventy-seventh,
+in command of the brigade. The line was quickly reformed in the position
+from which the charge was made, and again the rebels came on with cheers
+and yells. They were as bravely met as before, and a second
+counter-charge sent them again in disorder across the creek, leaving the
+ground covered with their dead and wounded. The greatest shock of the
+second charge of the rebels had fallen upon our Third brigade, and nobly
+had it been met. A third time Early's forces came on; this time with
+less spirit. His men now knew the troops they had to contend with. They
+had been informed that the Sixth corps had been sent to Washington, on
+its way to Petersburgh. Now they discovered the mistake, and all of
+Early's authority was insufficient to bring them up to a spirited
+charge. We had repulsed them three times with terrible damage to their
+ranks, as well as sad loss to our own. But now we looked toward the
+right, and we saw rebels passing around our flank, and the Third and
+First divisions falling back. We were but twelve thousand. They were
+thirty thousand, and their line far overlapped ours. When Early could
+not drive us he went round us. And now it was necessary to take another
+position, which should protect the road to Winchester, and General
+Wright directed General Getty to fall back, with his corps, to a more
+commanding position, unless he saw good reason for desiring to hold his
+present position. So the order was given to take the new position.
+
+_The Sixth corps was not driven back._ It had thrice repulsed the most
+desperate charges of the whole rebel army, and now that the rebels were
+turning our flank, it was necessary to interpose an organized force, and
+there was no organized troops except the cavalry.
+
+Certain erudite historians, who have sent broadcast over our land,
+compilations of newspaper paragraphs under the sounding titles of
+historians of the rebellion, powerful gentlemen, who, from their
+comfortable quarters in northern homes, watched our battles from afar,
+quiet citizens whose sensibilities were never shocked by the sight of a
+battle-field, and whose nerves can hardly withstand the shock of fire
+crackers on the morning of a Fourth of July, have gravely informed their
+readers that our whole army, including the Sixth corps, was driven
+pell-mell six miles to the rear; and one of these grave historians very
+quietly assures those who have leisure to peruse his queer accumulations
+of absurdities, that we were driven all the way to Winchester, a
+distance of more than twenty miles. For the comfort and encouragement of
+these historians, so prolific of martial literature, and so barren of
+any ideas of military movements, it is conceded that their accounts of
+this battle are quite as correct as any which they are accustomed to
+give to the public.
+
+We took position just north of Middletown, which was about two miles in
+the rear of the position held by the Second division of our corps early
+in the morning. We went back quietly and in good order, a single
+regiment, the Second Vermont, holding without difficulty the position we
+abandoned. We carried with us all our wounded, all our shelter tents and
+all our personal property of every description, and the rebels did not
+dare to attack us. When we had taken our new position in the same order
+that we had formed in the morning, the Second division on the left, the
+First in the center, and the Third on the right, other troops also took
+position in the line. The cavalry, which had never for a moment
+faltered, took position, Custer on the right, Merritt on the left and
+the Nineteenth corps, which had now succeeded in restoring order to its
+broken ranks, was massed on the right and rear of the Sixth.
+
+With this new line of battle in the strong position we now held, General
+Wright determined that not only should the retreat stop here, but that
+the rebels should be driven back across Cedar creek. Their career of
+victory was ended. The grand old Sixth corps, directed by our own loved
+General Getty, had turned the fortunes of the day. It was now ten
+o'clock; far away in the rear was heard cheer after cheer. What was the
+cause? Were reinforcements coming? Yes, Phil Sheridan was coming, and he
+was a host. He had ridden from Winchester at amazing speed, and now, as
+he passed the long trains of ambulances in which were the hundreds of
+bleeding victims of the morning's work, the wounded men whose shattered
+limbs or mangled bodies attested that they had not run away, raised
+themselves and cheered with wild enthusiasm the hero of the valley. On
+he rode; most of his staff left far to the rear, his famous war-horse
+covered with foam and dirt, cheered at every step by hundreds of men in
+whom new courage was now kindled. Dashing along the pike, he came upon
+the line of battle. "What troops are those?" shouted Sheridan. "The
+Sixth corps," was the response from a hundred voices. "We are all
+right," said Sheridan, as he swung his old hat and dashed along the line
+toward the right. "Never mind, boys, we'll whip them yet; we'll whip
+them yet! We shall sleep in our old quarters to-night!" were the
+encouraging words of the chief as he rode along, while the men threw
+their hats high in air, leaped and danced and cheered in wildest joy.
+
+Sheridan at once completed the arrangements already commenced and nearly
+finished by General Wright. The men of the Sixth corps meanwhile busied
+themselves in cooking their morning meal.
+
+None but soldiers can realize the contending emotions we experienced as
+we waited for the development of the new arrangements. We had, with the
+pride which none but soldiers can feel, regained for northern troops the
+prestige for brilliant achievements and open field fighting in this
+valley, so often, in times past, the scene of humiliation to our arms.
+Were we now, notwithstanding all our brilliant successes and our proud
+consciousness of superiority, to see our prestige fade in an hour?
+Sheridan said, "No;" and we trusted him. Had Sheridan never reached the
+field, General Wright would have led us against the foe, whose ardor was
+already lost after the repeated repulses from the single corps. But
+there was a charm about the real commander of the army, and his
+opportune arrival inspired fresh hope and zeal in the breasts of all.
+Even a considerable portion of the Eighth corps was collected and placed
+on the left of the Sixth, and then, with cavalry on either flank, Custer
+on the right and Merritt on the left, we were ready to assume the
+offensive.
+
+Thus, all things being arranged, we were prepared to test the question
+whether our army was to fall back to Winchester beaten and humiliated or
+return to our old camps.
+
+At one o'clock, the rebels advanced against the right of our line, but
+were repulsed. A brisk fire of artillery was for a time kept up, but
+even this died away and nothing but the scattering fire of skirmishers
+was heard.
+
+Early had, without doubt, now relinquished the idea of any further
+offensive operations, and he as little thought that any were designed on
+our part. The rebels quietly proceed to bring their baggage wagons and
+ambulances across the river, and they set themselves about fitting up
+our camps for their own use.
+
+At three o'clock, Sheridan gave the order to move; wheeling from right
+to left, as a gate swings upon its hinges. The Third division on the
+right of our corps became for a moment embarrassed in passing through a
+strip of woods, the First division moved slowly but firmly, gaining a
+strong position. The Second division also advanced, but it was ordered
+to go very slowly, and this was far more difficult than to rush quickly
+over the ground. Yet the division obeyed the order and forced the rebels
+to fall back. In front of the First and Second brigades was a stone
+wall. This they seized and were at once partially sheltered; but there
+was no such protection for the Third brigade. In its front was a meadow
+and a gradually inclined plane, and behind a wall which skirted the
+crest, was the rebel line. Between that line and ours, in a hollow,
+stood a brick mill, from the windows of which the enemy's sharpshooters
+picked off our men. The galling fire from the line of battle, and the
+fatal shots of the sharpshooters in the mill, made it impossible to
+advance slowly, and the line fell back. Our best men were falling fast.
+The color-sergeant of the Seventy-seventh fell dead; another sergeant
+seized the flag and fell. Adjutant Gilbert Thomas, a youth of rare
+beauty and surpassing bravery, seized the fallen flag; he cried,
+"forward, men!" and fell dead with the staff grasped in his hand.
+
+"I cannot take my brigade over that field, slowly," said Colonel French;
+"then go quickly," responded General Getty. The word was given, and with
+a bound and a shout the noble brigade went across the field, quickly
+driving the confederates from their strong position.
+
+By this time the right of the army had started the rebels, and their
+whole line was giving way. The three divisions of the Sixth corps
+bounded forward, and commenced the wildest race that had ever been
+witnessed even in that valley so famous for the flight of beaten armies.
+The rebel lines were completely broken, and now in utmost confusion,
+every man was going in greatest haste toward Cedar creek. Our men, with
+wild enthusiasm, with shouts and cheers, regardless of order or
+formation, joined in the hot pursuit. There was our mortal enemy, who
+had but a few hours since driven us unceremoniously from our camps, now
+beaten, routed, broken, bent on nothing but the most rapid flight. We
+had not forgotten our humiliation of the morning, and the thought of it
+gave fleetness to the feet of our pursuers.
+
+From the point where we broke the rebel ranks to the crossing of Cedar
+creek, was three miles, an open plain. Over this plain and down the pike
+the panic-stricken army was flying, while our soldiers, without ever
+stopping to load their pieces, were charging tardy batteries with empty
+muskets, seizing prisoners by scores and hundreds, every Union soldier
+his own commander, bent on nothing but the destruction of the flying
+foe. As we reached Cedar creek, the pursuit was given over to the
+cavalry. The gallant Custer, now in his wild joy, could be heard
+shouting to his impetuous men, "Charge them! Charge them!" and then we
+could hear words, hard to print, but which added startling emphasis to
+the commands.
+
+Crossing the river, he came upon the pike, crowded with men and cannon,
+caissons and ambulances, wagons and pack animals. With one mighty sweep,
+forty-five pieces of artillery, many wagons and ambulances, and hundreds
+of prisoners, were taken. Merritt, too, captured seven guns, many
+battle-flags, and prisoners without number. Indeed, the prisoners could
+not be numbered, for there were not enough of the cavalry to guard them,
+and as soon as they had thrown down their arms they were passed to the
+rear, and in the darkness hundreds of them escaped to the mountains.
+Through the darkness the cavalry kept up the pursuit until Mount Jackson
+was passed.
+
+The infantry returned to the camps, and as we took our old places,
+cheers made the welkin ring; and then as we heard constantly of new
+trophies, the wild huzzahs rang from one end of our army to the other.
+Such wild joy has rarely been felt by an army. What cared the men of the
+Nineteenth corps that they were forced to lie upon the ground without
+tents or blankets? Our army was victorious and our honor saved.
+
+The moon shining brightly over the battle-field revealed the camps of
+the living side by side with the resting places of the dead. All the way
+from Middletown to Cedar creek the debris of battle was scattered over
+the fields. Here and there were seen the remains of our comrades of the
+morning, their lifeless bodies stripped by vandal rebels of almost every
+garment. They lay like specters in the pale moonlight; here, still in
+death, under a cluster of bushes, was stretched a group; there, by the
+side of a wall, a row of inanimate bodies marked a spot where brave men
+had fallen at their posts; in the ravine where the little creek wound
+its way, and beneath the boughs of the chestnut trees of the grove, many
+slept their last sleep. Among our camps, the spades of the pioneers were
+heard as they hollowed out the shallow graves; and as we threw ourselves
+upon the ground to rest, we mourned for our comrades, and we rejoiced
+for our victory.
+
+Sad, sad it was to think of the noble ones who had left us. Never again
+were we to see the form of the great-hearted Bidwell at the head of his
+brigade. We remembered his heroic bravery in all the terrible fights of
+those bloody days, from the Rapidan to Petersburgh; we thought of him
+when, at Winchester and Fisher Hill, he directed the movements of his
+brigade with such consummate coolness and skill; we remembered his
+cordial smile and friendly words, and then we thought of his heroism in
+the morning, and our hearts were heavy to think that he was gone.
+
+Adjutant Thomas, too, had left us; our noble, beautiful boy. Could he
+have died a grander death had he been spared longer? Could his last
+words have been better chosen had he expired in the embrace of loved
+ones at home? "Forward, men; forward!" Were they not grand dying words?
+Rest, brother; thy death was as grand as thy life was lovely.
+
+Lennon's bright eye must soon close forever. We should never again hear
+his hearty laugh or listen to his sparkling wit. He had fallen as a hero
+falls, and his life had been the life of a hero and patriot. Belding and
+Tabor, too, brave captains of brave men, each had fallen in advance of
+his friends.
+
+Major Brower of the One Hundred and Twenty-second, Captain Taylor,
+commanding the Sixty-first Pennsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel Kohler of
+the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania and Major Borman of the Fifteenth New
+Jersey, all brave and competent officers, were lost to our corps; while
+among the wounded were General Ricketts, Colonel Penrose, commander of
+the New Jersey brigade, Colonel Dwight of the One Hundred and
+Twenty-second, Captain Orr of Bidwell's staff, and Lieutenant Mitchell
+of the Seventh Maine.
+
+Our army remained along Cedar creek for several days, the cavalry only
+scouting up the valley in search of remnants of Early's shattered army.
+Then, we fell back to the vicinity of Winchester, where our men built
+comfortable quarters, and here we remained until General Grant called us
+back to Petersburgh. Many of the regiments in the meantime were mustered
+out of the service as regiments, the recruits and reenlisted men
+remaining as battalions with the name of the original regiments, except
+the substitution of the battalion for the regiment. Among other
+regiments whose time expired was the one whose early career formed the
+subject of the first chapters of this narrative, and whose honorable and
+indeed brilliant course we have never lost sight of. The returning
+veterans left camp on the 19th of November, leaving two hundred and
+fifty men still to represent the organization. We will not pause to
+speak of the parting of those so long companions in arms, of the trip
+homeward or of the brilliant reception and magnificent entertainment
+extended by the patriotic citizens of Saratoga to the veterans of a
+hundred battles. These were fitting testimonials of appreciation of the
+service of patriot soldiers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+THE FINAL CAMPAIGN.
+
+    Sixth corps returns to Petersburgh--Condition of the
+    corps--Sheridan joins the grand army--Capture of Fort
+    Steadman--The last grand charge--The pursuit of Lee's
+    army--Tributes to the Sixth corps--Disbanding.
+
+
+On the 9th of December, the Sixth corps was recalled to Petersburgh. We
+need not describe the journey to Washington, nor the steamboat ride to
+City Point; the scenes along this route have already been described.
+
+We took our position on the Weldon railroad, erected more comfortable
+huts than we had ever built before, our sick were placed in hospitals
+fitted up with great taste, and everything which the government or our
+friends at home, through the agencies of Sanitary and Christian
+Commissions, could do for their comfort was gladly done.
+
+During our absence in the Shenandoah Valley, the army under General
+Grant had been making steady progress in the siege of Petersburgh, and
+our war-worn brothers of the other corps showed upon their faces the
+marks of overwork. We were in fresh vigor. We had marched through a
+blooming valley literally abounding in milk and honey. The fruits of the
+vine, the orchard and the fold had been ours, and our camps had been in
+green fields and pleasant groves, we had marched over wide roads, and
+through rolling meadows, and we had fought in the open field. We
+returned to our old comrades, proud of our own achievements, and of the
+praise we had won from the nation. We could point to the valley, and to
+the memory of Early's army, now no more; and we proudly claimed that it
+had been ours to rid the country of one of the most troublesome of the
+rebel columns.
+
+Now that we were again in the trenches, we felt a confidence in our own
+valor which made our corps eminently fitted for the last grand duty, the
+crowning act in the glorious history of this superb corps, the breaking
+asunder of Lee's lines at Petersburgh, and as the result, the overthrow
+of the rebellion.
+
+Grant's army had, during our absence, extended the line much farther to
+the west and south. When we left for Washington, our line extended only
+a little beyond the Jerusalem plank road. Now, it crossed the Weldon
+railroad, and reached Hatcher's Run, nearly eight miles from the
+position occupied by us when we left the lines. The military railroad,
+too, had been constructed, and now all supplies were brought from City
+Point to the rear of our camps by rail cars.
+
+The famous mine had exploded, and with it the project of taking
+Petersburgh by surprise. Events of importance had transpired on the
+north of the James, and the Dutch Gap canal was in progress. Yet, Lee's
+army held us at arm's length, and Petersburgh was still to be taken.
+
+In the latter part of February, our friend, Sheridan, was ordered to
+leave the valley with his superb body of horsemen, and cross the country
+through Lynchburgh, destroy Lee's communications with the west, pass
+through Danville and join Sherman in his grand march to the sea. But the
+James river, swollen by heavy rains, forbade a crossing, and Sheridan,
+nowise disconcerted, turned the heads of his horses toward the White
+House, and after many adventures, having wrought much mischief in the
+rear of the rebel army, he joined Grant's army before Petersburgh, on
+the 26th of March. The result was better than though he had been able to
+accomplish the original design.
+
+Now, the Army of the Potomac was one again. The Sixth corps, and
+Sheridan with his cavalry, were important elements in that grand army;
+and now, as the glorious spring-time was drying the depths of the mud,
+and opening the way for a fresh campaign, we were in most superb
+condition to administer the last blows to the already tottering fabric
+of the rebellion.
+
+We need not dwell long upon the particulars of this final campaign.
+
+Lee took the initiative. Knowing that it would be impossible to hold his
+present line much longer, he determined to retreat to Danville; but
+wishing to cover his retreat by a bold movement in front, he sent a
+strong column to attack Fort Steadman, a point toward the right of the
+line where the two opposing lines were very close. The fort was guarded
+by troops of the Ninth corps. The attack was made very early on the
+morning of the 25th of March, and resulted in the complete surprise and
+capture of the fort and of many of the men of the Ninth corps. It was a
+short-lived triumph; the work taken was commanded by the guns of other
+forts on either flank, and the enfilading guns with strong bodies of
+infantry soon compelled a retreat of the enemy.
+
+Meanwhile the opportunity had not been lost by General Meade for
+advancing his line on the left. The Sixth corps was to do the work. The
+Third brigade, Second division was sent forward to take and hold the
+rebel picket line near the Squirrel Level road, for the double purpose
+of withdrawing the attention of the enemy, and of advancing our line for
+future operations. The brigade gallantly executed the order, and,
+notwithstanding the rebels brought nine pieces of artillery to bear upon
+it, and sent reinforcements to the point, the ground was held. Colonel
+Dwight of the One Hundred and Twenty-second was killed; Captain Oakley
+and Lieutenant Pierce lost their lives, and many others of the brigade
+were killed or wounded.
+
+The 29th of March was the day fixed for the opening of the grand final
+campaign. The Twenty-fourth corps relieved the Second and Fifth corps
+from the intrenchments in front of Petersburgh, and these two corps were
+loose to join Sheridan in an expedition on our left with the view of
+turning the enemy's right flank.
+
+Leaving camp early on the morning of the 29th, the two corps and the
+cavalry proceeded to the southwest, crossed Hatcher's Run, and marched
+toward Dinwiddie Court House, the infantry reaching the Quaker road, the
+cavalry continuing the march to Dinwiddie. We had now an unbroken line
+from the Appomattox to Dinwiddie Court House. The corps were posted from
+right to left, as follows: Ninth, Sixth, Twenty-fourth, Second, Fifth,
+and on the left of all, Sheridan with the cavalry.
+
+On the morning of the 30th, the infantry and cavalry on the left were
+ready for the grand blow upon the flank and rear of the enemy, but a
+heavy rain storm set in, rendering the roads impracticable, and except
+some maneuvering to get nearer the enemy's position, no movements were
+made. On the following day, the rebels made a fierce onset upon the
+corps of Warren, but failed to dislodge him. April 1st, Sheridan, with
+infantry and cavalry, engaged the rebels at a place called Five Forks, a
+position of vital importance to the enemy.
+
+While Sheridan was thus dealing heavy blows upon the flank, we in front
+were preparing for a general advance.
+
+[Illustration: CHARGE OF THE SIXTH CORPS, WHICH BROKE THE REBEL LINES,
+April 2, 1865.]
+
+The position occupied by the Sixth corps formed a salient, the angle
+approaching very near the rebel line. Here, in front of Fort Welch and
+Fort Fisher, the corps was massed in columns of brigades in _echelon_,
+forming a mighty wedge, which should rive the frame-work of the
+confederacy.
+
+The corps was formed in the rear of the picket line; the Third brigade,
+Second division, being the point of the wedge. On the right of that
+brigade was the First brigade of the same division, and on the left, the
+Vermont brigade. The First division of three brigades was in _echelon_
+by brigades on the right of the Second, and the Third of two large
+brigades also in _echelon_. Each brigade was in column of battalions.
+Axemen were ready to be sent forward to remove abattis, and Captain
+Adams had twenty cannoneers ready to man captured guns. Every commanding
+officer of battalions was informed what he was expected to do, and thus
+all was in readiness.
+
+At half-past four in the morning of April 2d, the signal gun from Fort
+Fisher sounded the advance. Without wavering, through the darkness, the
+wedge which was to split the confederacy was driven home.
+
+The abattis was past, the breastworks mounted, the works were our own.
+Thousands of prisoners, many stands of colors and many guns were our
+trophies, while many of our friends, dead or wounded, was the price of
+our glory. The rebel line was broken, and now the troops of Ord, and
+those of the Ninth corps pressed on after us. Humphries, too, of the
+Second corps, hearing of our splendid success, stormed the works in his
+front away on the left and carried them. The confederate army gathered
+close around Petersburgh, but we followed closely. We will not stop to
+tell all the splendid achievements of that glorious day.
+
+That night our corps rested on the Appomattox, just above Petersburgh,
+and General Grant, of the Vermont brigade, had his head-quarters in the
+house which General Lee had occupied all winter, and had left only a few
+hours before. During the night Lee made his escape with his army. He had
+already sent word to Richmond that he was to retreat, and the fatal
+message reached Davis while in church.
+
+We all joined in the pursuit next morning. The Second and Sixth corps
+hastening to the help of Sheridan, who was following hard after the
+flying army. We confronted Lee at Jetersville, and on the morning of the
+6th we moved up to attack, but there was no army to attack. Why need we
+tell of the forced march that followed; of the gallant fight at Sailor's
+creek, where we whipped Lee's army; of the wild joy of the surrender?
+These are all too well known to repeat, and the details would be
+tiresome.
+
+The grand old Sixth corps, the pride of the army and the delight of the
+nation, had crowned all its former record of glory by breaking the
+famous "backbone" of the rebellion, and all that follows is tame.
+
+General Grant did us the credit to say, "General Wright penetrated the
+lines with his whole corps, sweeping everything before him, and to his
+left, toward Hatcher's run, capturing many guns and several thousand
+prisoners."
+
+General Meade, too, says: "Major-General Wright attacked at four A.M.,
+carrying everything before him, taking possession of the enemy's strong
+line of works, and capturing many guns and prisoners. After carrying the
+enemy's lines in his front, and reaching the Boydtown plank road,
+Major-General Wright turned to his left and swept down the enemy's line
+of intrenchments till near Hatcher's run, where, meeting the head of the
+Twenty-fourth corps, General Wright retraced his steps and advanced on
+the Boydtown plank road toward Petersburgh, encountering the enemy in an
+inner line of works immediately around the city."
+
+The march and halt at Danville, the rapid journey through
+Fredericksburgh to Alexandria, the separate review of the corps under
+the scorching rays of one of the hottest days ever known even in
+Washington, when hundreds of our men fell down from sunstroke and
+exhaustion, the return to camp and the disbanding, finish the story of
+the grandest corps that ever faced a foe.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Three Years in the Sixth Corps, by
+George T. Stevens
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THREE YEARS IN THE SIXTH CORPS ***
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