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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Sixteenth Connecticut
+Volunteers, by B. F. Blakeslee
+
+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: History of the Sixteenth Connecticut Volunteers
+
+Author: B. F. Blakeslee
+
+Release Date: April 2, 2010 [EBook #31867]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY--16TH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jeannie Howse, Charlene Taylor, Joseph Cooper
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +-------------------------------------------------------+
+    | Transcriber's Note:                                   |
+    |                                                       |
+    | Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has |
+    | been preserved.                                       |
+    |                                                       |
+    | Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. For |
+    | a complete list, please see the end of this document. |
+    |                                                       |
+    +-------------------------------------------------------+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+    HISTORY
+
+    OF THE
+
+    SIXTEENTH
+
+    CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.
+
+    BY
+
+    B.F. BLAKESLEE,
+
+    LATE 2D LIEUT. CO. G. 16TH C.V.
+
+    HARTFORD:
+    THE CASE, LOCKWOOD & BRAINARD CO., PRINTERS.
+    1875.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+It is to be regretted that a complete history of the 16th Regiment,
+Connecticut Volunteers, has not been written. At this late day it
+would require much time, labor, and expense, to prepare one, and
+probably will never be done. Many volumes might be written which would
+be of inestimable value hereafter. Their services in the War for the
+Union cannot be placed upon a few pages. This volume is but a mere
+outline history, mostly compiled from diaries written by me at a young
+age, the importance of which was not then comprehended; with no
+expectation of the future use they would be put to,--but little was
+written, and that mostly concerned myself. It is the object of this
+work to create a permanent record of some of the marches, battles, and
+experiences generally of the organization above mentioned. This
+undertaking is made in behalf of the surviving members of the
+regiment, to whom it is hoped the work will prove of some value as a
+book of reference. The hope is also expressed that this work may prove
+a not unwelcome though sad memorial to the friends of those members of
+the regiment who lost their lives in battle or prison. The author is
+unaccustomed to historical composition, and makes no boast of literary
+education.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+1862.
+
+CAMP WILLIAMS TO ANTIETAM.
+
+
+The regiment was recruited in Hartford county, and its services were
+tendered to the National Government in response to the President's
+call for three hundred thousand volunteers for three years. It was
+almost entirely made up of men in the county, and of excellent
+material,--some of the oldest and best families were represented in
+its ranks; and comprised many of the finest young men whom the
+commonwealth ever sent to uphold its honor in the field.
+
+It was organized during the month of August, 1862, under the command
+of Colonel Frank Beach, of the regular army. The month of August was a
+severe shock to most of the men, even those of a strong constitution.
+It was a complete revolution in their method of life. Many of the men
+were accustomed to all the refinements of wealth, and all of them had
+been reared in abundance. The outdoor life, though not hard as yet,
+was too great for those that had led the quiet and easy life of a
+citizen, and a few of our noble men who had offered themselves to the
+government were unable to endure the hardships, and died before the
+regiment left Hartford.
+
+On Sunday, August 24th, 1862, the regiment, numbering ten hundred and
+ten men, was duly mustered into the United States service by Lieut.
+Watson Webb, of the regular army.
+
+On the 28th, the regiment having been fully clothed and equipped,
+(except muskets,) as army regulations required, they were carefully
+reviewed and inspected in the company streets by the Colonel. It was a
+very hot day, and many of the men fainted under their load. This
+experience taught a lesson; we then saw that it was impossible to
+carry such loads; many of the men having from thirty to fifty pounds
+packed in their knapsacks. Immediately after inspection the men
+unpacked and threw away a great many articles which at first seemed
+impossible to get along without; but even then we were too heavily
+loaded, as we found out the next day.
+
+The forenoon of the following day was a busy time with the Sixteenth;
+bed-ticks were emptied, knapsacks packed, blankets rolled, and three
+days rations placed in the haversacks.
+
+Early in the day the relatives and friends of the soldiers commenced
+to arrive from the country, and before the regiment left, the city was
+full of visitors. At noon tents were struck, and we were drawn up in
+line, a thousand strong. The march of the regiment through the city
+was a perfect ovation. The dock and river banks were thronged with
+dear friends whom ties had bound together for years. The Governor and
+a portion of his staff marched at the head of the regiment. Six
+companies embarked on the "City of Hartford," and four companies on
+the "Geo. C. Collins," leaving the dock at three o'clock, amid the
+cheers of thousands of spectators. A pleasant sail down the river,
+passing the night as best we could on crowded boats, we reached New
+York in good season the next morning. We were here transferred to the
+steamer "Kill von Kull," and a breakfast of vegetable soup and coffee
+was dealt out. The steamer took us to Elizabeth, N.J., where we went
+aboard cars and proceeded to Baltimore via Harrisburg, arriving at
+Baltimore the next day at nine o'clock. There the "Union Relief
+Association," gave us a most excellent breakfast. While we were
+waiting there in the depot for a fresh train for Washington, the
+report was received that Stonewall Jackson had been captured. We
+cheered and shouted, laughed and danced, rejoiced and gave thanks in
+the same breath, and did every thing except to keep still.
+
+We have never forgiven ourselves for that day's folly, and never
+shall. Stonewall Jackson had not been captured, as we had good reason
+to understand two weeks afterward.
+
+In the afternoon we went aboard a miserable, dirty train and proceeded
+to Washington, arriving there late in the evening in a drizzling rain.
+We went into barracks for the night. Early in the morning the men
+visited the Capitol and other places of interest. At nine o'clock the
+regiment fell into line and for the first time we were "on the march."
+Passing through the city we made direct for Long Bridge, where we had
+a long rest; while resting General McClellan came across from the
+Virginia side. In crossing Long Bridge we received a startling
+illustration of war,--meeting a line of ambulances a mile in length,
+bringing dead and dying from the battlefield of second Bull Run. The
+regiment marched to Fort Ward, a distance of five or six miles from
+Washington. That night it rained terribly, and the tents not having
+come up, we were compelled to sit in the rain all night; this we
+thought soldiering with a vengeance. The next day was spent in drying
+our blankets and clothing in the sun. During the week we had little or
+no drill, and but few instructions in marching. On Saturday we
+received orders to be ready to march in light marching order. The next
+morning (Sunday, Sept. 7th,) we had the regular army Sunday Inspection
+with arms. At noon we took up our line of march, and went directly
+back to Washington, arriving there at sunset; this was a terrible
+march for us, being very hot and so dusty that we could barely see the
+second file ahead. Halting in Seventh street, we had a long rest where
+we ate supper, filled canteens, and flirted with girls in the windows.
+Resuming the march we started to join the Army of the Potomac, which
+was several miles beyond, and heading towards Frederick City,
+Maryland. At nine and a half P.M. we halted for the night, having made
+nineteen miles since one P.M. This was good marching for new troops,
+and showed what we would be equal to when necessity required. The
+regiment encamped for the night in the woods, but when we came to lie
+down on the ground with little or no covering it seemed rather tough.
+Having been ordered to move in light marching order, we left our
+knapsacks in Virginia, and therefore the men had only a blanket or an
+overcoat, whichever in their judgment would be the most useful. The
+next morning at an early hour we proceeded to Leesboro, a distance of
+three miles, and a report being among the men that we were out of
+rations, Colonel Beach refused to go further until we had some. The
+men commenced to forage on a small scale.
+
+September 9th the Baltimore papers gave us the startling news that the
+rebels had occupied Frederick City, and were invading Pennsylvania.
+During the day some shelter-tents were issued, which were gladly
+welcomed, as we had lain on the ground without any shelter for eight
+nights. On the evening of the 10th some rations came, and the cooks
+went to work and cooked during the night three days rations. In the
+meantime the men lived on the farmers near by.
+
+The next day we started "on the march" at seven and a half A.M.,
+marching steadily until three P.M., when we halted, being about a mile
+and a half from Brookville, and having made fourteen miles.
+
+September 12th we commenced marching at seven A.M. and marched to
+Mount Lebanon, a distance of fourteen miles. It was an extremely hot
+day.
+
+Saturday, September 13th, we learned that General Burnside had driven
+the rebels out of Frederick City; commenced marching at eight A.M. We
+passed through Damascus, Monrovia, and New Market, and encamped just
+outside of the town, and near New Market street. We heard the booming
+of artillery ahead all day. The next morning (Sunday the 14th) we
+broke up camp in a hurry, and marched rapidly towards Frederick City,
+reaching there at noon. Just before entering the city we passed quite
+a large squad of rebel prisoners. These were the first rebels that we
+had seen, and they attracted considerable attention from us. We
+encamped in a small vacant lot on the east side of the city, and
+during the afternoon most of the regiment were around the city without
+leave, hunting up something to eat, most of whom got good square meals
+from the citizens at a cheap price, averaging twenty-five cents per
+man. The rebels had been driven out of the city by General Burnside
+only twelve hours before, and the union citizens were in high spirits;
+nearly every house had the red, white, and blue in some shape thrown
+to the breeze to testify to its loyalty to the United States.
+
+Monday, September 15th. The regiment commenced to march quite early in
+the morning, and passed through Fairfield and Middletown. We could
+here begin to form some idea of that great army, the "Army of the
+Potomac," and the fearful destruction that an army can make. The road
+was completely blocked up with army wagons and ambulances. The road
+was narrow over the mountain, and terribly dusty. The ambulances were
+filled with the wounded, and rebel prisoners under guard were trying
+to go to the rear. Infantry, baggage wagons, provision and ammunition
+trains, were eagerly pushing to the front. The result was a
+stand-still for over an hour. On both sides of the road, shot and
+shell had pierced the trees and houses. The fences were riddled with
+bullets, telegraph poles were down, and the earth was ploughed by
+solid shot. The dead lay by the road-side, and the ambulances were
+scouring the mountain sides with men detailed to pick up the wounded.
+The churches, houses, and barns were filled with the wounded. Parties
+were seen in every direction burying the dead. The scenes showed that
+a fierce battle had been fought the day before, and we began to
+realize what we must go through when we should join the main army. We
+marched that day about twelve miles, and encamped for the night on the
+battle-field of South Mountain. The next day we started on the march
+at six A.M. and passed through Boonsboro, and Keedysville. At
+Boonsboro, also, the churches, houses, and barns were filled with
+wounded. At Keedysville, we had a long rest, and it was here that we
+first saw a "line of battle." Colonel Beach, with his experienced eye,
+first spied the distant jets of white smoke. All were watching the
+peculiar puffs of smoke with great interest, when Adjutant Burnham,
+who had been absent, returned with the order that we were _wanted at
+the front_. This took us a little by surprise as we did not expect to
+go into battle so soon. But on went the bundles, and after a tedious
+march through ploughed fields and forests, passing brigades and
+divisions, the booming of artillery and bursting of shells sounding
+louder and louder, we finally joined a brigade consisting of the 4th
+R.I., and the 8th and 11th C.V.
+
+After resting awhile we loaded our muskets for the first time, and
+marched over a hill, and into a meadow which lay between two hills.
+While getting into this position we could plainly see the rebel
+gunners load and fire, some of the shells coming quite near us. At
+last we were in the great "line of battle" of the "Army of the
+Potomac," 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 9th Corps, General Burnside, on its
+extreme left. It was now eight o'clock in the evening, and quite dark;
+we were within a few rods of the enemy, and orders were given in a
+whisper; we were ordered to make no noise and to rest on our arms; for
+thirty minutes the utmost quiet prevailed. A musket was accidentally
+discharged; in a second the troops were on their feet, with arms at a
+"ready," and as they stood peering into the darkness ahead you could
+hear both lines of battle spring to arms for miles.
+
+Occasionally the boom of artillery was heard, and during the night
+there were repeated alarms, so that the soldiers on either side
+obtained but little rest. The hostile pickets on one portion of the
+line were so near each other, that during the night six of the enemy
+were captured.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+1862.
+
+THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
+
+
+The next morning dawned beautifully; little did we imagine that that
+bright sun would be obscured by the smoke of battle, the field we trod
+ploughed with shot, flow with blood, and planted thick with the dead.
+Scarcely had the sun risen when a shell from the enemy dropped not far
+from our force, which was quietly resting upon their arms near the
+crest of a low knoll a short distance from the enemy's position.
+Immediately another followed, a twelve pounder crashed diagonally
+through the Eighth Connecticut, killing three men instantly, and
+wounding four in Company D.
+
+The position was changed for one less exposed, but in getting there
+the troops were obliged to pass under a deadly fire from a rebel
+battery stationed at short range distance. In this undertaking the
+Sixteenth lost three wounded. We lay here perhaps two hours, and had a
+good view of the battle on the right, which had by this time assumed a
+fearful magnitude. Along the western banks of the Antietam River,
+there runs, with a gradual rise of undulating ground, a
+crescent-shaped ridge, presenting its concave side to the river. The
+top of this ridge spreads out into a broad tableground of forests and
+ravines. A series of timbered-covered hills surrounded this ridge;
+some of the adjacent hills had been cleared of the forest, and were
+covered with orchards and cornfields, enclosed with fences of rails or
+stone. Behind this ridge runs the road from Hagerstown to Sharpsburg
+and Shepardstown. Sharpsburg is just in the rear of the ridge.
+
+Along these hills the rebel lines were posted, four miles in extent.
+Their position was exceedingly strong, protected by ravines and
+forests. Every commanding crest bristled with artillery, and the
+forests were planted thick with infantry. The extreme right of the
+rebel line was within three-fourths of a mile of the Potomac; in
+front, and along their left flank, flowed the Antietam, winding
+through a wooded ravine, with banks too high and with waters too deep
+to permit a crossing, except at two fords, at some distance from each
+other. Between these distant fords there were three bridges; on the
+right, at the center, and on the left. These bridges were strongly
+guarded. The federal troops were on the east side of the Antietam,
+behind a low range of hills, lying at the base of the Blue Ridge.
+These eminences were generally commanded by the heights held by the
+rebels. General Lee had certainly chosen a very strong position.
+
+The Eleventh Connecticut now received orders from General Burnside to
+take the bridge, after the batteries had shelled the woods on the
+other side, and hold it until General Rodman could march his column
+over. At about nine o'clock the Sixteenth again formed and marched
+about a mile, first through a corn-field, and finally into a valley
+where they halted in an orchard. While passing through the cornfield
+the men stripped themselves of blankets, overcoats, and all luggage
+that would impede the progress of marching or the use of firearms.
+After filling our canteens from a brook near by, we marched up a steep
+hill that seemed almost impossible to surmount, then down on the other
+side and into Antietam river, which we forded and marched to a side
+hill. Soon in plain sight could be seen a rebel battery dashing
+intrepidly forward and planting itself directly in range of the
+Sixteenth.
+
+By this time the rebel batteries were all roaring. They opened on us
+in all their fury. The air was filled with bullets and fiendish
+missiles. Hundreds of cannon were now aimed at us; grape and
+cannister, marbles and railroad iron were showered down like rain. The
+crest of the hill was a great protection to the Sixteenth, and only
+about a dozen were disabled. A battery was ordered up to engage the
+enemy, but it was whirled back in less than five minutes, losing every
+officer, seven men, and five horses. To see those men stand there and
+be shot down till they received orders to retire was a fearful sight.
+It was half past three o'clock; the Fourth Rhode Island and the
+Sixteenth Connecticut were ordered into a cornfield, and they moved
+forward quite a distance in advance of the army at their right; we
+here laid down letting the shot and shell pass over us.
+
+In the meanwhile the Division of A.P. Hill, which had arrived from
+Harper's Ferry, and joined Lee's army, were coming into this cornfield
+from the opposite side, unobserved; at the same time Company H,
+(Captain Barber,) had been thrown out in advance as a vidette to
+prevent being surprised. At four o'clock McClellan sent orders to
+Burnside to advance, and carry the batteries in his front at all
+hazards and at any cost. Burnside's corps was charging. General Rodman
+observed that the rebels were about to flank us and get in our rear,
+and ordered the Fourth Rhode Island, and Sixteenth Connecticut to
+swing to the left that we might face them, but at that particular
+moment the rustling of cornstalks warned us that the rebels were on
+us. Colonel Beach gave the order 'Attention!' While this order was
+being executed a terrible volley was fired into us. Volley after
+volley in quick succession was hurled into our midst. The Sixteenth
+sprang up and returned the fire with good effect; some fixed bayonets,
+advanced, and were captured. The most helpless confusion ensued. Our
+men fell by scores on every side. Still our position was obstinately
+maintained, until ordered to fall back. The rebels discovered the
+disorder, and came on us in heavy column.
+
+While we were falling back to cover near the bridge we were swept by a
+destructive cross-fire, and the rebels becoming entangled in this
+cross-fire extricated themselves and fell back to the stone wall. The
+Eighth, Eleventh, and Sixteenth Connecticut, and the Fourth Rhode
+Island, re-formed and were placed in position for defence. At this
+time General Burnside's messenger rode up to McClellan. His message
+was, "I want troops and guns. If you do not send them I cannot hold my
+position for half an hour." McClellan said slowly: "Tell General
+Burnside that this is the battle of the war. He must hold his ground
+till dark at any cost. I will send him Miller's Battery; I can do no
+more. I have no infantry." Then as the messenger was riding away he
+called him back. "Tell him if he cannot hold his ground, then the
+bridge, to the last man! always the bridge! If the bridge is lost, all
+is lost." The enemy was pressing down hard upon the battery which had
+been placed on the crest in front of the Eleventh. Burnside called for
+aid and General Rodman having been killed, Colonel Harland took
+command of the division, re-formed the disorganized regiments, and by
+his bravery the unsupported battery was rescued from capture.
+
+The fighting was ended. It was indeed a fearful day for the Sixteenth.
+Without having time allowed to learn even the rudiments of military
+science, it was hurried forward and was formed in regimental line
+almost for the first time on the battle-field of Antietam, the
+bloodiest day America ever saw. After sunset the brigade was relieved,
+and retired across the river to reorganize and be ready for the duties
+which they might be called upon to do when another day should come.
+Arms were stacked, and the tired soldiers laid down to rest. Of all
+gloomy nights, this was the saddest we ever experienced. All was quiet
+and silent as the grave. The stacks of straw which the rebels had
+fired burned slow and dimly. The cries and groans of the wounded that
+lay on the battle-field could be heard distinctly, and the occasional
+report of artillery sounded solemn and death-like.
+
+The morning of the 18th dawned. The sun rose obscurely and there was a
+fair prospect of rain. The Sixteenth had gone into the battle with 940
+men. Some not being able to endure the hard marching had been left at
+Frederick City. On this morning we could muster but 300 men; but
+during the day about 200 joined the regiment who wore unable to find
+it the previous evening. It was a sorry sight that morning as General
+Burnside rode up to encourage the men, who supposed, of course, that
+the battle would be resumed, said, "only hold out this day, boys, and
+the war is ended." Colonel Harland's brigade was once more moved
+forward, and stationed in line of battle near the bridge, which
+General Burnside had been ordered to hold at all hazards. Here they
+remained until the next morning, when the bridge was crossed, and the
+Sixteenth detached from the brigade to bury their dead, and care for
+the wounded who were still lying upon the field. The casualties in the
+Sixteenth were as follows: Lieut. Col. F.W. Cheney wounded in the arm,
+Maj. Geo. A. Washburn wounded severely in the groin, Captains Manross,
+Drake, and Brown instantly killed, Captain Barber mortally wounded,
+dying; about fifteen hours after, Captains Babcock and Hayden wounded,
+Lieut. William Horton killed, and four lieutenants wounded.
+
+Thirty-eight enlisted men were killed outright. A great many of the
+men were mortally wounded and died within twenty-four hours after the
+battle, so that on the 19th, two days after the battle, when the
+regiment was detailed to bury the dead and pick up the wounded, the
+recapitulation stood as follows: Killed, 4 captains, 1 lieutenant, and
+51 enlisted men; wounded, 2 field officers, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants,
+and 176 enlisted men; captured, 12 enlisted men and 180 missing,
+making a total loss of 432 men. For forty-eight hours men were
+brought in. Parties scoured the fields hunting for the wounded. Many
+had crept out of the storm of battle and hidden under fences, or among
+rocks, or in thickets, and their strength failing, they could neither
+come forth, or make known their situation. Some of the badly wounded
+did not have any attention for several days. All houses and barns were
+converted into hospitals, and yards and fields were strewn with straw
+and the wounded laid, there without shelter. Surgeons worked hard day
+and night, taking rest only when unable to stand up from weariness. At
+one of these hospitals about 25 of the Sixteenth were placed. Nothing
+was to be heard but cries, groans, and entreaties. Here Captain Barber
+lay in about the center of a barn, quiet, happy, and contented with
+his lot. The wounded lay around him on every side. He said that he
+could not live long, and spoke encouraging words to all. Gilbert B.
+Foster, of Co. A, who died November 13th, was also here. In a room
+about 12×20 a bloody table stood and around it were five surgeons. A
+wounded man was laid on the table and it took but a few seconds for
+them to decide what to do, and but a few minutes to do it. The
+amputated limbs were thrown out of a window. In forty-eight hours
+there were as many as two cart loads of amputated legs, feet, arms,
+and hands in the pile. Plenty of men, most of them slightly wounded,
+were hard at work carrying the wounded to and fro, making beds of
+straw, hauling and cutting wood, cooking, feeding, and assisting in a
+thousand ways.
+
+(On the afternoon of the 18th, a heavy shower, lasting an hour, made
+it very uncomfortable for those not sheltered.)
+
+"Captain Drake was the most gentlemanly man in the regiment," said
+Surgeon Mayer. "He was the very soul of courtesy and unaffected
+dignity of deportment. He always had a quiet care for his men, when
+they were sick, and was a marked favorite with them, as well as with
+comrades in the line."
+
+"Capt. Barber was especially noticeable for his religious character,
+earnest convictions, and high regard for duty. His patriotism was of
+sterling mould, and he was a brave and intelligent officer."
+
+"Captain N.S. Manross, of Bristol, was a man of learning and varied
+accomplishments. He graduated at Yale in the class of 1850. In 1861,
+Dr. Manross accepted the position of Professor of Chemistry and Botany
+in Amherst College, where he was very popular and successful. Previous
+to this he had been to Europe, attended German lectures, and took the
+degree of doctor of philosophy. He invented a machine for the cutting
+of crystals from calc-spar. During vacation, he returned to Bristol,
+Conn., where he made a patriotic speech to his fellow-citizens, and
+consented to lead them to the field. Said he to his wife, "You can
+better afford to have a country without a husband than a husband
+without a country." His men loved him. While the regiment was in the
+cornfield and the baffle was raging the fiercest, a cannon-ball struck
+Captain Manross in the side and passed under his arm. A friend bending
+over him heard him murmuring, "Oh, my poor wife, my poor wife!"
+
+Prof. James D. Dana said of him, "His death is a great loss to the
+scientific world." Prof. B. Silliman, Jr., says "As an explorer, Dr.
+Manross possessed remarkable qualifications. To a rugged constitution
+and great powers of endurance, he united great coolness, quiet but
+undaunted demeanor, the courage of a hero, and unyielding
+perseverance. Had he lived--but what need is there of conjecture now?
+The world will never know its loss, but his friends will never forget
+theirs."[1]
+
+On the 19th, the Sixteenth were employed in gathering up the dead and
+wounded. This was a very unpleasant duty, making many of the men sick.
+Forty of the men were buried that afternoon side by side, under a
+large tree, near the stonewall, where the hardest of the battle was
+fought.
+
+
+BELINDA SPRINGS, ANTIETAM IRON WORKS, AND PLEASANT VALLEY.
+
+The following day the regiment rejoined their brigade at Belinda
+Springs, a distance of two miles, and moved thence to Antietam Iron
+Works on the 26th. Here sickness prevailed to a great extent, and but
+few men could be reported for duty. On the afternoon of September 23d,
+Messrs. E.N. Kellogg, J.M.B. McNary and W.H.D. Callender, of Hartford,
+Conn., came into camp. Crowds gathered around them, anxious to learn
+the news from home, and to send letters and messages. It seems that at
+10 P.M., Saturday, Sept. 20th, a dispatch was received at Hartford,
+that the Sixteenth had suffered severely and that Lieut. Col. Cheney
+was killed. It was thought best that these gentlemen should proceed to
+the battle-field, and carry out such arrangements for the care of the
+dead and wounded as they thought best; they accordingly left Hartford
+on the midnight train, reaching the regiment as stated above. By this
+time the dead were all buried, and most of the wounded had been taken
+to various hospitals. Lieut. Col. Cheney and Major Washburn were at
+this time at Boonsboro.
+
+On October 3d, the entire army was reviewed by President Lincoln. The
+Vice-President and several Congressmen were present. On October 7th,
+the regiment marched over the mountain into Pleasant Valley, a
+distance of about six miles. This march, though short, was a very hard
+one; the path being very narrow, only admitting one at a time in some
+places, and so steep and rocky that it was very hard to surmount with
+our heavy loads. At the top of the mountain the troops halted an hour
+for rest. Here we had an extended view of the surrounding country. We
+could see a great distance, and the scenery was magnificent. At the
+camp in Pleasant Valley the regiment suffered severely from sickness,
+and when the army again took up its line of march, they could muster
+but few effective men. At this place a large number of promotions and
+appointments were made to fill vacancies.
+
+
+MARCH TO FALMOUTH.
+
+On October 28th we struck tents at 8 A.M. and after "falling in" we
+were once more "on the march." We passed through Knoxville and Berlin.
+At Berlin we crossed the Potomac on a pontoon bridge. Once more we
+trod the "sacred soil" of Virginia. Passing through Lovettsville, we
+halted at 2 P.M. and encamped about a mile from the village. On
+October 30th reveille was sounded at 3 A.M. By the time the men had
+struck tents and packed up, the cooks had plenty of hot coffee ready,
+which is the soldier's breakfast, and at sunrise we were again _on the
+march_. We passed through a village called Burlington and encamped at
+11 A.M. near Wheatland. Saturday, November 1st, there was heavy firing
+in front during the afternoon. Orders were given to be ready to march
+at a moment's notice. The next day we began to march at 9 A.M. with
+five days rations. We passed through Princeville and Goose Creek. The
+heavy firing in front continued. We halted at 7 P.M. and went into
+camp. The next day we marched during the afternoon, passing through
+Union. Artillery firing was heard ahead. On November 5th we struck
+tents and were on the march at 8 A.M. At 2 P.M. the entire army was
+drawn up in line of battle about a mile beyond Rectorsville, the
+artillery doing the fighting. After resting on our arms all night we
+commenced to march at 8 A.M., making fifteen miles during the day. We
+were following the enemy up closely. November 7th was a tedious and
+rough day. Snow fell most of the day, and at least one-third of the
+regiment were without shoes. We marched to a place called Waterloo,
+within five miles of Warrenton. Colonel Beach, being absent sick,
+Lieut. Col. Cheney and Maj. Washburn wounded, Capt. Mix was in
+command. On the 9th of November some Rebel cavalry broke through our
+lines and were making a raid around the army. Coming very near us at 4
+P.M. the long roll beat and without packing up and hardly having time
+to put on our equipments, we double-quicked up the mountain and took
+position in ambush, where we staid till the morning of the 11th, when
+we returned to the old camp.
+
+For several days rations had been very scarce, hard crackers selling
+as high as twenty-five cents each. Rations of pork, beans, and
+potatoes finally came on the 11th, and the next day some hard bread,
+which was very wormy. Rations not being plenty, the men went foraging,
+and obtained large quantities of honey. One man who was detailed in
+the Quartermaster's Department, who always had considerable _lip_, was
+successful enough to get two water-pails full. While eating some in
+the night he was stung by a bee, and the next morning he had about
+four inches of _lip_, which was rather more than we had seen him have
+before.
+
+On November 15th, we commenced to march at eight o'clock in the
+morning. After marching about three hours, we suddenly halted on the
+Warrenton turnpike, near Sulphur Springs. Here the cavalry and light
+batteries had a little set-to with the rebels, in which the rebels got
+worsted and retreated, leaving two wagons loaded with muskets, which
+they set on fire. After filing to the left through the woods, and into
+a hollow near the road, we drew up into line of battle for the night.
+
+On Sunday, November 16th, we marched twenty miles, passing through the
+town of Liberty. The next day we marched from noon till eight in the
+evening, passing through Elk Run. On November 18th, the reveille was
+sounded at three A.M. We marched from six A.M. till five P.M., making
+a very long and hard march, and many of the men fell out from
+exhaustion.
+
+On November 19th, the reveille sounded at five A.M., and at eight
+o'clock we were once more on the march. A hard rain-storm which had
+set in the night before made the road in this region from three to
+eight inches deep with mud. During the march we forded four streams,
+knee deep. We passed through Spottsville and Falmouth.
+
+
+FALMOUTH, CAMP STARVATION.
+
+We encamped opposite the city of Fredericksburg, at half past two in a
+drenching rain, having made a hundred and seventy-five miles in twelve
+days. The field where the regiment encamped was very even ground, and
+the water stood on it from half an inch to two inches deep. The mud
+was about four inches deep. The men were completely exhausted from
+scanty rations, and foot-sore from long marches. The rain coming down
+in torrents, the soldiers were wet through to the skin. Fires could
+not be built, and tents could not be raised. Little or no sleep did
+the troops get that night. The next day was very cold, and it was
+still raining. The batteries opened on the city for about two hours in
+the morning.
+
+On November 21st, the sun once more showed itself after a long
+absence, and the men were enabled to dry their clothes, build fires,
+cook and eat salt junk, pour down hot coffee, and once more felt in
+good spirits.
+
+On the 26th, General Sumner reviewed the entire corps.
+
+On December 3d, Arthur D.N. Talcott, of Company "A," died in camp, and
+was buried at sundown.
+
+When the regiment left camp near Fairfax Seminary on the 7th of
+September, they left their knapsacks with contents under charge of a
+guard. A few days after they were sent to Washington, and there
+stored. These were returned to us on the 3d of December. They were
+very welcome at this time, the weather now being very cold. The snow
+was three inches deep, and there was plenty of ice. For nearly three
+months a number of the men had been without blankets. About this time
+Governor Morgan of New York sent us a taste of home. Each man had
+three apples, two onions, and half a pickle, and the smoking men had
+half a paper of tobacco each. These went down with a genuine relish.
+At this time Capt. Charles L. Upham, of the Eighth Connecticut
+Volunteers, was placed in command of the regiment.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+  [1] Military and Civil History of Connecticut.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+1862.
+
+BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.
+
+
+On Wednesday, December 10th, clothing was issued to the regiment.
+Shoes were very much needed. In the evening a pontoon train went down
+towards the river, but no unusual notice or remarks were made about
+it, and both officers and men went to sleep that night without
+suspecting in the least that early on the morrow a heavy battle would
+be raging. The next morning the troops were early aroused by the
+tremendous discharge of two mortars, and simultaneously the opening of
+our batteries of nearly two hundred pieces. Nearly the entire day the
+batteries poured incessantly their deadly fire of shot and shell into
+the city with terrible rapidity. During the afternoon the firing
+gradually ceased, and at sundown victory rested on our banners. During
+the day three days rations and sixty rounds of cartridges were issued
+to the men. Towards the evening the Sixteenth was ordered down to the
+river, but before reaching there the order was countermanded, and they
+returned to camp for the night. The next day (Friday,) the Sixteenth
+advanced to the river again early in the morning, and lay on the banks
+all day, watching the fighting on the other side of the stream. In the
+evening they crossed the pontoon bridge, and went into the city.
+After stacking arms on Main street, most of the men went into houses
+to sleep. The effects of this short siege was awful to contemplate.
+Some portions of the city were completely battered down. Buildings in
+various parts of the city were burning, and during the night fresh
+fires were continually breaking out. Although the enemy had carried
+away most of their wounded and dead, still a few remained in the city.
+In a cellar was found by the Union troops, ten women and a child, all
+dead; they had gone there for protection from our shells, but one had
+struck there, and bursting, killed them all. While a member of the
+Sixteenth was searching for wood in the yard of a residence after
+dark, he stumbled over what he supposed to be soldiers asleep on the
+ground. Excusing himself he went on and after gathering an armful of
+wood, was returning when he stumbled over the same men again. Much to
+his disappointment they did not get up and damn him. Going into the
+house and getting a lighted brand, he came out and found that they
+were _three dead rebels_ who had been killed and lay there side by
+side. One of them was an officer. An amusing incident occurred on this
+same evening in Company H. Sergeant Spencer was around the yard
+looking after boards to sleep on. Finding one that was some twelve or
+fourteen feet long, he laid one end of it on what he supposed to be a
+stone, and was about to jump on it to break it in the center, when a
+soldier who lay there wanted to know "what he was trying to do?" In
+the darkness of the night he had laid the board on a man's head. The
+next day we were drawn up in line of battle, but being on the reserve
+had nothing to do but witness the contest raging in front, which was
+fearful. At dusk we moved to the front, where bullets came thick and
+fast until eight o'clock, when the firing ceased, and all was quiet
+during the night, except the howling of dogs, and the occasional
+discharge of artillery.
+
+On Sunday morning, December 14th, we returned into the city, remaining
+there all day. The fighting continued hard in front. At sundown we
+again moved to the front, where we remained supporting a battery until
+the next night, when we returned to the city, crossed the river and
+marched to our old camp, being the last brigade to leave the city.
+Thus ended the battle without the Sixteenth being actively engaged
+with the enemy, and meeting with a loss of only one wounded and one
+missing. Drilling, inspections, grand reviews, picket duty, and
+frequent preparations for marching, constituted the chief occupation
+of the troops during the greater part of the winter months. The
+weather was extremely cold, quarters were poor, and constant exposure
+invited sickness and disease, and death creeping in boldly hurried
+away its defenceless victims with alarming rapidity. Many were
+discharged, and the ranks continued to decrease daily.
+
+On December 24th, Lieutenant-Colonel Cheney, in consequence of the
+severity of his wound was compelled to resign, and two days after,
+Adjutant John H. Burnham was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel, and
+took command, Colonel Beach being absent, sick. Colonel Burnham's
+promotion was the _making_ of the regiment. Being a man of promptness,
+and full of energy, and above all a perfect soldier, Colonel Burnham
+infused a new spirit into an organization which had been exhausted by
+arduous marches, a severe battle, and a weary campaign. It was about
+this time that another piece of good luck happened to the regiment,
+which was the appointment of Dr. Mayer, as Surgeon. He was a good
+physician, and as a surgeon could not be surpassed in the army of the
+Potomac. He commenced immediately to make improvements in and out of
+the hospital, and to look to the cleanliness of the tents, company
+streets, and the cooking utensils. He also saw that the food issued
+was properly prepared by the cooks; and when he gave cough syrup, it
+was not _stuff_ that men would use on their food for molasses.
+
+
+NEWPORT NEWS AND SUFFOLK.
+
+On the 6th of February, 1863, our connection with the Army of the
+Potomac was dissolved. We were ordered to Newport News, where the
+regeneration of the regiment steadily progressed. At three o'clock in
+the morning the regiment was ordered to _pack up_, and be ready to
+march in two hours. It was pitch dark and raining terribly, with mud
+six inches deep. It was some little time before the men could get
+bon-fires burning, so that we could see to pack up. The men dressed,
+took what rations they could get, and fell into line after repeated
+orders, leaving most of the tents standing, they being wet and too
+heavy to carry. Marching to the depot, the mud was not only deep but
+extremely slippery, and nearly every man slipped down, and those that
+did not, were completely spattered over from head to foot, and were
+covered with mud and completely drenched through to the skin by the
+rain, which was decidedly uncomfortable that cold morning. After
+shivering in the cold for two hours, we were allowed to get aboard the
+freight cars, and were taken to Acquia Creek. Here we went aboard the
+steamer John S. Brooks, as did also the 8th and 15th C.V. Most of the
+men had little or no water in their canteens, and all suffered
+terribly from thirst before we reached Newport News on the afternoon
+of the 8th. Whose fault this was I am unable to say, but it was a
+great piece of negligence to put troops aboard a vessel knowing that
+they were to remain there for over two days without seeing them
+provided with water. Newport News was a paradise by the side of
+Falmouth. There was no mud, rations were good, and the weather was
+beautiful. We were quartered in barracks, which made it very pleasant.
+
+On landing, the first thing was a drink of water, and then two days
+rations of soft bread were issued to us, which, although being two
+loaves, was disposed of in less than two hours; the first one in
+something less than five minutes. Not having tasted any for over five
+months we appreciated it. The guard mounts, dress parades, and reviews
+at this place were the grandest and most imposing ever witnessed in
+this country. About five weeks were spent in drilling, recruiting,
+&c., at the end of which time the 3d Division was ordered to Suffolk
+to strengthen the force at that point.
+
+It was the early part of March and bitter cold when the regiment left
+Newport News and by boat went to Norfolk, where they went aboard a
+train consisting of platform cars with a single baggage or passenger
+car in the rear for the officers. Everything being in readiness the
+train started and sped on its way to Suffolk, arriving there at
+midnight. The men jumped off the train and fell into line, when lo and
+behold only two officers were to be found. The car containing the
+officers had not been attached to the train. The two officers present
+had for some reason got upon the cars with their men, and therefore
+were with the regiment. But we had no orders, whether we were to go
+farther or stay there, and whom to report to we did not know. The
+train moved off, dark as a pocket, and some of the men nearly froze to
+death. Something had got to be done. After a little consultation, the
+two officers took command of the two wings respectively, and the First
+Sergeants the companies. The regiment moved off by the flank to cut
+their way through the darkness and encamp _somewhere_, until daylight.
+We first tumbled down a steep embankment, at least twelve feet, the
+men falling on all sides, then into a brook two feet deep and six feet
+wide, and finally brought up against a rail fence. Tearing this down
+we passed into a field and halted, not deeming it best to proceed
+farther. The men spread out in every direction in the darkness, each
+one bringing in what he could find in the shape of wood to build
+fires.
+
+There was a house near by which we supposed to be vacant, and the men
+in the darkness had taken all the fence and wood, and had even pulled
+the clapboards from the house as high as they could be reached. When
+morning came, we found it to be an elegant wood house painted white,
+and the owner thereof at first made quite a fuss, but when he found so
+many of the men nearly frozen to death, he concluded _it was all for
+his country_. It was on that night that the Quartermaster-Sergeant
+found that one of the men had bored a hole into a barrel of coffee,
+which he had mistaken for whiskey, and was shaking it up good,
+wondering why it would not run. Daylight finally came and we found
+that we were on the outskirts of the city and within sixty rods of the
+112th N.Y. Vols., whose generous Colonel hearing the noise in the
+night, reconnoitered and finding that we were Union troops, ordered
+all his cooks up to make us hot coffee. Kettle after kettle of hot
+coffee all sweetened, was brought to us, which we drank in large
+quantities before getting thoroughly warmed through. This was a
+perfect godsend to us, and a more thoughtful action could not have
+been done by the Colonel. We fully appreciated it, as was shown by the
+fast friendship between the two regiments thereafter. Some half dozen
+of the men nearly died, by being chilled through, being several days
+before they were able to do duty. The officers arrived next morning on
+the regular train.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+1863.
+
+SIEGE OF SUFFOLK.
+
+
+During the siege of Suffolk the Sixteenth took an active part on the
+defensive side, and had the honor of two engagements with the enemy,
+in one sally losing one killed and seven wounded, and in a sort of
+half battle across the Nansemond river, two killed and eight wounded.
+
+"But though we did not suffer much from the enemy, we did a good deal
+from General Peck. This fidgetty old man kept fortifying and
+re-fortifying until his soldiers had become regular mud-diggers, and
+he had spent no end of labor and money in constructing works of
+immense magnitude, to defend a position not worth holding. There was
+digging and basket-weaving to an extent that went far toward
+developing the talents of the soldiers for farm work, and there were
+orders enough issued to supply the greatest army on earth. It will not
+easily be forgotten that the Eighth, who had been especially affected
+by gabion manufacture, awoke one morning and, instead of the stars and
+stripes, found a large sheet floating from their flagstaff with the
+inscription: "Peck's Avengers, or the Basket-Makers of the
+Nansemond."[2]
+
+At four o'clock in the afternoon of April 11th, could be seen the
+pickets coming into town with a vengeance. Soon could be heard the
+long roll beating in the camps near General Peck's headquarters, and
+almost instantly the excited General himself came riding into camp at
+break-neck speed, the guard coming very near bayoneting his horse,
+ordering the regiment under arms immediately. Colonel Beach, who was
+in his tent, overhearing the order, came out and told the General
+"that he would frighten the _best_ of troops, and that he (Beach)
+would not stir an _inch_ until he received orders through the proper
+channels." As soon as the orders came properly we fell in and marched
+to our position at the breastworks. Two days after, the rebels made an
+attack directly opposite the Sixteenth on the Somerton Road, but were
+so handsomely repulsed by the artillery, that they soon retired. From
+that time until the siege was raised we had the usual amount of hard
+labor and constant watching night and day that attends a siege and
+constant exposure to the enemy's fire. On April 24th, under the
+command of General Corcoran, the 13th Indiana, and the 11th and 16th
+Connecticut regiments went out on the Edenton Road on a
+reconnoissance. After skirmishing with the enemy for about thirty
+minutes, the regiment charged, driving the rebels from their pits to
+their earth-works, which was, perhaps, fifty rods. After holding this
+line long enough for the artillery to have a good duel and the General
+to find out the strength of the rebels, we returned within our
+defenses.
+
+The regiment captured five prisoners, the officer of the pickets, a
+sword and various cooking utensils, which the rebels had left in their
+hurry. The casualties were one killed and seven wounded. This was a
+very successful skirmish and gave the men great confidence in
+themselves. Owing to swamps and the slashing on the edge of the woods,
+which the rebels had prepared, the men came into camp with their
+clothing completely ruined, making it necessary for an issue of
+clothing the next day.
+
+On Sunday, May 3d, the regiment was ordered across the Nansemond river
+on the Providence Church Road, where they were engaged with the enemy
+several hours. The casualties were two killed and eight wounded.
+Privates H.W. Barber (A) and Frederick P. Cooley (H) were killed
+outright and Capt. Tennant, Serg't Pocket (D) and Corp'l Rivers (I)
+died from the effects of their wounds soon after, making really a loss
+of five killed. First Serg't Blakeslee (A) seriously wounded in the
+head, (making the second time in the same place,) was examined by Col.
+Beach, Capt. Pasco, and other members of the regiment and pronounced
+dead and left on the field.
+
+Chaplain Francis B. Butler, of the 25th N.J. Regiment, while picking
+up Serg't Blakeslee, was fatally shot by a sharpshooter and died a few
+hours after with prayer on his lips for the wounded who lay around
+him. Under good surgical treatment by Surgeon Mayer, Serg't Blakeslee
+was able to fight other battles. Capt. Tennant was wounded in the
+early part of the action, and was taken from the field on a rude
+litter; notwithstanding the pain caused by the wound, he was cheerful
+and smiling; and remarked that he was good for a ten day's furlough.
+He was a brave young officer, and one of the best in the service. He
+was greatly beloved, and his early death brought sadness to many a
+brave heart. Young Barber's last words were "Tell mother that I never
+was a coward."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+  [2] Surgeon Mayor's Address. Re-union, 1867.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+1863.
+
+PORTSMOUTH, ON TO RICHMOND.
+
+
+After the siege was raised, the regiment remained in Suffolk until the
+middle of June, when they removed to Portsmouth, and encamped about
+three miles from the city, on the western branch of the Elizabeth
+river. This camp was formerly occupied by the 22d Georgia (rebel)
+regiment. The site was in a splendid grove and being on the bank of
+the river, afforded a fine place for the men to bathe, row, sail, and
+catch fish and oysters. I recollect of no place where the regiment
+lived so well, and enjoyed themselves so much as there. We had been
+there but two days when we were ordered to build a fort; but after
+working on it two days, it was abandoned by an order to be ready to
+march in light marching order with three days rations the next
+morning. Every thing was made ready and the men retired as usual at
+nine o'clock. But at half-past eleven the long roll sounded, and after
+forming in line the regiment marched through the woods to Portsmouth,
+a distance of three miles, in pitch darkness, and embarked on a
+transport, which left at 3 A.M.
+
+
+YORKTOWN, WHITE HOUSE LANDING.
+
+At eleven o'clock we found ourselves at Yorktown, encamping on the
+grounds where many a soldier had fought. The works built by McClellan
+and even those of the revolutionary war were still visible as was also
+the spot where the sword of Lord Cornwallis was surrendered by General
+O'Hara to General Lincoln, who was designated by Washington to receive
+it.
+
+At half-past one on the morning of the 26th, the long roll beat again,
+and after falling in, the regiment marched to the wharf where they
+waited in the rain till 10 o'clock for a transport. At eleven all was
+ready, and after sailing up the Pamunkey river, which is one of the
+crookedest rivers in the country, as well as one of the finest and
+most picturesque, we disembarked at White House Landing.
+
+Spier's cavalry had gone ahead of us one day and surprised the rebels,
+they barely having time to get aboard a train which stood in readiness
+to take them to Richmond. The cavalry then made a little raid through
+three counties, returning on the evening after the day of our arrival.
+They reported one severe fight and the capture of Brig. Gen. Wm. H.F.
+Lee, one Lieutenant-Colonel, one Surgeon, and one hundred prisoners.
+They also brought with them thirty-five wagons, besides burning
+eighty-five wagons and several railroad bridges. On the 28th, General
+Dix and Staff arrived and preparations were at once made for a move
+towards Richmond. Captain Pasco, of Company A, received his commission
+as Major on this day.
+
+
+BLACKBERRY RAID.
+
+On the morning of July 1st, the reveille sounded early and the
+division crossed the river, and after marching hard all day encamped
+for the night near King William's Court House. The next morning we
+were aroused at three o'clock, and marched to Brandywine, a distance
+of eight miles. On July 3d the reveille sounded at three o'clock, but
+we did not commence to march till five, when we marched pretty steady
+until one o'clock. The entire army had to stop then on account of the
+heat. This was the hottest day of the summer, and between the hours of
+twelve and one, sixty-five men fell out of the Sixteenth, fifteen of
+them having received a severe sunstroke. Four out of our Brigade died
+almost instantly. At five in the afternoon, the division commenced to
+march again and did not halt till nine in the evening, making in all
+about twenty miles that day. The name of this place was Taylor's
+Ferry.
+
+The next day being July 4th, was a legal holiday in times of peace,
+but was not so for this division. The 11th and 16th Connecticut
+regiments and a section of battery were left at this point to guard a
+bridge and the supply train. The rest of the army moved to Hanover
+Court House, where they had a rather tough time. After marching all
+day, they had to tear up three miles of railroad, cut telegraph wires
+and burn bridges, all under the fire of the enemy. This did a great
+deal of good, for Lee was in Pennsylvania, and finding his
+communication cut in the rear, retreated.
+
+The next morning the Sixteenth was up at three, moved their position
+at five, and at eight the troops who had gone to Hanover Court House,
+returned. At noon three regiments were detailed to forage on the
+country and take all the beef, mules, horses, sheep and salt, which
+they could find. At two o'clock a supply train from White House
+Landing arrived with two days rations. At eight in the evening, we
+found that the enemy were after us, and we started on the retreat.
+Contrabands followed us in large numbers. At ten the rebels were close
+on our heels, as we passed through Mongoheck. At three o'clock the
+next morning we had gained somewhat on the rebels and were allowed an
+hour's rest at the Town of Ayletts. The men were so tired on this
+march, that they actually slept while marching, and when we halted at
+3 o'clock that morning the men fell as if struck by lightning and were
+all sound asleep in two second's time. But our position was not safe,
+and the bugle sounded the reveille at four and after partaking of a
+scanty breakfast, we marched till half-past two in the afternoon, when
+we encamped about a mile this side of King William's Court House in a
+hard rain storm. This was certainly a hard fate for those who went to
+Hanover Court House, too fearful to be believed, making three days and
+two nights of hard labor with only one hour's rest. But it had to be
+done. Several who were unable to keep up and fell out were mercilessly
+shot dead by guerrillas who harassed the rear. A great many of the men
+provided themselves with horses, which they took out of barns by the
+road-side. The reveille as usual sounded at an early hour (three A.M.)
+the next morning and we marched to White House Landing, reaching there
+at eleven. The next day the division took up their line of march and
+marched to Hampton through a heavy rain storm and mud knee deep.
+Thence by boat they proceeded to Portsmouth, reaching their old camps
+on the afternoon of the 14th.
+
+This raid in history is called the "Blackberry Raid," there being no
+end of blackberries, of the most luscious kind. It was during this
+raid that a new Chaplain, (Charles Dixon, of the Eighth Conn. Vols.,)
+reported for duty. There seemed to be at first serious objections,
+both among the officers and men, to our having a chaplain, but they
+were soon dismissed; for he was one of those rare men whom all learned
+to love, and his bravery in battle and southern prisons won him a good
+name. On our return to Portsmouth, through a special order, a
+Regimental Band was organized, which grew to be a most excellent one,
+and added not a little to our military standing.
+
+
+CAMP TENNANT.
+
+July 15th, 16th, and 17th, was spent in fixing up our camp. But the
+19th, 20th, and 21st was spent entirely in _trying_ to have a review.
+The first day we marched two miles, stood in a broiling sun for two
+hours, and then returned to camp. The next day the same performance
+was gone through with and no reviewing officer came. Finally, on the
+last day, just as General Foster got within a few rods of us the rain
+came down in torrents, and continued till General Foster went away.
+The rain stopped at five, and as the men were all ready for the review
+it was agreed that the ceremony should be gone through with by Colonel
+Burnham acting as reviewing officer, and Major Pasco taking the
+command. From this time until the ninth of September there was but
+little to attract attention, except the general routine of parades,
+picket and police duty. The regiment therefore had a little time of
+rest.
+
+On the 30th of July, Colonel C.H. Prentice, J.G. Rathbun, J.A. Case,
+and J.S. Brooks, of Hartford, made a visit to the regiment. As nearly
+the entire regiment were acquainted with them, they were _very_
+welcome, and we presume they enjoyed their visit, especially the day
+that they visited the outposts, a distance of seven miles from camp,
+when one of those southern rain-storms came up, and they got a
+thorough soaking. This delayed their visit another day, in order to
+have their clothes dried. The quartermaster temporarily supplied them
+with brogans and clothes, but the amusing part of it was that Col. P.
+was so large and tall that the soldier's sizes could not be gotten
+only half on, and therefore with a cap and coat half on, and pants
+that reached a little below the knees, and with a huge pair of
+brogans, he looked so badly that he stayed in the Colonel's tent and
+played euchre all day and night. It was about this time that we had
+some terribly hot weather, the thermometer reaching 118° on August 2d,
+and 115° on August 3d. The pious members of the regiment went to work
+and built a chapel, which turned out to be a very fine edifice, and
+together with a temperance organization which started about this time,
+effected a great deal of good. The chapel was dedicated with
+impressive ceremonies, and a church organization was formed, the
+fruits of which last even to this day. The surgeons ordered some
+hospitals built, which were also dedicated by a fine dance. The
+_morale_ of the regiment at this time was about perfect, and I can not
+better write of it than in the words of Surgeon Nathan Mayer, in his
+address to the regiment, at its reunion in 1867.
+
+"Gradually the finest camp but one, which it has been my fortune to
+see, grew up. The most perfect order, the most civilized condition
+prevailed. The tents were neatly and prettily furnished, as our
+Connecticut country homes are, and the ground was always in beautiful
+condition. As winter approached the men built a hospital of logs,
+log-houses for the officers, log-kitchens, and eating saloons for the
+companies. Our pioneers erected a perfect village. Everybody purchased
+pine slats and made pretty huts, using their tents as peaked roofs to
+the structures. A chapel of considerable pretensions was raised--and
+here the difference between Connecticut and New York soldiers was
+apparent in more than one way, but in none more than in this. While
+the New York battery at our side thought first of all of erecting a
+theatre, _we_ built a hospital and a chapel. While _they_ gave their
+leisure to studying parts and rehearsing them, _we_ organized prayer
+meetings, a choir, and endeavored in various ways to perfect ourselves
+as soldiers and men. Of great benefit was the presence of ladies in
+our camp. A number of officers and men had asked their wives to visit
+them in camp, and ere long a pretty row of cottages extended on the
+right flank of the grounds; in these there was singing, and chatting,
+and playing euchre or whist, and other social games almost every
+evening. And the demeanor of every soldier in the camp of the
+Sixteenth Connecticut at that time was _gentlemanly_. Not an oath was
+heard, not a phrase that in any way could offend the ear of a virtuous
+female; not an act perpetrated that savored of anything but deference
+and respect toward the sex. To complete the softening influence thus
+cast on the regiment the Colonel's mother, Mrs. Burnham, paid us a
+visit, and went among the men as such a good, sensible old lady, with
+a heart full of kindness, and a head full of shrewd Connecticut sense,
+would naturally do. She advised and comforted those in trouble,
+listened to complaints and nursed the sick. She was regarded as a
+representative of the good respectable home life which we had left,
+and to which we would sooner or later return, and the veneration and
+affection of the regiment for her was unbounded.
+
+During all these weeks the military standing of the regiment rose
+perceptibly. There was not a cleaner, prompter, more loyal, reliable,
+and honest regiment in the service. No brighter arms, no quicker
+evolutions, no greater perfection in drill was to be found any where.
+The dress parade every evening gathered a crowd of lookers on. The
+guards, if detailed to other points, attracted attention. And the name
+of the Sixteenth was a good name in every man's mouth."
+
+
+EXCURSION THROUGH DISMAL SWAMP.
+
+On September 9th, five companies were detailed to go to South Mills,
+to do two weeks picketing. South Mills was about twenty-two miles from
+our outposts, and within seven miles of Elizabeth City. It was
+infested by guerrillas, and was merely held that no rebels might come
+through Dismal Swamp and surprise us. It was about the only place in
+that famous swamp where a few houses could be built and called a
+village. The detachment, under the command of Major Pasco, reached
+Deep Creek that morning, at half past nine. At Deep Creek the five
+companies, together with two wagons loaded with provisions, embarked
+on two canal boats, and hitching mules to the boats we were on the way
+to North Carolina. The scenery through the swamp was novel. This mode
+of traveling was new to the soldiers, and was highly enjoyed. Some
+footed it on the tow-path, some played chess, or cards, others smoked
+and read, and others danced to music from a fiddle and guitar, played
+by Dennison and Thompson. The canal was filled with turtles, snakes,
+and frogs of large dimensions. Thousands of snakes were killed that
+day, as the boat moved slowly along by the men cutting them in two
+with willow switches.
+
+Arriving at South Mills at 7 P.M. we immediately proceeded to encamp
+in the dark by the side of Spier's cavalry about half a mile from the
+wharf; but before we could pitch our tents a terrible thunder storm
+came up and continued all night. Such a storm of lightning, thunder
+and rain, but few of us ever witnessed before. We were about drowned
+out by morning. The next day was a lively one. We changed camp in the
+morning, and three of the cavalry who were on picket were fired into
+by a party of about 40 guerrillas. One of the men was shot in three
+places and expired immediately. His horse was also shot in three
+places, the other two escaped all injuries. Two companies of cavalry
+were immediately sent out and scoured the woods, but could find
+nothing. One of our spies came in and informed us that the guerrilla
+camp numbering about 800, had found out our strength and position and
+they would probably attack us. So we moved our camp to our original
+position by the side of the cavalry for safety. In the evening a
+guerrilla, while trying to crawl through the lines, was caught by the
+pickets. The next day three men were arrested, one of which proved to
+be a guerrilla, and was sent to General Getty for sentence. His name
+was Finley. Late in the evening three more companies of the 5th
+Pennsylvania cavalry came to reinforce us. On September 14th a spy
+came into camp and informed us that the commander of the guerrilla
+band was in town, and that he was to leave that night with four
+recruits. Captain Robinson, with 26 picked men, were detailed to go
+out and lay in ambush, where he was to pass. But we lost them as they
+had passed there in the afternoon.
+
+On Tuesday, September 15th, three scouting parties, consisting of the
+5th and 11th Pennsylvania cavalry went out in the morning on three
+roads and returned in the evening, bringing with them five rebel
+soldiers and a colored man. On the 21st, five companies of the 15th
+Connecticut relieved us and the next day we returned to our old camp
+at Portsmouth. This trip, although dangerous on account of guerrillas,
+who were continually shooting at us if we strayed a short distance
+from our command, was much enjoyed by the men. The excursion we shall
+always look back upon with pleasure. The beautiful scenery, and many
+incidents and exciting times we shall never forget. The frightful
+noises of Dismal Swamp in the night cannot be imagined by one who has
+never been there. A night in Dismal Swamp is never forgotten.
+
+After our return from South Mills there was another of what the boys
+called "a long spell" of quiet, the time being used up mostly by
+picket duty. Thanksgiving was observed as well as possible. On the 6th
+of December Sergeant Major Herbert Landon and 1st Sergeant B.F.
+Blakeslee received commissions as Second Lieutenants; and on New
+Year's Day Lieutenant Turner was promoted to be Captain. On the 3d of
+January, the Chapel was dedicated with ceremonies, the Chaplains of
+the 11th Pennsylvania, 13th New Haven, 5th Pennsylvania cavalry, and
+8th and 16th Connecticut regiments taking part. The building was
+filled to overflowing and excellent music was furnished by a choir of
+ladies and gentlemen. In the evening a prayer meeting was held. The
+next day a few recruits came, being the only ones the regiment ever
+had, for while other regiments recruited largely, no one cared to
+enlist in the Sixteenth, a regiment noted for having severe hardships.
+And it was very unfortunate for those who joined us that day, for
+nearly all of them died in prison. On the 20th of January orders came
+to be ready to move at an early hour the next morning. In accordance
+with the order the men were up as early as one o'clock; and at
+precisely three o'clock the camp was fired and in a few moments
+nothing was left of the finest camp we ever had. Taking the cars we
+went to Portsmouth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+1864.
+
+PLYMOUTH.
+
+
+At Portsmouth the companies E, K, G, and B went aboard the steamer
+S.R. Spalding and the remainder on the Vidette. The weather was very
+fine and we had merry times and a fine sail around Cape Hatteras,
+reaching Morehead City on the morning of the 23d and proceeded thence
+by rail to New Berne. We left New Berne at midnight on the "John
+Farron" for Plymouth, and arrived there at midnight on the 24th. On
+the 26th Companies A, C, and H, under Capt. Hintz, went on a raid with
+other troops, under Col. Maxwell.
+
+These companies returned on the 28th, and after that there were
+several raids into the interior, which the men enjoyed very much, as
+they had exciting times in breaking up rebel cavalry camps and
+capturing and burning up large quantities of cotton and tobacco,
+besides taking a number of prisoners. For some time the regiment lay
+here, going on raids, doing picket duty, and making such fine dress
+parades that it called forth the entire town every evening. One little
+incident which occurred here, and as it has been published, I will
+insert it as written by Serg't Maj. Robert H. Kellogg:
+
+"There's one thing, at least, to be said in favor of Plymouth. It was
+the home of a few "true blue," loyal Southerners--a _very_ few,
+however. They were hard to find, and I fear they are yet. The loyal
+men before spoken of, and some who were not loyal, were blessed with
+numerous daughters, fair to behold, but apt to have a few little
+weaknesses, such as 'dipping snuff' and smoking corn cob pipes. One of
+these men lived in a small house half way between the camp of the 16th
+and the western or left end of the town, and was blessed (or cursed, I
+doubt if he knew which at times,) with three daughters, and pretty
+ones they were. 'The prettiest girls I've seen yet!' was the emphatic
+declaration of each succeeding man who was lucky enough by dint of
+long watching or shrewd stratagem to get a peep at them. For, be it
+known, the father was as watchful over these fair scions of his house,
+as any ogre, read of in fairy tales, could possibly have been over his
+captives. Perhaps he had read some sensation tale of 'excesses of a
+brutal and licentious soldiery,' and thereupon resolved to keep his
+household uncontaminated from the least approach of such an insidious
+foe. I can not think he had taken a good square look into the honest
+faces of the 16th men, nor heard Chaplain Dixon preach to his crowded
+audience of boys in blue, every Sunday. At all events he seemed
+determined that no officer or soldier should form the acquaintance of
+his girls. On the other hand, our boys were quite as determined that
+they _would_ become acquainted with them. But how was it to be done?
+That was the question which was presented to the mind of many a one
+who had cast 'sheep's eyes' at that humble dwelling in the hope of
+getting a glimpse at its fair inmates. Many and various were the plans
+which were made, but alas!
+
+    'The best laid schemes o' mice an' men,
+              Gang aft a-gley,
+    And lea'e us naught but grief and pain,
+              For promised joy.'
+
+"None had been successful until at last one day two members of Co. "A"
+walked coolly and boldly into the forbidden cottage. First let me give
+the names of the ones who did it, then I'll tell _how_ they did it.
+The persistent and successful schemers were Corporal Sam Belden,
+(remembered by every one of his surviving comrades to-day and by many
+friends in this vicinity,) and Private John Quinn. And this was 'the
+way the fort was taken.' After much polishing of buttons and brushing
+of uniforms, they obtained possession of the Company Clothing Book and
+another volume of similar size, which they found in the Orderly
+Sergeant's tent; and on a pleasant afternoon quietly left the camp,
+unnoticed, and proceeded to the scene of interest. A modest knock at
+the door brought out 'pater familias' or 'old tar heels' as the
+unsuccessful besiegers spitefully termed him. Corporal Sam coolly
+informed him, with that imperturbable gravity of countenance and
+manner for which he was celebrated, that they were deputed by General
+Wessells, who was in command of the Post, _to take the census of the
+town_. There was no getting around _that_, for an order emanating from
+such a source was not to be lightly disobeyed; so they were rather
+ungraciously admitted to the heretofore unvisited house--couldn't call
+it a mansion by any stretch of the imagination. Once seated inside,
+Corporal Sam as spokesman, commenced a series of questions which the
+U.S. Census Commissioners would have hard work to equal, private Q.
+jotting down the replies of the blushing and confused girls, and of
+the astonished father. Of course, by this cool and ingenious method
+they obtained the names of all, their ages, and other interesting
+information, and moreover they did it all with such suavity, and
+conducted themselves with such gentlemanly deportment, that, from that
+day they were invited, happy, envied, and regular visitors at the
+forbidden house."
+
+On March 3d, at noon, the regiment was again on board the "John
+Farron," and on its way to Newbern, arriving there the next day
+evening and quartering in barracks near the Neuse River.
+
+On the 11th the "Lancer" brought our baggage, and also the sad news of
+the drowning of Captain Mix, who in attempting to return to the
+regiment took a small schooner for Roanoke Island. While in Albemarle
+Sound, a squall struck the boat; and the boom knocked Capt. Mix
+overboard, as he sat smoking on deck. A boat was instantly lowered;
+but when within twenty-five feet, he sank. He was a good swimmer, but
+was encumbered with a heavy overcoat and large boots. He was well
+versed in tactics and military discipline, and was the last of the
+original captains of the Sixteenth.
+
+On March 17th, Company "G," was ordered to Fort Stevenson, to relieve
+the Twenty-first, who were ordered to Little Washington.
+
+On March 20th, a negro riot occurred across the Trent River. Captain
+Burke, with one hundred men of the Sixteenth, soon quelled it,
+bringing with him between two and three hundred prisoners, whom he
+turned over to the Provost Marshal.
+
+_Pack up at once_, was the order soon after tattoo, and at midnight
+the regiment with all its baggage was aboard the "Thomas Collyer,"
+returning to Plymouth. It was terribly stormy and rough; and at seven
+in the evening the vessel got out of the channel and ran aground in
+Albemarle Sound, a distance of about seven miles from Roanoke Island
+Landing. Here we lay until half past eleven on the morning of the 23d,
+the gale blowing terrifically, and the boat going higher and higher on
+the ground with every wave. The men were without rations, and
+suffering terribly from the cold and freezing spray. _A flag of
+distress_ was raised, but not until the storm abated did any vessel
+dare come for our rescue. Finally the "General Berry," which was at
+Roanoke Island and had been watching for twenty-four hours, came and
+took us to Plymouth. The "Thomas Collyer" was nearly dashed to pieces,
+and it was some months before she was got off the bank, and was put in
+running order. The regiment lost considerable camp and garrison
+equipage, and some ordnance stores, which were washed overboard.
+
+
+BATTLE OF PLYMOUTH, 1864.
+
+I find in my diary, as early as March 24, that our pickets were fired
+into by rebel scouting parties, and on the next day we were expecting
+to be attacked. This rumor probably arose from some contrabands whom
+we traded with at the picket post, on the Columbia road, and who
+reported the enemy in large numbers in two counties south of us. These
+reports, together with the information General Wessells received, that
+the ram Albemarle was about completed, led the General on the 13th of
+April to ask for more troops, in order to hold the place if attacked.
+General Butler replied: "You will have to defend the district with
+your present force, and you will make such disposition of them as will
+in your judgment best subserve this end."
+
+About the 14th of April, while officer of the picket, on the Lee's
+Mill road, an officer of General Wessells' staff and the officer of
+the day, invited me to accompany them outside of the lines, to see
+what information we could pick up. Mounting cavalry horses, we went
+out a distance of four or five miles, returning by the way of the
+Columbia road picket post. At one house where we stopped, a lady who
+had just arrived from the interior said that the rebels were
+concentrating, and it was reported that they were going to attack
+Plymouth. As I had heard these stories before, I paid but little
+attention to her report at the time.
+
+On Saturday, April 16th, two days after, I was again officer of the
+picket on the Columbia road. The next morning (Sunday) at dawn, while
+asleep at the reserve post, I was awakened by the discharge of a
+musket by the picket at the bridge. Rushing to the spot, I found the
+picket to be William Maxwell, of Company A. He reported five or six
+scouts who had come to the edge of the woods suddenly, but fled on
+being fired at. I reported the fact to General Wessells, on being
+relieved at nine o'clock A.M. He seemed to think them guerrillas, but
+they proved to be advance guards, for in the afternoon when most of
+the soldiers were in church, the pickets were attacked by cavalry on
+the Washington and Lee's Mill roads simultaneously, and so sudden was
+the attack on the Washington road that the entire reserve picket were
+taken prisoners.
+
+The "long roll" was sounded, and the troops prepared for the attack.
+Light artillery and cavalry were immediately sent out to ascertain the
+strength of the enemy. They had a short engagement, resulting in one
+killed, and Lieutenant Russell of New York Cavalry badly wounded. In
+the garrison, there were besides the Sixteenth Conn. Vols., the
+Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, One Hundred and First, and One
+Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, Twenty-fourth New York
+Independent Battery, two companies of the Second Massachusetts Heavy
+Artillery, two companies of New York Cavalry, and two companies Second
+North Carolina Volunteers, making in all 1,600 effective men. Early in
+the evening the enemy made a furious attack upon Fort Gray, on the
+river, a mile above the town. By eleven o'clock in the evening it was
+ascertained that the enemy had a force of between ten and twelve
+thousand men, and all loyal women and children in the place were
+embarked on board the "Massasoit," and sent to Roanoke Island. It was
+very evident to us that we must either be killed or go to "Libby."
+Company "H," Captain Barnum, had been sent that morning to Roanoke
+Island for duty, and therefore a remnant of the regiment avoided the
+fate of prison life in the south.
+
+The next day the enemy opened with artillery at an early hour, and the
+firing on the skirmish line was very lively until eleven o'clock.
+Captain Burke was wounded in the shoulder during the morning. At five
+o'clock in the afternoon I was detailed with fifty men to skirmish
+with the enemy on the Lee's Mill road for an hour or two to allow the
+regular picket line a little rest and time to eat. I had hardly got
+the line properly deployed, when it seems the enemy were ready to make
+their assault on the town. From the woods emerged the Confederates in
+great numbers. The loyal line fired a few regular shots, but the enemy
+came pouring out of the woods in such numbers that the Union line
+withered and shrank back. The enemy's artillery came to the crest of
+the hill, and so well was it manned that our camps were completely
+riddled, and Fort Williams partially silenced.
+
+It was a regular artillery fight, and many old army officers said it
+was the handsomest artillery duel they ever witnessed. Three of the
+Sixteenth were wounded in the engagements in the skirmish line, one of
+whom was A.P. Forbes, of Company B. The enemy came on so rapidly, and
+we retired so slowly, that the two lines nearly met. One of the
+Sixteenth was pressed so closely that, in the dusk of the evening, he
+dodged behind a stump and thereby saved himself from capture. He was
+so near the Confederate battery that he overheard a staff officer give
+the order, "It is no use, captain, we cannot endure this fire,--limber
+to the rear." The enemy retiring, he returned inside our ranks.
+
+Heavy artillery firing was kept up until eleven o'clock P.M., and
+under cover of the darkness, the enemy advanced up to Fort Wessells, a
+work about ten hundred yards in front of the line of fortifications.
+Fort Wessells was furiously stormed three separate times, by a very
+superior force with great loss of life. The third time it had to
+succumb, and sixty men were captured. The fort was well supplied with
+hand grenades, which were used with great effectiveness. It was during
+this night that the famous ram, "Albemarle," came down the Roanoke
+river, passing our batteries, sank the Southfield, and drove off the
+balance of the fleet of gunboats. The Bombshell had previously gone up
+the river, and in returning was so completely riddled by the enemy's
+batteries, that she sank on arriving at the dock.
+
+The next day their artillery opened on the right of the town, but the
+lay of the ground in front of our works was such that it was really
+our strongest point. A few of their infantry advanced into a ravine in
+our front, and were unable to extricate themselves until dark.
+
+During the day the town was pretty effectually shelled, and a caisson
+was blown up on each side. Our navy being entirely gone, the ram
+"Albemarle" did good service for the enemy, with ninety and two
+hundred pound shot.
+
+Three separate times were we asked to surrender and save further
+sacrifice of life, but each was peremptorily declined. General Hoke
+(rebel) the last time replying, "I will fill your citadel _full_ of
+iron; I will compel your surrender, if I have to fight to the last
+man."
+
+There was no doubt now but what we must succumb sooner or later. There
+was no hope unless reinforced, and that could not be as long as the
+ram was in the river. The men built bombproofs and traverses, which
+were a great protection.
+
+Late in the evening, Co. "G" was ordered to the left of the town, on
+the Columbia road. They lay there during the night, preventing the
+gunners on the ram from sighting their guns and coming on deck; they
+also had two little brushes with cavalry, who broke through the line
+to procure beef that was in a yard near by. The enemy, meanwhile, were
+concentrating nearly half their force opposite this point.
+
+By 4.30 o'clock on the morning of the 20th, (I find from their
+accounts,) they had ten regiments of infantry, four battalions of
+artillery, (Pegram's, Blunt's, Marshall's, and Lee's,) and two
+companies of cavalry, besides the "Albemarle" and "Cotton Plant." This
+must have made a force of five or six thousand in line about six
+hundred yards in front of our works. At this hour a rocket was sent up
+as the signal for the attack, and a more furious charge we never
+witnessed. Instantly over our heads came a peal of thunder from the
+ram. Up rose a curling wreath of smoke--the batteries had opened, and
+quickly flashed fierce forks of flame--loud and earth-shaking roars in
+quick succession. Lines of men came forth from the woods--the battle
+had begun.
+
+Company G, being on the skirmish line, fell back and entered "Coneby
+redoubt," properly barred the gate and manned the works. The enemy,
+with yells, charged on the works, in heavy column, jumped into the
+ditch, climbed the parapet, and, with the artillery company (who had
+previously occupied the redoubt), for fifteen murderous minutes, were
+shot down like mown grass. The conflict was bloody, short, and
+decisive. The enemy were in such numbers that we had to yield. The
+gate had been crushed down by rebel shot, and the enemy poured in to
+the number of five or six hundred, with thousands on the outside.
+Great confusion then ensued; guns were spiked, musket barrels bent,
+and all sorts of mischief practiced by the Union soldiers, while the
+enemy were swearing at a terrible rate, because we would not take off
+equipments and inform them if the guns could be turned on the town,
+and in trying to reorganize their troops, who were badly mixed, to
+take the next work. We were prisoners, and as we marched out of the
+fort we could see at what a fearful cost it was to them. There were in
+the fort at the time, forty artillery men, who fired grape and
+canister, and forty-two of Company "G," (two being unable to get in,
+or not hearing the orders, went back to town,) making a total of
+eighty-two men, against five or six thousand. Our loss was one
+wounded, an artillery man, while the rebel loss, from their latest
+accounts, was five hundred killed and wounded. The enemy then passed
+in the rear and on the bank of the river, to the right of the town,
+and while part of their force was on the right working towards the
+center, those on the left were doing the same. Every position was
+obstinately maintained. A squad of men here, and a squad there, the
+redoubts and forts were but slowly captured. For three or four hours,
+Fort Williams, with guns turned, did murderous execution, nearly two
+hours of which was in the streets of Plymouth. By half-past ten
+o'clock the last gun had been fired, the flag over our citadel
+lowered, and _Plymouth had fallen_.
+
+The troops were captured by an overwhelming force, after one of the
+severest fights of the war. In the words of J.W. Merrill, the author
+of "Records of the Twenty-fourth N.Y. Battery," "there is no question
+that the defense of Plymouth by its garrison of 1,600 men against a
+besieging force of 12,000 men, was one of the hardest fought battles
+of the war." The rebels raised the "black flag" against the negroes
+found in uniform, and mercilessly shot them down.
+
+The shooting in cold blood of three or four hundred negroes and two
+companies of North Carolina troops who had joined our army, and even
+murdering peaceable citizens (as I have the personal knowledge of the
+killing, with the butt-end of a musket, of Mr. Spruell, the man whom I
+boarded with, and by the way, a secessionist, for objecting to the
+plundering of a trunk which he had packed), were scenes of which the
+Confederates make no mention, except the hanging of one person, but of
+which many of us were eye-witnesses, was but the Fort Pillow massacre
+re-enacted.
+
+The following order was issued the day after the capture by Gen. Peck:
+
+
+              HEADQUARTERS ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, }
+                                 NEWBERN, N.C., April 21, 1864. }
+
+    General Orders, }
+        No. 66. }
+
+    With feelings of the deepest sorrow the commanding general
+    announces the fall of Plymouth, N.C., and the capture of its
+    gallant commander, Brigadier-General H.W. Wessels and his
+    command. This result, however, was not obtained until after the
+    most gallant and determined resistance had been made. Five times
+    the enemy stormed the lines of the General, and as many times
+    were they handsomely repulsed with great slaughter, and but for
+    the powerful assistance of the Rebel iron clad ram and the
+    floating sharp-shooter battery, the Cotton Plant, Plymouth would
+    still have been in our hands. For their noble defense the
+    gallant General Wessells and his brave band have and deserve the
+    warmest thanks of the whole country, while all will sympathize
+    with them in their misfortune. To officers and men of the navy
+    the Commanding General tenders his thanks for their hearty
+    co-operation with the army, and the bravery, determination and
+    courage that marked their part of the unequal contest. With
+    sorrow he records the death of the noble sailor and gallant
+    patriot, Lieutenant Commander C.W. Flusser, U.S.N., who, in the
+    heat of battle, fell dead on the deck of his ship, with the
+    lanyard of his gun in his hand.
+
+    The Commanding General believes that these misfortunes will tend
+    not to discourage but to nerve the Army of North Carolina to
+    equal deeds of bravery and gallantry hereafter. Until further
+    order, the headquarters of the sub-district of the Albemarle
+    will be at Roanoke Island.
+
+    The command devolves upon Colonel D.W. Wardrop, of the
+    Ninety-ninth New York Infantry.
+
+        By command of
+                                           Major-General G. PECK.
+    J.A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant-General.
+
+While I have given an extended account of the position and service, of
+Company "G," the remaining companies were not less exposed, nor did
+less fighting. The losses in the Sixteenth were one killed and twelve
+wounded. The total losses in the garrison were fifteen killed and
+about one hundred wounded. The number captured was about sixteen
+hundred. The accounts in the northern papers were meagre and greatly
+exaggerated, giving generally the losses of killed and wounded equal
+to the entire garrison, and the losses of the enemy in equal
+proportion to their number. The Richmond papers gave long and very
+accurate accounts of each day's operations, but suppressed their
+losses and the killing in cold blood of the North Carolina soldiers,
+negroes, and citizens. Their latest accounts, however, admit from four
+to six hundred killed and from fifteen hundred to two thousand
+wounded. The Rebel Government considered Plymouth of great importance,
+and promised Gen. Hoke a Major-General's commission if he would take
+the place. It was this incentive that made him storm the works with
+such desperation. From the Richmond papers we find mentioned as
+operating against us sixteen regiments of infantry, eleven batteries
+divided into two battalions and commanded by Majors Reid and Mosely.
+The artillery, together with two companies of cavalry, were commanded
+by Col. Deering. In addition to the above were the ram Albemarle and
+consort Cotton Plant. The whole force was divided into three brigades,
+(Hoke's, Ransom's, and Kemper's) commanded respectively by Col.
+Mercer, Gen. Ransom, and Col. Terry.
+
+
+EXTRACTS FROM RICHMOND PAPERS.
+
+The comments and correspondence in regard to the capture of Plymouth
+contained in the Richmond Whig, Dispatch, Enquirer, and Examiner,
+would fill three volumes of the size of this. Only a few of them can
+be inserted:
+
+From the _Enquirer_, April 22, 1864.
+
+    CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH--ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED PRISONERS AND
+    TWENTY-FIVE PIECES OF ARTILLERY CAPTURED.
+
+    The following is a copy of a dispatch received in Richmond,
+    yesterday morning, by General Bragg:
+
+    "PLYMOUTH, April 20th.--To General Bragg.--I have
+    stormed and carried this place, capturing one Brigadier, one
+    thousand six hundred men, a quantity of stores, and twenty-five
+    pieces of artillery.
+
+                                             R.D. HOKE, Brig-Gen.
+
+From the _Enquirer_, April 25th:
+
+    PROMOTED.--Brigadier-General R.F. Hoke has been
+    promoted to the rank of major-general, to date from the capture
+    of Plymouth, N.C.
+
+From the _Enquirer_, April 26th:
+
+    THE PLYMOUTH AFFAIR.--The Wilmington _Journal_, of
+    Saturday, says "our loss in killed and wounded is not large
+    considering the magnitude of the enterprise; but, as might have
+    been looked for from the character of the conflict, the works
+    having been stormed, a large proportion of the wounds are of a
+    desperate character." When a place is taken by storm, and there
+    is resistance, as in this case, the fighting is done hand to
+    hand--guns are fired off at a trifling distance and the wounds
+    inflicted in most cases are serious if not mortal. We learn that
+    some of our wounded who have been brought to Wilson, bear
+    evidence of the desperate character of the struggle whilst it
+    lasted. They are wounded in almost every imaginable way, and but
+    few of their hurts can be called slight.
+
+From the _Dispatch_, May 2d, 1864.
+
+    A correspondent of the _Raleigh (N.C.) Confederate_, sends that
+    paper a history of the capture of Plymouth, which is very
+    interesting.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    FEINT ON WARREN NECK.--On the night of the 17th, an
+    attack was made upon Warren Neck, under the direction of Colonel
+    Deering. A gunboat of the enemy coming to the assistance of the
+    garrison was sunk, and a force of infantry sent from the town
+    was repulsed; but the enemy successfully resisted all attempts
+    to take this stronghold. On Monday our artillery opened
+    vigorously on the town; and during the day both parties pounded
+    away at each other incessantly; but beyond a little skirmishing
+    with the enemy and manoeuvering for position our infantry did
+    nothing. Toward evening, however, it became evident that
+    something was on foot; and Ransom's brigade, and the 8th N.C.
+    was drawn up in the woods facing the works on the Washington,
+    Lee's Mill and Bath roads. A heavy line of skirmishers was
+    thrown out under the command of Captain John Pegram, A.A.G., and
+    advancing rapidly with the peculiar gait of sharp shooters and
+    the yell with which our boys go to the charge, drove the enemy
+    back into his works, and approached within two hundred and fifty
+    yards of the fort, earnestly demanding to be led into the place.
+    Meanwhile Pegram's battery dashed forward at a run, supported by
+    the infantry, and unlimbering, devoted a furious fire upon the
+    place. Three times we advanced, each time nearer, until within
+    good charging distance; but the artillery had it all to
+    themselves. The movement was merely a demonstration to call off
+    the enemy's attention from Hoke's attack upon Fort Wessells,
+    which, after a sharp but short resistance, fell before the
+    superior powers of Hoke's brigade; and that night's work was
+    done.
+
+    The _Gunboat appears on the scene_. Leaving a line of pickets on
+    the field, the main body of the troops withdrew to prepare, by a
+    few hours rest, for the attack, which we all felt would be made
+    on the morrow, and as we lay down by our fires, every one
+    wondered at the Albemarle's delay, and prayed for her speedy
+    arrival. At three in the morning we were all awakened by the
+    thunder of her Blakely guns, as she defiantly saluted Warren
+    Neck, _en passant_, and sailed safely by over the obstructions
+    which the enemy had placed in the river. She went to work at
+    once among the enemy's gunboats, sinking one and driving the
+    rest to Hatteras, and then turning her attention to the
+    fortifications, she kept up a speedy fire during the morning,
+    silencing the enemy's guns, and driving him into his bombproofs.
+    But still the "stars and stripes" floated over his works, and as
+    he refused, when summoned to strike his colors, it became
+    necessary for us to do it ourselves, and the evening and night
+    of the 19th were devoted to preparing for the assault on the
+    morning of the 20th. Kemper's brigade had fought gallantly at
+    Warren Neck. Hoke's men had taken Fort Wessells with three guns
+    and sixty prisoners. It was now Ransom's turn.
+
+    The Columbia road which enters the town at its eastern
+    extremity, running parallel with the river and near it, crosses
+    Coneby creek about a mile from town: To this point Ransom's
+    brigade, the 8th N.C. and Pegram's battery marched late in the
+    evening of the 19th, behind a screen of woods, which hid the
+    movement from the enemy, and reached the creek about sunset. The
+    bridge was destroyed, and the creek was too deep to be forded. A
+    strong picket of the enemy was on the opposite bank behind
+    entrenchments, and about three-quarters of a mile off were two
+    32-pounders and five 12-pounders bearing on the spot. The
+    pontoons must be laid for the infantry and artillery to cross,
+    and that quickly or the movement would be a failure. The moon
+    was shining brightly, turning night almost into day, and not a
+    breath of air was stirring, so that every movement we made could
+    be distinctly heard or seen by the enemy. Lieutenant Marshall
+    Lee, with twenty men of Co. E 24th, was advanced to the water's
+    edge supported by the rest of the company, and Co. A of the
+    35th, the whole under the command of Captain Barna Lane. The
+    pontoon train, under Lieutenant Pool, 10th N.C.T., dashed down
+    at a gallop, slid one boat into the creek and quickly and
+    rapidly the two companies crossed and were immediately engaged
+    with the enemy. The 24th followed at once, the men coming into
+    line as fast as they got over, and the enemy fell back, closely
+    pursued by Captain Lane's command, deployed as skirmishers. The
+    pontoons were now laid and by 8 o'clock the infantry was over
+    and formed in line of battle, the left resting on the road and
+    the right on the river in the following order: First on the
+    right the 55th, second the 25th, third the 8th, fourth the 36th,
+    fifth the 24th, with two companies on the south of the road. In
+    this position, we lay during the night, sheltering ourselves as
+    well as we could from the enemy's two works on the road, which
+    kept up a constant fire until nearly day break. Just before day
+    a strong line of skirmishers was thrown out before the brigade
+    under command of Captain Durham, Q.M., 29 N.C.T., but acting
+    temporarily on General Ransom's staff. _The Assault._ At just
+    3-½ the morning of the 20th our line began to move forward,
+    slowly at first, dressing on the center, and halting
+    occasionally for that purpose. From the start the fire from the
+    enemy's batteries was rapid and severe, striking down many a
+    brave fellow; but closing up the gaps, the long line moved
+    silently on, the left still resting on the road, till Pegram's
+    battery, dashing forward at a run unlimbered in front, and
+    opened fire on the enemy's works.
+
+    Then for the first time that morning our boys gave a loud
+    yelling of defiance, and quickening their pace to a
+    double-quick, pressed with a determination not to be resisted
+    right upon the enemy's two works, which were taken with scarcely
+    a moment's delay, the one on the south of the road, by the left
+    of the 24th, led by Colonel Clarke and the one on the right by
+    the right of the 24th, assisted by the 25th. The enemy fled in
+    terror to the houses, Fort Williams, and any other place which
+    suffered them protection from the fierce fire of our pursuing
+    ranks. We were now in the town, and the head of every street
+    running east and west was held by one or more of our regiments;
+    but their position in line was somewhat changed. The 24th was
+    still on the Columbia road, now street, with the 56th and 25th
+    to the right, and the 35th and 8th to the left. Halting a moment
+    to breathe the men and dress the lines, we pushed slowly and
+    carefully forward, clearing the enemy from every street, yard,
+    and house, from the windows of which and from behind the fences
+    they poured an incessant fire. But nothing could check our
+    progress and in an hour the enemy were all driven into Fort
+    Williams or the entrenched camp. The fort was on our left and
+    the camp in front. Leaving the 35th, the 8th, and a portion of
+    the 24th, to contend with the fort, the rest pushed on for the
+    camp, which the 24th being on the direct road soon reached and
+    opened fire, exposed still to a severe musketry fire from the
+    fort on the flank and the camp in front. In a few minutes the
+    56th came up on the right by another street, and by their
+    arrival decided the contest, for immediately on the appearance
+    of this additional force the enemy threw down his arms, and
+    raised the white flag. Captain Lockheart, of the 56th, ran in to
+    receive the surrender, and instantly both regiments poured into
+    the camp, and throwing down their own foul guns and empty
+    cartridge boxes, took the clean, well-filled ones, which were
+    lying about, and pressed on through the tents to the western
+    side of the camp, where they could see the United States flag
+    floating over Fort Williams, evidence that the fighting was not
+    yet done. Here we were shortly joined by the 43d North Carolina
+    of Hoke's brigade, who came in from the west, having been
+    delayed by a morass, which they had great difficulty in
+    crossing.
+
+    _The Town in our own hands._ The town was ours. Every house and
+    street in it was swept of the enemy, who shut up in his
+    stronghold, still refused to surrender. This was a case for the
+    artillerist and the guns of the captured forts were soon turned
+    upon their stronger brother, fighting as the result shows,
+    better for us than they had against us. Captain Cooke too of the
+    Albemarle dropped some of his 90 pound shell among them. Still
+    they resisted stoutly, showing a disposition to die rather than
+    to yield. At last, however, some of our boys creeping forward
+    through the entrenchments, got an enfilading fire upon them,
+    which soon brought them to terms, and hundreds of them rushed
+    out of the fort without arms and surrendered. Just at this
+    moment a shell burst directly on the magazine, and when the
+    smoke cleared away the hated flag was fluttering rapidly down to
+    the ground. Without waiting for orders, the brigade swarmed into
+    the fort, Company B, of the 24th, leading, and the color of
+    everything was quickly changed from blue to grey."
+
+From the _Examiner_, April 22d:
+
+    "The details of the affair at Plymouth are not yet fully
+    ascertained. It is safe, however, to pronounce it one of the
+    most brilliant affairs of the war. Its immediate fruits are
+    important. Those which may ultimately flow from it, the
+    possession of an abundant country, and the possible command of
+    the inland waters of North Carolina, though as yet the subject
+    of uncertain speculation, may well excite high hopes for the
+    future. General Hoke, judging from the large number of his
+    prisoners, does not seem to have made such thorough work as that
+    by which Forrest has so shocked the tender souls and frozen the
+    warm blood of the Yankees. The resistance he encountered was
+    probably not as desperate, and the blood of the victors not so
+    heated; though in a fortification carried by storm the loss of
+    the garrison must inevitably be large. The strict laws of
+    civilized warfare acknowledge the power of the victors to put
+    all to the sword in such cases. However severe such an example
+    might seem it would strike a salutary terror into the Yankees,
+    which would be useful to them in the end, and their melancholy
+    whine, at meeting a part of the punishment their barbarities
+    merit, is absurd."
+
+From the _Examiner_, April 25th:
+
+    "Tuesday evening a flag of truce was sent to Fort Williams,
+    demanding the surrender of the enemy. The flag was taken by
+    Colonel Deering and another officer; and General Wessels, the
+    Yankee commander, refused to treat with them, but requested a
+    conference with the General commanding. At the interview which
+    ensued the Yankee commander said to General Hoke, that if he
+    surrendered he would be sacrificed by his Government, and, he
+    feared, would be retired from the service. "Then," replied
+    General Hoke, "I understand that you are fighting for your
+    commission and for no other cause. If such is your reply, I have
+    only to compel your surrender, which I will do if I have to
+    fight to the last man." The general assault followed Wednesday
+    morning. It was made by all our forces. As our troops came
+    within range of the enemy's artillery, they suffered very
+    severely, as the ground in front had been surveyed and was
+    staked off with target posts for artillery practice. Latham's
+    battery had been placed just by one of the targets, and was
+    shelled with such skill by the enemy that all his horses had
+    been killed. The accounts of his casualties are deplorable, and
+    we trust they may be reduced by the more exact statements, which
+    will be officially given."
+
+From the _Examiner_, April 30th:
+
+    "_The Capture of Plymouth in the North._ The news of the fall of
+    Plymouth had reached the North. Of course, after their several
+    days of felicitation that "the fort would surely hold out," this
+    news was sudden and unwelcome to them. The _Tribune_ announces
+    it under this imposing head, in very large capitals: _Surrender
+    of Plymouth. General Wessels and one thousand five hundred men
+    prisoners. Our loss one hundred and fifty killed. The rebel loss
+    one thousand and seven hundred killed. North Carolina troops
+    taken out and shot after surrendering. All negroes in uniform
+    also murdered._
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    It is positively affirmed that the rebels in taking possession
+    of Plymouth, ordered out the North Carolina (Union) troops, who
+    formed part of the garrison, and shot them; and that all negroes
+    found in uniform were murdered. We presume the account is
+    correct, and it only proves that what was supposed to be an
+    exceptional barbarity at Fort Pillow, has been adopted as the
+    deliberate policy of the rebels. As the issue is to be made it
+    must be met."
+
+From the _Examiner_, May 3d:
+
+    (Extract from a letter on the _Victory of Plymouth_, dated
+    Plymouth, N.C., April 24, 1864.)
+
+    * * * "During Monday night Hoke's and Kemper's brigades slept on
+    their arms in the position they had gained. Before day break
+    next morning three regiments of Ransom's brigade and Col.
+    Branch's artillery were ordered to support them, and Ransom,
+    with two regiments and artillery, was again ordered to the right
+    to make a demonstration. At light the enemy opened a heavy
+    artillery fire upon our position, to which we replied, also
+    turning their own guns from the captured fort upon them. General
+    Hoke, after making a more thorough reconnoissance on Tuesday
+    morning, did not attack on the left, hence returned Ransom's
+    regiments to him on the right. About midday he determined to
+    send Ransom's brigade, with artillery, to the right, Coneby's
+    bridge a distance of four or five miles, to make a simultaneous
+    demonstration with him, while he would attack from his position
+    on the left with his and Kemper's brigades. Ransom reached the
+    bridge about dark, threw forward his skirmishers, who found the
+    enemy in strong position on the opposite side, and the bridge
+    destroyed. Finding the enemy were in the rifle pits and
+    stubbornly refusing to yield the position, three pieces of
+    artillery, under. Captain Blount, were advanced to within three
+    hundred yards of the bridge and the enemy were soon dislodged.
+    Our sharpshooters again advanced and the enemy re-appeared when
+    some gallant fellow of the 24th N.C. regiment plunged into the
+    creek, brought back a skiff, and immediately a party of select
+    men were put over in it, and ordered, at all hazards to drive
+    the enemy. The pontoons were hurried to the front, one placed in
+    the creek, which ferried over three or four companies that
+    followed, deployed as skirmishers, and the enemy fled,
+    abandoning a position of vital importance to them. The pontoons
+    were soon _laid_, and the infantry consisting of the 24th N.C.,
+    Col. Clark; 25th Alabama, Col. Rutledge; 56th N.C., Col. Faison;
+    35th N.C., Col. Jones; and (of Clingman's brigade) the 8th N.C.,
+    Col. Murchison, passed rapidly over and deployed into line at
+    about a mile from the enemy's outposts, the right flank resting
+    on the Roanoke, and the left on Coneby Creek. The artillery
+    commanded by Col. Branch, did not cross, as the enemy could
+    easily hear the crossing, and would shell furiously at the least
+    noise. About twelve o'clock the troops were all in position, and
+    were ordered to sleep on their arms and rest for the heavy work
+    just ahead of them. The night was perfectly calm and cloudless,
+    with the full moon shedding its soothing beams upon the sleeping
+    veterans as they lay upon the bare ground, covered with their
+    blankets in groups of two or three for warmth, as the air was
+    sharp and piercing, seeming not even to dream of the morning's
+    carnage. The field officers in rear of their regiments paced to
+    and fro unable to rest from the heavy responsibilities that were
+    crowding upon them. Along the line of the skirmishers commanded
+    by "the fighting Quartermaster Durham" and the gallant
+    Applewhite, the quick blaze of the rifle, like fire-flies at
+    night, was the only relief from the dead calm that prevailed
+    around, as the enemy's heavy guns, however, were belching forth
+    shell and spherical case, firing with great accuracy. When
+    Generals Hoke and Ransom separated, it was understood that as
+    soon as the latter was in position, he would signalize the fact
+    by a rocket, when General Hoke, with his and Kemper's brigades,
+    would attack on the left, and Ransom on the right, would make an
+    attack or a demonstration, as he thought best. After making a
+    reconnoissance, Ransom at one o'clock in the morning
+    (Wednesday), dispatched General Hoke that he was in position,
+    but would defer all movements until the dawn of day, when he
+    would not _demonstrate, but attack, and intended to carry the
+    place by assault_, asking from General Hoke his simultaneous
+    co-operation. He called together his field officers,
+    communicated to them his purpose and plans, and by his
+    confidence, coolness, and resource seemed to inspire them
+    thoroughly with his own self-reliance. As a ruse, he determined
+    to place his artillery in the rear of his infantry, and thereby
+    cause the enemy to overshoot our lines, which proved a complete
+    success. The moon had just gone down and the gray streaks of the
+    morning were faintly visible in the east, when the signal rocket
+    went up, and the line of skirmishers were ordered to advance,
+    which they did handsomely, driving in the enemy easily. The
+    infantry now moved forward, and the artillery, consisting of
+    Blount's, Marshall's, and Lee's batteries, under Colonel Branch,
+    dashed forward at a full gallop into position, and opened
+    immediately upon the town and forts at about twelve hundred
+    yards. The enemy had by this time concentrated a most terrific
+    fire from their siege guns and field pieces. Just at this time
+    General Hoke opened, with his artillery under Majors Mosely and
+    Reid, a very rapid and tremendous fire, and his infantry sent up
+    yell after yell as if charging. Ransom caught up the sound, and
+    rising in his stirrups, from the head and right of the line, in
+    a clear and ringing voice, gave the command, "Charge, boys, and
+    the place is yours," and such a charge and yell no one who ever
+    saw or heard it can ever forget. It baffles description. It was
+    as the wildest gust of the tornado as it prostrates the forest,
+    or the mad fire as it dashes through the prairies, it was a
+    thunder bolt. The hail of shot, shell, canister, grape, and
+    Minnie balls were not only unheeded but seemed unheard. The
+    infantry and artillery fell thick and fast, but immediately the
+    gaps were closed. In ten minutes the two outer forts, with eight
+    guns, were captured, our infantry scaling their parapets, and
+    the infantry within one hundred and fifty yards of the forts,
+    horses, and limbers blown up and cannoneers shot down, and yet
+    those remaining stood to their guns without shelter, confident
+    of victory, and to avenge their dead. The whole command of
+    officers and men, infantry and artillery, seemed enthused with
+    the inspiration of certain victory. Several hundred prisoners
+    were captured in these forts, which were immediately sent to the
+    rear, and now began the contest for the town more than a half a
+    mile in length, the enemy's infantry slowly retiring and
+    stubbornly resisting our advance, Fort Williams dealing out
+    grape and spherical case; their field pieces at the farther
+    extremities of the broad straight streets raking them with a
+    murderous fire; their infantry in the houses and cellars and
+    behind fences, delivering galling charges of Minnie shot, but
+    all of no avail. Our men were confident, aroused, and
+    irresistible. They pressed on steadily, without halt or
+    hesitation, tearing down fences, hedges, and every obstacle that
+    they met, capturing the enemy at every step. Soon they were in a
+    rout, and our infantry pressed through the town and waved their
+    battle flags over the fortifications in front to General Hoke's
+    forces, who could scarcely believe that so much could be
+    accomplished in so short a time. * * Ransom's charge has not
+    been surpassed at any time; his military genius comprehended the
+    situation, and he was master of it. He determined upon his
+    charge, knowing what pluck and dash could accomplish, and
+    satisfied it was the only point of attack. With twenty-two
+    hundred muskets and nine pieces of artillery, he charged the
+    enemy's work which they regarded unassailable and carried them
+    without a halt. His loss, which reached _five hundred in thirty
+    minutes_, shows how sanguinary was the work." (Signed R.)
+
+From the _Richmond Dispatch_, April 30th:
+
+    _The Fall of Plymouth. A Specimen of Yankee Lying. A Sympathetic
+    order for General Wessels. Negro Soldiers Butchered._ "The
+    Philadelphia _Inquirer_ contains the official and other
+    announcements of the fall of Plymouth. The butchery of the negro
+    troops is news here, though if General Hoke had butchered the
+    whole garrison in the assault, after a refusal to surrender, it
+    would have been perfectly proper under the laws of war. It will
+    be seen that the loss of the Confederates is put down at fifteen
+    hundred!! The following is a telegram dated Fortress Monroe, the
+    24th instant: The gallant garrison at Plymouth, after a
+    desperate struggle with the rebel foe, who besieged them by land
+    and water, with an infinitely superior force, were compelled to
+    surrender, but not until they had slaughtered hundreds of the
+    enemy in their attempts to storm the forts. The fight commenced
+    late on Sunday afternoon, and continued until half-past ten on
+    Wednesday morning, when the surrender was made. Our men fought
+    with the ferocity of tigers, and they would never have yielded
+    had there been anything like an equality of forces. But the
+    rebels outnumbered them nearly ten to one. When the attack first
+    was made the Confederates were twelve thousand strong, and
+    afterwards received eight thousand more as reinforcements. Aided
+    as they were by their powerful ram and gunboats, it is not at
+    all surprising that they succeeded in capturing the Town of
+    Plymouth."
+
+From the New York _Herald_, April 26th, 1864:
+
+    "_The Rebel Losses_ are, beyond the slightest doubt, immensely
+    heavy. When it is considered that every fort around Plymouth was
+    stormed from three to seven times, and each assault repulsed
+    with great slaughter, besides pouring broadside after broadside
+    into the rebel ranks from the Miami and Southfield, the
+    casualties among the rebel troops must have been enormous. A
+    rebel surgeon was heard to say that "the damned Yankees had
+    killed and wounded one-third of their whole force, and he hoped
+    that no mercy would be shown the cursed Yankees." The gunboat
+    Whitehead went on a reconnoissance, on Wednesday, a short
+    distance above Plymouth, and the officers and crew observed
+    about three hundred rebel troops engaged in burying the dead.
+    From a steeple on the town church, overlooking a large tract of
+    land, it was found that the field of Asa Johnson (about sixty
+    acres), was completely filled with dead and dying rebels. The
+    entire rebel force could not have been short of from fifteen to
+    twenty thousand men, of whom one-third are unfit for future
+    service.
+
+    _The Fort Pillow Massacre Re-enacted._ My informant also
+    acquainted me with the fact that all the negroes found after the
+    surrender, were stripped of their clothing and brutally murdered
+    in cold blood. It must be understood that General Wessels had no
+    colored troops at Plymouth, save a few recruits for North
+    Carolina regiments, and the poor unfortunate blacks thus
+    butchered were merely laborers for the government. The negroes
+    were formed into line, in a nude state, and fired at by the
+    brutal soldiery, purporting to represent Southern chivalry.
+    Nature revolts at these facts; and the plan apparently adopted
+    by the Rebels for the future disposition of the negroes is
+    emancipation _from_, and not _for_, life."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+1864.
+
+PRISON LIFE OF THE OFFICERS.
+
+
+I shall not in this chapter pretend to give a complete history of
+Prison Life in the South, only a part. As I look back over the great
+mass of events that were continually occurring during all hours of the
+day and night of less than one year, I give up in despair. The inhuman
+treatment, and fearful atrocities of our brutal keepers are
+heart-rending, and I can poorly illustrate them. Language is unable to
+describe the real condition of affairs in southern prisons. No one can
+present in its true light the fearful suffering experienced in them.
+Others have contributed sketches for the dark picture. I shall
+therefore be very brief.
+
+By noon of the 20th of April, the entire garrison of Plymouth was in
+the hands of the rebels, and all the captured were concentrated on the
+Washington road. During the afternoon, the rebel cavalry scoured the
+woods and shot dead every colored soldier and man that was able to
+bear arms. The number murdered in this way must have been in the
+neighborhood of one hundred.
+
+We went to sleep that night feeling very gloomy, tired, and hungry,
+most of us having had nothing to eat during the day. It was nothing
+new to us to sleep on the ground without anything over us, for we
+were quite used to that, but we could easily see what we were to
+expect from the hands of the rebels, and many were thinking of home
+and how anxious our friends would be to hear of our fate, whether
+killed in the battle or captured; and if captured, _worse_ than
+killed. The next day we had twenty-five hard crackers and on an
+average about ten ounces of raw salt pork issued to us. This had to
+last us till the morning of the 26th, making five days, thus making
+five crackers and two ounces of pork per day. On this we had to live
+and during the day make quite long marches.
+
+Colonel Beach, Lieutenant Colonel Burnham, Major Pasco, Quartermaster
+Robins, Surgeon Mayer, Assistant Surgeon Nickerson, and Captain Burke,
+together with the wounded men, remained at Plymouth. About noon of the
+21st we took up our line of march, halting about nine in the evening,
+making a distance of thirteen miles. We marched more or less every day
+until the noon of the 25th, when we arrived at Tarboro, having passed
+through the villages of Foster's Mill, Jamesville, Williamston, and
+Hamilton. Crowds of women and children lined the roadside eager to get
+a glimpse of the "Yankees," some hissing and insulting us in various
+ways. On the 23d, the 11th Virginia guarded us, and we learned that
+the same regiment fought against us on the Edenton road at Suffolk a
+year before. By the time we reached Tarboro, we were nearly starved,
+having been out of rations from twelve to thirty-six hours. At noon,
+some bacon and corn-bread were issued to the officers, and to the
+enlisted men in addition some peas which were by long cooking
+softened sufficiently to be eaten. At one o'clock, April 26th, all the
+officers and the 85th New York went aboard the cars and were on their
+way to the famous prison pens of the South, thus separating the
+officers from the enlisted men--only a few of whom lived to meet again
+at New Berne a year after. Traveling all night in crowded cars, we
+arrived at Wilmington at daybreak, where we crossed the river by ferry
+boats, and again taking cars we arrived at Florence, South Carolina,
+at 10 P.M.
+
+Here we again changed trains, being packed by fifties in box cars.
+This was a miserable night, as we were packed so closely that we could
+neither lie down nor sit. Some had to stand up, and those farthest
+from the door nearly suffocated. Leaving Florence in the morning we
+arrived at Charleston at 10 P.M. Here another change of cars
+was made, sixty being packed in each car, and we remained there all
+night. The next morning some hard-tack and good bacon were issued.
+Leaving Charleston at seven in the morning we arrived at Savannah at
+two P.M. Here more rations were issued and another change of
+cars was made. We finally arrived at Andersonville at 2-½ o'clock
+the next afternoon. Having marched us to a position, where we could
+obtain a view of the famous pen, Capt. Wirz soon appeared on a horse,
+making such a comical appearance that we laughed outright. "You Got
+damn Yanks, you vont laugh when you get in dat Bull Pen," were his
+first words of greeting. Having been sent to Andersonville by mistake
+we were not allowed to go in to the Bull Pen, but were marched to a
+school house or church, where we staid until the next day. Being
+Sunday, Chaplain Dixon gave us a short sermon from Psalms 37th, which
+was very appropriate and suitable under the peculiar circumstances in
+which we were then placed. At half past nine in the forenoon we were
+placed aboard the cars again, and went to Macon.
+
+
+CAMP OGLETHORPE, MACON.
+
+Here we went into Camp Oglethorpe, one hundred and ten in number,
+being all the officers captured at Plymouth, and going under the title
+of "Plymouth Pilgrims." General Howell Cobb soon rode up on his
+charger with a bran new saddle and bridle, and introduced himself by
+saying, "that we were just the fellows he wanted to see." "Why don't
+you go to the front then," replied Adjutant Clapp. This rather
+astounded the old gentleman. At this camp one day, Adjutant Clapp was
+having his haircut and accidently the barber nicked his ear a little.
+A lady who was at the time passing around the camp noticed it, and the
+next day sent a little brother into the camp to sell pies, and in the
+bottom of the basket was a book with a note directed to the soldier
+with the cut ear, and stating that she was from the north and
+sympathized with our misfortune. For good reasons I withhold her name,
+but she was a noble and brave girl, and afterwards risked her life in
+aiding Federal officers to escape.
+
+On the 17th of May, 900 officers from Libby arrived and were placed in
+a pen which had been built a short distance from our camp, and in the
+evening we were also placed there. Here we found Lieutenant-Colonel
+Burnham, Major Pasco, Quartermaster Robins, and Captain Burke, who
+were separated from us at Plymouth. Colonel Beach and Surgeon Mayer
+had been exchanged. Prison life had now commenced in earnest with us
+and we felt it deeply. We had heretofore been where we could see what
+was going on around us, and had the liberty of trading with hucksters
+and others. We were now cut off from the world, _in a pen_, with
+little or no shelter, and under the command of the most brutal, cruel,
+heartless, and inhuman men that this world produces. They were General
+Winder, Major Dick Turner, and Captain Tabb. As it is not the purpose
+of this history to record all the brutal acts of these men I give two
+or three to illustrate what fiends we were under. When General
+Stoneman made his attempt to rescue the prisoners, Winder issued an
+order called No. 13, which stamps the brute with infamy beyond
+redemption. In this order, which has been preserved, Winder commanded
+"the officers in charge of the artillery to open their batteries,
+loaded with grape-shot, as soon as the Federals approached within
+seven miles, and to continue the slaughter until every prisoner was
+exterminated." We had at this time six cannon bearing on us. "Was the
+prison mined," said Colonel Farnsworth to Turner, the jailor of Libby
+Prison, "when General Kilpatrick approached Richmond to attempt the
+rescue of the prisoners?" "Yes, and I would have blown you all to
+Hades before I would have suffered you to be rescued." Major Turner
+himself gave the prisoners to understand that if any more attempts
+were made for their rescue, the prison would be blown to atoms. The
+following atrocious order from rebel headquarters was afterwards
+issued. "Any soldier killing a Federal soldier, approaching the dead
+line, shall receive a furlough of sixty days; while for wounding one,
+he shall receive a furlough for thirty days." Under this order many
+were shot, who had no intentions of escaping. On May 29th,
+Assistant-Surgeon Nickerson was brought into prison. On June 10th,
+fifty of the officers, (Lieutenant-Colonel Burnham being one of the
+number,) were taken to Charleston and placed under the fire of the
+Union batteries on Morris Island.
+
+We had religious services very regularly and they were well attended
+after the rebels found out that we would have them, cost what they
+would. I think it was the second service that we had, and on Sunday
+evening, for during the day word came to the commandant of the prison,
+Captain Tabb, that "the prisoners were praying for Abraham Lincoln,
+Grant, and Sherman." Services had commenced in the evening and the
+congregation were singing the first hymn, when in came Captain Tabb
+accompanied by the officer of the day. They at once inquired who had
+charge of the meeting, and being informed that it was Chaplain White,
+came up to him, and, entering into conversation, told him "he (Captain
+Tabb) could not allow any praying in there for the President of the
+United States." Meanwhile the hymn was concluded, when Chaplain Dixon,
+of the 16th, knowing what was up, at once stepped forward and began to
+pray, asking God to bless all in authority, especially the President
+of the United States, his cabinet and Congress, and all his advisers,
+also that he would bless General Grant and his glorious army; that he
+might be successful in capturing Richmond, the capital and stronghold
+of the rebellion; that he would also bless Sherman, spare his life,
+give him wisdom to carry out his plans, that his army might be a
+victorious one all through its campaign; that treason might be
+crushed, and traitors punished; that the time might speedily come when
+our dear old flag should wave over every village, town, and city of
+the United States, and we enjoy peace again. When the prayer was
+finished Captain Tabb withdrew from the crowd saying, "d----n smart
+prayer, but I don't believe it will amount to anything."
+
+Many attempts to escape were planned, but few were successful. Major
+Pasco was caught tunneling, and the officer in command ordered him to
+fill up the tunnel. A revolver was held menacingly at his breast; but
+he resolutely refused. He was taken from prison and threatened with
+hanging, but was finally recommitted. On the 4th of July, the rebels
+gave us four roll-calls in the morning. An officer hoisted a small
+United States flag, which we all cheered lustily, much to the chagrin
+of the rebel guards. Then another sang the Star-Spangled Banner and we
+cheered that. Afterwards, without any preconcerted arrangement, we
+went into a large building, and held a meeting. Chaplain Dixon made
+one of the most patriotic prayers we ever heard. Then earnest,
+off-hand speeches were made, filled with a determination to persevere
+until the Rebellion should be crushed. Lieutenant-Colonel Thorp, 1st
+N.Y. Dragoons, was particularly defiant, and the audience showed their
+appreciation of it by frequent and prolonged applause. Of course such
+proceedings could not be tolerated by our rebel commandant, and he
+sent in his officer of the day to break up the meeting. The crowd
+quietly dispersed, after giving three rousing cheers each for
+President Lincoln and the little flag, the Proclamation, Grant, and
+Sherman. To us it was a very satisfactory celebration. In the course
+of the afternoon the following order was posted on the bulletin-board:
+
+
+                    SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 6.
+
+                                           C.S. MILITARY PRISON, }
+                                     MACON, GA., July 4th, 1864, }
+
+    "I. Lieutenant-Colonel Thorp is relieved from duty as senior
+    officer of prisoners for a violation of prison rules, and
+    Lieutenant-Colonel McCrary will again assume that position.
+
+    "II. The same order and quiet will be observed on this day as on
+    any other.
+
+    "III. A disregard of this order may subject offenders to
+    unpleasant consequences.
+
+                              "GEO. C. GIBBS, Captain Commanding."
+
+After the meeting was over, Colonel Thorp was called out to
+headquarters, when the following conversation took place between
+Captain Gibbs and himself:
+
+_G._--"What's your name?"
+
+_Col._--"T.J. Thorp."
+
+_G._--"Were you addressing the officers in the prison?"
+
+_Col._--"I was."
+
+_G._--"What did you mean by it?"
+
+_Col._--"It was the desire of the officers that I should address them,
+_which I did_, as is the custom in our country on the 4th of July."
+
+_G._--"_Sir_, I shall put you in _irons_, and send you to jail."
+
+_Col._--"Very well, you can do so; but such treatment will not
+ameliorate my feelings toward you or the Confederacy in the least. We
+deem it not only a privilege, but a duty, to commemorate the 4th of
+July as the birth-day of a great nation, for whose defense and
+perpetuity we are willing to _suffer_, and _die_, if need be."
+
+At this the Captain commuted his verdict to solitary confinement in
+jail _without irons_; but, before the guard arrived, the order was
+entirely revoked, and Colonel Thorp was sent back inside the stockade,
+with threats of summary treatment if he persisted in addressing the
+officers again on _any subject_.
+
+
+SAVANNAH--CHARLESTON.
+
+On July 28th, the first division of prisoners went to Charleston. This
+took of the 16th, Major Pasco, Quartermaster Robins, Captains Morse,
+Robinson, Burke, Hintz, and Lieutenant Bruns. The next day 600 more
+left for Savannah. In this squad all the remaining officers of the
+16th went, they being Chaplain Dixon, Adjutant Clapp, Captain Turner,
+Lieutenants A.G. Case, Bowers, Strong, Andrus, Miller, Waters, Landon,
+and Blakeslee. On our way we busied ourselves by pitching the guards
+out of the cars when under full headway. Arriving at Savannah we were
+received by a large delegation of citizens, who were greatly
+interested, and wondered where our horns and tails were. Great was
+their surprise that we did not look different from their soldiers. The
+crowd was very great, and the police, aided by the city militia,
+could hardly clear the way for us to march through the streets. The
+officer in charge also was greatly confused, and gave so many wrong
+orders that it was a long time before we were able to march to the old
+United States Marine Hospital. We were confined in the yard surrounded
+on three sides by a brick wall eight feet high. While at this prison
+Lieutenant John M. Waters was taken sick with bilious fever. After a
+sickness of two weeks he was taken into the hospital on August 17th,
+dying the next day at 11 A.M. On the 19th, Chaplain Dixon was allowed
+to go out and perform the last duty of respect to our comrade in the
+presence of the Commander of the prison, Officer of the Day, Officer
+of the Guard, two Lieutenants, and four privates. Lieutenant Waters
+was very genial and, until his sickness, had kept up good courage. On
+September 2d, the Chaplains and Surgeons were sent to Charleston to be
+exchanged. This took Chaplain Dixon and Assistant Surgeon Nickerson of
+the 16th.
+
+At an early hour on the morning of September 13th, we left Savannah
+and went to Charleston, where we were enthusiastically received and
+thrown into the yard of the jail. We here found Edward Woodford of
+Company I, who gave us some of the casualties of the enlisted men at
+Andersonville. He reported that the regiment stood it better than the
+other regiments who were captured at Plymouth, but already sixty had
+died. Two days after our arrival, Major Pasco, who was on parole at
+Roper hospital, (together with the balance of the 16th officers who
+left Macon in the first division, July 28th,) visited us, and through
+his efforts three days after, we joined him at Roper Hospital, by
+signing the following parole.
+
+
+                                   CHARLESTON, S.C., C.S. AMERICA,
+                                                  SEPTEMBER, 1864.
+
+    "We, the undersigned, prisoners of war, confined in the city of
+    Charleston, in the Confederate States of America, do pledge our
+    parole individually as military men and men of honor, that we
+    will not attempt to pass the lines which shall be established
+    and guarded around our prison house; nor will we, by letter,
+    word, or sign, hold any intercourse with parties beyond those
+    lines, nor with those who may visit us, without authority. It is
+    understood by us, that this parole is voluntary on our part, and
+    given in consideration of privileges secured to us, by lessening
+    the stringency of the guard, of free ingress and egress of the
+    house and appointed grounds during the day, by which we secure a
+    liberty of fresh air and exercise, grateful to comfort and
+    health.
+
+    "Hereby we admit that this, our parole, binds us in letter and
+    spirit, with no room for doubts or technicality of construction,
+    and its violation will be an act of lasting disgrace. Signed:"
+
+_The firing upon the city_ was continued daily notwithstanding our
+being brought here and placed under fire of our own batteries as a
+means of saving the besieged city. Cheer after cheer went up as we
+heard the missiles crash through adjacent buildings.
+
+On September 17th, at 1 P.M., a fire broke out near us. General Foster
+immediately opened on the place, the fourth shell bursting in a
+dwelling house near by, setting that also on fire. So accurate were
+Gilmore's guns aimed that two shells burst in the burning buildings;
+and the negroes told us that one struck an engine, entirely destroying
+it, and killing several firemen. One shell struck our wall, tearing it
+nearly down. Several pieces of shell came into the yard where we were,
+but no one was injured. One of our officers in Roper Hospital was
+wounded in the arm by a piece of shell that came through the roof
+while he was eating dinner, making a flesh wound, smashing up the
+table, and passing on through the floor. In the evening we often
+watched the shells coming, and it was a beautiful sight. We first
+caught the flash of our guns; then, after waiting a few seconds, we
+could see the missile, which looked like a shooting star, climbing up
+higher and higher; and, when it reached its full hight, we could hear
+the report of the guns that sent it; by this time the shell was so
+near, that we could hear its sharp, shrill shriek; then it gradually
+descended, and approached until it was right over our heads, when it
+burst, most of the pieces going beyond us. The report of the explosion
+then reached us, as we heard the fragments rattle among the brick
+walls, or crash fearfully through the wooden tenements. Shells from
+Gilmore's batteries on Morris Island were continually making sad havoc
+in the city, killing and wounding from one to eight persons daily, and
+going through entire blocks. Sometimes a single percussion shell would
+blow up an entire building.
+
+On October 2d, Major Pasco received a letter from Lieutenant Colonel
+Burnham, stating that he was once more a prisoner of war and confined
+at Wilmington. This was news that very much surprised us. It seems
+that after being exchanged at Charleston, he had been home and had got
+newly fitted out, and was on his way to the regiment. At this time Co.
+"H" and a few others of the regiment which had been gathered from
+different points were stationed at Roanoke Island, and this composed
+the 16th Connecticut Volunteers, on the Union side of the lines.
+Lieutenant Colonel Burnham took the steamer "Fawn" at Norfolk, and
+while passing Coinjock, on the Albemarle and Chesapeake canal, they
+were fired into by guerrillas, who lay concealed near the shore. One
+was killed outright and several wounded. The remainder were taken
+prisoners, and the steamer was burned. The prisoners were marched to
+Elizabeth City, and turned over to the rebel authorities. Colonel
+Burnham was soon after again paroled.
+
+
+COLUMBIA.
+
+On October 5th, we went to Columbia. Captains Morse, Burke, and
+Robinson escaped by jumping from the train, but were recaptured on the
+11th, and rejoined us next day at Camp Sorghum.
+
+That we might get wood the commandant allowed a certain number to be
+paroled each day. Their names were written on a piece of paper, handed
+to the officer of the day, who instructed the guard to pass them in
+and out at their pleasure till night. On the 3d of November, Captains
+Robinson, Dickerson, and Burke, took advantage of this, and
+successfully escaped, an account of which has been written by Captain
+Dickerson as follows:
+
+"Upon the evening of the 3d of November, 1864, a large number of
+officers were paroled for the purpose of bringing wood for cooking and
+building purposes. Three of us,--Captains Burke, Robinson, and
+myself--finished getting wood, saw our paroles destroyed, returned to
+camp, and, after a short time, recrossed the guard-line, and,
+unsuspected, made our way to the woods. We kept slowly through the
+woods, until we were safely beyond the reach of the rebels. Night
+coming on, we traveled through the fields and woods, until we struck a
+road which ran parallel with the Congaree River; and traveled
+southward about twelve miles. We then left the public road, and
+traveled through the woods, toward the river, which was about eight
+miles distant. Upon the afternoon of the 4th, we fell in with five
+other of our escaped prisoners from the same camp, who escaped two
+nights previous to ourselves by bribing the guard. They had been in
+the swamp two days, and had made an arrangement with the negroes for
+provisions, and information where two boats could be found. We joined
+our parties, and in the evening the negroes met us, and furnished us
+with the promised necessaries. Proceeding to the river, which was
+about two miles distant, we found the boats which accommodated all of
+us. At about eleven o'clock, all things being ready we embarked in our
+boats, and paddled down the river. Early in the morning, we landed,
+having secured a hiding-place for our boats and ourselves, and devoted
+the day to cooking and sleep. Darkness again found us upon the river;
+and we soon passed the bridge of the South Carolina railroad, which
+was guarded by sentries; paddled all night; and again secured
+ourselves for the day.
+
+"While engaged, some in cooking, others in sleep, our attention was
+attracted by loud talking; and soon we discovered a boat below us,
+upon the river, being poled up the river by negroes. One of our party
+posted himself upon the bank of the river, where he could hail the
+boat without discovering the presence of the rest of the party, and,
+hailing the negro in charge of the boat, informed him that he was in
+want of provisions. The negro replied that he had no time to stop, and
+persisted in keeping on his course. When all entreaty failed, the
+captain told him he was a 'Yankee' officer, escaped from rebel prison,
+making his way north and needed provisions, and information regarding
+obstructions in the river. The negro no sooner learned his true
+character than he immediately landed, secured his boat, staid with us
+all day, cooking rations, and giving very valuable information. He
+claimed in return for his service, a sight of the rest of the party,
+whom he had instinctive shrewdness to know were concealed close by.
+Night again found us upon the river; and after a few hours' sail we
+landed at a farm, of which we had been informed by the negroes, where
+we succeeded in capturing a goat, which supplied us with meat to our
+journey's end.
+
+"Monday and Tuesday nights nothing occurred to delay our progress
+toward the desired goal. Wednesday evening, we had been going down the
+river but a short time, when we reached a ferry, where we made the
+acquaintance of four negroes, who furnished us with a large quantity
+of sweet-potatoes, salt, and meat. Upon parting with them, they bade
+us God-speed and a safe journey. Elated and happy with our success, we
+kept steadily forward; and soon after we landed to again consult the
+negroes, who told us we were but five miles from a battery, mounting
+two pieces, upon the right bank of the river, guarded by rebel
+soldiers. After receiving other information and provisions, we parted
+company with the last of our negro friends, and proceeded down the
+river, passed the battery in safety, and, landing, waited for the
+darkness of the night to finish our journey to the coast. Thursday
+night, full of hope, we again took to our boats, and meeting no
+interference, reached the coast safely.
+
+"The light of Friday morning, November 11th, revealed to us the spars
+of a ship, which we soon made out to be one of the United States
+blockade. It was the Canandaigua, Captain Harrison; and after sundry
+attempts we succeeded in getting safe on board, under the protection
+of the star-spangled banner. We came north on the Fulton."
+
+Of the many devices for escape, all were not as successful as the
+above, as our major will testify.
+
+Major Pasco had become possessed of two gold dollars which had been
+sent him in cans of solidified milk from the north. He had bribed a
+guard to permit Captains Morse, Turner, and himself, to pass out that
+evening between the hours of eight and ten, for the two gold dollars
+and a jack knife. At the appointed time, and all three officers being
+ready, they approached the dead line, and Captain Morse going first
+gave the booty to the guard who allowed him to pass and also Captain
+Turner. At this point an officer who was lying on the ground and
+trying to escape on his own hook in another manner, jumped up and
+passed out. The guard had passed out three according to agreement.
+Major Pasco came along and was halted by the guard, and the following
+conversation took place:
+
+Major. You agreed to pass out three of us.
+
+Guard. Well I have let out three. You must go back.
+
+Major. That last man you let pass didn't belong to my party.
+
+Guard. Can't help it, I have let out three and you must go back.
+
+The Major undertook to explain matters, but the sentinels along the
+line commenced to fire at him and he beat a hasty retreat into camp,
+where he dreamed all night of the officer who euchred him out of an
+escape.
+
+But the Major was not to be foiled out of a successful escape. He made
+a second attempt to reach the Union lines by writing out a false sick
+certificate to pass to the hospital, but he was recaptured after seven
+days absence. The third time he succeeded. Shortly after the train
+left Columbia, while we were going to Charlotte, N.C., he jumped off
+the train and was overtaken by Sherman's army. Lieutenant Bruns also
+escaped from this prison, but was recaptured and brought back after an
+absence of ten days. Captains Morse and Turner were returned to
+prison, having been absent a month. There were so many escapes from
+this prison that on the 12th of December, the rebels marched us into
+the city and confined us in the yard of the Insane Asylum with a brick
+wall around it eight or ten feet high, and eighteen inches thick.
+
+
+CHARLOTTE, RALEIGH, GOLDSBORO, WILMINGTON.
+
+The month of February was full of rumors in regard to our exchange,
+but it was an old story to us given out to prevent our trying to
+escape. On the 14th and 15th we were moved to Charlotte. General
+Sherman had by this time arrived within two miles of the city and was
+posting his artillery on the hill, (Camp Sorghum[3]) where we had been
+imprisoned a few weeks before.
+
+As the train started. General Sherman opened his batteries on the
+city. Lieutenant Landon and a party of sixteen had managed to hide
+themselves between the rafters under the floor of the second story of
+the Hospital building, where they stayed with little or no food for
+forty-eight hours and fell into the hands of Sherman. Major Pasco,
+Captains Morse and Turner, who jumped from the first train that left
+Columbia, secreted themselves in the woods and General Sherman
+overtook them on his way north. The remaining officers of the 16th
+were sent to Charlotte with the rest of the prisoners, arriving there
+on the evening of the 16th, having been delayed some hours at a point
+40 miles from Columbia by running into a drove of cattle which the
+rebels were driving ahead of Sherman's course. The engine, tender, and
+one car was thrown from the track, killing three beef creatures. This
+was issued to us, being the first meat of any kind that we had tasted
+for four months and ten days.
+
+Disembarking from the cars on the morning of the 17th, we marched
+three-quarters of a mile to a little pine grove, which we called Camp
+Necessity or Camp Bacon, by reason of some bacon having been
+issued,--the only meat rations for over four months. The fact that we
+were soon to be exchanged was now confirmed by the rebels taking off
+part of the guard and allowing them to use unloaded muskets. Still[4]
+"old fish" turned away and would not believe it, and a good many
+escaped, as it was a very easy matter. Captain Hintz and Lieutenant
+Bruns immediately left, and Lieutenant Johnson with Lieutenant Eli P.
+Alexander, (Co. H. 26th Mich.,) went out about noon, and nothing has
+ever been heard from them. It is supposed that they were murdered by
+guerrillas. On the 20th, we signed a parole not to serve against the
+Confederate States until regularly exchanged, and that evening we left
+for Raleigh, where we stayed a few days and thence proceeded to
+Goldsboro, where we were quartered in the Court House. On the 27th we
+signed the following parole.
+
+    We, the undersigned, prisoners of war, do give our Parole of
+    Honor, that we will not take up arms again, nor serve as
+    Military Police or Constabulary force in any fort, garrison, or
+    fieldwork, nor as guards of prisoners, depots or stores, nor to
+    discharge any duty usually performed by soldiers: until
+    exchanged under the provisions of the cartel entered into July
+    22d, 1862.
+
+About six o'clock in the evening of the 28th, we left Goldsboro by
+cars crowded both in and outside, amid cheers and songs, bound for
+Wilmington, which was now in our possession. Riding all night,
+daylight found us standing on the track at Rocky Point, a few miles
+from Northeast Bridge, and fourteen miles from Wilmington. This was
+the picket line and out-post of the rebels. At nine o'clock Colonel
+Hatch on a special train arrived and proceeded ahead with a flag of
+truce on the engine. We soon started and reached neutral ground about
+ten o'clock. About a mile past Marlboro, we came in sight of the "Boys
+in Blue." Three cheers were immediately given. As the train came to a
+stand still, all were silent, and we quietly disembarked and were
+counted through the ranks of twenty Union soldiers, they presenting
+arms. As soon as we were able clearly to comprehend that there was not
+somebody at our side with a loaded musket, cheer upon cheer was given,
+caps were thrown high in the air, some were hugging and kissing each
+other, and others cried. Whilst some sang, others were laughing and
+rolling on the ground. Finally our old pans, kettles, bags of meal,
+and bundles of all sorts were flung high in the air. Cheer upon cheer
+was given for Lincoln, Grant, Sherman, and _General Exchange_. Some
+hugged the horse of a Colonel, who seemed to have command over us, but
+tried in vain to get us into line. Taking up the line of march, a mile
+brought us to Cape Fear River, and in sight of the United States flag.
+Cheer after cheer ran the whole length of the line. The 6th
+Connecticut was encamped on the bank of the river, and at the end of
+the pontoon bridge which we had to cross, they had erected a handsome
+arbor decked with flags. In the center of the arch, surrounded with a
+wreath of evergreens, were the words
+
+                    "WELCOME, BROTHERS."
+
+A band was placed here, and played "Hail to the Chief who in Triumph
+Advances." Some few cheered but more were moved to tears, and kissed
+that dear old flag which they had so long suffered for, and all
+marched under with uncovered heads. Arriving at the top of the hill,
+we found the whole division of troops in line to receive us. On
+reaching camp we partook of a breakfast of United States rations, the
+first full meal which we had had for a long time. At noon those that
+were able walked to Wilmington, a distance of nine miles. We were here
+met by officers who provided us with another meal, and then we were
+quartered in churches and private residences. The next day (March 2d,)
+we took the steamer "General Sedgwick" for Annapolis, Md., where we
+remained a week, receiving two months pay and a leave of absence for
+30 days, at the end of which time we were to report at Camp Parole,
+Annapolis, Md.
+
+Extracts from a statement made in 1867 by Lieut. B.F. Blakeslee, to a
+"Congressional Committee on the Treatment of Prisoners of War and
+Union Citizens;" John P.C. Shanks of Indiana, Chairman.
+
+    At Macon, for quarters we had merely a roof which sheltered us
+    from rain; but no protection from the cold damp nights. Rations
+    consisted per diem of a pint to a pint and a half of corn-meal;
+    from poor to fair in quality, and occasionally in lieu thereof
+    baked corn-bread from one to two inches thick, three inches long
+    and three inches in width, containing a large quantity of water
+    and very hard; rice half a tea-cupful, or in lieu thereof the
+    same quantity of beans; salt, a teaspoonful; bacon, from three
+    to four ounces; invariably decayed and maggoty, with only two
+    exceptions, two issues of soap were made and that was the end of
+    trying to keep clean; meat of any kind except the bacon above
+    mentioned we never saw. No cooking utensils were issued. The
+    rations of wood were not sufficient to do our cooking. From the
+    11th to the 18th of July, none whatever was issued, and rations
+    had to be eaten raw.
+
+    This caused much hunger, suffering, and misery, as the beans and
+    rice could not be eaten. The quality of the water in this prison
+    was good and usually plenty, though some days the supply was
+    short. Our treatment here was generally bad. The length of
+    confinement was three months.
+
+    At Savannah we were better treated in every respect than in any
+    other prison, provided with tents, and cooking utensils, and a
+    good supply of rations of good quality. Fresh beef was issued
+    nearly every day. The water though, was very poor; having a
+    fetid smell, and unpleasant taste, and could only be used for
+    drinking purposes by filtering through charcoal; or burnt rice
+    or meal steeped in it. The length of confinement was six weeks.
+
+    At Charleston Jail Yard, only a part were provided with shelter;
+    and in rainy weather the yard was flooded with water, so we
+    could neither lie down nor do any cooking. In pleasant weather,
+    it was as hot as an oven. Little or no fresh air could come
+    within those walls which were twelve feet high, and in addition
+    surrounded by buildings. When there was a breeze, there were
+    whirlwinds of dust which would almost suffocate us. The water
+    was very poor, making a great many sick. The rations consisted
+    of small quantities of corn-meal and rice, and one ounce of
+    bacon per day; but after a week or so the bacon was dispensed
+    with. There were no utensils for cooking, and but little salt
+    was issued. In addition to our deplorable condition we were
+    under fire from Gilmore's batteries, whose shells were
+    continually bursting around us, occasionally coming amongst us
+    and twice tearing the wall away. On one occasion for sixty hours
+    we had not a morsel to eat.
+
+    At Roper Hospital Prison, in Charleston, our exact rations were
+    for ten days, two and a third quarts of corn-meal, two quarts of
+    rice, three pints of black beans (including bugs,) and four
+    ounces (daily) of fresh beef, or in lieu thereof, two ounces of
+    bacon. No cooking utensils were to be had. We certainly should
+    have starved to death here, had it not been for an arrangement
+    made for obtaining money which enabled us to purchase food of
+    the citizens. The authorities gave us Confederate money in
+    exchange for our drafts (in gold) on the North.
+
+    At Columbia we were turned into an open field like a drove of
+    cattle to pass the winter months, without any shelter whatever,
+    neither cooking utensils, axes, spades or anything were issued
+    that would enable us to make ourselves comfortable. With scanty
+    clothing, but few blankets, some without shoes, we were left
+    here to pass the winter as best we could. Rations consisted of
+    corn-meal and rice. Twelve days rations of rice made one meal.
+    Salt was issued in small quantities, and for four consecutive
+    days we had none at all. On September 26th and 27th, we had
+    nothing to eat. One or two issues of flour were made, but no
+    meat of any kind was provided.
+
+    While on our way to Charlotte, the train ran into a drove of
+    cattle, killing three, which were issued to us, making the only
+    meat rations we had had for four months and ten days. At Raleigh
+    we met several trains loaded with enlisted men going north to be
+    paroled. Nearly all were sick and very dirty and black; no soap
+    having been issued to them for six months. Nineteen out of one
+    train had died since leaving Salisbury, a distance of 132 miles,
+    mostly of starvation, though some who were on the top of the
+    cars were frozen to death. On Monday morning they had half a
+    loaf of bread, weighing not over five ounces issued to them,
+    since which time the rebels had issued _not a particle of food_.
+    It was then Thursday noon. How soon thereafter rations were
+    issued to them I am unable to state.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+  [3] So named, because that was the principal ration we received
+  while there.
+
+  [4] The first six months of prison life one is called a "fresh
+  fish," the next four months a "sucker," the next two a "dry cod,"
+  and the balance of his time a "dried herring," or "old fish."
+  After exchange he becomes a "pickled sardine."
+
+  As soon as a new prisoner made his appearance at the gate, the cry
+  of "fresh-fish," by each one ran through the prison, and a general
+  rush was made for the gate. An eager group surrounded him, and
+  while some would be seriously asking questions concerning his
+  capture and listening to his pitiful story others would call out
+  "Take your hands out of his haversack;" "Give him air;" "Keep that
+  louse off him;" "Don't take his clothes;" etc. All this affected
+  them strangely at first, and produced a hearty laugh for us.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+PRISON LIFE OF THE ENLISTED MEN.
+
+
+It is to the credit of the rebel soldiers whose good fortune it was to
+capture our command, that we were treated with considerable courtesy
+and kindness while in their power. Our men were allowed to retain
+their blankets and overcoats, and all little articles of value which
+they might have upon their persons. Many of the men had about them
+large sums of money which they were allowed to keep. From Plymouth,
+the long and wearisome march made to Tarboro (an account of which is
+given in the preceding chapter,) together with scanty rations and
+exposure, told severely on the men, and many were sick and feeble; and
+it was with no little pleasure that, on the morning of April 29th,
+they marched to the depot in the town to take cars to Camp Sumter,
+where, as the rebels informed them, rations would be dealt out
+plenteously. They were crowded aboard small box cars by forties, and,
+in addition, six rebel guards were stationed in each car, occupying
+the door. Of course under such circumstances, they were nearly
+suffocated, and were pressed almost out of shape. The train started at
+10 o'clock, stopping at Goldsboro, where rations were issued,
+consisting of three small hard crackers and a little scrap of bacon,
+to subsist on for the next twenty-four hours. Although arriving at
+midnight at Wilmington, they were not allowed to get out of the
+wretched cars until morning. At sunrise they were marched down to the
+dock, and conveyed by ferry boats to the opposite side. Taking the
+train in waiting for them, they proceeded to Charleston, arriving
+there on Sunday morning, May 1st. In the afternoon they were
+transferred to another train and put aboard platform cars and at a
+rapid rate went to Savannah, Georgia. But before reaching there they
+were overtaken by a storm and thoroughly drenched with rain. Changing
+cars at Savannah, they proceeded to Macon, and thence to
+Andersonville, arriving there at nine in the evening. Leaving the cars
+they were marched into an open field near by, where they remained
+during the night, and marched into the prison pen the next morning
+under the escort of a strong guard. How each one felt as he entered
+this "hell upon earth," can little be imagined. The first night ten
+died near the position of the 16th. The men seemed to stand it pretty
+well at first, much better than the other regiments captured at
+Plymouth, and it was not until the 20th of June that the first of
+their number died, Alonzo A. Bosworth, Co. D. But by the 1st of
+August, some of the Sixteenth died nearly every day.
+
+The inhuman treatment which our men experienced in Southern Prisons
+has been told over and over, and is well known in history and need not
+be repeated; but this history would not be complete without inserting
+the following testimony of rebel barbarity taken from the diary of
+Corporal Charles G. Lee, (Co. B.,) who died from exposure and lack of
+food, immediately after being exchanged at Wilmington, N.C. He writes
+as follows, "Again I am called to bid adieu to the passing year, but
+under very different circumstances from any in which I have ever been.
+During the year 1864, I have passed eight months in the most degrading
+imprisonment. In that time, our inhuman captors had not furnished
+shelter of any kind; and we have repeatedly been for two and three
+days at a time without a morsel of food; and even that we have
+received would at home have been generally thought unfit for swine. We
+have not had a particle of meat for forty-two days, and but little
+molasses, or any thing to take the place of it. Our rations chiefly
+consist of about a pint and a half of coarse corn-meal, and half a
+teaspoonful of salt daily. Now and then we receive a few beans or
+sweet potatoes. Many a night have I lain awake because I was so hungry
+that I could not sleep."
+
+About the 1st of September the prisoners were removed to Charleston,
+South Carolina, where they remained about four weeks, when the yellow
+fever broke out and raged so fearfully among the rebel forces who
+guarded the prisoners, that they were removed to Florence, where they
+spent the winter months. During the latter part of December, 1864, and
+the months of January and February, 1865, the men were--a few at a
+time--paroled and allowed to come north, and afterwards were regularly
+exchanged, thus ending the career of the Sixteenth in prison, with the
+heavy loss of over fifty per cent. in deaths, in a period of a few
+months. A more detailed account has been published by Sergeant Major
+Robert H. Kellogg, in his "Life and Death in Rebel Prisons." Among the
+number who escaped from prison, were Quartermaster Sergeant Hiram
+Buckingham and Andrew J. Spring, of Company K. An order was received
+for the names of all sailors at Andersonville. Sergeant Buckingham
+suspecting it was for the purpose of exchange, obtained a suit of
+sailor's clothes, and accordingly took the name of Johnny Sullivan, a
+sailor who had died in the hospital a few months before. In about a
+week after the names had been registered, the sailors were ordered out
+of prison. Buckingham answering "Here," to the name of Johnny
+Sullivan, passed out without detection. They went to Charleston,
+thence to Richmond, and were exchanged, having been in prison just six
+months.
+
+Andrew J. Spring in some manner procured money enough to bribe a
+guard, who allowed him to escape with two comrades. They were five
+days in reaching the Union lines, living meanwhile on sugar-cane,
+green corn, and persimmons. Traveling in the woods, they guided
+themselves by the moss, which grows heaviest on the north side of the
+trees, and successfully passed three lines of rebel pickets.
+
+The shooting of prisoners who came near the "dead line," was of almost
+daily occurrence; for if they were near it with no intention of
+escaping, the sentinels would fire. The regiment lost one man in this
+manner, William Drake of Company A, who was shot December 4th, 1864.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+1865.
+
+NEW BERNE,--HARTFORD, CONN.
+
+
+Company "H," (Captain Barnum,) who escaped capture at Plymouth, by
+being detached and sent to Roanoke Island for duty in April, 1864, was
+reinforced now and then by men who had previously been detached for
+special service, or were absent sick, also by a few who were exchanged
+from time to time, representing every company, and this composed the
+16th regiment in actual service. Captain Barnum labored with much zeal
+under many difficulties, to preserve the former prestige of the
+regiment. During December the regiment proceeded to Plymouth, and went
+thence on an expedition to Poster's Mills, about ten miles, destroying
+the mills and a large quantity of grain, and returning with various
+spoils. On another occasion the regiment went to Hertford, where they
+captured large quantities of cotton, tobacco, finished carriages, and
+buggies, several thousand feet of lumber, several mules, and forty
+contrabands. And again one bright night Captain Pomeroy with sixty men
+proceeded by steamer up the Alligator river, capturing a barge and
+three small sail vessels containing twenty-five hundred bushels of
+shelled corn, together with the outfit of fifteen men with their mules
+and carts. They were intending to take the corn to a mill near by to
+be ground. The regiment also made several unimportant raids to
+Columbia, Edenton, and the adjoining country, until March 4th, 1865,
+when they were ordered to New Berne, N.C., where the exchanged
+prisoners joined them and remained on provost duty. Most of the
+officers were quartered in the houses at the corner of Craven and
+Union streets. Colonel Beach having been released from Libby Prison in
+May, 1864, was assigned to various duties in Washington, only once
+rejoining what remained of the regiment. That was at New Berne, where
+he was taken sick and soon departed on sick-leave.
+
+Colonel Frank Beach was a graduate of West Point Academy, class '57.
+He was stationed at first at Fortress Monroe, as a brevet second
+lieutenant of artillery.
+
+At a later date he was ordered to the far west with General Gibbon,
+and took part in the well-known Utah expedition in 1858. The
+sufferings of that campaign and the winter encampment on the prairie
+were shared by him, as well as the almost unendurable _ennui_ of later
+days, when Digger Indians or inimical Mormons were the only society
+accessible to the small garrison.
+
+When the war broke out Colonel Beach was post adjutant at Port McHenry
+near Baltimore, and remained in that position for some time. He took
+some share in McClellan's advance, and was stationed at Yorktown as an
+officer of artillery. But in the summer of 1862, he was permitted, by
+special order of the war department, to accept the colonelcy of the
+Sixteenth Connecticut regiment which had been tendered him by Governor
+Buckingham. He commanded the regiment at the battle of Antietam,
+showing great personal bravery and heroism during the engagement. He
+galloped hither and thither on his white horse over the field, trying
+in vain to draw the men out of the desperate charge into which they
+had been ordered, and sad and full of woe was his heart on the night
+after the struggle, when the broken remnants of the Sixteenth gathered
+around him in the rear of the battle ground. He made personal inquiry
+after each of the wounded, and visited a number of them on that
+evening and the following days, doing for them all that was possible.
+
+The winter which followed made him an invalid with a disease whose
+seeds had been laid in the Utah campaign. But, as he was reluctant to
+leave the regiment, he accompanied it in an ambulance on the long
+marches down Virginia to Fredericksburg. With him, and sharing the
+same ambulance, was Colonel Griffin Stedman, the heroic commander of
+the Eleventh Connecticut, still lame from Antietam wounds. They became
+firm friends, and not unfrequently in those cold evenings the
+ambulance would harbor a merry party, which, by the light of a
+hospital lantern, and in the sight of the surrounding camp fires,
+would speed the long hours by merry conversation. Major Converse,
+Adjutant Barnum, (both fallen) and Dr. Mayer would bear them company.
+
+The greater part of that winter the Colonel remained with the
+regiment, but was finally forced to take sick leave. He returned to it
+in the summer at Portsmouth, Va., and held command during the siege of
+Suffolk, and the charge on Longstreet's army. Then he conducted it to
+North Carolina, where he remained in command of a brigade, until at
+Plymouth, he was taken prisoner with the regiment and all the other
+troops that garrisoned this surprised out-post.
+
+After the war Colonel Beach was for some time in command of a solitary
+fort near Washington. He was soon after stationed at Washington, and
+then at Fort McHenry. His old trouble having reappeared with more than
+its former violence and persistency, he was placed on the retired
+list, and endeavored to regain his health, but with only temporary
+success. He died at New York, in the New York hotel, on Wednesday
+evening, February 5th, 1873.
+
+Colonel Beach was a gentleman of very handsome appearance and strong
+masculinity of deportment. He was widely and well read, and as
+thoroughly acquainted with the progress of modern philosophy and
+science as with the prominent poets and writers of _belles lettres_ of
+all ages. He had an elegant yet terse method of expression, and a
+flashing quality of wit. But no man was of kinder heart, and in the
+regular army his good nature had become proverbial. In his first
+connection with the Sixteenth Connecticut Regiment under unfortunate
+circumstances, many misunderstandings between him and the men gained
+ground. This, as in some other regiments, was owing to the jealousy
+with which the volunteer soldiers, fresh from home, regarded regular
+army officers, and to the disagreeable impression the necessities of
+army discipline made on them. But, a little later, and at the close of
+the war, there was not a man of the regiment who was not warmly
+attached to the Colonel, admired him, was proud of his bravery, his
+military knowledge, bearing, and of his standing in the army. "Little
+Moustache," and "Black Eye," the men used to call him among
+themselves, and they made a boast of him to those of other regiments.
+He was as splendidly endowed with all the qualities that make the true
+and noble man, as with all those that please and captivate in society.
+For years a sufferer from a harassing disease, yet few came in
+personal contact with him but will regret his demise as that of a
+person of fine and polished intellect, and engaging manners, and of a
+great-hearted gentleman.
+
+Surgeon Mayer who was exchanged in May, 1864, was ordered to the
+Foster General Hospital at New Berne, N.C. There he remained in charge
+of four wards until the latter part of September, when the Chief
+Surgeon of the hospital went north, and he succeeded to the charge of
+the institution. Immediately afterwards the yellow fever broke out.
+Its ravages in the city of New Berne and among the garrison are a
+matter of general history. There were only a few of the Sixteenth at
+New Berne at the time, and most of these had been detailed as clerks
+or nurses to the hospital, at Surgeon Mayer's suggestion. Jasper A.
+Winslow, Company "C," who at his own request, through the Surgeon's
+influence, was ordered there as clerk, took sick at once, and died in
+a few days. W. Chester Case, Company "H," was doing clerk's duty and
+proved very efficient at this terrible time. He held out courageously,
+and kept the reports of the dying, of their places of burial, of their
+possessions and accounts, until he himself was seized with the fever.
+When it is considered that sometimes as many as thirty or forty died
+in one day at the hospital, an idea may be formed in regard to the
+difficulty and labor of keeping reports. Under Surgeon Mayer's
+personal treatment Case and a few other Sixteenth men, sick at New
+Berne, recovered. But at last he took sick himself. For two days it
+was doubtful whether he would live. Then, some favorable symptoms
+occurred, and Medical Director Hand sent him to Morehead City. After a
+two weeks convalescence, he returned to New Berne, where Surgeon Rice
+and Surgeon Cowgill, who had been in charge since his sickness, lay
+also attacked by the fever. He took charge again and so continued
+until his appointment to a different office. During the epidemic,
+eighteen assistant Surgeons had shared his labors, all of whom had in
+succession been attacked by the fever, which carried off nine of them.
+
+General Palmer, in recognition of Surgeon Mayer's services, appointed
+him Medical Purveyor of the district, and this office he held until
+the muster out of the regiment. A complimentary order was issued to
+him. His management of the hospital during the yellow fever time, and
+his administration of the Medical Purveyor's department, met with
+general praise.
+
+The Doctor says: "I got out of the hospital where over five hundred
+died, and had saved seventy patients above the general average; and I
+got out of the Medical Purveyor's office, where I had some million
+dollars worth of property to administer and was square with the United
+States Government, all but fourteen pounds of nails, which I couldn't
+account for; so I may consider myself fortunate. But the
+Quartermaster's Department kept writing for those nails every quarter
+for four or five years."
+
+In May it was generally conceded that the war was ended, and Captains
+Dickerson and Turner resigned and went home. Adjutant Clapp also
+resigned while home on leave of absence, and Lieutenant Landon was
+made Adjutant. June 19th, Major Pasco returned from Connecticut, with
+the necessary muster rolls and papers to enable us to complete the
+muster-out rolls. Then both day and night did the officers work on
+discharge papers and muster-out rolls. Finally on Saturday, June 24th,
+the rolls were examined and we were honorably mustered out of the
+service, at 5. P.M., by Captain John D. Parker, A.C.M., Second
+Massachusetts heavy artillery, the men remarking, while standing in
+line, waiting patiently; "that while it did not take long to enlist,
+it took a long time to get mustered out." It proved quite true; for
+while we enlisted for three years, it was not supposed that we should
+be out more than three or six months at the most; and many of the men
+enlisted expecting to return in a short time, not one of us realizing
+the hardships and sufferings we must pass through. But who of us
+regrets the faithful service performed for our country. How many
+around us to-day do we see who blush and say the greatest mistake they
+ever made was that they did not go to the war. How many would say as
+did a prominent man to me, the day we returned home; "I would give
+fifty thousand dollars to have seen and been through what you have."
+
+The regiment participated in the following
+
+                    ENGAGEMENTS.
+
+    _Antietam, Md._--September 17th, 1862. Loss in killed, four
+    commissioned officers, 38 enlisted men; wounded, eight
+    commissioned officers, 176 enlisted men; captured, 12 enlisted
+    men; _Total Loss, 238._
+
+    _Fredericksburg, Virginia._--December 12, 13, and 14, 1862. Loss
+    in wounded, one enlisted man. _Total loss one._
+
+    _Edenton Road, Suffolk, Virginia._--April 24, 1863. Loss in
+    killed, one enlisted man; wounded, seven enlisted men. _Total
+    loss, eight._
+
+    _Providence Church Road, Suffolk, Virginia._--May 3, 1863. Loss
+    in killed, two enlisted men; wounded, one commissioned officer,
+    seven enlisted men. _Total loss, 10._
+
+    _Plymouth, North Carolina._--April 20, 1864. Loss in killed, one
+    enlisted man; wounded, one commissioned officer, 11 enlisted
+    men; captured, 23 commissioned officers, 400 enlisted men.
+    _Total loss 436._
+
+
+CASUALTIES.
+
+    Killed in action,                                          47
+    Died of wounds,                                            45
+    Died of disease,                                           73
+    Died in prison,                                           177
+    Shot in prison,                                             1
+    Supposed shot while attempting to escape from prison,       1
+    Lost at sea from burning steamship "General Lyon,"          1
+    Drowned from accident,                                      1
+    Drowned from collision of "Black Diamond," on Potomac
+      river                                                     7
+                                                              ---
+    Total deaths,                                             353
+
+    Discharged prior to muster-out of the regiment,           386
+    Captured at Antietam,                                      12
+    Captured at Plymouth,                                     435
+    Wounded,                                                  212
+    Missing,                                                   56
+                                                              ---
+    Total Casualties,                                        1454
+
+    The regiment as mustered into service numbered,          1007
+    Recruits,                                                  75
+    Officers appointed since first muster,                      5
+                                                              ---
+    Total,                                                   1087
+
+    Number returning home with the regiment,                  131
+
+    The officers who returned were:
+    Lieutenant Colonel John H. Burnham, Commanding.
+    Major Henry L. Pasco.
+    Surgeon Nathan Mayer.
+    Quartermaster Gordon Robins, Jr.
+    Adjutant Herbert Landon.
+    Chaplain Charles Dixon.
+    Captains C.W. Morse, Henry Hintz, Joseph H. Barnum.
+    Lieutenants George A. Bowers, A.J. Case, Harmy Bruns and
+    B.F. Blakeslee.
+
+The above list of casualties is far from correct, but is as accurate
+as can be obtained from the Catalogue of Connecticut Soldiers, issued
+by the Adjutant General of the state, with some additions well known
+by surviving members. The casualties were greater rather than less,
+than the figures given above. The number given as killed, are those
+who were killed outright; but it is generally believed that a greater
+number died from wounds than the regiment has been credited with, for
+within forty-eight hours after the battle of Antietam, nine died from
+wounds; and out of the seven wounded at the fight on Providence Church
+road at Suffolk, three died. It is therefore safe to say that
+forty-five is too low a number of deaths out of 212 wounded. It is
+also believed that more than twelve were captured at the battle of
+Antietam. There is also no doubt that the regiment lost at least _two
+hundred and twenty_, by death from rebel cruelties and starvation.
+Eighteen can be counted who died immediately after arriving at
+Wilmington and Annapolis from southern prisons.
+
+The Sixteenth was always called an _unfortunate regiment_; for if
+there was any special hardship to endure, the regiment was sure to be
+called on to experience it, either by accident or otherwise. It was
+our bad luck.
+
+The list of casualties show in how many ways the men were lost. Some
+of the men and two of the officers never could be accounted for.
+Lieutenant George Johnson, who escaped from prison at Charlotte, has
+never been heard from. It is supposed that he was shot by guerrillas,
+who infested the locality in which he said he was going to reach the
+Union lines. Lieut. William H. Miller was last seen at Washington on
+his way to the regiment after having been exchanged. It is supposed
+that he was taken sick and died in the hospital. Elbert Sutleff, Co.
+K, was lost at sea by the burning of the steamship "General Lyon."
+Quite a number of the men who were returning to the regiment after
+captivity, were on a steamer going down the Potomac river in the night
+when the boat collided with the "Black Diamond." All the passengers
+jumped aboard the Diamond, which went down, and the regiment lost
+seven men. Some of the saved remained in the water three or four
+hours.
+
+On Sunday, June 25th, the regiment proceeded to Morehead City, and
+embarked on the steam transport "General Meigs," with the 23d
+Massachusetts Regiment, and the Connecticut Brigade Band, which,
+learning that we were mustered out and on our way home, had obtained
+an order from General Palmer to be sent home under charge of
+Lieutenant Colonel Burnham. The sea being rough we did not leave till
+the next morning. We arrived at New York late on the afternoon of the
+28th. Taking on some rations we proceeded to New Haven, arriving there
+at an early hour in the morning. Procuring special transportation, we
+reached Hartford at eight o'clock. Being a Hartford regiment, the
+citizens had made extensive arrangements to welcome us, but the 18th
+Connecticut had arrived that morning by boat and while their attention
+was drawn towards them, the Sixteenth suddenly entered the Asylum
+street depot. The news soon reached the State House Square, and the
+bell was rung, and by the time the regiment was in line the Governor's
+Guard, City Guard, and Colt's Band were on the "double quick," and
+thousands of citizens were hurriedly approaching the depot. Many who
+had seen the regiment leave for the war three years before, and now
+witnessed the decimated ranks were effected to tears. Those who had
+husbands, brothers, or relatives in the regiment, watched us eagerly
+and looked strangely into the ranks, hardly believing that any could
+be missing. One lady, the wife of an officer, was told for the first
+time of her husband's death. So great was her grief, that friends who
+accompanied her could hardly get her into a carriage to convey her
+home.
+
+
+From the Hartford Courant, June 30th, 1865.
+
+THE SIXTEENTH.
+
+"Everybody supposed that this gallant regiment would arrive here on
+the 9.45 regular morning accommodation train from New Haven, but the
+"boys" being accustomed to making surprises secured special
+transportation and were in the Asylum street depot by eight o'clock.
+Here they were received by the Governor's Guard, the City Guard, and
+Colt's band, and escorted up High to North Main street, down Main to
+State. On the march, though few in numbers, (but one hundred and
+thirty enlisted men returning) their tidy and soldierly appearance was
+the subject of general comment. Being a Hartford regiment there was an
+unusual interest manifested to see them, and signs of welcome were
+apparent on every hand. Arriving in front of the United States Hotel,
+they were drawn up in line, and Governor Buckingham made a brief
+speech congratulating them on their safe return and extending them
+cordial greetings on behalf of the State."
+
+Hon. Ezra Hall was then introduced, and welcomed the regiment in
+behalf of the city in an eloquent manner as follows:
+
+    _Officers and Soldiers of the Sixteenth Connecticut_: Heroes of
+    many a hard-fought battle, and worthy veterans of a redeemed
+    country! On a beautiful summer day in 1862, when the nation was
+    in its greatest peril, and rebel powers seemed successful for a
+    time in driving back the armies of the Republic, placing in
+    jeopardy all our hopes and every interest of free government,
+    you, more than a thousand strong and valiant men, volunteered to
+    place your names upon the muster-roll among the country's
+    defenders. That roll of honor will go down the centuries and in
+    the far off future the lover of freedom will unroll the scroll,
+    and call your names as among the heroic volunteer force who
+    cemented the _Union_ of these States, and proclaimed through the
+    immortal Lincoln, freedom to all mankind. It was hard to leave
+    your situations, your homes, and those you loved. And a sharper
+    pang would steal along your feelings as you thought the step
+    might take you forever from the dear New England hills and all
+    you held dear. But manfully you resolved, and the pensive
+    feelings that evidenced so well your better life, while
+    preparing for the decision, made you braver as you stood on the
+    enemy's grounds, striking for the very homes you left, and the
+    government of your fathers. But the question was decided for
+    country; and you went out from your homes to camp. Hard were
+    your pillows, and the long and weary days went slowly on.
+    Friends gathered to see you in your tents, and to pay you a
+    tender tribute ere you went out to battle. They chatted and
+    counselled with heavy hearts, but asked holy benedictions for
+    your safety and through you for the country. Who of you can
+    forget the stirring emotions of those meetings and partings. For
+    a few days you drilled and disciplined for the coming strife.
+    The order came. You struck your tents--passed down the very
+    streets on which we stand, with colors flying and music
+    measuring out the solemn step of war. No braver regiment ever
+    went out from our city or State. Made up mostly of Hartford men,
+    born and cradled under the very branches of the Charter Oak, we
+    knew well what would be your history, and we watched with pride
+    your firm and steady ranks, as you filed along these streets. As
+    we followed with anxious eye the steamer winding down the
+    Connecticut, bearing its precious freight, with the Stars and
+    Stripes streaming in the wind, we felt a security and an
+    indebtedness, which we now have all come to acknowledge. You
+    went to New York, passed the capital of your country, and in a
+    few days stood on the bloody fields of Antietam. There, in the
+    old Ninth corps, under the faithful Burnside, you first realized
+    war, and stood on the fated field of death. That was a sad day
+    for the 16th Connecticut. Two hundred of your comrades, officers
+    and men, had fallen, and when the shadows of evening closed on
+    that historic day, your hearts, sad and broken, went up in
+    thankfulness to God for your preservation. Well do I remember
+    the sadness that settled over this city, as the news came across
+    the wires that death had cruelly thinned and decimated your
+    ranks, and that among the brave who had fallen were the noble
+    Captains Manross, Drake, Brown, and Barber; but you had only
+    time to bear out the noble two hundred to their sepulture, and
+    to place some humble stone to mark their rest, before you were
+    ordered to the fields of Fredericksburg.
+
+    There bravely you stood through three long days of battle. From
+    there you moved to Suffolk, where your ranks were again broken,
+    and the brave Capt. Tennant fell--he who was beloved at home and
+    dear to the Hartford City Guard, of which he was a member, and
+    who followed him with reversed arms and bowed hearts, to yonder
+    church yard where now he sleeps. Peaceful will be his rest, and
+    sacred his memory, for he died for country and humanity. Slowly
+    the days went by as you were garrisoned at Portsmouth, and long
+    were your marches from Plymouth to New Berne. You will never
+    forget, but will tell over to your children through all the
+    coming years of your lives, how after a long siege by the rebels
+    at Plymouth, nearly your entire regiment was captured, and
+    taken away to rebel prisons at Macon and Andersonville; how of
+    the four hundred and four unfortunate captives who entered
+    Andersonville prisons, more than half were borne out lifeless
+    and cold. My blood chills when I remember that more than two
+    hundred of this regiment were starved and murdered in Southern
+    prisons--imaging more perfectly the hell of secession and the
+    barbarism of Southern institutions and chivalry, than any other
+    page of the war. But you have been preserved to come back to
+    your homes, and to watch again the flag of your country waving
+    over your native city. You well remember how beautiful it looked
+    to you when first you saw its colors after the hour of your
+    deliverance came, and you passed the rebel lines. That flag
+    to-day symbolizes the greatest freedom and the most perfect
+    nationality. "'Tis the banner of all the West," that of a nation
+    now pronounced--
+
+          "The heir of all the ages in the foremost files of time."
+
+    But your work is done and your history is sealed. In the name of
+    those for whom you fought and who have gathered here to do you
+    honor it is my privilege to say a thousand times welcome home.
+    Your thinned ranks, your torn colors, give convincing proof of
+    your deeds of bravery The state will hang your tattered flag in
+    yonder capitol, and claim with pride your history, and through
+    all the future of the country, her sons will love, respect, and
+    honor you as the brave soldiers who fought in the last great
+    battle for freedom.
+
+    But our city has a special interest in your history. You have
+    been led by the honored Col. Beach; and the name of your
+    Lieutenant-Colonel, he who would not leave his regiment for the
+    colonelcy of another, he who has been with you in the camp, in
+    the battle, in the prison and on the march until now, than whom
+    there is none better, or braver on all the veteran roll, his
+    name, John H. Burnham, has long been with us as a household
+    word. Think it not strange that the Hartford City Guard extends
+    a warm and earnest welcome to you, for the names of Burnham,
+    Cheney, Tennant, Pasco, Burke, Lockwood, and Blakeslee, are all
+    ours. As brothers we have watched your history during all these
+    years of war. But while you are privileged to return all covered
+    with honor and glory, and are to go to your homes, to be
+    welcomed by mothers, wives, sisters, and lovers, noble patriotic
+    women, in whose life there dwells the tenderest sentiment for
+    you and country ever unlocked from the starry skies,--while you
+    are to enjoy all this, I cannot forget the brave, devoted boys,
+    comrades in all your trials until death, who will never, never
+    come home again. They died, as you have fought, for country, for
+    the restoration of law and order, for the complete emancipation
+    of a race, for the eternal principle of liberty, and for the
+    final solution of the great problem of self-government. They
+    fell away from home and friends, and most of them rest in
+    Southern graves, but though they fell thus, they died at their
+    posts. History will keep fresh their memories, and write their
+    names on more than granite shaft or marble column.--
+
+    After an eventful life and a noble death, they rest well.
+
+      "Sleep sweetly, tender hearts, in peace,
+      Sleep, holy spirits, blessed souls,
+    While the stars burn, the moons increase,
+      And the great ages onward roll."
+
+    The friends of the dead of your regiment are more than of the
+    living, and my heart was sad as I saw the tears start in the
+    eyes of the little child, the tender maiden and the mother with
+    her little ones, as they looked in vain among your passing ranks
+    for their friends. But they will never again watch their
+    returning footsteps, or hear the sweet sound of their voices. No
+    words of mine can heal their wounded hearts. I can only say they
+    have the highest claim upon the nations' gratitude. The noble
+    deeds of their martyred dead will ever live in the archives of
+    the State, and their memories will be embalmed forever in the
+    feelings of the American people.
+
+    Thrice welcome then, tried and faithful veterans of the
+    republic. Go bear your honors and your trophies to your homes,
+    and around your own hearths be as great and good as you have
+    been in war.
+
+Breakfast was provided for the regiment at the Trumbull House and
+United States Hotel, after which a short street parade was had, the
+City Guard and Colt's band furnishing escort. Arms were then stacked
+in the armory of the Guard, and the regiment was dismissed, the men
+being allowed to go to their homes as most of them live in this
+vicinity, and fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and wives were
+waiting to extend _their_ welcome. Before leaving the armory Colonel
+Burnham read the following farewell order:
+
+
+                         HEADQUARTERS 16TH CONN. VOLS., INFANTRY,
+                                Hartford, Conn., 29th June, 1865.
+
+    General Orders No. 10.
+
+    _Soldiers of the Sixteenth Connecticut_--Glad as I am that the
+    war is over and we are all to rejoin our families and friends
+    again, I cannot repress a feeling of sadness at the thought of
+    severing, perhaps forever, the ties that have bound us together
+    for the last three years. Although a less amount of glory in the
+    field has fallen to our lot than to some others, no regiment
+    from the State has been subjected to so much suffering. Whatever
+    you have been ordered to do, you have done promptly, cheerfully,
+    and well; and whenever in future I am asked of what in all my
+    life I am proudest, I shall always answer "that I belonged to
+    the 16th Connecticut, in the Union army." Placed in charge of
+    the regiment under circumstances that might have made my task a
+    difficult one, it will always be a source of the highest
+    gratification to me to remember that I received the generous
+    support of all, and to the effective co-operation of every
+    officer and the high character of the men, belongs entirely the
+    credit of the fine soldierly appearance and superior military
+    condition in every respect you so soon acquired, and have not
+    failed to maintain to this day. For those gallant comrades who
+    have laid down their lives on the battle-field and in the
+    hospital, and for those heroic men who have endured so much more
+    than death in Southern prisons, let us shed a silent tear and
+    ever cherish their memories tenderly in our hearts.
+
+    You are about to go to your homes to enjoy in peace the
+    blessings of the great and good government you have done your
+    share to defend and preserve to our magnificent country, and I
+    desire that each one of you should take with him my sincere
+    thanks, for the cordial and hearty support you have given me,
+    and the cheerful manner in which you have performed every duty
+    required of you while I have the honor to be your commander.
+    Wishing you every success that you can desire, and trusting you
+    may find in your restored firesides all the comfort and
+    happiness you have so nobly earned, I bid you an affectionate
+    farewell.
+
+                                          JOHN H. BURNHAM,
+                    Lieutenant-Colonel 16th Conn. Vols. Infantry.
+
+On July 8th, the regiment assembled in Hartford, and were paid in
+full, except the officers who received their pay when returns were
+made and all property properly accounted for. Thus ended the
+organization known as the Sixteenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
+Its record is a credit to the State and an honor to every man who has
+shared in its fortunes.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +----------------------------------------------------+
+    | Typographical errors corrected in text:            |
+    |                                                    |
+    | Page 34: seige replaced with siege                 |
+    | Page 41: harrassed replaced with harassed          |
+    | Page 54: Wessell's replaced with Wessells'         |
+    | Page 61: Wessels replaced with Wessells            |
+    | Page 69: 'paced too and fro' replaced with         |
+    |          'paced to and fro'                        |
+    | Page 71: beseiged replaced with besieged           |
+    | Page 77: atempt replaced with attempt              |
+    | Page 87: occured replaced with occurred            |
+    | Page 91: Lieutanant replaced with Lieutenant       |
+    | Page 98: passsing replaced with passing            |
+    |                                                    |
+    +----------------------------------------------------+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Sixteenth Connecticut
+Volunteers, by B. F. Blakeslee
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+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of History of the 16th Connecticut Volunteers, by B.F. Blakeslee.
+    </title>
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Sixteenth Connecticut
+Volunteers, by B. F. Blakeslee
+
+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: History of the Sixteenth Connecticut Volunteers
+
+Author: B. F. Blakeslee
+
+Release Date: April 2, 2010 [EBook #31867]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY--16TH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jeannie Howse, Charlene Taylor, Joseph Cooper
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<div class="tr">
+<p class="cen" style="font-weight: bold;">Transcriber's Note:</p>
+<br />
+<p class="noin">Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has been preserved.</p>
+<p class="noin" style="text-align: left;">Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
+For a complete list, please see the <span style="white-space: nowrap;"><a href="#TN">end of this document</a>.</span></p>
+<p class="noin">A Table of Contents has been added for the readers' benefit.</p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<h2>HISTORY</h2>
+
+<h4>OF THE</h4>
+
+<h2>SIXTEENTH</h2>
+
+<h2>CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.</h2>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h4>BY</h4>
+
+<h3>B.F. BLAKESLEE,</h3>
+<h4 class="sc">Late 2d Lieut. Co. G. 16th C.V.</h4>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h4>HARTFORD:<br />
+THE CASE, LOCKWOOD &amp; BRAINARD CO., PRINTERS.<br />
+1875.</h4>
+
+<br />
+<a name="toc" id="toc"></a><hr />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<p class="cen">
+<a href="#CHAPTER_I"><b>CHAPTER I.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_II"><b>CHAPTER II.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_III"><b>CHAPTER III.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><b>CHAPTER IV.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_V"><b>CHAPTER V.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><b>CHAPTER VI.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><b>CHAPTER VII.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><b>CHAPTER VIII.</b></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><b>CHAPTER IX.</b></a></p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<h3>INTRODUCTION.</h3>
+<br />
+
+<p>It is to be regretted that a complete history of the 16th Regiment,
+Connecticut Volunteers, has not been written. At this late day it
+would require much time, labor, and expense, to prepare one, and
+probably will never be done. Many volumes might be written which would
+be of inestimable value hereafter. Their services in the War for the
+Union cannot be placed upon a few pages. This volume is but a mere
+outline history, mostly compiled from diaries written by me at a young
+age, the importance of which was not then comprehended; with no
+expectation of the future use they would be put to,&mdash;but little was
+written, and that mostly concerned myself. It is the object of this
+work to create a permanent record of some of the marches, battles, and
+experiences generally of the organization above mentioned. This
+undertaking is made in behalf of the surviving members of the
+regiment, to whom it is hoped the work will prove of some value as a
+book of reference. The hope is also expressed that this work may prove
+a not unwelcome though sad memorial to the friends of those members of
+the regiment who lost their lives in battle or prison. The author is
+unaccustomed to historical composition, and makes no boast of literary
+education.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER I.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>1862.</h4>
+
+<h4>CAMP WILLIAMS TO ANTIETAM.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>The regiment was recruited in Hartford county, and its services were
+tendered to the National Government in response to the President's
+call for three hundred thousand volunteers for three years. It was
+almost entirely made up of men in the county, and of excellent
+material,&mdash;some of the oldest and best families were represented in
+its ranks; and comprised many of the finest young men whom the
+commonwealth ever sent to uphold its honor in the field.</p>
+
+<p>It was organized during the month of August, 1862, under the command
+of Colonel Frank Beach, of the regular army. The month of August was a
+severe shock to most of the men, even those of a strong constitution.
+It was a complete revolution in their method of life. Many of the men
+were accustomed to all the refinements of wealth, and all of them had
+been reared in abundance. The outdoor life, though not hard as yet,
+was too great for those that had led the quiet and easy life of a
+citizen, and a few of our noble men who had offered themselves to the
+government were unable to endure the hardships, and died before the
+regiment left Hartford.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday, August 24th, 1862, the regiment, numbering ten hundred and
+ten men, was duly mustered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>into the United States service by Lieut.
+Watson Webb, of the regular army.</p>
+
+<p>On the 28th, the regiment having been fully clothed and equipped,
+(except muskets,) as army regulations required, they were carefully
+reviewed and inspected in the company streets by the Colonel. It was a
+very hot day, and many of the men fainted under their load. This
+experience taught a lesson; we then saw that it was impossible to
+carry such loads; many of the men having from thirty to fifty pounds
+packed in their knapsacks. Immediately after inspection the men
+unpacked and threw away a great many articles which at first seemed
+impossible to get along without; but even then we were too heavily
+loaded, as we found out the next day.</p>
+
+<p>The forenoon of the following day was a busy time with the Sixteenth;
+bed-ticks were emptied, knapsacks packed, blankets rolled, and three
+days rations placed in the haversacks.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the day the relatives and friends of the soldiers commenced
+to arrive from the country, and before the regiment left, the city was
+full of visitors. At noon tents were struck, and we were drawn up in
+line, a thousand strong. The march of the regiment through the city
+was a perfect ovation. The dock and river banks were thronged with
+dear friends whom ties had bound together for years. The Governor and
+a portion of his staff marched at the head of the regiment. Six
+companies embarked on the "City of Hartford," and four companies on
+the "Geo. C. Collins," leaving the dock at three o'clock, amid the
+cheers of thousands of spectators. A pleasant sail <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>down the river,
+passing the night as best we could on crowded boats, we reached New
+York in good season the next morning. We were here transferred to the
+steamer "Kill von Kull," and a breakfast of vegetable soup and coffee
+was dealt out. The steamer took us to Elizabeth, N.J., where we went
+aboard cars and proceeded to Baltimore via Harrisburg, arriving at
+Baltimore the next day at nine o'clock. There the "Union Relief
+Association," gave us a most excellent breakfast. While we were
+waiting there in the depot for a fresh train for Washington, the
+report was received that Stonewall Jackson had been captured. We
+cheered and shouted, laughed and danced, rejoiced and gave thanks in
+the same breath, and did every thing except to keep still.</p>
+
+<p>We have never forgiven ourselves for that day's folly, and never
+shall. Stonewall Jackson had not been captured, as we had good reason
+to understand two weeks afterward.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon we went aboard a miserable, dirty train and proceeded
+to Washington, arriving there late in the evening in a drizzling rain.
+We went into barracks for the night. Early in the morning the men
+visited the Capitol and other places of interest. At nine o'clock the
+regiment fell into line and for the first time we were "on the march."
+Passing through the city we made direct for Long Bridge, where we had
+a long rest; while resting General McClellan came across from the
+Virginia side. In crossing Long Bridge we received a startling
+illustration of war,&mdash;meeting a line of ambulances a mile in length,
+bringing dead and dying from the battlefield of second Bull Run. The
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>regiment marched to Fort Ward, a distance of five or six miles from
+Washington. That night it rained terribly, and the tents not having
+come up, we were compelled to sit in the rain all night; this we
+thought soldiering with a vengeance. The next day was spent in drying
+our blankets and clothing in the sun. During the week we had little or
+no drill, and but few instructions in marching. On Saturday we
+received orders to be ready to march in light marching order. The next
+morning (Sunday, Sept. 7th,) we had the regular army Sunday Inspection
+with arms. At noon we took up our line of march, and went directly
+back to Washington, arriving there at sunset; this was a terrible
+march for us, being very hot and so dusty that we could barely see the
+second file ahead. Halting in Seventh street, we had a long rest where
+we ate supper, filled canteens, and flirted with girls in the windows.
+Resuming the march we started to join the Army of the Potomac, which
+was several miles beyond, and heading towards Frederick City,
+Maryland. At nine and a half <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span> we halted for the night,
+having made nineteen miles since one <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span> This was good
+marching for new troops, and showed what we would be equal to when
+necessity required. The regiment encamped for the night in the woods,
+but when we came to lie down on the ground with little or no covering
+it seemed rather tough. Having been ordered to move in light marching
+order, we left our knapsacks in Virginia, and therefore the men had
+only a blanket or an overcoat, whichever in their judgment would be
+the most useful. The next morning at an early hour we proceeded to
+Leesboro, a distance of three miles, and a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>report being among the men
+that we were out of rations, Colonel Beach refused to go further until
+we had some. The men commenced to forage on a small scale.</p>
+
+<p>September 9th the Baltimore papers gave us the startling news that the
+rebels had occupied Frederick City, and were invading Pennsylvania.
+During the day some shelter-tents were issued, which were gladly
+welcomed, as we had lain on the ground without any shelter for eight
+nights. On the evening of the 10th some rations came, and the cooks
+went to work and cooked during the night three days rations. In the
+meantime the men lived on the farmers near by.</p>
+
+<p>The next day we started "on the march" at seven and a half
+<span class="fakesc">A.M.</span>, marching steadily until three <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span>, when we
+halted, being about a mile and a half from Brookville, and having made
+fourteen miles.</p>
+
+<p>September 12th we commenced marching at seven <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> and marched to
+Mount Lebanon, a distance of fourteen miles. It was an extremely hot
+day.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday, September 13th, we learned that General Burnside had driven
+the rebels out of Frederick City; commenced marching at eight
+<span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> We passed through Damascus, Monrovia, and New Market,
+and encamped just outside of the town, and near New Market street. We
+heard the booming of artillery ahead all day. The next morning (Sunday
+the 14th) we broke up camp in a hurry, and marched rapidly towards
+Frederick City, reaching there at noon. Just before entering the city
+we passed quite a large squad of rebel prisoners. These were the first
+rebels that we had seen, and they attracted considerable <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>attention
+from us. We encamped in a small vacant lot on the east side of the
+city, and during the afternoon most of the regiment were around the
+city without leave, hunting up something to eat, most of whom got good
+square meals from the citizens at a cheap price, averaging twenty-five
+cents per man. The rebels had been driven out of the city by General
+Burnside only twelve hours before, and the union citizens were in high
+spirits; nearly every house had the red, white, and blue in some shape
+thrown to the breeze to testify to its loyalty to the United States.</p>
+
+<p>Monday, September 15th. The regiment commenced to march quite early in
+the morning, and passed through Fairfield and Middletown. We could
+here begin to form some idea of that great army, the "Army of the
+Potomac," and the fearful destruction that an army can make. The road
+was completely blocked up with army wagons and ambulances. The road
+was narrow over the mountain, and terribly dusty. The ambulances were
+filled with the wounded, and rebel prisoners under guard were trying
+to go to the rear. Infantry, baggage wagons, provision and ammunition
+trains, were eagerly pushing to the front. The result was a
+stand-still for over an hour. On both sides of the road, shot and
+shell had pierced the trees and houses. The fences were riddled with
+bullets, telegraph poles were down, and the earth was ploughed by
+solid shot. The dead lay by the road-side, and the ambulances were
+scouring the mountain sides with men detailed to pick up the wounded.
+The churches, houses, and barns were filled with the wounded. Parties
+were seen in every direction burying the dead. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>The scenes showed that
+a fierce battle had been fought the day before, and we began to
+realize what we must go through when we should join the main army. We
+marched that day about twelve miles, and encamped for the night on the
+battle-field of South Mountain. The next day we started on the march
+at six <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> and passed through Boonsboro, and Keedysville. At
+Boonsboro, also, the churches, houses, and barns were filled with
+wounded. At Keedysville, we had a long rest, and it was here that we
+first saw a "line of battle." Colonel Beach, with his experienced eye,
+first spied the distant jets of white smoke. All were watching the
+peculiar puffs of smoke with great interest, when Adjutant Burnham,
+who had been absent, returned with the order that we were <i>wanted at
+the front</i>. This took us a little by surprise as we did not expect to
+go into battle so soon. But on went the bundles, and after a tedious
+march through ploughed fields and forests, passing brigades and
+divisions, the booming of artillery and bursting of shells sounding
+louder and louder, we finally joined a brigade consisting of the 4th
+R.I., and the 8th and 11th C.V.</p>
+
+<p>After resting awhile we loaded our muskets for the first time, and
+marched over a hill, and into a meadow which lay between two hills.
+While getting into this position we could plainly see the rebel
+gunners load and fire, some of the shells coming quite near us. At
+last we were in the great "line of battle" of the "Army of the
+Potomac," 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 9th Corps, General Burnside, on its
+extreme left. It was now eight o'clock in the evening, and quite dark;
+we were within a few rods of the enemy, and orders were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>given in a
+whisper; we were ordered to make no noise and to rest on our arms; for
+thirty minutes the utmost quiet prevailed. A musket was accidentally
+discharged; in a second the troops were on their feet, with arms at a
+"ready," and as they stood peering into the darkness ahead you could
+hear both lines of battle spring to arms for miles.</p>
+
+<p>Occasionally the boom of artillery was heard, and during the night
+there were repeated alarms, so that the soldiers on either side
+obtained but little rest. The hostile pickets on one portion of the
+line were so near each other, that during the night six of the enemy
+were captured.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER II.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>1862.</h4>
+
+<h4>THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>The next morning dawned beautifully; little did we imagine that that
+bright sun would be obscured by the smoke of battle, the field we trod
+ploughed with shot, flow with blood, and planted thick with the dead.
+Scarcely had the sun risen when a shell from the enemy dropped not far
+from our force, which was quietly resting upon their arms near the
+crest of a low knoll a short distance from the enemy's position.
+Immediately another followed, a twelve pounder crashed diagonally
+through the Eighth Connecticut, killing three men instantly, and
+wounding four in Company D.</p>
+
+<p>The position was changed for one less exposed, but in getting there
+the troops were obliged to pass under a deadly fire from a rebel
+battery stationed at short range distance. In this undertaking the
+Sixteenth lost three wounded. We lay here perhaps two hours, and had a
+good view of the battle on the right, which had by this time assumed a
+fearful magnitude. Along the western banks of the Antietam River,
+there runs, with a gradual rise of undulating ground, a
+crescent-shaped ridge, presenting its concave side to the river. The
+top of this ridge spreads out into a broad tableground of forests and
+ravines. A series of timbered-covered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>hills surrounded this ridge;
+some of the adjacent hills had been cleared of the forest, and were
+covered with orchards and cornfields, enclosed with fences of rails or
+stone. Behind this ridge runs the road from Hagerstown to Sharpsburg
+and Shepardstown. Sharpsburg is just in the rear of the ridge.</p>
+
+<p>Along these hills the rebel lines were posted, four miles in extent.
+Their position was exceedingly strong, protected by ravines and
+forests. Every commanding crest bristled with artillery, and the
+forests were planted thick with infantry. The extreme right of the
+rebel line was within three-fourths of a mile of the Potomac; in
+front, and along their left flank, flowed the Antietam, winding
+through a wooded ravine, with banks too high and with waters too deep
+to permit a crossing, except at two fords, at some distance from each
+other. Between these distant fords there were three bridges; on the
+right, at the center, and on the left. These bridges were strongly
+guarded. The federal troops were on the east side of the Antietam,
+behind a low range of hills, lying at the base of the Blue Ridge.
+These eminences were generally commanded by the heights held by the
+rebels. General Lee had certainly chosen a very strong position.</p>
+
+<p>The Eleventh Connecticut now received orders from General Burnside to
+take the bridge, after the batteries had shelled the woods on the
+other side, and hold it until General Rodman could march his column
+over. At about nine o'clock the Sixteenth again formed and marched
+about a mile, first through a corn-field, and finally into a valley
+where they halted in an orchard. While passing through the cornfield
+the men stripped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>themselves of blankets, overcoats, and all luggage
+that would impede the progress of marching or the use of firearms.
+After filling our canteens from a brook near by, we marched up a steep
+hill that seemed almost impossible to surmount, then down on the other
+side and into Antietam river, which we forded and marched to a side
+hill. Soon in plain sight could be seen a rebel battery dashing
+intrepidly forward and planting itself directly in range of the
+Sixteenth.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the rebel batteries were all roaring. They opened on us
+in all their fury. The air was filled with bullets and fiendish
+missiles. Hundreds of cannon were now aimed at us; grape and
+cannister, marbles and railroad iron were showered down like rain. The
+crest of the hill was a great protection to the Sixteenth, and only
+about a dozen were disabled. A battery was ordered up to engage the
+enemy, but it was whirled back in less than five minutes, losing every
+officer, seven men, and five horses. To see those men stand there and
+be shot down till they received orders to retire was a fearful sight.
+It was half past three o'clock; the Fourth Rhode Island and the
+Sixteenth Connecticut were ordered into a cornfield, and they moved
+forward quite a distance in advance of the army at their right; we
+here laid down letting the shot and shell pass over us.</p>
+
+<p>In the meanwhile the Division of A.P. Hill, which had arrived from
+Harper's Ferry, and joined Lee's army, were coming into this cornfield
+from the opposite side, unobserved; at the same time Company H,
+(Captain Barber,) had been thrown out in advance as a vidette to
+prevent being surprised. At four o'clock <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>McClellan sent orders to
+Burnside to advance, and carry the batteries in his front at all
+hazards and at any cost. Burnside's corps was charging. General Rodman
+observed that the rebels were about to flank us and get in our rear,
+and ordered the Fourth Rhode Island, and Sixteenth Connecticut to
+swing to the left that we might face them, but at that particular
+moment the rustling of cornstalks warned us that the rebels were on
+us. Colonel Beach gave the order 'Attention!' While this order was
+being executed a terrible volley was fired into us. Volley after
+volley in quick succession was hurled into our midst. The Sixteenth
+sprang up and returned the fire with good effect; some fixed bayonets,
+advanced, and were captured. The most helpless confusion ensued. Our
+men fell by scores on every side. Still our position was obstinately
+maintained, until ordered to fall back. The rebels discovered the
+disorder, and came on us in heavy column.</p>
+
+<p>While we were falling back to cover near the bridge we were swept by a
+destructive cross-fire, and the rebels becoming entangled in this
+cross-fire extricated themselves and fell back to the stone wall. The
+Eighth, Eleventh, and Sixteenth Connecticut, and the Fourth Rhode
+Island, re-formed and were placed in position for defence. At this
+time General Burnside's messenger rode up to McClellan. His message
+was, "I want troops and guns. If you do not send them I cannot hold my
+position for half an hour." McClellan said slowly: "Tell General
+Burnside that this is the battle of the war. He must hold his ground
+till dark at any cost. I will send him Miller's Battery; I can do no
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>more. I have no infantry." Then as the messenger was riding away he
+called him back. "Tell him if he cannot hold his ground, then the
+bridge, to the last man! always the bridge! If the bridge is lost, all
+is lost." The enemy was pressing down hard upon the battery which had
+been placed on the crest in front of the Eleventh. Burnside called for
+aid and General Rodman having been killed, Colonel Harland took
+command of the division, re-formed the disorganized regiments, and by
+his bravery the unsupported battery was rescued from capture.</p>
+
+<p>The fighting was ended. It was indeed a fearful day for the Sixteenth.
+Without having time allowed to learn even the rudiments of military
+science, it was hurried forward and was formed in regimental line
+almost for the first time on the battle-field of Antietam, the
+bloodiest day America ever saw. After sunset the brigade was relieved,
+and retired across the river to reorganize and be ready for the duties
+which they might be called upon to do when another day should come.
+Arms were stacked, and the tired soldiers laid down to rest. Of all
+gloomy nights, this was the saddest we ever experienced. All was quiet
+and silent as the grave. The stacks of straw which the rebels had
+fired burned slow and dimly. The cries and groans of the wounded that
+lay on the battle-field could be heard distinctly, and the occasional
+report of artillery sounded solemn and death-like.</p>
+
+<p>The morning of the 18th dawned. The sun rose obscurely and there was a
+fair prospect of rain. The Sixteenth had gone into the battle with 940
+men. Some not being able to endure the hard marching had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>been left at
+Frederick City. On this morning we could muster but 300 men; but
+during the day about 200 joined the regiment who wore unable to find
+it the previous evening. It was a sorry sight that morning as General
+Burnside rode up to encourage the men, who supposed, of course, that
+the battle would be resumed, said, "only hold out this day, boys, and
+the war is ended." Colonel Harland's brigade was once more moved
+forward, and stationed in line of battle near the bridge, which
+General Burnside had been ordered to hold at all hazards. Here they
+remained until the next morning, when the bridge was crossed, and the
+Sixteenth detached from the brigade to bury their dead, and care for
+the wounded who were still lying upon the field. The casualties in the
+Sixteenth were as follows: Lieut. Col. F.W. Cheney wounded in the arm,
+Maj. Geo. A. Washburn wounded severely in the groin, Captains Manross,
+Drake, and Brown instantly killed, Captain Barber mortally wounded,
+dying; about fifteen hours after, Captains Babcock and Hayden wounded,
+Lieut. William Horton killed, and four lieutenants wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Thirty-eight enlisted men were killed outright. A great many of the
+men were mortally wounded and died within twenty-four hours after the
+battle, so that on the 19th, two days after the battle, when the
+regiment was detailed to bury the dead and pick up the wounded, the
+recapitulation stood as follows: Killed, 4 captains, 1 lieutenant, and
+51 enlisted men; wounded, 2 field officers, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants,
+and 176 enlisted men; captured, 12 enlisted men and 180 missing,
+making a total loss of 432 men. For <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>forty-eight hours men were
+brought in. Parties scoured the fields hunting for the wounded. Many
+had crept out of the storm of battle and hidden under fences, or among
+rocks, or in thickets, and their strength failing, they could neither
+come forth, or make known their situation. Some of the badly wounded
+did not have any attention for several days. All houses and barns were
+converted into hospitals, and yards and fields were strewn with straw
+and the wounded laid, there without shelter. Surgeons worked hard day
+and night, taking rest only when unable to stand up from weariness. At
+one of these hospitals about 25 of the Sixteenth were placed. Nothing
+was to be heard but cries, groans, and entreaties. Here Captain Barber
+lay in about the center of a barn, quiet, happy, and contented with
+his lot. The wounded lay around him on every side. He said that he
+could not live long, and spoke encouraging words to all. Gilbert B.
+Foster, of Co. A, who died November 13th, was also here. In a room
+about 12&times;20 a bloody table stood and around it were five surgeons. A
+wounded man was laid on the table and it took but a few seconds for
+them to decide what to do, and but a few minutes to do it. The
+amputated limbs were thrown out of a window. In forty-eight hours
+there were as many as two cart loads of amputated legs, feet, arms,
+and hands in the pile. Plenty of men, most of them slightly wounded,
+were hard at work carrying the wounded to and fro, making beds of
+straw, hauling and cutting wood, cooking, feeding, and assisting in a
+thousand ways.</p>
+
+<p>(On the afternoon of the 18th, a heavy shower, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>lasting an hour, made
+it very uncomfortable for those not sheltered.)</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Drake was the most gentlemanly man in the regiment," said
+Surgeon Mayer. "He was the very soul of courtesy and unaffected
+dignity of deportment. He always had a quiet care for his men, when
+they were sick, and was a marked favorite with them, as well as with
+comrades in the line."</p>
+
+<p>"Capt. Barber was especially noticeable for his religious character,
+earnest convictions, and high regard for duty. His patriotism was of
+sterling mould, and he was a brave and intelligent officer."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain N.S. Manross, of Bristol, was a man of learning and varied
+accomplishments. He graduated at Yale in the class of 1850. In 1861,
+Dr. Manross accepted the position of Professor of Chemistry and Botany
+in Amherst College, where he was very popular and successful. Previous
+to this he had been to Europe, attended German lectures, and took the
+degree of doctor of philosophy. He invented a machine for the cutting
+of crystals from calc-spar. During vacation, he returned to Bristol,
+Conn., where he made a patriotic speech to his fellow-citizens, and
+consented to lead them to the field. Said he to his wife, "You can
+better afford to have a country without a husband than a husband
+without a country." His men loved him. While the regiment was in the
+cornfield and the baffle was raging the fiercest, a cannon-ball struck
+Captain Manross in the side and passed under his arm. A friend bending
+over him heard him murmuring, "Oh, my poor wife, my poor wife!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>Prof. James D. Dana said of him, "His death is a great loss to the
+scientific world." Prof. B. Silliman, Jr., says "As an explorer, Dr.
+Manross possessed remarkable qualifications. To a rugged constitution
+and great powers of endurance, he united great coolness, quiet but
+undaunted demeanor, the courage of a hero, and unyielding
+perseverance. Had he lived&mdash;but what need is there of conjecture now?
+The world will never know its loss, but his friends will never forget
+theirs."<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p>
+
+<p>On the 19th, the Sixteenth were employed in gathering up the dead and
+wounded. This was a very unpleasant duty, making many of the men sick.
+Forty of the men were buried that afternoon side by side, under a
+large tree, near the stonewall, where the hardest of the battle was
+fought.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>BELINDA SPRINGS, ANTIETAM IRON WORKS, AND PLEASANT VALLEY.</h4>
+
+<p>The following day the regiment rejoined their brigade at Belinda
+Springs, a distance of two miles, and moved thence to Antietam Iron
+Works on the 26th. Here sickness prevailed to a great extent, and but
+few men could be reported for duty. On the afternoon of September 23d,
+Messrs. E.N. Kellogg, J.M.B. McNary and W.H.D. Callender, of
+Hartford, Conn., came into camp. Crowds gathered around them, anxious
+to learn the news from home, and to send letters and messages. It
+seems that at 10 <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span>, Saturday, Sept. 20th, a dispatch was
+received at Hartford, that the Sixteenth had suffered severely and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>that Lieut. Col. Cheney was killed. It was thought best that these
+gentlemen should proceed to the battle-field, and carry out such
+arrangements for the care of the dead and wounded as they thought
+best; they accordingly left Hartford on the midnight train, reaching
+the regiment as stated above. By this time the dead were all buried,
+and most of the wounded had been taken to various hospitals. Lieut.
+Col. Cheney and Major Washburn were at this time at Boonsboro.</p>
+
+<p>On October 3d, the entire army was reviewed by President Lincoln. The
+Vice-President and several Congressmen were present. On October 7th,
+the regiment marched over the mountain into Pleasant Valley, a
+distance of about six miles. This march, though short, was a very hard
+one; the path being very narrow, only admitting one at a time in some
+places, and so steep and rocky that it was very hard to surmount with
+our heavy loads. At the top of the mountain the troops halted an hour
+for rest. Here we had an extended view of the surrounding country. We
+could see a great distance, and the scenery was magnificent. At the
+camp in Pleasant Valley the regiment suffered severely from sickness,
+and when the army again took up its line of march, they could muster
+but few effective men. At this place a large number of promotions and
+appointments were made to fill vacancies.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>MARCH TO FALMOUTH.</h4>
+
+<p>On October 28th we struck tents at 8 <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> and after "falling
+in" we were once more "on the march." We passed through Knoxville and
+Berlin. At Berlin <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>we crossed the Potomac on a pontoon bridge. Once
+more we trod the "sacred soil" of Virginia. Passing through
+Lovettsville, we halted at 2 <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span> and encamped about a mile
+from the village. On October 30th reveille was sounded at 3
+<span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> By the time the men had struck tents and packed up, the
+cooks had plenty of hot coffee ready, which is the soldier's
+breakfast, and at sunrise we were again <i>on the march</i>. We passed
+through a village called Burlington and encamped at 11 <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span>
+near Wheatland. Saturday, November 1st, there was heavy firing in
+front during the afternoon. Orders were given to be ready to march at
+a moment's notice. The next day we began to march at 9 <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span>
+with five days rations. We passed through Princeville and Goose Creek.
+The heavy firing in front continued. We halted at 7 <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span> and
+went into camp. The next day we marched during the afternoon, passing
+through Union. Artillery firing was heard ahead. On November 5th we
+struck tents and were on the march at 8 <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> At 2 <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span> the
+entire army was drawn up in line of battle about a mile beyond
+Rectorsville, the artillery doing the fighting. After resting on our
+arms all night we commenced to march at 8 <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span>, making
+fifteen miles during the day. We were following the enemy up closely.
+November 7th was a tedious and rough day. Snow fell most of the day,
+and at least one-third of the regiment were without shoes. We marched
+to a place called Waterloo, within five miles of Warrenton. Colonel
+Beach, being absent sick, Lieut. Col. Cheney and Maj. Washburn
+wounded, Capt. Mix was in command. On the 9th of November some Rebel
+cavalry <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>broke through our lines and were making a raid around the
+army. Coming very near us at 4 <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span> the long roll beat and
+without packing up and hardly having time to put on our equipments, we
+double-quicked up the mountain and took position in ambush, where we
+staid till the morning of the 11th, when we returned to the old camp.</p>
+
+<p>For several days rations had been very scarce, hard crackers selling
+as high as twenty-five cents each. Rations of pork, beans, and
+potatoes finally came on the 11th, and the next day some hard bread,
+which was very wormy. Rations not being plenty, the men went foraging,
+and obtained large quantities of honey. One man who was detailed in
+the Quartermaster's Department, who always had considerable <i>lip</i>, was
+successful enough to get two water-pails full. While eating some in
+the night he was stung by a bee, and the next morning he had about
+four inches of <i>lip</i>, which was rather more than we had seen him have
+before.</p>
+
+<p>On November 15th, we commenced to march at eight o'clock in the
+morning. After marching about three hours, we suddenly halted on the
+Warrenton turnpike, near Sulphur Springs. Here the cavalry and light
+batteries had a little set-to with the rebels, in which the rebels got
+worsted and retreated, leaving two wagons loaded with muskets, which
+they set on fire. After filing to the left through the woods, and into
+a hollow near the road, we drew up into line of battle for the night.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday, November 16th, we marched twenty miles, passing through the
+town of Liberty. The next day we marched from noon till eight in the
+evening, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>passing through Elk Run. On November 18th, the reveille was
+sounded at three <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> We marched from six <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> till
+five <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span>, making a very long and hard march, and many of the
+men fell out from exhaustion.</p>
+
+<p>On November 19th, the reveille sounded at five <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span>, and at eight
+o'clock we were once more on the march. A hard rain-storm which had
+set in the night before made the road in this region from three to
+eight inches deep with mud. During the march we forded four streams,
+knee deep. We passed through Spottsville and Falmouth.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4 class="sc">Falmouth, Camp Starvation.</h4>
+
+<p>We encamped opposite the city of Fredericksburg, at half past two in a
+drenching rain, having made a hundred and seventy-five miles in twelve
+days. The field where the regiment encamped was very even ground, and
+the water stood on it from half an inch to two inches deep. The mud
+was about four inches deep. The men were completely exhausted from
+scanty rations, and foot-sore from long marches. The rain coming down
+in torrents, the soldiers were wet through to the skin. Fires could
+not be built, and tents could not be raised. Little or no sleep did
+the troops get that night. The next day was very cold, and it was
+still raining. The batteries opened on the city for about two hours in
+the morning.</p>
+
+<p>On November 21st, the sun once more showed itself after a long
+absence, and the men were enabled to dry their clothes, build fires,
+cook and eat salt junk, pour down hot coffee, and once more felt in
+good spirits.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>On the 26th, General Sumner reviewed the entire corps.</p>
+
+<p>On December 3d, Arthur D.N. Talcott, of Company "A," died in camp, and
+was buried at sundown.</p>
+
+<p>When the regiment left camp near Fairfax Seminary on the 7th of
+September, they left their knapsacks with contents under charge of a
+guard. A few days after they were sent to Washington, and there
+stored. These were returned to us on the 3d of December. They were
+very welcome at this time, the weather now being very cold. The snow
+was three inches deep, and there was plenty of ice. For nearly three
+months a number of the men had been without blankets. About this time
+Governor Morgan of New York sent us a taste of home. Each man had
+three apples, two onions, and half a pickle, and the smoking men had
+half a paper of tobacco each. These went down with a genuine relish.
+At this time Capt. Charles L. Upham, of the Eighth Connecticut
+Volunteers, was placed in command of the regiment.</p>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<h4>FOOTNOTES:</h4>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Military and Civil History of Connecticut.</p></div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER III.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>1862.</h4>
+
+<h4>BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>On Wednesday, December 10th, clothing was issued to the regiment.
+Shoes were very much needed. In the evening a pontoon train went down
+towards the river, but no unusual notice or remarks were made about
+it, and both officers and men went to sleep that night without
+suspecting in the least that early on the morrow a heavy battle would
+be raging. The next morning the troops were early aroused by the
+tremendous discharge of two mortars, and simultaneously the opening of
+our batteries of nearly two hundred pieces. Nearly the entire day the
+batteries poured incessantly their deadly fire of shot and shell into
+the city with terrible rapidity. During the afternoon the firing
+gradually ceased, and at sundown victory rested on our banners. During
+the day three days rations and sixty rounds of cartridges were issued
+to the men. Towards the evening the Sixteenth was ordered down to the
+river, but before reaching there the order was countermanded, and they
+returned to camp for the night. The next day (Friday,) the Sixteenth
+advanced to the river again early in the morning, and lay on the banks
+all day, watching the fighting on the other side of the stream. In the
+evening they crossed the pontoon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>bridge, and went into the city.
+After stacking arms on Main street, most of the men went into houses
+to sleep. The effects of this short siege was awful to contemplate.
+Some portions of the city were completely battered down. Buildings in
+various parts of the city were burning, and during the night fresh
+fires were continually breaking out. Although the enemy had carried
+away most of their wounded and dead, still a few remained in the city.
+In a cellar was found by the Union troops, ten women and a child, all
+dead; they had gone there for protection from our shells, but one had
+struck there, and bursting, killed them all. While a member of the
+Sixteenth was searching for wood in the yard of a residence after
+dark, he stumbled over what he supposed to be soldiers asleep on the
+ground. Excusing himself he went on and after gathering an armful of
+wood, was returning when he stumbled over the same men again. Much to
+his disappointment they did not get up and damn him. Going into the
+house and getting a lighted brand, he came out and found that they
+were <i>three dead rebels</i> who had been killed and lay there side by
+side. One of them was an officer. An amusing incident occurred on this
+same evening in Company H. Sergeant Spencer was around the yard
+looking after boards to sleep on. Finding one that was some twelve or
+fourteen feet long, he laid one end of it on what he supposed to be a
+stone, and was about to jump on it to break it in the center, when a
+soldier who lay there wanted to know "what he was trying to do?" In
+the darkness of the night he had laid the board on a man's head. The
+next day we were drawn up in line of battle, but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>being on the reserve
+had nothing to do but witness the contest raging in front, which was
+fearful. At dusk we moved to the front, where bullets came thick and
+fast until eight o'clock, when the firing ceased, and all was quiet
+during the night, except the howling of dogs, and the occasional
+discharge of artillery.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday morning, December 14th, we returned into the city, remaining
+there all day. The fighting continued hard in front. At sundown we
+again moved to the front, where we remained supporting a battery until
+the next night, when we returned to the city, crossed the river and
+marched to our old camp, being the last brigade to leave the city.
+Thus ended the battle without the Sixteenth being actively engaged
+with the enemy, and meeting with a loss of only one wounded and one
+missing. Drilling, inspections, grand reviews, picket duty, and
+frequent preparations for marching, constituted the chief occupation
+of the troops during the greater part of the winter months. The
+weather was extremely cold, quarters were poor, and constant exposure
+invited sickness and disease, and death creeping in boldly hurried
+away its defenceless victims with alarming rapidity. Many were
+discharged, and the ranks continued to decrease daily.</p>
+
+<p>On December 24th, Lieutenant-Colonel Cheney, in consequence of the
+severity of his wound was compelled to resign, and two days after,
+Adjutant John H. Burnham was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel, and
+took command, Colonel Beach being absent, sick. Colonel Burnham's
+promotion was the <i>making</i> of the regiment. Being a man of promptness,
+and full of energy, and above all a perfect soldier, Colonel <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>Burnham
+infused a new spirit into an organization which had been exhausted by
+arduous marches, a severe battle, and a weary campaign. It was about
+this time that another piece of good luck happened to the regiment,
+which was the appointment of Dr. Mayer, as Surgeon. He was a good
+physician, and as a surgeon could not be surpassed in the army of the
+Potomac. He commenced immediately to make improvements in and out of
+the hospital, and to look to the cleanliness of the tents, company
+streets, and the cooking utensils. He also saw that the food issued
+was properly prepared by the cooks; and when he gave cough syrup, it
+was not <i>stuff</i> that men would use on their food for molasses.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>NEWPORT NEWS AND SUFFOLK.</h4>
+
+<p>On the 6th of February, 1863, our connection with the Army of the
+Potomac was dissolved. We were ordered to Newport News, where the
+regeneration of the regiment steadily progressed. At three o'clock in
+the morning the regiment was ordered to <i>pack up</i>, and be ready to
+march in two hours. It was pitch dark and raining terribly, with mud
+six inches deep. It was some little time before the men could get
+bon-fires burning, so that we could see to pack up. The men dressed,
+took what rations they could get, and fell into line after repeated
+orders, leaving most of the tents standing, they being wet and too
+heavy to carry. Marching to the depot, the mud was not only deep but
+extremely slippery, and nearly every man slipped down, and those that
+did not, were completely spattered over from head to foot, and were
+covered with mud and completely drenched <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>through to the skin by the
+rain, which was decidedly uncomfortable that cold morning. After
+shivering in the cold for two hours, we were allowed to get aboard the
+freight cars, and were taken to Acquia Creek. Here we went aboard the
+steamer John S. Brooks, as did also the 8th and 15th C.V. Most of the
+men had little or no water in their canteens, and all suffered
+terribly from thirst before we reached Newport News on the afternoon
+of the 8th. Whose fault this was I am unable to say, but it was a
+great piece of negligence to put troops aboard a vessel knowing that
+they were to remain there for over two days without seeing them
+provided with water. Newport News was a paradise by the side of
+Falmouth. There was no mud, rations were good, and the weather was
+beautiful. We were quartered in barracks, which made it very pleasant.</p>
+
+<p>On landing, the first thing was a drink of water, and then two days
+rations of soft bread were issued to us, which, although being two
+loaves, was disposed of in less than two hours; the first one in
+something less than five minutes. Not having tasted any for over five
+months we appreciated it. The guard mounts, dress parades, and reviews
+at this place were the grandest and most imposing ever witnessed in
+this country. About five weeks were spent in drilling, recruiting,
+&amp;c., at the end of which time the 3d Division was ordered to Suffolk
+to strengthen the force at that point.</p>
+
+<p>It was the early part of March and bitter cold when the regiment left
+Newport News and by boat went to Norfolk, where they went aboard a
+train consisting of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>platform cars with a single baggage or passenger
+car in the rear for the officers. Everything being in readiness the
+train started and sped on its way to Suffolk, arriving there at
+midnight. The men jumped off the train and fell into line, when lo and
+behold only two officers were to be found. The car containing the
+officers had not been attached to the train. The two officers present
+had for some reason got upon the cars with their men, and therefore
+were with the regiment. But we had no orders, whether we were to go
+farther or stay there, and whom to report to we did not know. The
+train moved off, dark as a pocket, and some of the men nearly froze to
+death. Something had got to be done. After a little consultation, the
+two officers took command of the two wings respectively, and the First
+Sergeants the companies. The regiment moved off by the flank to cut
+their way through the darkness and encamp <i>somewhere</i>, until daylight.
+We first tumbled down a steep embankment, at least twelve feet, the
+men falling on all sides, then into a brook two feet deep and six feet
+wide, and finally brought up against a rail fence. Tearing this down
+we passed into a field and halted, not deeming it best to proceed
+farther. The men spread out in every direction in the darkness, each
+one bringing in what he could find in the shape of wood to build
+fires.</p>
+
+<p>There was a house near by which we supposed to be vacant, and the men
+in the darkness had taken all the fence and wood, and had even pulled
+the clapboards from the house as high as they could be reached. When
+morning came, we found it to be an elegant <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>wood house painted white,
+and the owner thereof at first made quite a fuss, but when he found so
+many of the men nearly frozen to death, he concluded <i>it was all for
+his country</i>. It was on that night that the Quartermaster-Sergeant
+found that one of the men had bored a hole into a barrel of coffee,
+which he had mistaken for whiskey, and was shaking it up good,
+wondering why it would not run. Daylight finally came and we found
+that we were on the outskirts of the city and within sixty rods of the
+112th N.Y. Vols., whose generous Colonel hearing the noise in the
+night, reconnoitered and finding that we were Union troops, ordered
+all his cooks up to make us hot coffee. Kettle after kettle of hot
+coffee all sweetened, was brought to us, which we drank in large
+quantities before getting thoroughly warmed through. This was a
+perfect godsend to us, and a more thoughtful action could not have
+been done by the Colonel. We fully appreciated it, as was shown by the
+fast friendship between the two regiments thereafter. Some half dozen
+of the men nearly died, by being chilled through, being several days
+before they were able to do duty. The officers arrived next morning on
+the regular train.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IV.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>1863.</h4>
+
+<h4>SIEGE OF SUFFOLK.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>During the siege of Suffolk the Sixteenth took an active part on the
+defensive side, and had the honor of two engagements with the enemy,
+in one sally losing one killed and seven wounded, and in a sort of
+half battle across the Nansemond river, two killed and eight wounded.</p>
+
+<p>"But though we did not suffer much from the enemy, we did a good deal
+from General Peck. This fidgetty old man kept fortifying and
+re-fortifying until his soldiers had become regular mud-diggers, and
+he had spent no end of labor and money in constructing works of
+immense magnitude, to defend a position not worth holding. There was
+digging and basket-weaving to an extent that went far toward
+developing the talents of the soldiers for farm work, and there were
+orders enough issued to supply the greatest army on earth. It will not
+easily be forgotten that the Eighth, who had been especially affected
+by gabion manufacture, awoke one morning and, instead of the stars and
+stripes, found a large sheet floating from their flagstaff with the
+inscription: "Peck's Avengers, or the Basket-Makers of the
+Nansemond."<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>At four o'clock in the afternoon of April 11th, could be seen the
+pickets coming into town with a vengeance. Soon could be heard the
+long roll beating in the camps near General Peck's headquarters, and
+almost instantly the excited General himself came riding into camp at
+break-neck speed, the guard coming very near bayoneting his horse,
+ordering the regiment under arms immediately. Colonel Beach, who was
+in his tent, overhearing the order, came out and told the General
+"that he would frighten the <i>best</i> of troops, and that he (Beach)
+would not stir an <i>inch</i> until he received orders through the proper
+channels." As soon as the orders came properly we fell in and marched
+to our position at the breastworks. Two days after, the rebels made an
+attack directly opposite the Sixteenth on the Somerton Road, but were
+so handsomely repulsed by the artillery, that they soon retired. From
+that time until the siege was raised we had the usual amount of hard
+labor and constant watching night and day that attends a siege and
+constant exposure to the enemy's fire. On April 24th, under the
+command of General Corcoran, the 13th Indiana, and the 11th and 16th
+Connecticut regiments went out on the Edenton Road on a
+reconnoissance. After skirmishing with the enemy for about thirty
+minutes, the regiment charged, driving the rebels from their pits to
+their earth-works, which was, perhaps, fifty rods. After holding this
+line long enough for the artillery to have a good duel and the General
+to find out the strength of the rebels, we returned within our
+defenses.</p>
+
+<p>The regiment captured five prisoners, the officer of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>the pickets, a
+sword and various cooking utensils, which the rebels had left in their
+hurry. The casualties were one killed and seven wounded. This was a
+very successful skirmish and gave the men great confidence in
+themselves. Owing to swamps and the slashing on the edge of the woods,
+which the rebels had prepared, the men came into camp with their
+clothing completely ruined, making it necessary for an issue of
+clothing the next day.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday, May 3d, the regiment was ordered across the Nansemond river
+on the Providence Church Road, where they were engaged with the enemy
+several hours. The casualties were two killed and eight wounded.
+Privates H.W. Barber (A) and Frederick P. Cooley (H) were killed
+outright and Capt. Tennant, Serg't Pocket (D) and Corp'l Rivers (I)
+died from the effects of their wounds soon after, making really a loss
+of five killed. First Serg't Blakeslee (A) seriously wounded in the
+head, (making the second time in the same place,) was examined by Col.
+Beach, Capt. Pasco, and other members of the regiment and pronounced
+dead and left on the field.</p>
+
+<p>Chaplain Francis B. Butler, of the 25th N.J. Regiment, while picking
+up Serg't Blakeslee, was fatally shot by a sharpshooter and died a few
+hours after with prayer on his lips for the wounded who lay around
+him. Under good surgical treatment by Surgeon Mayer, Serg't Blakeslee
+was able to fight other battles. Capt. Tennant was wounded in the
+early part of the action, and was taken from the field on a rude
+litter; notwithstanding the pain caused by the wound, he was cheerful
+and smiling; and remarked that he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>was good for a ten day's furlough.
+He was a brave young officer, and one of the best in the service. He
+was greatly beloved, and his early death brought sadness to many a
+brave heart. Young Barber's last words were "Tell mother that I never
+was a coward."</p>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<h4>FOOTNOTES:</h4>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Surgeon Mayor's Address. Re-union, 1867.</p></div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER V.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>1863.</h4>
+
+<h4>PORTSMOUTH, ON TO RICHMOND.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>After the siege was raised, the regiment remained in Suffolk until the
+middle of June, when they removed to Portsmouth, and encamped about
+three miles from the city, on the western branch of the Elizabeth
+river. This camp was formerly occupied by the 22d Georgia (rebel)
+regiment. The site was in a splendid grove and being on the bank of
+the river, afforded a fine place for the men to bathe, row, sail, and
+catch fish and oysters. I recollect of no place where the regiment
+lived so well, and enjoyed themselves so much as there. We had been
+there but two days when we were ordered to build a fort; but after
+working on it two days, it was abandoned by an order to be ready to
+march in light marching order with three days rations the next
+morning. Every thing was made ready and the men retired as usual at
+nine o'clock. But at half-past eleven the long roll sounded, and after
+forming in line the regiment marched through the woods to Portsmouth,
+a distance of three miles, in pitch darkness, and embarked on a
+transport, which left at 3 <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span></p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>YORKTOWN, WHITE HOUSE LANDING.</h4>
+
+<p>At eleven o'clock we found ourselves at Yorktown, encamping on the
+grounds where many a soldier had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>fought. The works built by McClellan
+and even those of the revolutionary war were still visible as was also
+the spot where the sword of Lord Cornwallis was surrendered by General
+O'Hara to General Lincoln, who was designated by Washington to receive
+it.</p>
+
+<p>At half-past one on the morning of the 26th, the long roll beat again,
+and after falling in, the regiment marched to the wharf where they
+waited in the rain till 10 o'clock for a transport. At eleven all was
+ready, and after sailing up the Pamunkey river, which is one of the
+crookedest rivers in the country, as well as one of the finest and
+most picturesque, we disembarked at White House Landing.</p>
+
+<p>Spier's cavalry had gone ahead of us one day and surprised the rebels,
+they barely having time to get aboard a train which stood in readiness
+to take them to Richmond. The cavalry then made a little raid through
+three counties, returning on the evening after the day of our arrival.
+They reported one severe fight and the capture of Brig. Gen. Wm. H.F.
+Lee, one Lieutenant-Colonel, one Surgeon, and one hundred prisoners.
+They also brought with them thirty-five wagons, besides burning
+eighty-five wagons and several railroad bridges. On the 28th, General
+Dix and Staff arrived and preparations were at once made for a move
+towards Richmond. Captain Pasco, of Company A, received his commission
+as Major on this day.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>BLACKBERRY RAID.</h4>
+
+<p>On the morning of July 1st, the reveille sounded early and the
+division crossed the river, and after marching hard all day encamped
+for the night near <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>King William's Court House. The next morning we
+were aroused at three o'clock, and marched to Brandywine, a distance
+of eight miles. On July 3d the reveille sounded at three o'clock, but
+we did not commence to march till five, when we marched pretty steady
+until one o'clock. The entire army had to stop then on account of the
+heat. This was the hottest day of the summer, and between the hours of
+twelve and one, sixty-five men fell out of the Sixteenth, fifteen of
+them having received a severe sunstroke. Four out of our Brigade died
+almost instantly. At five in the afternoon, the division commenced to
+march again and did not halt till nine in the evening, making in all
+about twenty miles that day. The name of this place was Taylor's
+Ferry.</p>
+
+<p>The next day being July 4th, was a legal holiday in times of peace,
+but was not so for this division. The 11th and 16th Connecticut
+regiments and a section of battery were left at this point to guard a
+bridge and the supply train. The rest of the army moved to Hanover
+Court House, where they had a rather tough time. After marching all
+day, they had to tear up three miles of railroad, cut telegraph wires
+and burn bridges, all under the fire of the enemy. This did a great
+deal of good, for Lee was in Pennsylvania, and finding his
+communication cut in the rear, retreated.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning the Sixteenth was up at three, moved their position
+at five, and at eight the troops who had gone to Hanover Court House,
+returned. At noon three regiments were detailed to forage on the
+country and take all the beef, mules, horses, sheep <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>and salt, which
+they could find. At two o'clock a supply train from White House
+Landing arrived with two days rations. At eight in the evening, we
+found that the enemy were after us, and we started on the retreat.
+Contrabands followed us in large numbers. At ten the rebels were close
+on our heels, as we passed through Mongoheck. At three o'clock the
+next morning we had gained somewhat on the rebels and were allowed an
+hour's rest at the Town of Ayletts. The men were so tired on this
+march, that they actually slept while marching, and when we halted at
+3 o'clock that morning the men fell as if struck by lightning and were
+all sound asleep in two second's time. But our position was not safe,
+and the bugle sounded the reveille at four and after partaking of a
+scanty breakfast, we marched till half-past two in the afternoon, when
+we encamped about a mile this side of King William's Court House in a
+hard rain storm. This was certainly a hard fate for those who went to
+Hanover Court House, too fearful to be believed, making three days and
+two nights of hard labor with only one hour's rest. But it had to be
+done. Several who were unable to keep up and fell out were mercilessly
+shot dead by guerrillas who harassed the rear. A great many of the men
+provided themselves with horses, which they took out of barns by the
+road-side. The reveille as usual sounded at an early hour (three
+<span class="fakesc">A.M.</span>) the next morning and we marched to White House Landing,
+reaching there at eleven. The next day the division took up their line
+of march and marched to Hampton through a heavy rain storm and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>mud
+knee deep. Thence by boat they proceeded to Portsmouth, reaching their
+old camps on the afternoon of the 14th.</p>
+
+<p>This raid in history is called the "Blackberry Raid," there being no
+end of blackberries, of the most luscious kind. It was during this
+raid that a new Chaplain, (Charles Dixon, of the Eighth Conn. Vols.,)
+reported for duty. There seemed to be at first serious objections,
+both among the officers and men, to our having a chaplain, but they
+were soon dismissed; for he was one of those rare men whom all learned
+to love, and his bravery in battle and southern prisons won him a good
+name. On our return to Portsmouth, through a special order, a
+Regimental Band was organized, which grew to be a most excellent one,
+and added not a little to our military standing.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>CAMP TENNANT.</h4>
+
+<p>July 15th, 16th, and 17th, was spent in fixing up our camp. But the
+19th, 20th, and 21st was spent entirely in <i>trying</i> to have a review.
+The first day we marched two miles, stood in a broiling sun for two
+hours, and then returned to camp. The next day the same performance
+was gone through with and no reviewing officer came. Finally, on the
+last day, just as General Foster got within a few rods of us the rain
+came down in torrents, and continued till General Foster went away.
+The rain stopped at five, and as the men were all ready for the review
+it was agreed that the ceremony should be gone through with by Colonel
+Burnham acting as reviewing officer, and Major Pasco taking the
+command. From this time until the ninth of September there was but
+little to attract attention, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>except the general routine of parades,
+picket and police duty. The regiment therefore had a little time of
+rest.</p>
+
+<p>On the 30th of July, Colonel C.H. Prentice, J.G. Rathbun, J.A. Case,
+and J.S. Brooks, of Hartford, made a visit to the regiment. As nearly
+the entire regiment were acquainted with them, they were <i>very</i>
+welcome, and we presume they enjoyed their visit, especially the day
+that they visited the outposts, a distance of seven miles from camp,
+when one of those southern rain-storms came up, and they got a
+thorough soaking. This delayed their visit another day, in order to
+have their clothes dried. The quartermaster temporarily supplied them
+with brogans and clothes, but the amusing part of it was that Col. P.
+was so large and tall that the soldier's sizes could not be gotten
+only half on, and therefore with a cap and coat half on, and pants
+that reached a little below the knees, and with a huge pair of
+brogans, he looked so badly that he stayed in the Colonel's tent and
+played euchre all day and night. It was about this time that we had
+some terribly hot weather, the thermometer reaching 118&deg; on August 2d,
+and 115&deg; on August 3d. The pious members of the regiment went to work
+and built a chapel, which turned out to be a very fine edifice, and
+together with a temperance organization which started about this time,
+effected a great deal of good. The chapel was dedicated with
+impressive ceremonies, and a church organization was formed, the
+fruits of which last even to this day. The surgeons ordered some
+hospitals built, which were also dedicated by a fine dance. The
+<i>morale</i> of the regiment at this time was about perfect, and I can not
+better write of it than in the words of Surgeon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>Nathan Mayer, in his
+address to the regiment, at its reunion in 1867.</p>
+
+<p>"Gradually the finest camp but one, which it has been my fortune to
+see, grew up. The most perfect order, the most civilized condition
+prevailed. The tents were neatly and prettily furnished, as our
+Connecticut country homes are, and the ground was always in beautiful
+condition. As winter approached the men built a hospital of logs,
+log-houses for the officers, log-kitchens, and eating saloons for the
+companies. Our pioneers erected a perfect village. Everybody purchased
+pine slats and made pretty huts, using their tents as peaked roofs to
+the structures. A chapel of considerable pretensions was raised&mdash;and
+here the difference between Connecticut and New York soldiers was
+apparent in more than one way, but in none more than in this. While
+the New York battery at our side thought first of all of erecting a
+theatre, <i>we</i> built a hospital and a chapel. While <i>they</i> gave their
+leisure to studying parts and rehearsing them, <i>we</i> organized prayer
+meetings, a choir, and endeavored in various ways to perfect ourselves
+as soldiers and men. Of great benefit was the presence of ladies in
+our camp. A number of officers and men had asked their wives to visit
+them in camp, and ere long a pretty row of cottages extended on the
+right flank of the grounds; in these there was singing, and chatting,
+and playing euchre or whist, and other social games almost every
+evening. And the demeanor of every soldier in the camp of the
+Sixteenth Connecticut at that time was <i>gentlemanly</i>. Not an oath was
+heard, not a phrase that in any way could offend the ear of a virtuous
+female; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>not an act perpetrated that savored of anything but deference
+and respect toward the sex. To complete the softening influence thus
+cast on the regiment the Colonel's mother, Mrs. Burnham, paid us a
+visit, and went among the men as such a good, sensible old lady, with
+a heart full of kindness, and a head full of shrewd Connecticut sense,
+would naturally do. She advised and comforted those in trouble,
+listened to complaints and nursed the sick. She was regarded as a
+representative of the good respectable home life which we had left,
+and to which we would sooner or later return, and the veneration and
+affection of the regiment for her was unbounded.</p>
+
+<p>During all these weeks the military standing of the regiment rose
+perceptibly. There was not a cleaner, prompter, more loyal, reliable,
+and honest regiment in the service. No brighter arms, no quicker
+evolutions, no greater perfection in drill was to be found any where.
+The dress parade every evening gathered a crowd of lookers on. The
+guards, if detailed to other points, attracted attention. And the name
+of the Sixteenth was a good name in every man's mouth."</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4 class="sc">Excursion through Dismal Swamp.</h4>
+
+<p>On September 9th, five companies were detailed to go to South Mills,
+to do two weeks picketing. South Mills was about twenty-two miles from
+our outposts, and within seven miles of Elizabeth City. It was
+infested by guerrillas, and was merely held that no rebels might come
+through Dismal Swamp and surprise us. It was about the only place in
+that famous swamp where a few houses could be built and called a
+village. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>The detachment, under the command of Major Pasco, reached
+Deep Creek that morning, at half past nine. At Deep Creek the five
+companies, together with two wagons loaded with provisions, embarked
+on two canal boats, and hitching mules to the boats we were on the way
+to North Carolina. The scenery through the swamp was novel. This mode
+of traveling was new to the soldiers, and was highly enjoyed. Some
+footed it on the tow-path, some played chess, or cards, others smoked
+and read, and others danced to music from a fiddle and guitar, played
+by Dennison and Thompson. The canal was filled with turtles, snakes,
+and frogs of large dimensions. Thousands of snakes were killed that
+day, as the boat moved slowly along by the men cutting them in two
+with willow switches.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at South Mills at 7 <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span> we immediately proceeded to
+encamp in the dark by the side of Spier's cavalry about half a mile
+from the wharf; but before we could pitch our tents a terrible thunder
+storm came up and continued all night. Such a storm of lightning,
+thunder and rain, but few of us ever witnessed before. We were about
+drowned out by morning. The next day was a lively one. We changed camp
+in the morning, and three of the cavalry who were on picket were fired
+into by a party of about 40 guerrillas. One of the men was shot in
+three places and expired immediately. His horse was also shot in three
+places, the other two escaped all injuries. Two companies of cavalry
+were immediately sent out and scoured the woods, but could find
+nothing. One of our spies came in and informed us that the guerrilla
+camp numbering about 800, had found out our <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>strength and position and
+they would probably attack us. So we moved our camp to our original
+position by the side of the cavalry for safety. In the evening a
+guerrilla, while trying to crawl through the lines, was caught by the
+pickets. The next day three men were arrested, one of which proved to
+be a guerrilla, and was sent to General Getty for sentence. His name
+was Finley. Late in the evening three more companies of the 5th
+Pennsylvania cavalry came to reinforce us. On September 14th a spy
+came into camp and informed us that the commander of the guerrilla
+band was in town, and that he was to leave that night with four
+recruits. Captain Robinson, with 26 picked men, were detailed to go
+out and lay in ambush, where he was to pass. But we lost them as they
+had passed there in the afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>On Tuesday, September 15th, three scouting parties, consisting of the
+5th and 11th Pennsylvania cavalry went out in the morning on three
+roads and returned in the evening, bringing with them five rebel
+soldiers and a colored man. On the 21st, five companies of the 15th
+Connecticut relieved us and the next day we returned to our old camp
+at Portsmouth. This trip, although dangerous on account of guerrillas,
+who were continually shooting at us if we strayed a short distance
+from our command, was much enjoyed by the men. The excursion we shall
+always look back upon with pleasure. The beautiful scenery, and many
+incidents and exciting times we shall never forget. The frightful
+noises of Dismal Swamp in the night cannot be imagined by one who has
+never been there. A night in Dismal Swamp is never forgotten.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>After our return from South Mills there was another of what the boys
+called "a long spell" of quiet, the time being used up mostly by
+picket duty. Thanksgiving was observed as well as possible. On the 6th
+of December Sergeant Major Herbert Landon and 1st Sergeant B.F.
+Blakeslee received commissions as Second Lieutenants; and on New
+Year's Day Lieutenant Turner was promoted to be Captain. On the 3d of
+January, the Chapel was dedicated with ceremonies, the Chaplains of
+the 11th Pennsylvania, 13th New Haven, 5th Pennsylvania cavalry, and
+8th and 16th Connecticut regiments taking part. The building was
+filled to overflowing and excellent music was furnished by a choir of
+ladies and gentlemen. In the evening a prayer meeting was held. The
+next day a few recruits came, being the only ones the regiment ever
+had, for while other regiments recruited largely, no one cared to
+enlist in the Sixteenth, a regiment noted for having severe hardships.
+And it was very unfortunate for those who joined us that day, for
+nearly all of them died in prison. On the 20th of January orders came
+to be ready to move at an early hour the next morning. In accordance
+with the order the men were up as early as one o'clock; and at
+precisely three o'clock the camp was fired and in a few moments
+nothing was left of the finest camp we ever had. Taking the cars we
+went to Portsmouth.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VI.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>1864.</h4>
+
+<h4>PLYMOUTH.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>At Portsmouth the companies E, K, G, and B went aboard the steamer
+S.R. Spalding and the remainder on the Vidette. The weather was very
+fine and we had merry times and a fine sail around Cape Hatteras,
+reaching Morehead City on the morning of the 23d and proceeded thence
+by rail to New Berne. We left New Berne at midnight on the "John
+Farron" for Plymouth, and arrived there at midnight on the 24th. On
+the 26th Companies A, C, and H, under Capt. Hintz, went on a raid with
+other troops, under Col. Maxwell.</p>
+
+<p>These companies returned on the 28th, and after that there were
+several raids into the interior, which the men enjoyed very much, as
+they had exciting times in breaking up rebel cavalry camps and
+capturing and burning up large quantities of cotton and tobacco,
+besides taking a number of prisoners. For some time the regiment lay
+here, going on raids, doing picket duty, and making such fine dress
+parades that it called forth the entire town every evening. One little
+incident which occurred here, and as it has been published, I will
+insert it as written by Serg't Maj. Robert H. Kellogg:</p>
+
+<p>"There's one thing, at least, to be said in favor of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>Plymouth. It was
+the home of a few "true blue," loyal Southerners&mdash;a <i>very</i> few,
+however. They were hard to find, and I fear they are yet. The loyal
+men before spoken of, and some who were not loyal, were blessed with
+numerous daughters, fair to behold, but apt to have a few little
+weaknesses, such as 'dipping snuff' and smoking corn cob pipes. One of
+these men lived in a small house half way between the camp of the 16th
+and the western or left end of the town, and was blessed (or cursed, I
+doubt if he knew which at times,) with three daughters, and pretty
+ones they were. 'The prettiest girls I've seen yet!' was the emphatic
+declaration of each succeeding man who was lucky enough by dint of
+long watching or shrewd stratagem to get a peep at them. For, be it
+known, the father was as watchful over these fair scions of his house,
+as any ogre, read of in fairy tales, could possibly have been over his
+captives. Perhaps he had read some sensation tale of 'excesses of a
+brutal and licentious soldiery,' and thereupon resolved to keep his
+household uncontaminated from the least approach of such an insidious
+foe. I can not think he had taken a good square look into the honest
+faces of the 16th men, nor heard Chaplain Dixon preach to his crowded
+audience of boys in blue, every Sunday. At all events he seemed
+determined that no officer or soldier should form the acquaintance of
+his girls. On the other hand, our boys were quite as determined that
+they <i>would</i> become acquainted with them. But how was it to be done?
+That was the question which was presented to the mind of many a one
+who had cast 'sheep's eyes' at that humble <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>dwelling in the hope of
+getting a glimpse at its fair inmates. Many and various were the plans
+which were made, but alas!</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">'The best laid schemes o' mice an' men,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Gang aft a-gley,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And lea'e us naught but grief and pain,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">For promised joy.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"None had been successful until at last one day two members of Co. "A"
+walked coolly and boldly into the forbidden cottage. First let me give
+the names of the ones who did it, then I'll tell <i>how</i> they did it.
+The persistent and successful schemers were Corporal Sam Belden,
+(remembered by every one of his surviving comrades to-day and by many
+friends in this vicinity,) and Private John Quinn. And this was 'the
+way the fort was taken.' After much polishing of buttons and brushing
+of uniforms, they obtained possession of the Company Clothing Book and
+another volume of similar size, which they found in the Orderly
+Sergeant's tent; and on a pleasant afternoon quietly left the camp,
+unnoticed, and proceeded to the scene of interest. A modest knock at
+the door brought out 'pater familias' or 'old tar heels' as the
+unsuccessful besiegers spitefully termed him. Corporal Sam coolly
+informed him, with that imperturbable gravity of countenance and
+manner for which he was celebrated, that they were deputed by General
+Wessells, who was in command of the Post, <i>to take the census of the
+town</i>. There was no getting around <i>that</i>, for an order emanating from
+such a source was not to be lightly disobeyed; so they were rather
+ungraciously admitted to the heretofore unvisited house&mdash;couldn't call
+it a mansion by any stretch of the imagination. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>Once seated inside,
+Corporal Sam as spokesman, commenced a series of questions which the
+U.S. Census Commissioners would have hard work to equal, private Q.
+jotting down the replies of the blushing and confused girls, and of
+the astonished father. Of course, by this cool and ingenious method
+they obtained the names of all, their ages, and other interesting
+information, and moreover they did it all with such suavity, and
+conducted themselves with such gentlemanly deportment, that, from that
+day they were invited, happy, envied, and regular visitors at the
+forbidden house."</p>
+
+<p>On March 3d, at noon, the regiment was again on board the "John
+Farron," and on its way to Newbern, arriving there the next day
+evening and quartering in barracks near the Neuse River.</p>
+
+<p>On the 11th the "Lancer" brought our baggage, and also the sad news of
+the drowning of Captain Mix, who in attempting to return to the
+regiment took a small schooner for Roanoke Island. While in Albemarle
+Sound, a squall struck the boat; and the boom knocked Capt. Mix
+overboard, as he sat smoking on deck. A boat was instantly lowered;
+but when within twenty-five feet, he sank. He was a good swimmer, but
+was encumbered with a heavy overcoat and large boots. He was well
+versed in tactics and military discipline, and was the last of the
+original captains of the Sixteenth.</p>
+
+<p>On March 17th, Company "G," was ordered to Fort Stevenson, to relieve
+the Twenty-first, who were ordered to Little Washington.</p>
+
+<p>On March 20th, a negro riot occurred across the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>Trent River. Captain
+Burke, with one hundred men of the Sixteenth, soon quelled it,
+bringing with him between two and three hundred prisoners, whom he
+turned over to the Provost Marshal.</p>
+
+<p><i>Pack up at once</i>, was the order soon after tattoo, and at midnight
+the regiment with all its baggage was aboard the "Thomas Collyer,"
+returning to Plymouth. It was terribly stormy and rough; and at seven
+in the evening the vessel got out of the channel and ran aground in
+Albemarle Sound, a distance of about seven miles from Roanoke Island
+Landing. Here we lay until half past eleven on the morning of the 23d,
+the gale blowing terrifically, and the boat going higher and higher on
+the ground with every wave. The men were without rations, and
+suffering terribly from the cold and freezing spray. <i>A flag of
+distress</i> was raised, but not until the storm abated did any vessel
+dare come for our rescue. Finally the "General Berry," which was at
+Roanoke Island and had been watching for twenty-four hours, came and
+took us to Plymouth. The "Thomas Collyer" was nearly dashed to pieces,
+and it was some months before she was got off the bank, and was put in
+running order. The regiment lost considerable camp and garrison
+equipage, and some ordnance stores, which were washed overboard.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4 class="sc">Battle of Plymouth, 1864.</h4>
+
+<p>I find in my diary, as early as March 24, that our pickets were fired
+into by rebel scouting parties, and on the next day we were expecting
+to be attacked. This rumor probably arose from some contrabands <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>whom
+we traded with at the picket post, on the Columbia road, and who
+reported the enemy in large numbers in two counties south of us. These
+reports, together with the information General Wessells received, that
+the ram Albemarle was about completed, led the General on the 13th of
+April to ask for more troops, in order to hold the place if attacked.
+General Butler replied: "You will have to defend the district with
+your present force, and you will make such disposition of them as will
+in your judgment best subserve this end."</p>
+
+<p>About the 14th of April, while officer of the picket, on the Lee's
+Mill road, an officer of General Wessells' staff and the officer of
+the day, invited me to accompany them outside of the lines, to see
+what information we could pick up. Mounting cavalry horses, we went
+out a distance of four or five miles, returning by the way of the
+Columbia road picket post. At one house where we stopped, a lady who
+had just arrived from the interior said that the rebels were
+concentrating, and it was reported that they were going to attack
+Plymouth. As I had heard these stories before, I paid but little
+attention to her report at the time.</p>
+
+<p>On Saturday, April 16th, two days after, I was again officer of the
+picket on the Columbia road. The next morning (Sunday) at dawn, while
+asleep at the reserve post, I was awakened by the discharge of a
+musket by the picket at the bridge. Rushing to the spot, I found the
+picket to be William Maxwell, of Company A. He reported five or six
+scouts who had come to the edge of the woods suddenly, but fled on
+being fired at. I reported the fact to General Wessells, on being
+relieved <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>at nine o'clock <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> He seemed to think them
+guerrillas, but they proved to be advance guards, for in the afternoon
+when most of the soldiers were in church, the pickets were attacked by
+cavalry on the Washington and Lee's Mill roads simultaneously, and so
+sudden was the attack on the Washington road that the entire reserve
+picket were taken prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>The "long roll" was sounded, and the troops prepared for the attack.
+Light artillery and cavalry were immediately sent out to ascertain the
+strength of the enemy. They had a short engagement, resulting in one
+killed, and Lieutenant Russell of New York Cavalry badly wounded. In
+the garrison, there were besides the Sixteenth Conn. Vols., the
+Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, One Hundred and First, and One
+Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, Twenty-fourth New York
+Independent Battery, two companies of the Second Massachusetts Heavy
+Artillery, two companies of New York Cavalry, and two companies Second
+North Carolina Volunteers, making in all 1,600 effective men. Early in
+the evening the enemy made a furious attack upon Fort Gray, on the
+river, a mile above the town. By eleven o'clock in the evening it was
+ascertained that the enemy had a force of between ten and twelve
+thousand men, and all loyal women and children in the place were
+embarked on board the "Massasoit," and sent to Roanoke Island. It was
+very evident to us that we must either be killed or go to "Libby."
+Company "H," Captain Barnum, had been sent that morning to Roanoke
+Island for duty, and therefore a remnant of the regiment avoided the
+fate of prison life in the south.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>The next day the enemy opened with artillery at an early hour, and the
+firing on the skirmish line was very lively until eleven o'clock.
+Captain Burke was wounded in the shoulder during the morning. At five
+o'clock in the afternoon I was detailed with fifty men to skirmish
+with the enemy on the Lee's Mill road for an hour or two to allow the
+regular picket line a little rest and time to eat. I had hardly got
+the line properly deployed, when it seems the enemy were ready to make
+their assault on the town. From the woods emerged the Confederates in
+great numbers. The loyal line fired a few regular shots, but the enemy
+came pouring out of the woods in such numbers that the Union line
+withered and shrank back. The enemy's artillery came to the crest of
+the hill, and so well was it manned that our camps were completely
+riddled, and Fort Williams partially silenced.</p>
+
+<p>It was a regular artillery fight, and many old army officers said it
+was the handsomest artillery duel they ever witnessed. Three of the
+Sixteenth were wounded in the engagements in the skirmish line, one of
+whom was A.P. Forbes, of Company B. The enemy came on so rapidly, and
+we retired so slowly, that the two lines nearly met. One of the
+Sixteenth was pressed so closely that, in the dusk of the evening, he
+dodged behind a stump and thereby saved himself from capture. He was
+so near the Confederate battery that he overheard a staff officer give
+the order, "It is no use, captain, we cannot endure this fire,&mdash;limber
+to the rear." The enemy retiring, he returned inside our ranks.</p>
+
+<p>Heavy artillery firing was kept up until eleven <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>o'clock
+<span class="fakesc">P.M.</span>, and under cover of the darkness, the enemy advanced up
+to Fort Wessells, a work about ten hundred yards in front of the line
+of fortifications. Fort Wessells was furiously stormed three separate
+times, by a very superior force with great loss of life. The third
+time it had to succumb, and sixty men were captured. The fort was well
+supplied with hand grenades, which were used with great effectiveness.
+It was during this night that the famous ram, "Albemarle," came down
+the Roanoke river, passing our batteries, sank the Southfield, and
+drove off the balance of the fleet of gunboats. The Bombshell had
+previously gone up the river, and in returning was so completely
+riddled by the enemy's batteries, that she sank on arriving at the
+dock.</p>
+
+<p>The next day their artillery opened on the right of the town, but the
+lay of the ground in front of our works was such that it was really
+our strongest point. A few of their infantry advanced into a ravine in
+our front, and were unable to extricate themselves until dark.</p>
+
+<p>During the day the town was pretty effectually shelled, and a caisson
+was blown up on each side. Our navy being entirely gone, the ram
+"Albemarle" did good service for the enemy, with ninety and two
+hundred pound shot.</p>
+
+<p>Three separate times were we asked to surrender and save further
+sacrifice of life, but each was peremptorily declined. General Hoke
+(rebel) the last time replying, "I will fill your citadel <i>full</i> of
+iron; I will compel your surrender, if I have to fight to the last
+man."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>There was no doubt now but what we must succumb sooner or later. There
+was no hope unless reinforced, and that could not be as long as the
+ram was in the river. The men built bombproofs and traverses, which
+were a great protection.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the evening, Co. "G" was ordered to the left of the town, on
+the Columbia road. They lay there during the night, preventing the
+gunners on the ram from sighting their guns and coming on deck; they
+also had two little brushes with cavalry, who broke through the line
+to procure beef that was in a yard near by. The enemy, meanwhile, were
+concentrating nearly half their force opposite this point.</p>
+
+<p>By 4.30 o'clock on the morning of the 20th, (I find from their
+accounts,) they had ten regiments of infantry, four battalions of
+artillery, (Pegram's, Blunt's, Marshall's, and Lee's,) and two
+companies of cavalry, besides the "Albemarle" and "Cotton Plant." This
+must have made a force of five or six thousand in line about six
+hundred yards in front of our works. At this hour a rocket was sent up
+as the signal for the attack, and a more furious charge we never
+witnessed. Instantly over our heads came a peal of thunder from the
+ram. Up rose a curling wreath of smoke&mdash;the batteries had opened, and
+quickly flashed fierce forks of flame&mdash;loud and earth-shaking roars in
+quick succession. Lines of men came forth from the woods&mdash;the battle
+had begun.</p>
+
+<p>Company G, being on the skirmish line, fell back and entered "Coneby
+redoubt," properly barred the gate and manned the works. The enemy,
+with yells, charged on the works, in heavy column, jumped into <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>the
+ditch, climbed the parapet, and, with the artillery company (who had
+previously occupied the redoubt), for fifteen murderous minutes, were
+shot down like mown grass. The conflict was bloody, short, and
+decisive. The enemy were in such numbers that we had to yield. The
+gate had been crushed down by rebel shot, and the enemy poured in to
+the number of five or six hundred, with thousands on the outside.
+Great confusion then ensued; guns were spiked, musket barrels bent,
+and all sorts of mischief practiced by the Union soldiers, while the
+enemy were swearing at a terrible rate, because we would not take off
+equipments and inform them if the guns could be turned on the town,
+and in trying to reorganize their troops, who were badly mixed, to
+take the next work. We were prisoners, and as we marched out of the
+fort we could see at what a fearful cost it was to them. There were in
+the fort at the time, forty artillery men, who fired grape and
+canister, and forty-two of Company "G," (two being unable to get in,
+or not hearing the orders, went back to town,) making a total of
+eighty-two men, against five or six thousand. Our loss was one
+wounded, an artillery man, while the rebel loss, from their latest
+accounts, was five hundred killed and wounded. The enemy then passed
+in the rear and on the bank of the river, to the right of the town,
+and while part of their force was on the right working towards the
+center, those on the left were doing the same. Every position was
+obstinately maintained. A squad of men here, and a squad there, the
+redoubts and forts were but slowly captured. For three or four hours,
+Fort Williams, with guns turned, did murderous <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>execution, nearly two
+hours of which was in the streets of Plymouth. By half-past ten
+o'clock the last gun had been fired, the flag over our citadel
+lowered, and <i>Plymouth had fallen</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The troops were captured by an overwhelming force, after one of the
+severest fights of the war. In the words of J.W. Merrill, the author
+of "Records of the Twenty-fourth N.Y. Battery," "there is no question
+that the defense of Plymouth by its garrison of 1,600 men against a
+besieging force of 12,000 men, was one of the hardest fought battles
+of the war." The rebels raised the "black flag" against the negroes
+found in uniform, and mercilessly shot them down.</p>
+
+<p>The shooting in cold blood of three or four hundred negroes and two
+companies of North Carolina troops who had joined our army, and even
+murdering peaceable citizens (as I have the personal knowledge of the
+killing, with the butt-end of a musket, of Mr. Spruell, the man whom I
+boarded with, and by the way, a secessionist, for objecting to the
+plundering of a trunk which he had packed), were scenes of which the
+Confederates make no mention, except the hanging of one person, but of
+which many of us were eye-witnesses, was but the Fort Pillow massacre
+re-enacted.</p>
+
+<p>The following order was issued the day after the capture by Gen. Peck:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="right">
+<span class="sc">Headquarters Army and District of North Carolina, }<br />
+Newbern</span>, N.C., April 21, 1864. }</p>
+
+<p class="right" style="padding-right: 85%;">General Orders, }<br />
+No. 66. }</p>
+
+<p>With feelings of the deepest sorrow the commanding general
+announces the fall of Plymouth, N.C., and the capture of its
+gallant commander, Brigadier-General H.W. Wessels and his
+command. This <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>result, however, was not obtained until after the
+most gallant and determined resistance had been made. Five times
+the enemy stormed the lines of the General, and as many times
+were they handsomely repulsed with great slaughter, and but for
+the powerful assistance of the Rebel iron clad ram and the
+floating sharp-shooter battery, the Cotton Plant, Plymouth would
+still have been in our hands. For their noble defense the
+gallant General Wessells and his brave band have and deserve the
+warmest thanks of the whole country, while all will sympathize
+with them in their misfortune. To officers and men of the navy
+the Commanding General tenders his thanks for their hearty
+co-operation with the army, and the bravery, determination and
+courage that marked their part of the unequal contest. With
+sorrow he records the death of the noble sailor and gallant
+patriot, Lieutenant Commander C.W. Flusser, U.S.N., who, in the
+heat of battle, fell dead on the deck of his ship, with the
+lanyard of his gun in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>The Commanding General believes that these misfortunes will tend
+not to discourage but to nerve the Army of North Carolina to
+equal deeds of bravery and gallantry hereafter. Until further
+order, the headquarters of the sub-district of the Albemarle
+will be at Roanoke Island.</p>
+
+<p>The command devolves upon Colonel D.W. Wardrop, of the
+Ninety-ninth New York Infantry.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span style="padding-right: 75%;">By command of</span><br />
+<span style="padding-right: 2%;">Major-General G. PECK.</span></p>
+
+<p class="noin"><span class="sc">J.A. Judson</span>, Assistant Adjutant-General.</p></div>
+
+<p>While I have given an extended account of the position and service, of
+Company "G," the remaining companies were not less exposed, nor did
+less fighting. The losses in the Sixteenth were one killed and twelve
+wounded. The total losses in the garrison were fifteen killed and
+about one hundred wounded. The number captured was about sixteen
+hundred. The accounts in the northern papers were meagre and greatly
+exaggerated, giving generally the losses of killed and wounded equal
+to the entire garrison, and the losses of the enemy in equal
+proportion to their number. The Richmond papers gave long and very
+accurate accounts of each day's operations, but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>suppressed their
+losses and the killing in cold blood of the North Carolina soldiers,
+negroes, and citizens. Their latest accounts, however, admit from four
+to six hundred killed and from fifteen hundred to two thousand
+wounded. The Rebel Government considered Plymouth of great importance,
+and promised Gen. Hoke a Major-General's commission if he would take
+the place. It was this incentive that made him storm the works with
+such desperation. From the Richmond papers we find mentioned as
+operating against us sixteen regiments of infantry, eleven batteries
+divided into two battalions and commanded by Majors Reid and Mosely.
+The artillery, together with two companies of cavalry, were commanded
+by Col. Deering. In addition to the above were the ram Albemarle and
+consort Cotton Plant. The whole force was divided into three brigades,
+(Hoke's, Ransom's, and Kemper's) commanded respectively by Col.
+Mercer, Gen. Ransom, and Col. Terry.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>EXTRACTS FROM RICHMOND PAPERS.</h4>
+
+<p>The comments and correspondence in regard to the capture of Plymouth
+contained in the Richmond Whig, Dispatch, Enquirer, and Examiner,
+would fill three volumes of the size of this. Only a few of them can
+be inserted:</p>
+
+<p>From the <i>Enquirer</i>, April 22, 1864.</p>
+
+<div class="block"><div class="block"><h4>CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH&mdash;ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED PRISONERS<br /> AND
+TWENTY-FIVE PIECES OF ARTILLERY CAPTURED.</h4></div>
+
+<p>The following is a copy of a dispatch received in Richmond,
+yesterday morning, by General Bragg:</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="sc">Plymouth</span>, April 20th.&mdash;To General Bragg.&mdash;I have
+stormed and carried this place, capturing one Brigadier, one
+thousand six hundred men, a quantity of stores, and twenty-five
+pieces of artillery.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="sc">R.D. Hoke</span>, Brig-Gen.</p></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>From the <i>Enquirer</i>, April 25th:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p><span class="sc">Promoted.</span>&mdash;Brigadier-General R.F. Hoke has been
+promoted to the rank of major-general, to date from the capture
+of Plymouth, N.C.</p></div>
+
+<p>From the <i>Enquirer</i>, April 26th:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p><span class="sc">The Plymouth Affair.</span>&mdash;The Wilmington <i>Journal</i>, of
+Saturday, says "our loss in killed and wounded is not large
+considering the magnitude of the enterprise; but, as might have
+been looked for from the character of the conflict, the works
+having been stormed, a large proportion of the wounds are of a
+desperate character." When a place is taken by storm, and there
+is resistance, as in this case, the fighting is done hand to
+hand&mdash;guns are fired off at a trifling distance and the wounds
+inflicted in most cases are serious if not mortal. We learn that
+some of our wounded who have been brought to Wilson, bear
+evidence of the desperate character of the struggle whilst it
+lasted. They are wounded in almost every imaginable way, and but
+few of their hurts can be called slight.</p></div>
+
+<p>From the <i>Dispatch</i>, May 2d, 1864.</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p>A correspondent of the <i>Raleigh (N.C.) Confederate</i>, sends that
+paper a history of the capture of Plymouth, which is very
+interesting.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 5%;' />
+
+<p><span class="sc">Feint on Warren Neck.</span>&mdash;On the night of the 17th, an
+attack was made upon Warren Neck, under the direction of Colonel
+Deering. A gunboat of the enemy coming to the assistance of the
+garrison was sunk, and a force of infantry sent from the town
+was repulsed; but the enemy successfully resisted all attempts
+to take this stronghold. On Monday our artillery opened
+vigorously on the town; and during the day both parties pounded
+away at each other incessantly; but beyond a little skirmishing
+with the enemy and man&oelig;uvering for position our infantry did
+nothing. Toward evening, however, it became evident that
+something was on foot; and Ransom's brigade, and the 8th N.C.
+was drawn up in the woods facing the works on the Washington,
+Lee's Mill and Bath roads. A heavy line of skirmishers was
+thrown out under the command of Captain John Pegram, A.A.G., and
+advancing rapidly with the peculiar gait of sharp shooters and
+the yell with which our boys go to the charge, drove the enemy
+back into his works, and approached within two hundred and fifty
+yards of the fort, earnestly demanding to be led into the place.
+Meanwhile Pegram's battery dashed forward at a run, supported by
+the infantry, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>unlimbering, devoted a furious fire upon the
+place. Three times we advanced, each time nearer, until within
+good charging distance; but the artillery had it all to
+themselves. The movement was merely a demonstration to call off
+the enemy's attention from Hoke's attack upon Fort Wessells,
+which, after a sharp but short resistance, fell before the
+superior powers of Hoke's brigade; and that night's work was
+done.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Gunboat appears on the scene</i>. Leaving a line of pickets on
+the field, the main body of the troops withdrew to prepare, by a
+few hours rest, for the attack, which we all felt would be made
+on the morrow, and as we lay down by our fires, every one
+wondered at the Albemarle's delay, and prayed for her speedy
+arrival. At three in the morning we were all awakened by the
+thunder of her Blakely guns, as she defiantly saluted Warren
+Neck, <i>en passant</i>, and sailed safely by over the obstructions
+which the enemy had placed in the river. She went to work at
+once among the enemy's gunboats, sinking one and driving the
+rest to Hatteras, and then turning her attention to the
+fortifications, she kept up a speedy fire during the morning,
+silencing the enemy's guns, and driving him into his bombproofs.
+But still the "stars and stripes" floated over his works, and as
+he refused, when summoned to strike his colors, it became
+necessary for us to do it ourselves, and the evening and night
+of the 19th were devoted to preparing for the assault on the
+morning of the 20th. Kemper's brigade had fought gallantly at
+Warren Neck. Hoke's men had taken Fort Wessells with three guns
+and sixty prisoners. It was now Ransom's turn.</p>
+
+<p>The Columbia road which enters the town at its eastern
+extremity, running parallel with the river and near it, crosses
+Coneby creek about a mile from town: To this point Ransom's
+brigade, the 8th N.C. and Pegram's battery marched late in the
+evening of the 19th, behind a screen of woods, which hid the
+movement from the enemy, and reached the creek about sunset. The
+bridge was destroyed, and the creek was too deep to be forded. A
+strong picket of the enemy was on the opposite bank behind
+entrenchments, and about three-quarters of a mile off were two
+32-pounders and five 12-pounders bearing on the spot. The
+pontoons must be laid for the infantry and artillery to cross,
+and that quickly or the movement would be a failure. The moon
+was shining brightly, turning night almost into day, and not a
+breath of air was stirring, so that every movement we made could
+be distinctly heard or seen by the enemy. Lieutenant Marshall
+Lee, with twenty men of Co. E 24th, was advanced to the water's
+edge supported by the rest of the company, and Co. A of the
+35th, the whole under the command of Captain Barna Lane. The
+pontoon train, under Lieutenant <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>Pool, 10th N.C.T., dashed down
+at a gallop, slid one boat into the creek and quickly and
+rapidly the two companies crossed and were immediately engaged
+with the enemy. The 24th followed at once, the men coming into
+line as fast as they got over, and the enemy fell back, closely
+pursued by Captain Lane's command, deployed as skirmishers. The
+pontoons were now laid and by 8 o'clock the infantry was over
+and formed in line of battle, the left resting on the road and
+the right on the river in the following order: First on the
+right the 55th, second the 25th, third the 8th, fourth the 36th,
+fifth the 24th, with two companies on the south of the road. In
+this position, we lay during the night, sheltering ourselves as
+well as we could from the enemy's two works on the road, which
+kept up a constant fire until nearly day break. Just before day
+a strong line of skirmishers was thrown out before the brigade
+under command of Captain Durham, Q.M., 29 N.C.T., but acting
+temporarily on General Ransom's staff. <i>The Assault.</i> At just
+3-&frac12; the morning of the 20th our line began to move forward,
+slowly at first, dressing on the center, and halting
+occasionally for that purpose. From the start the fire from the
+enemy's batteries was rapid and severe, striking down many a
+brave fellow; but closing up the gaps, the long line moved
+silently on, the left still resting on the road, till Pegram's
+battery, dashing forward at a run unlimbered in front, and
+opened fire on the enemy's works.</p>
+
+<p>Then for the first time that morning our boys gave a loud
+yelling of defiance, and quickening their pace to a
+double-quick, pressed with a determination not to be resisted
+right upon the enemy's two works, which were taken with scarcely
+a moment's delay, the one on the south of the road, by the left
+of the 24th, led by Colonel Clarke and the one on the right by
+the right of the 24th, assisted by the 25th. The enemy fled in
+terror to the houses, Fort Williams, and any other place which
+suffered them protection from the fierce fire of our pursuing
+ranks. We were now in the town, and the head of every street
+running east and west was held by one or more of our regiments;
+but their position in line was somewhat changed. The 24th was
+still on the Columbia road, now street, with the 56th and 25th
+to the right, and the 35th and 8th to the left. Halting a moment
+to breathe the men and dress the lines, we pushed slowly and
+carefully forward, clearing the enemy from every street, yard,
+and house, from the windows of which and from behind the fences
+they poured an incessant fire. But nothing could check our
+progress and in an hour the enemy were all driven into Fort
+Williams or the entrenched camp. The fort was on our left and
+the camp in front. Leaving the 35th, the 8th, and a portion of
+the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>24th, to contend with the fort, the rest pushed on for the
+camp, which the 24th being on the direct road soon reached and
+opened fire, exposed still to a severe musketry fire from the
+fort on the flank and the camp in front. In a few minutes the
+56th came up on the right by another street, and by their
+arrival decided the contest, for immediately on the appearance
+of this additional force the enemy threw down his arms, and
+raised the white flag. Captain Lockheart, of the 56th, ran in to
+receive the surrender, and instantly both regiments poured into
+the camp, and throwing down their own foul guns and empty
+cartridge boxes, took the clean, well-filled ones, which were
+lying about, and pressed on through the tents to the western
+side of the camp, where they could see the United States flag
+floating over Fort Williams, evidence that the fighting was not
+yet done. Here we were shortly joined by the 43d North Carolina
+of Hoke's brigade, who came in from the west, having been
+delayed by a morass, which they had great difficulty in
+crossing.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Town in our own hands.</i> The town was ours. Every house and
+street in it was swept of the enemy, who shut up in his
+stronghold, still refused to surrender. This was a case for the
+artillerist and the guns of the captured forts were soon turned
+upon their stronger brother, fighting as the result shows,
+better for us than they had against us. Captain Cooke too of the
+Albemarle dropped some of his 90 pound shell among them. Still
+they resisted stoutly, showing a disposition to die rather than
+to yield. At last, however, some of our boys creeping forward
+through the entrenchments, got an enfilading fire upon them,
+which soon brought them to terms, and hundreds of them rushed
+out of the fort without arms and surrendered. Just at this
+moment a shell burst directly on the magazine, and when the
+smoke cleared away the hated flag was fluttering rapidly down to
+the ground. Without waiting for orders, the brigade swarmed into
+the fort, Company B, of the 24th, leading, and the color of
+everything was quickly changed from blue to grey."</p></div>
+
+<p>From the <i>Examiner</i>, April 22d:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p>"The details of the affair at Plymouth are not yet fully
+ascertained. It is safe, however, to pronounce it one of the
+most brilliant affairs of the war. Its immediate fruits are
+important. Those which may ultimately flow from it, the
+possession of an abundant country, and the possible command of
+the inland waters of North Carolina, though as yet the subject
+of uncertain speculation, may well excite high hopes for the
+future. General Hoke, judging from the large number of his
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>prisoners, does not seem to have made such thorough work as that
+by which Forrest has so shocked the tender souls and frozen the
+warm blood of the Yankees. The resistance he encountered was
+probably not as desperate, and the blood of the victors not so
+heated; though in a fortification carried by storm the loss of
+the garrison must inevitably be large. The strict laws of
+civilized warfare acknowledge the power of the victors to put
+all to the sword in such cases. However severe such an example
+might seem it would strike a salutary terror into the Yankees,
+which would be useful to them in the end, and their melancholy
+whine, at meeting a part of the punishment their barbarities
+merit, is absurd."</p></div>
+
+<p>From the <i>Examiner</i>, April 25th:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p>"Tuesday evening a flag of truce was sent to Fort Williams,
+demanding the surrender of the enemy. The flag was taken by
+Colonel Deering and another officer; and General Wessels, the
+Yankee commander, refused to treat with them, but requested a
+conference with the General commanding. At the interview which
+ensued the Yankee commander said to General Hoke, that if he
+surrendered he would be sacrificed by his Government, and, he
+feared, would be retired from the service. "Then," replied
+General Hoke, "I understand that you are fighting for your
+commission and for no other cause. If such is your reply, I have
+only to compel your surrender, which I will do if I have to
+fight to the last man." The general assault followed Wednesday
+morning. It was made by all our forces. As our troops came
+within range of the enemy's artillery, they suffered very
+severely, as the ground in front had been surveyed and was
+staked off with target posts for artillery practice. Latham's
+battery had been placed just by one of the targets, and was
+shelled with such skill by the enemy that all his horses had
+been killed. The accounts of his casualties are deplorable, and
+we trust they may be reduced by the more exact statements, which
+will be officially given."</p></div>
+
+<p>From the <i>Examiner</i>, April 30th:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p>"<i>The Capture of Plymouth in the North.</i> The news of the fall of
+Plymouth had reached the North. Of course, after their several
+days of felicitation that "the fort would surely hold out," this
+news was sudden and unwelcome to them. The <i>Tribune</i> announces
+it under this imposing head, in very large capitals: <i>Surrender
+of Plymouth. General Wessels and one thousand five hundred men
+prisoners. Our loss one hundred and fifty killed. The rebel loss
+one thousand and seven hundred <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>killed. North Carolina troops
+taken out and shot after surrendering. All negroes in uniform
+also murdered.</i></p>
+
+<hr style='width: 5%;' />
+
+<p>It is positively affirmed that the rebels in taking possession
+of Plymouth, ordered out the North Carolina (Union) troops, who
+formed part of the garrison, and shot them; and that all negroes
+found in uniform were murdered. We presume the account is
+correct, and it only proves that what was supposed to be an
+exceptional barbarity at Fort Pillow, has been adopted as the
+deliberate policy of the rebels. As the issue is to be made it
+must be met."</p></div>
+
+<p>From the <i>Examiner</i>, May 3d:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p>(Extract from a letter on the <i>Victory of Plymouth</i>, dated
+Plymouth, N.C., April 24, 1864.)</p>
+
+<p>* * * "During Monday night Hoke's and Kemper's brigades slept on
+their arms in the position they had gained. Before day break
+next morning three regiments of Ransom's brigade and Col.
+Branch's artillery were ordered to support them, and Ransom,
+with two regiments and artillery, was again ordered to the right
+to make a demonstration. At light the enemy opened a heavy
+artillery fire upon our position, to which we replied, also
+turning their own guns from the captured fort upon them. General
+Hoke, after making a more thorough reconnoissance on Tuesday
+morning, did not attack on the left, hence returned Ransom's
+regiments to him on the right. About midday he determined to
+send Ransom's brigade, with artillery, to the right, Coneby's
+bridge a distance of four or five miles, to make a simultaneous
+demonstration with him, while he would attack from his position
+on the left with his and Kemper's brigades. Ransom reached the
+bridge about dark, threw forward his skirmishers, who found the
+enemy in strong position on the opposite side, and the bridge
+destroyed. Finding the enemy were in the rifle pits and
+stubbornly refusing to yield the position, three pieces of
+artillery, under. Captain Blount, were advanced to within three
+hundred yards of the bridge and the enemy were soon dislodged.
+Our sharpshooters again advanced and the enemy re-appeared when
+some gallant fellow of the 24th N.C. regiment plunged into the
+creek, brought back a skiff, and immediately a party of select
+men were put over in it, and ordered, at all hazards to drive
+the enemy. The pontoons were hurried to the front, one placed in
+the creek, which ferried over three or four companies that
+followed, deployed as skirmishers, and the enemy fled,
+abandoning a position of vital importance to them. The <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>pontoons
+were soon <i>laid</i>, and the infantry consisting of the 24th N.C.,
+Col. Clark; 25th Alabama, Col. Rutledge; 56th N.C., Col. Faison;
+35th N.C., Col. Jones; and (of Clingman's brigade) the 8th N.C.,
+Col. Murchison, passed rapidly over and deployed into line at
+about a mile from the enemy's outposts, the right flank resting
+on the Roanoke, and the left on Coneby Creek. The artillery
+commanded by Col. Branch, did not cross, as the enemy could
+easily hear the crossing, and would shell furiously at the least
+noise. About twelve o'clock the troops were all in position, and
+were ordered to sleep on their arms and rest for the heavy work
+just ahead of them. The night was perfectly calm and cloudless,
+with the full moon shedding its soothing beams upon the sleeping
+veterans as they lay upon the bare ground, covered with their
+blankets in groups of two or three for warmth, as the air was
+sharp and piercing, seeming not even to dream of the morning's
+carnage. The field officers in rear of their regiments paced to
+and fro unable to rest from the heavy responsibilities that were
+crowding upon them. Along the line of the skirmishers commanded
+by "the fighting Quartermaster Durham" and the gallant
+Applewhite, the quick blaze of the rifle, like fire-flies at
+night, was the only relief from the dead calm that prevailed
+around, as the enemy's heavy guns, however, were belching forth
+shell and spherical case, firing with great accuracy. When
+Generals Hoke and Ransom separated, it was understood that as
+soon as the latter was in position, he would signalize the fact
+by a rocket, when General Hoke, with his and Kemper's brigades,
+would attack on the left, and Ransom on the right, would make an
+attack or a demonstration, as he thought best. After making a
+reconnoissance, Ransom at one o'clock in the morning
+(Wednesday), dispatched General Hoke that he was in position,
+but would defer all movements until the dawn of day, when he
+would not <i>demonstrate, but attack, and intended to carry the
+place by assault</i>, asking from General Hoke his simultaneous
+co-operation. He called together his field officers,
+communicated to them his purpose and plans, and by his
+confidence, coolness, and resource seemed to inspire them
+thoroughly with his own self-reliance. As a ruse, he determined
+to place his artillery in the rear of his infantry, and thereby
+cause the enemy to overshoot our lines, which proved a complete
+success. The moon had just gone down and the gray streaks of the
+morning were faintly visible in the east, when the signal rocket
+went up, and the line of skirmishers were ordered to advance,
+which they did handsomely, driving in the enemy easily. The
+infantry now moved forward, and the artillery, consisting of
+Blount's, Marshall's, and Lee's batteries, under Colonel Branch,
+dashed forward at a full gallop into position, and opened
+immediately upon the town and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>forts at about twelve hundred
+yards. The enemy had by this time concentrated a most terrific
+fire from their siege guns and field pieces. Just at this time
+General Hoke opened, with his artillery under Majors Mosely and
+Reid, a very rapid and tremendous fire, and his infantry sent up
+yell after yell as if charging. Ransom caught up the sound, and
+rising in his stirrups, from the head and right of the line, in
+a clear and ringing voice, gave the command, "Charge, boys, and
+the place is yours," and such a charge and yell no one who ever
+saw or heard it can ever forget. It baffles description. It was
+as the wildest gust of the tornado as it prostrates the forest,
+or the mad fire as it dashes through the prairies, it was a
+thunder bolt. The hail of shot, shell, canister, grape, and
+Minnie balls were not only unheeded but seemed unheard. The
+infantry and artillery fell thick and fast, but immediately the
+gaps were closed. In ten minutes the two outer forts, with eight
+guns, were captured, our infantry scaling their parapets, and
+the infantry within one hundred and fifty yards of the forts,
+horses, and limbers blown up and cannoneers shot down, and yet
+those remaining stood to their guns without shelter, confident
+of victory, and to avenge their dead. The whole command of
+officers and men, infantry and artillery, seemed enthused with
+the inspiration of certain victory. Several hundred prisoners
+were captured in these forts, which were immediately sent to the
+rear, and now began the contest for the town more than a half a
+mile in length, the enemy's infantry slowly retiring and
+stubbornly resisting our advance, Fort Williams dealing out
+grape and spherical case; their field pieces at the farther
+extremities of the broad straight streets raking them with a
+murderous fire; their infantry in the houses and cellars and
+behind fences, delivering galling charges of Minnie shot, but
+all of no avail. Our men were confident, aroused, and
+irresistible. They pressed on steadily, without halt or
+hesitation, tearing down fences, hedges, and every obstacle that
+they met, capturing the enemy at every step. Soon they were in a
+rout, and our infantry pressed through the town and waved their
+battle flags over the fortifications in front to General Hoke's
+forces, who could scarcely believe that so much could be
+accomplished in so short a time. * * Ransom's charge has not
+been surpassed at any time; his military genius comprehended the
+situation, and he was master of it. He determined upon his
+charge, knowing what pluck and dash could accomplish, and
+satisfied it was the only point of attack. With twenty-two
+hundred muskets and nine pieces of artillery, he charged the
+enemy's work which they regarded unassailable and carried them
+without a halt. His loss, which reached <i>five hundred in thirty
+minutes</i>, shows how sanguinary was the work." (Signed R.)</p></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>From the <i>Richmond Dispatch</i>, April 30th:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p><i>The Fall of Plymouth. A Specimen of Yankee Lying. A Sympathetic
+order for General Wessels. Negro Soldiers Butchered.</i> "The
+Philadelphia <i>Inquirer</i> contains the official and other
+announcements of the fall of Plymouth. The butchery of the negro
+troops is news here, though if General Hoke had butchered the
+whole garrison in the assault, after a refusal to surrender, it
+would have been perfectly proper under the laws of war. It will
+be seen that the loss of the Confederates is put down at fifteen
+hundred!! The following is a telegram dated Fortress Monroe, the
+24th instant: The gallant garrison at Plymouth, after a
+desperate struggle with the rebel foe, who besieged them by land
+and water, with an infinitely superior force, were compelled to
+surrender, but not until they had slaughtered hundreds of the
+enemy in their attempts to storm the forts. The fight commenced
+late on Sunday afternoon, and continued until half-past ten on
+Wednesday morning, when the surrender was made. Our men fought
+with the ferocity of tigers, and they would never have yielded
+had there been anything like an equality of forces. But the
+rebels outnumbered them nearly ten to one. When the attack first
+was made the Confederates were twelve thousand strong, and
+afterwards received eight thousand more as reinforcements. Aided
+as they were by their powerful ram and gunboats, it is not at
+all surprising that they succeeded in capturing the Town of
+Plymouth."</p></div>
+
+<p>From the New York <i>Herald</i>, April 26th, 1864:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p>"<i>The Rebel Losses</i> are, beyond the slightest doubt, immensely
+heavy. When it is considered that every fort around Plymouth was
+stormed from three to seven times, and each assault repulsed
+with great slaughter, besides pouring broadside after broadside
+into the rebel ranks from the Miami and Southfield, the
+casualties among the rebel troops must have been enormous. A
+rebel surgeon was heard to say that "the damned Yankees had
+killed and wounded one-third of their whole force, and he hoped
+that no mercy would be shown the cursed Yankees." The gunboat
+Whitehead went on a reconnoissance, on Wednesday, a short
+distance above Plymouth, and the officers and crew observed
+about three hundred rebel troops engaged in burying the dead.
+From a steeple on the town church, overlooking a large tract of
+land, it was found that the field of Asa Johnson (about sixty
+acres), was completely filled with dead and dying rebels. The
+entire rebel force could not have been short of from fifteen to
+twenty thousand men, of whom one-third are unfit for future
+service.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span><i>The Fort Pillow Massacre Re-enacted.</i> My informant also
+acquainted me with the fact that all the negroes found after the
+surrender, were stripped of their clothing and brutally murdered
+in cold blood. It must be understood that General Wessels had no
+colored troops at Plymouth, save a few recruits for North
+Carolina regiments, and the poor unfortunate blacks thus
+butchered were merely laborers for the government. The negroes
+were formed into line, in a nude state, and fired at by the
+brutal soldiery, purporting to represent Southern chivalry.
+Nature revolts at these facts; and the plan apparently adopted
+by the Rebels for the future disposition of the negroes is
+emancipation <i>from</i>, and not <i>for</i>, life."</p></div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>1864.</h4>
+
+<h4>PRISON LIFE OF THE OFFICERS.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>I shall not in this chapter pretend to give a complete history of
+Prison Life in the South, only a part. As I look back over the great
+mass of events that were continually occurring during all hours of the
+day and night of less than one year, I give up in despair. The inhuman
+treatment, and fearful atrocities of our brutal keepers are
+heart-rending, and I can poorly illustrate them. Language is unable to
+describe the real condition of affairs in southern prisons. No one can
+present in its true light the fearful suffering experienced in them.
+Others have contributed sketches for the dark picture. I shall
+therefore be very brief.</p>
+
+<p>By noon of the 20th of April, the entire garrison of Plymouth was in
+the hands of the rebels, and all the captured were concentrated on the
+Washington road. During the afternoon, the rebel cavalry scoured the
+woods and shot dead every colored soldier and man that was able to
+bear arms. The number murdered in this way must have been in the
+neighborhood of one hundred.</p>
+
+<p>We went to sleep that night feeling very gloomy, tired, and hungry,
+most of us having had nothing to eat during the day. It was nothing
+new to us to sleep <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>on the ground without anything over us, for we
+were quite used to that, but we could easily see what we were to
+expect from the hands of the rebels, and many were thinking of home
+and how anxious our friends would be to hear of our fate, whether
+killed in the battle or captured; and if captured, <i>worse</i> than
+killed. The next day we had twenty-five hard crackers and on an
+average about ten ounces of raw salt pork issued to us. This had to
+last us till the morning of the 26th, making five days, thus making
+five crackers and two ounces of pork per day. On this we had to live
+and during the day make quite long marches.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Beach, Lieutenant Colonel Burnham, Major Pasco, Quartermaster
+Robins, Surgeon Mayer, Assistant Surgeon Nickerson, and Captain Burke,
+together with the wounded men, remained at Plymouth. About noon of the
+21st we took up our line of march, halting about nine in the evening,
+making a distance of thirteen miles. We marched more or less every day
+until the noon of the 25th, when we arrived at Tarboro, having passed
+through the villages of Foster's Mill, Jamesville, Williamston, and
+Hamilton. Crowds of women and children lined the roadside eager to get
+a glimpse of the "Yankees," some hissing and insulting us in various
+ways. On the 23d, the 11th Virginia guarded us, and we learned that
+the same regiment fought against us on the Edenton road at Suffolk a
+year before. By the time we reached Tarboro, we were nearly starved,
+having been out of rations from twelve to thirty-six hours. At noon,
+some bacon and corn-bread were issued to the officers, and to the
+enlisted men in addition some peas which were by long <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>cooking
+softened sufficiently to be eaten. At one o'clock, April 26th, all the
+officers and the 85th New York went aboard the cars and were on their
+way to the famous prison pens of the South, thus separating the
+officers from the enlisted men&mdash;only a few of whom lived to meet again
+at New Berne a year after. Traveling all night in crowded cars, we
+arrived at Wilmington at daybreak, where we crossed the river by ferry
+boats, and again taking cars we arrived at Florence, South Carolina,
+at 10 <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span></p>
+
+<p>Here we again changed trains, being packed by fifties in box cars.
+This was a miserable night, as we were packed so closely that we could
+neither lie down nor sit. Some had to stand up, and those farthest
+from the door nearly suffocated. Leaving Florence in the morning we
+arrived at Charleston at 10 <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span> Here another change of cars
+was made, sixty being packed in each car, and we remained there all
+night. The next morning some hard-tack and good bacon were issued.
+Leaving Charleston at seven in the morning we arrived at Savannah at
+two <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span> Here more rations were issued and another change of
+cars was made. We finally arrived at Andersonville at 2-&frac12; o'clock
+the next afternoon. Having marched us to a position, where we could
+obtain a view of the famous pen, Capt. Wirz soon appeared on a horse,
+making such a comical appearance that we laughed outright. "You Got
+damn Yanks, you vont laugh when you get in dat Bull Pen," were his
+first words of greeting. Having been sent to Andersonville by mistake
+we were not allowed to go in to the Bull Pen, but were marched to a
+school house or church, where we staid until the next day. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>Being
+Sunday, Chaplain Dixon gave us a short sermon from Psalms 37th, which
+was very appropriate and suitable under the peculiar circumstances in
+which we were then placed. At half past nine in the forenoon we were
+placed aboard the cars again, and went to Macon.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>CAMP OGLETHORPE, MACON.</h4>
+
+<p>Here we went into Camp Oglethorpe, one hundred and ten in number,
+being all the officers captured at Plymouth, and going under the title
+of "Plymouth Pilgrims." General Howell Cobb soon rode up on his
+charger with a bran new saddle and bridle, and introduced himself by
+saying, "that we were just the fellows he wanted to see." "Why don't
+you go to the front then," replied Adjutant Clapp. This rather
+astounded the old gentleman. At this camp one day, Adjutant Clapp was
+having his haircut and accidently the barber nicked his ear a little.
+A lady who was at the time passing around the camp noticed it, and the
+next day sent a little brother into the camp to sell pies, and in the
+bottom of the basket was a book with a note directed to the soldier
+with the cut ear, and stating that she was from the north and
+sympathized with our misfortune. For good reasons I withhold her name,
+but she was a noble and brave girl, and afterwards risked her life in
+aiding Federal officers to escape.</p>
+
+<p>On the 17th of May, 900 officers from Libby arrived and were placed in
+a pen which had been built a short distance from our camp, and in the
+evening we were also placed there. Here we found Lieutenant-Colonel
+Burnham, Major Pasco, Quartermaster Robins, and Captain Burke, who
+were separated from us at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>Plymouth. Colonel Beach and Surgeon Mayer
+had been exchanged. Prison life had now commenced in earnest with us
+and we felt it deeply. We had heretofore been where we could see what
+was going on around us, and had the liberty of trading with hucksters
+and others. We were now cut off from the world, <i>in a pen</i>, with
+little or no shelter, and under the command of the most brutal, cruel,
+heartless, and inhuman men that this world produces. They were General
+Winder, Major Dick Turner, and Captain Tabb. As it is not the purpose
+of this history to record all the brutal acts of these men I give two
+or three to illustrate what fiends we were under. When General
+Stoneman made his attempt to rescue the prisoners, Winder issued an
+order called No. 13, which stamps the brute with infamy beyond
+redemption. In this order, which has been preserved, Winder commanded
+"the officers in charge of the artillery to open their batteries,
+loaded with grape-shot, as soon as the Federals approached within
+seven miles, and to continue the slaughter until every prisoner was
+exterminated." We had at this time six cannon bearing on us. "Was the
+prison mined," said Colonel Farnsworth to Turner, the jailor of Libby
+Prison, "when General Kilpatrick approached Richmond to attempt the
+rescue of the prisoners?" "Yes, and I would have blown you all to
+Hades before I would have suffered you to be rescued." Major Turner
+himself gave the prisoners to understand that if any more attempts
+were made for their rescue, the prison would be blown to atoms. The
+following atrocious order from rebel headquarters was afterwards
+issued. "Any <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>soldier killing a Federal soldier, approaching the dead
+line, shall receive a furlough of sixty days; while for wounding one,
+he shall receive a furlough for thirty days." Under this order many
+were shot, who had no intentions of escaping. On May 29th,
+Assistant-Surgeon Nickerson was brought into prison. On June 10th,
+fifty of the officers, (Lieutenant-Colonel Burnham being one of the
+number,) were taken to Charleston and placed under the fire of the
+Union batteries on Morris Island.</p>
+
+<p>We had religious services very regularly and they were well attended
+after the rebels found out that we would have them, cost what they
+would. I think it was the second service that we had, and on Sunday
+evening, for during the day word came to the commandant of the prison,
+Captain Tabb, that "the prisoners were praying for Abraham Lincoln,
+Grant, and Sherman." Services had commenced in the evening and the
+congregation were singing the first hymn, when in came Captain Tabb
+accompanied by the officer of the day. They at once inquired who had
+charge of the meeting, and being informed that it was Chaplain White,
+came up to him, and, entering into conversation, told him "he (Captain
+Tabb) could not allow any praying in there for the President of the
+United States." Meanwhile the hymn was concluded, when Chaplain Dixon,
+of the 16th, knowing what was up, at once stepped forward and began to
+pray, asking God to bless all in authority, especially the President
+of the United States, his cabinet and Congress, and all his advisers,
+also that he would bless General Grant and his glorious army; that he
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>might be successful in capturing Richmond, the capital and stronghold
+of the rebellion; that he would also bless Sherman, spare his life,
+give him wisdom to carry out his plans, that his army might be a
+victorious one all through its campaign; that treason might be
+crushed, and traitors punished; that the time might speedily come when
+our dear old flag should wave over every village, town, and city of
+the United States, and we enjoy peace again. When the prayer was
+finished Captain Tabb withdrew from the crowd saying, "d&mdash;&mdash;n smart
+prayer, but I don't believe it will amount to anything."</p>
+
+<p>Many attempts to escape were planned, but few were successful. Major
+Pasco was caught tunneling, and the officer in command ordered him to
+fill up the tunnel. A revolver was held menacingly at his breast; but
+he resolutely refused. He was taken from prison and threatened with
+hanging, but was finally recommitted. On the 4th of July, the rebels
+gave us four roll-calls in the morning. An officer hoisted a small
+United States flag, which we all cheered lustily, much to the chagrin
+of the rebel guards. Then another sang the Star-Spangled Banner and we
+cheered that. Afterwards, without any preconcerted arrangement, we
+went into a large building, and held a meeting. Chaplain Dixon made
+one of the most patriotic prayers we ever heard. Then earnest,
+off-hand speeches were made, filled with a determination to persevere
+until the Rebellion should be crushed. Lieutenant-Colonel Thorp, 1st
+N.Y. Dragoons, was particularly defiant, and the audience showed their
+appreciation of it by frequent <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>and prolonged applause. Of course such
+proceedings could not be tolerated by our rebel commandant, and he
+sent in his officer of the day to break up the meeting. The crowd
+quietly dispersed, after giving three rousing cheers each for
+President Lincoln and the little flag, the Proclamation, Grant, and
+Sherman. To us it was a very satisfactory celebration. In the course
+of the afternoon the following order was posted on the bulletin-board:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><h4>SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 6.</h4>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="sc">C.S. Military Prison, }<br />
+Macon, Ga.</span>, July 4th, 1864, }</p>
+
+<p>"I. Lieutenant-Colonel Thorp is relieved from duty as senior
+officer of prisoners for a violation of prison rules, and
+Lieutenant-Colonel McCrary will again assume that position.</p>
+
+<p>"II. The same order and quiet will be observed on this day as on
+any other.</p>
+
+<p>"III. A disregard of this order may subject offenders to
+unpleasant consequences.</p>
+
+<p class="right">"<span class="sc">Geo. C. Gibbs</span>, Captain Commanding."</p></div>
+
+<p>After the meeting was over, Colonel Thorp was called out to
+headquarters, when the following conversation took place between
+Captain Gibbs and himself:</p>
+
+<p><i>G.</i>&mdash;"What's your name?"</p>
+
+<p><i>Col.</i>&mdash;"T.J. Thorp."</p>
+
+<p><i>G.</i>&mdash;"Were you addressing the officers in the prison?"</p>
+
+<p><i>Col.</i>&mdash;"I was."</p>
+
+<p><i>G.</i>&mdash;"What did you mean by it?"</p>
+
+<p><i>Col.</i>&mdash;"It was the desire of the officers that I should address them,
+<i>which I did</i>, as is the custom in our country on the 4th of July."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span><i>G.</i>&mdash;"<i>Sir</i>, I shall put you in <i>irons</i>, and send you to jail."</p>
+
+<p><i>Col.</i>&mdash;"Very well, you can do so; but such treatment will not
+ameliorate my feelings toward you or the Confederacy in the least. We
+deem it not only a privilege, but a duty, to commemorate the 4th of
+July as the birth-day of a great nation, for whose defense and
+perpetuity we are willing to <i>suffer</i>, and <i>die</i>, if need be."</p>
+
+<p>At this the Captain commuted his verdict to solitary confinement in
+jail <i>without irons</i>; but, before the guard arrived, the order was
+entirely revoked, and Colonel Thorp was sent back inside the stockade,
+with threats of summary treatment if he persisted in addressing the
+officers again on <i>any subject</i>.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>SAVANNAH&mdash;CHARLESTON.</h4>
+
+<p>On July 28th, the first division of prisoners went to Charleston. This
+took of the 16th, Major Pasco, Quartermaster Robins, Captains Morse,
+Robinson, Burke, Hintz, and Lieutenant Bruns. The next day 600 more
+left for Savannah. In this squad all the remaining officers of the
+16th went, they being Chaplain Dixon, Adjutant Clapp, Captain Turner,
+Lieutenants A.G. Case, Bowers, Strong, Andrus, Miller, Waters, Landon,
+and Blakeslee. On our way we busied ourselves by pitching the guards
+out of the cars when under full headway. Arriving at Savannah we were
+received by a large delegation of citizens, who were greatly
+interested, and wondered where our horns and tails were. Great was
+their surprise that we did not look different from their soldiers. The
+crowd was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>very great, and the police, aided by the city militia,
+could hardly clear the way for us to march through the streets. The
+officer in charge also was greatly confused, and gave so many wrong
+orders that it was a long time before we were able to march to the old
+United States Marine Hospital. We were confined in the yard surrounded
+on three sides by a brick wall eight feet high. While at this prison
+Lieutenant John M. Waters was taken sick with bilious fever. After a
+sickness of two weeks he was taken into the hospital on August 17th,
+dying the next day at 11 <span class="fakesc">A.M.</span> On the 19th, Chaplain Dixon was allowed
+to go out and perform the last duty of respect to our comrade in the
+presence of the Commander of the prison, Officer of the Day, Officer
+of the Guard, two Lieutenants, and four privates. Lieutenant Waters
+was very genial and, until his sickness, had kept up good courage. On
+September 2d, the Chaplains and Surgeons were sent to Charleston to be
+exchanged. This took Chaplain Dixon and Assistant Surgeon Nickerson of
+the 16th.</p>
+
+<p>At an early hour on the morning of September 13th, we left Savannah
+and went to Charleston, where we were enthusiastically received and
+thrown into the yard of the jail. We here found Edward Woodford of
+Company I, who gave us some of the casualties of the enlisted men at
+Andersonville. He reported that the regiment stood it better than the
+other regiments who were captured at Plymouth, but already sixty had
+died. Two days after our arrival, Major Pasco, who was on parole at
+Roper hospital, (together with the balance of the 16th officers who
+left Macon in the first <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>division, July 28th,) visited us, and through
+his efforts three days after, we joined him at Roper Hospital, by
+signing the following parole.</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="right sc">Charleston, S.C., C.S. America,<br />
+September, 1864.</p>
+
+<p>"We, the undersigned, prisoners of war, confined in the city of
+Charleston, in the Confederate States of America, do pledge our
+parole individually as military men and men of honor, that we
+will not attempt to pass the lines which shall be established
+and guarded around our prison house; nor will we, by letter,
+word, or sign, hold any intercourse with parties beyond those
+lines, nor with those who may visit us, without authority. It is
+understood by us, that this parole is voluntary on our part, and
+given in consideration of privileges secured to us, by lessening
+the stringency of the guard, of free ingress and egress of the
+house and appointed grounds during the day, by which we secure a
+liberty of fresh air and exercise, grateful to comfort and
+health.</p>
+
+<p>"Hereby we admit that this, our parole, binds us in letter and
+spirit, with no room for doubts or technicality of construction,
+and its violation will be an act of lasting disgrace. Signed:"</p></div>
+
+<p><i>The firing upon the city</i> was continued daily notwithstanding our
+being brought here and placed under fire of our own batteries as a
+means of saving the besieged city. Cheer after cheer went up as we
+heard the missiles crash through adjacent buildings.</p>
+
+<p>On September 17th, at 1 <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span>, a fire broke out near us.
+General Foster immediately opened on the place, the fourth shell
+bursting in a dwelling house near by, setting that also on fire. So
+accurate were Gilmore's guns aimed that two shells burst in the
+burning buildings; and the negroes told us that one struck an engine,
+entirely destroying it, and killing several firemen. One shell struck
+our wall, tearing it nearly down. Several pieces of shell came into
+the yard where we were, but no one was injured. One of our <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>officers
+in Roper Hospital was wounded in the arm by a piece of shell that came
+through the roof while he was eating dinner, making a flesh wound,
+smashing up the table, and passing on through the floor. In the
+evening we often watched the shells coming, and it was a beautiful
+sight. We first caught the flash of our guns; then, after waiting a
+few seconds, we could see the missile, which looked like a shooting
+star, climbing up higher and higher; and, when it reached its full
+hight, we could hear the report of the guns that sent it; by this time
+the shell was so near, that we could hear its sharp, shrill shriek;
+then it gradually descended, and approached until it was right over
+our heads, when it burst, most of the pieces going beyond us. The
+report of the explosion then reached us, as we heard the fragments
+rattle among the brick walls, or crash fearfully through the wooden
+tenements. Shells from Gilmore's batteries on Morris Island were
+continually making sad havoc in the city, killing and wounding from
+one to eight persons daily, and going through entire blocks. Sometimes
+a single percussion shell would blow up an entire building.</p>
+
+<p>On October 2d, Major Pasco received a letter from Lieutenant Colonel
+Burnham, stating that he was once more a prisoner of war and confined
+at Wilmington. This was news that very much surprised us. It seems
+that after being exchanged at Charleston, he had been home and had got
+newly fitted out, and was on his way to the regiment. At this time Co.
+"H" and a few others of the regiment which had been gathered from
+different points were stationed at Roanoke Island, and this composed
+the 16th Connecticut Volunteers, on the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>Union side of the lines.
+Lieutenant Colonel Burnham took the steamer "Fawn" at Norfolk, and
+while passing Coinjock, on the Albemarle and Chesapeake canal, they
+were fired into by guerrillas, who lay concealed near the shore. One
+was killed outright and several wounded. The remainder were taken
+prisoners, and the steamer was burned. The prisoners were marched to
+Elizabeth City, and turned over to the rebel authorities. Colonel
+Burnham was soon after again paroled.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>COLUMBIA.</h4>
+
+<p>On October 5th, we went to Columbia. Captains Morse, Burke, and
+Robinson escaped by jumping from the train, but were recaptured on the
+11th, and rejoined us next day at Camp Sorghum.</p>
+
+<p>That we might get wood the commandant allowed a certain number to be
+paroled each day. Their names were written on a piece of paper, handed
+to the officer of the day, who instructed the guard to pass them in
+and out at their pleasure till night. On the 3d of November, Captains
+Robinson, Dickerson, and Burke, took advantage of this, and
+successfully escaped, an account of which has been written by Captain
+Dickerson as follows:</p>
+
+<p>"Upon the evening of the 3d of November, 1864, a large number of
+officers were paroled for the purpose of bringing wood for cooking and
+building purposes. Three of us,&mdash;Captains Burke, Robinson, and
+myself&mdash;finished getting wood, saw our paroles destroyed, returned to
+camp, and, after a short time, recrossed the guard-line, and,
+unsuspected, made our way to the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>woods. We kept slowly through the
+woods, until we were safely beyond the reach of the rebels. Night
+coming on, we traveled through the fields and woods, until we struck a
+road which ran parallel with the Congaree River; and traveled
+southward about twelve miles. We then left the public road, and
+traveled through the woods, toward the river, which was about eight
+miles distant. Upon the afternoon of the 4th, we fell in with five
+other of our escaped prisoners from the same camp, who escaped two
+nights previous to ourselves by bribing the guard. They had been in
+the swamp two days, and had made an arrangement with the negroes for
+provisions, and information where two boats could be found. We joined
+our parties, and in the evening the negroes met us, and furnished us
+with the promised necessaries. Proceeding to the river, which was
+about two miles distant, we found the boats which accommodated all of
+us. At about eleven o'clock, all things being ready we embarked in our
+boats, and paddled down the river. Early in the morning, we landed,
+having secured a hiding-place for our boats and ourselves, and devoted
+the day to cooking and sleep. Darkness again found us upon the river;
+and we soon passed the bridge of the South Carolina railroad, which
+was guarded by sentries; paddled all night; and again secured
+ourselves for the day.</p>
+
+<p>"While engaged, some in cooking, others in sleep, our attention was
+attracted by loud talking; and soon we discovered a boat below us,
+upon the river, being poled up the river by negroes. One of our party
+posted himself upon the bank of the river, where he could hail the
+boat without discovering the presence of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>the rest of the party, and,
+hailing the negro in charge of the boat, informed him that he was in
+want of provisions. The negro replied that he had no time to stop, and
+persisted in keeping on his course. When all entreaty failed, the
+captain told him he was a 'Yankee' officer, escaped from rebel prison,
+making his way north and needed provisions, and information regarding
+obstructions in the river. The negro no sooner learned his true
+character than he immediately landed, secured his boat, staid with us
+all day, cooking rations, and giving very valuable information. He
+claimed in return for his service, a sight of the rest of the party,
+whom he had instinctive shrewdness to know were concealed close by.
+Night again found us upon the river; and after a few hours' sail we
+landed at a farm, of which we had been informed by the negroes, where
+we succeeded in capturing a goat, which supplied us with meat to our
+journey's end.</p>
+
+<p>"Monday and Tuesday nights nothing occurred to delay our progress
+toward the desired goal. Wednesday evening, we had been going down the
+river but a short time, when we reached a ferry, where we made the
+acquaintance of four negroes, who furnished us with a large quantity
+of sweet-potatoes, salt, and meat. Upon parting with them, they bade
+us God-speed and a safe journey. Elated and happy with our success, we
+kept steadily forward; and soon after we landed to again consult the
+negroes, who told us we were but five miles from a battery, mounting
+two pieces, upon the right bank of the river, guarded by rebel
+soldiers. After receiving other information and provisions, we parted
+company with the last of our negro friends, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>proceeded down the
+river, passed the battery in safety, and, landing, waited for the
+darkness of the night to finish our journey to the coast. Thursday
+night, full of hope, we again took to our boats, and meeting no
+interference, reached the coast safely.</p>
+
+<p>"The light of Friday morning, November 11th, revealed to us the spars
+of a ship, which we soon made out to be one of the United States
+blockade. It was the Canandaigua, Captain Harrison; and after sundry
+attempts we succeeded in getting safe on board, under the protection
+of the star-spangled banner. We came north on the Fulton."</p>
+
+<p>Of the many devices for escape, all were not as successful as the
+above, as our major will testify.</p>
+
+<p>Major Pasco had become possessed of two gold dollars which had been
+sent him in cans of solidified milk from the north. He had bribed a
+guard to permit Captains Morse, Turner, and himself, to pass out that
+evening between the hours of eight and ten, for the two gold dollars
+and a jack knife. At the appointed time, and all three officers being
+ready, they approached the dead line, and Captain Morse going first
+gave the booty to the guard who allowed him to pass and also Captain
+Turner. At this point an officer who was lying on the ground and
+trying to escape on his own hook in another manner, jumped up and
+passed out. The guard had passed out three according to agreement.
+Major Pasco came along and was halted by the guard, and the following
+conversation took place:</p>
+
+<p>Major. You agreed to pass out three of us.</p>
+
+<p>Guard. Well I have let out three. You must go back.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>Major. That last man you let pass didn't belong to my party.</p>
+
+<p>Guard. Can't help it, I have let out three and you must go back.</p>
+
+<p>The Major undertook to explain matters, but the sentinels along the
+line commenced to fire at him and he beat a hasty retreat into camp,
+where he dreamed all night of the officer who euchred him out of an
+escape.</p>
+
+<p>But the Major was not to be foiled out of a successful escape. He made
+a second attempt to reach the Union lines by writing out a false sick
+certificate to pass to the hospital, but he was recaptured after seven
+days absence. The third time he succeeded. Shortly after the train
+left Columbia, while we were going to Charlotte, N.C., he jumped off
+the train and was overtaken by Sherman's army. Lieutenant Bruns also
+escaped from this prison, but was recaptured and brought back after an
+absence of ten days. Captains Morse and Turner were returned to
+prison, having been absent a month. There were so many escapes from
+this prison that on the 12th of December, the rebels marched us into
+the city and confined us in the yard of the Insane Asylum with a brick
+wall around it eight or ten feet high, and eighteen inches thick.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>CHARLOTTE, RALEIGH, GOLDSBORO, WILMINGTON.</h4>
+
+<p>The month of February was full of rumors in regard to our exchange,
+but it was an old story to us given out to prevent our trying to
+escape. On the 14th and 15th we were moved to Charlotte. General
+Sherman had by this time arrived within two miles <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>of the city and was
+posting his artillery on the hill, (Camp Sorghum<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a>) where we had been
+imprisoned a few weeks before.</p>
+
+<p>As the train started. General Sherman opened his batteries on the
+city. Lieutenant Landon and a party of sixteen had managed to hide
+themselves between the rafters under the floor of the second story of
+the Hospital building, where they stayed with little or no food for
+forty-eight hours and fell into the hands of Sherman. Major Pasco,
+Captains Morse and Turner, who jumped from the first train that left
+Columbia, secreted themselves in the woods and General Sherman
+overtook them on his way north. The remaining officers of the 16th
+were sent to Charlotte with the rest of the prisoners, arriving there
+on the evening of the 16th, having been delayed some hours at a point
+40 miles from Columbia by running into a drove of cattle which the
+rebels were driving ahead of Sherman's course. The engine, tender, and
+one car was thrown from the track, killing three beef creatures. This
+was issued to us, being the first meat of any kind that we had tasted
+for four months and ten days.</p>
+
+<p>Disembarking from the cars on the morning of the 17th, we marched
+three-quarters of a mile to a little pine grove, which we called Camp
+Necessity or Camp Bacon, by reason of some bacon having been
+issued,&mdash;the only meat rations for over four months. The fact that we
+were soon to be exchanged was now confirmed by the rebels taking off
+part of the guard and allowing them to use unloaded muskets. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>Still<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>
+"old fish" turned away and would not believe it, and a good many
+escaped, as it was a very easy matter. Captain Hintz and Lieutenant
+Bruns immediately left, and Lieutenant Johnson with Lieutenant Eli P.
+Alexander, (Co. H. 26th Mich.,) went out about noon, and nothing has
+ever been heard from them. It is supposed that they were murdered by
+guerrillas. On the 20th, we signed a parole not to serve against the
+Confederate States until regularly exchanged, and that evening we left
+for Raleigh, where we stayed a few days and thence proceeded to
+Goldsboro, where we were quartered in the Court House. On the 27th we
+signed the following parole.</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p>We, the undersigned, prisoners of war, do give our Parole of
+Honor, that we will not take up arms again, nor serve as
+Military Police or Constabulary force in any fort, garrison, or
+fieldwork, nor as guards of prisoners, depots or stores, nor to
+discharge any duty usually performed by soldiers: until
+exchanged under the provisions of the cartel entered into July
+22d, 1862.</p></div>
+
+<p>About six o'clock in the evening of the 28th, we left Goldsboro by
+cars crowded both in and outside, amid cheers and songs, bound for
+Wilmington, which was now in our possession. Riding all night,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>daylight found us standing on the track at Rocky Point, a few miles
+from Northeast Bridge, and fourteen miles from Wilmington. This was
+the picket line and out-post of the rebels. At nine o'clock Colonel
+Hatch on a special train arrived and proceeded ahead with a flag of
+truce on the engine. We soon started and reached neutral ground about
+ten o'clock. About a mile past Marlboro, we came in sight of the "Boys
+in Blue." Three cheers were immediately given. As the train came to a
+stand still, all were silent, and we quietly disembarked and were
+counted through the ranks of twenty Union soldiers, they presenting
+arms. As soon as we were able clearly to comprehend that there was not
+somebody at our side with a loaded musket, cheer upon cheer was given,
+caps were thrown high in the air, some were hugging and kissing each
+other, and others cried. Whilst some sang, others were laughing and
+rolling on the ground. Finally our old pans, kettles, bags of meal,
+and bundles of all sorts were flung high in the air. Cheer upon cheer
+was given for Lincoln, Grant, Sherman, and <i>General Exchange</i>. Some
+hugged the horse of a Colonel, who seemed to have command over us, but
+tried in vain to get us into line. Taking up the line of march, a mile
+brought us to Cape Fear River, and in sight of the United States flag.
+Cheer after cheer ran the whole length of the line. The 6th
+Connecticut was encamped on the bank of the river, and at the end of
+the pontoon bridge which we had to cross, they had erected a handsome
+arbor decked with flags. In the center of the arch, surrounded with a
+wreath of evergreens, were the words</p>
+
+<p class="cen fakesc"><b>"WELCOME, BROTHERS."</b></p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>A band was placed here, and played "Hail to the Chief who in Triumph
+Advances." Some few cheered but more were moved to tears, and kissed
+that dear old flag which they had so long suffered for, and all
+marched under with uncovered heads. Arriving at the top of the hill,
+we found the whole division of troops in line to receive us. On
+reaching camp we partook of a breakfast of United States rations, the
+first full meal which we had had for a long time. At noon those that
+were able walked to Wilmington, a distance of nine miles. We were here
+met by officers who provided us with another meal, and then we were
+quartered in churches and private residences. The next day (March 2d,)
+we took the steamer "General Sedgwick" for Annapolis, Md., where we
+remained a week, receiving two months pay and a leave of absence for
+30 days, at the end of which time we were to report at Camp Parole,
+Annapolis, Md.</p>
+
+<p>Extracts from a statement made in 1867 by Lieut. B.F. Blakeslee, to a
+"Congressional Committee on the Treatment of Prisoners of War and
+Union Citizens;" John P.C. Shanks of Indiana, Chairman.</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p>At Macon, for quarters we had merely a roof which sheltered us
+from rain; but no protection from the cold damp nights. Rations
+consisted per diem of a pint to a pint and a half of corn-meal;
+from poor to fair in quality, and occasionally in lieu thereof
+baked corn-bread from one to two inches thick, three inches long
+and three inches in width, containing a large quantity of water
+and very hard; rice half a tea-cupful, or in lieu thereof the
+same quantity of beans; salt, a teaspoonful; bacon, from three
+to four ounces; invariably decayed and maggoty, with only two
+exceptions, two issues of soap were made and that was the end of
+trying to keep clean; meat of any kind except the bacon above
+mentioned we never saw. No cooking utensils were issued. The
+rations of wood were not sufficient to do our cooking. From the
+11th to the 18th of July, none whatever was issued, and rations
+had to be eaten raw.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>This caused much hunger, suffering, and misery, as the beans and
+rice could not be eaten. The quality of the water in this prison
+was good and usually plenty, though some days the supply was
+short. Our treatment here was generally bad. The length of
+confinement was three months.</p>
+
+<p>At Savannah we were better treated in every respect than in any
+other prison, provided with tents, and cooking utensils, and a
+good supply of rations of good quality. Fresh beef was issued
+nearly every day. The water though, was very poor; having a
+fetid smell, and unpleasant taste, and could only be used for
+drinking purposes by filtering through charcoal; or burnt rice
+or meal steeped in it. The length of confinement was six weeks.</p>
+
+<p>At Charleston Jail Yard, only a part were provided with shelter;
+and in rainy weather the yard was flooded with water, so we
+could neither lie down nor do any cooking. In pleasant weather,
+it was as hot as an oven. Little or no fresh air could come
+within those walls which were twelve feet high, and in addition
+surrounded by buildings. When there was a breeze, there were
+whirlwinds of dust which would almost suffocate us. The water
+was very poor, making a great many sick. The rations consisted
+of small quantities of corn-meal and rice, and one ounce of
+bacon per day; but after a week or so the bacon was dispensed
+with. There were no utensils for cooking, and but little salt
+was issued. In addition to our deplorable condition we were
+under fire from Gilmore's batteries, whose shells were
+continually bursting around us, occasionally coming amongst us
+and twice tearing the wall away. On one occasion for sixty hours
+we had not a morsel to eat.</p>
+
+<p>At Roper Hospital Prison, in Charleston, our exact rations were
+for ten days, two and a third quarts of corn-meal, two quarts of
+rice, three pints of black beans (including bugs,) and four
+ounces (daily) of fresh beef, or in lieu thereof, two ounces of
+bacon. No cooking utensils were to be had. We certainly should
+have starved to death here, had it not been for an arrangement
+made for obtaining money which enabled us to purchase food of
+the citizens. The authorities gave us Confederate money in
+exchange for our drafts (in gold) on the North.</p>
+
+<p>At Columbia we were turned into an open field like a drove of
+cattle to pass the winter months, without any shelter whatever,
+neither cooking utensils, axes, spades or anything were issued
+that would enable us to make ourselves comfortable. With scanty
+clothing, but few blankets, some without shoes, we were left
+here to pass the winter as best we could. Rations consisted of
+corn-meal and rice. Twelve days rations of rice made one meal.
+Salt was issued in small quantities, and for four consecutive
+days we had none at all. On September 26th and 27th, we <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>had
+nothing to eat. One or two issues of flour were made, but no
+meat of any kind was provided.</p>
+
+<p>While on our way to Charlotte, the train ran into a drove of
+cattle, killing three, which were issued to us, making the only
+meat rations we had had for four months and ten days. At Raleigh
+we met several trains loaded with enlisted men going north to be
+paroled. Nearly all were sick and very dirty and black; no soap
+having been issued to them for six months. Nineteen out of one
+train had died since leaving Salisbury, a distance of 132 miles,
+mostly of starvation, though some who were on the top of the
+cars were frozen to death. On Monday morning they had half a
+loaf of bread, weighing not over five ounces issued to them,
+since which time the rebels had issued <i>not a particle of food</i>.
+It was then Thursday noon. How soon thereafter rations were
+issued to them I am unable to state.</p></div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<h4>FOOTNOTES:</h4>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> So named, because that was the principal ration we
+received while there.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="noin"><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> The first six months of prison life one is called a
+"fresh fish," the next four months a "sucker," the next two a "dry
+cod," and the balance of his time a "dried herring," or "old fish."
+After exchange he becomes a "pickled sardine."</p>
+
+<p class="noin">As soon as a new prisoner made his appearance at the gate, the cry of
+"fresh-fish," by each one ran through the prison, and a general rush
+was made for the gate. An eager group surrounded him, and while some
+would be seriously asking questions concerning his capture and
+listening to his pitiful story others would call out "Take your hands
+out of his haversack;" "Give him air;" "Keep that louse off him;"
+"Don't take his clothes;" etc. All this affected them strangely at
+first, and produced a hearty laugh for us.</p></div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VIII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>PRISON LIFE OF THE ENLISTED MEN.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>It is to the credit of the rebel soldiers whose good fortune it was to
+capture our command, that we were treated with considerable courtesy
+and kindness while in their power. Our men were allowed to retain
+their blankets and overcoats, and all little articles of value which
+they might have upon their persons. Many of the men had about them
+large sums of money which they were allowed to keep. From Plymouth,
+the long and wearisome march made to Tarboro (an account of which is
+given in the preceding chapter,) together with scanty rations and
+exposure, told severely on the men, and many were sick and feeble; and
+it was with no little pleasure that, on the morning of April 29th,
+they marched to the depot in the town to take cars to Camp Sumter,
+where, as the rebels informed them, rations would be dealt out
+plenteously. They were crowded aboard small box cars by forties, and,
+in addition, six rebel guards were stationed in each car, occupying
+the door. Of course under such circumstances, they were nearly
+suffocated, and were pressed almost out of shape. The train started at
+10 o'clock, stopping at Goldsboro, where rations were issued,
+consisting of three small hard crackers and a little scrap of bacon,
+to subsist on for the next twenty-four hours. Although arriving at
+midnight at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>Wilmington, they were not allowed to get out of the
+wretched cars until morning. At sunrise they were marched down to the
+dock, and conveyed by ferry boats to the opposite side. Taking the
+train in waiting for them, they proceeded to Charleston, arriving
+there on Sunday morning, May 1st. In the afternoon they were
+transferred to another train and put aboard platform cars and at a
+rapid rate went to Savannah, Georgia. But before reaching there they
+were overtaken by a storm and thoroughly drenched with rain. Changing
+cars at Savannah, they proceeded to Macon, and thence to
+Andersonville, arriving there at nine in the evening. Leaving the cars
+they were marched into an open field near by, where they remained
+during the night, and marched into the prison pen the next morning
+under the escort of a strong guard. How each one felt as he entered
+this "hell upon earth," can little be imagined. The first night ten
+died near the position of the 16th. The men seemed to stand it pretty
+well at first, much better than the other regiments captured at
+Plymouth, and it was not until the 20th of June that the first of
+their number died, Alonzo A. Bosworth, Co. D. But by the 1st of
+August, some of the Sixteenth died nearly every day.</p>
+
+<p>The inhuman treatment which our men experienced in Southern Prisons
+has been told over and over, and is well known in history and need not
+be repeated; but this history would not be complete without inserting
+the following testimony of rebel barbarity taken from the diary of
+Corporal Charles G. Lee, (Co. B.,) who died from exposure and lack of
+food, immediately after being exchanged at Wilmington, N.C. He <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>writes
+as follows, "Again I am called to bid adieu to the passing year, but
+under very different circumstances from any in which I have ever been.
+During the year 1864, I have passed eight months in the most degrading
+imprisonment. In that time, our inhuman captors had not furnished
+shelter of any kind; and we have repeatedly been for two and three
+days at a time without a morsel of food; and even that we have
+received would at home have been generally thought unfit for swine. We
+have not had a particle of meat for forty-two days, and but little
+molasses, or any thing to take the place of it. Our rations chiefly
+consist of about a pint and a half of coarse corn-meal, and half a
+teaspoonful of salt daily. Now and then we receive a few beans or
+sweet potatoes. Many a night have I lain awake because I was so hungry
+that I could not sleep."</p>
+
+<p>About the 1st of September the prisoners were removed to Charleston,
+South Carolina, where they remained about four weeks, when the yellow
+fever broke out and raged so fearfully among the rebel forces who
+guarded the prisoners, that they were removed to Florence, where they
+spent the winter months. During the latter part of December, 1864, and
+the months of January and February, 1865, the men were&mdash;a few at a
+time&mdash;paroled and allowed to come north, and afterwards were regularly
+exchanged, thus ending the career of the Sixteenth in prison, with the
+heavy loss of over fifty per cent. in deaths, in a period of a few
+months. A more detailed account has been published by Sergeant Major
+Robert H. Kellogg, in his "Life and Death in Rebel Prisons." Among the
+number who <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>escaped from prison, were Quartermaster Sergeant Hiram
+Buckingham and Andrew J. Spring, of Company K. An order was received
+for the names of all sailors at Andersonville. Sergeant Buckingham
+suspecting it was for the purpose of exchange, obtained a suit of
+sailor's clothes, and accordingly took the name of Johnny Sullivan, a
+sailor who had died in the hospital a few months before. In about a
+week after the names had been registered, the sailors were ordered out
+of prison. Buckingham answering "Here," to the name of Johnny
+Sullivan, passed out without detection. They went to Charleston,
+thence to Richmond, and were exchanged, having been in prison just six
+months.</p>
+
+<p>Andrew J. Spring in some manner procured money enough to bribe a
+guard, who allowed him to escape with two comrades. They were five
+days in reaching the Union lines, living meanwhile on sugar-cane,
+green corn, and persimmons. Traveling in the woods, they guided
+themselves by the moss, which grows heaviest on the north side of the
+trees, and successfully passed three lines of rebel pickets.</p>
+
+<p>The shooting of prisoners who came near the "dead line," was of almost
+daily occurrence; for if they were near it with no intention of
+escaping, the sentinels would fire. The regiment lost one man in this
+manner, William Drake of Company A, who was shot December 4th, 1864.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IX.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>1865.</h4>
+
+<h4>NEW BERNE,&mdash;HARTFORD, CONN.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>Company "H," (Captain Barnum,) who escaped capture at Plymouth, by
+being detached and sent to Roanoke Island for duty in April, 1864, was
+reinforced now and then by men who had previously been detached for
+special service, or were absent sick, also by a few who were exchanged
+from time to time, representing every company, and this composed the
+16th regiment in actual service. Captain Barnum labored with much zeal
+under many difficulties, to preserve the former prestige of the
+regiment. During December the regiment proceeded to Plymouth, and went
+thence on an expedition to Poster's Mills, about ten miles, destroying
+the mills and a large quantity of grain, and returning with various
+spoils. On another occasion the regiment went to Hertford, where they
+captured large quantities of cotton, tobacco, finished carriages, and
+buggies, several thousand feet of lumber, several mules, and forty
+contrabands. And again one bright night Captain Pomeroy with sixty men
+proceeded by steamer up the Alligator river, capturing a barge and
+three small sail vessels containing twenty-five hundred bushels of
+shelled corn, together with the outfit of fifteen men with their mules
+and carts. They were intending to take the corn to a mill <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>near by to
+be ground. The regiment also made several unimportant raids to
+Columbia, Edenton, and the adjoining country, until March 4th, 1865,
+when they were ordered to New Berne, N.C., where the exchanged
+prisoners joined them and remained on provost duty. Most of the
+officers were quartered in the houses at the corner of Craven and
+Union streets. Colonel Beach having been released from Libby Prison in
+May, 1864, was assigned to various duties in Washington, only once
+rejoining what remained of the regiment. That was at New Berne, where
+he was taken sick and soon departed on sick-leave.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Frank Beach was a graduate of West Point Academy, class '57.
+He was stationed at first at Fortress Monroe, as a brevet second
+lieutenant of artillery.</p>
+
+<p>At a later date he was ordered to the far west with General Gibbon,
+and took part in the well-known Utah expedition in 1858. The
+sufferings of that campaign and the winter encampment on the prairie
+were shared by him, as well as the almost unendurable <i>ennui</i> of later
+days, when Digger Indians or inimical Mormons were the only society
+accessible to the small garrison.</p>
+
+<p>When the war broke out Colonel Beach was post adjutant at Port McHenry
+near Baltimore, and remained in that position for some time. He took
+some share in McClellan's advance, and was stationed at Yorktown as an
+officer of artillery. But in the summer of 1862, he was permitted, by
+special order of the war department, to accept the colonelcy of the
+Sixteenth Connecticut regiment which had been tendered him by Governor
+Buckingham. He commanded the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>regiment at the battle of Antietam,
+showing great personal bravery and heroism during the engagement. He
+galloped hither and thither on his white horse over the field, trying
+in vain to draw the men out of the desperate charge into which they
+had been ordered, and sad and full of woe was his heart on the night
+after the struggle, when the broken remnants of the Sixteenth gathered
+around him in the rear of the battle ground. He made personal inquiry
+after each of the wounded, and visited a number of them on that
+evening and the following days, doing for them all that was possible.</p>
+
+<p>The winter which followed made him an invalid with a disease whose
+seeds had been laid in the Utah campaign. But, as he was reluctant to
+leave the regiment, he accompanied it in an ambulance on the long
+marches down Virginia to Fredericksburg. With him, and sharing the
+same ambulance, was Colonel Griffin Stedman, the heroic commander of
+the Eleventh Connecticut, still lame from Antietam wounds. They became
+firm friends, and not unfrequently in those cold evenings the
+ambulance would harbor a merry party, which, by the light of a
+hospital lantern, and in the sight of the surrounding camp fires,
+would speed the long hours by merry conversation. Major Converse,
+Adjutant Barnum, (both fallen) and Dr. Mayer would bear them company.</p>
+
+<p>The greater part of that winter the Colonel remained with the
+regiment, but was finally forced to take sick leave. He returned to it
+in the summer at Portsmouth, Va., and held command during the siege of
+Suffolk, and the charge on Longstreet's army. Then he conducted <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>it to
+North Carolina, where he remained in command of a brigade, until at
+Plymouth, he was taken prisoner with the regiment and all the other
+troops that garrisoned this surprised out-post.</p>
+
+<p>After the war Colonel Beach was for some time in command of a solitary
+fort near Washington. He was soon after stationed at Washington, and
+then at Fort McHenry. His old trouble having reappeared with more than
+its former violence and persistency, he was placed on the retired
+list, and endeavored to regain his health, but with only temporary
+success. He died at New York, in the New York hotel, on Wednesday
+evening, February 5th, 1873.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Beach was a gentleman of very handsome appearance and strong
+masculinity of deportment. He was widely and well read, and as
+thoroughly acquainted with the progress of modern philosophy and
+science as with the prominent poets and writers of <i>belles lettres</i> of
+all ages. He had an elegant yet terse method of expression, and a
+flashing quality of wit. But no man was of kinder heart, and in the
+regular army his good nature had become proverbial. In his first
+connection with the Sixteenth Connecticut Regiment under unfortunate
+circumstances, many misunderstandings between him and the men gained
+ground. This, as in some other regiments, was owing to the jealousy
+with which the volunteer soldiers, fresh from home, regarded regular
+army officers, and to the disagreeable impression the necessities of
+army discipline made on them. But, a little later, and at the close of
+the war, there was not a man of the regiment who was not warmly
+attached to the Colonel, admired him, was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>proud of his bravery, his
+military knowledge, bearing, and of his standing in the army. "Little
+Moustache," and "Black Eye," the men used to call him among
+themselves, and they made a boast of him to those of other regiments.
+He was as splendidly endowed with all the qualities that make the true
+and noble man, as with all those that please and captivate in society.
+For years a sufferer from a harassing disease, yet few came in
+personal contact with him but will regret his demise as that of a
+person of fine and polished intellect, and engaging manners, and of a
+great-hearted gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>Surgeon Mayer who was exchanged in May, 1864, was ordered to the
+Foster General Hospital at New Berne, N.C. There he remained in charge
+of four wards until the latter part of September, when the Chief
+Surgeon of the hospital went north, and he succeeded to the charge of
+the institution. Immediately afterwards the yellow fever broke out.
+Its ravages in the city of New Berne and among the garrison are a
+matter of general history. There were only a few of the Sixteenth at
+New Berne at the time, and most of these had been detailed as clerks
+or nurses to the hospital, at Surgeon Mayer's suggestion. Jasper A.
+Winslow, Company "C," who at his own request, through the Surgeon's
+influence, was ordered there as clerk, took sick at once, and died in
+a few days. W. Chester Case, Company "H," was doing clerk's duty and
+proved very efficient at this terrible time. He held out courageously,
+and kept the reports of the dying, of their places of burial, of their
+possessions and accounts, until he himself was seized with the fever.
+When it is <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>considered that sometimes as many as thirty or forty died
+in one day at the hospital, an idea may be formed in regard to the
+difficulty and labor of keeping reports. Under Surgeon Mayer's
+personal treatment Case and a few other Sixteenth men, sick at New
+Berne, recovered. But at last he took sick himself. For two days it
+was doubtful whether he would live. Then, some favorable symptoms
+occurred, and Medical Director Hand sent him to Morehead City. After a
+two weeks convalescence, he returned to New Berne, where Surgeon Rice
+and Surgeon Cowgill, who had been in charge since his sickness, lay
+also attacked by the fever. He took charge again and so continued
+until his appointment to a different office. During the epidemic,
+eighteen assistant Surgeons had shared his labors, all of whom had in
+succession been attacked by the fever, which carried off nine of them.</p>
+
+<p>General Palmer, in recognition of Surgeon Mayer's services, appointed
+him Medical Purveyor of the district, and this office he held until
+the muster out of the regiment. A complimentary order was issued to
+him. His management of the hospital during the yellow fever time, and
+his administration of the Medical Purveyor's department, met with
+general praise.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor says: "I got out of the hospital where over five hundred
+died, and had saved seventy patients above the general average; and I
+got out of the Medical Purveyor's office, where I had some million
+dollars worth of property to administer and was square with the United
+States Government, all but fourteen pounds of nails, which I couldn't
+account for; so I may consider myself fortunate. But the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>Quartermaster's Department kept writing for those nails every quarter
+for four or five years."</p>
+
+<p>In May it was generally conceded that the war was ended, and Captains
+Dickerson and Turner resigned and went home. Adjutant Clapp also
+resigned while home on leave of absence, and Lieutenant Landon was
+made Adjutant. June 19th, Major Pasco returned from Connecticut, with
+the necessary muster rolls and papers to enable us to complete the
+muster-out rolls. Then both day and night did the officers work on
+discharge papers and muster-out rolls. Finally on Saturday, June 24th,
+the rolls were examined and we were honorably mustered out of the
+service, at 5. <span class="fakesc">P.M.</span>, by Captain John D. Parker, A.C.M.,
+Second Massachusetts heavy artillery, the men remarking, while
+standing in line, waiting patiently; "that while it did not take long
+to enlist, it took a long time to get mustered out." It proved quite
+true; for while we enlisted for three years, it was not supposed that
+we should be out more than three or six months at the most; and many
+of the men enlisted expecting to return in a short time, not one of us
+realizing the hardships and sufferings we must pass through. But who
+of us regrets the faithful service performed for our country. How many
+around us to-day do we see who blush and say the greatest mistake they
+ever made was that they did not go to the war. How many would say as
+did a prominent man to me, the day we returned home; "I would give
+fifty thousand dollars to have seen and been through what you have."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>The regiment participated in the following</p>
+
+<h4>ENGAGEMENTS.</h4>
+
+<div class="block"><p><i>Antietam, Md.</i>&mdash;September 17th, 1862. Loss in killed, four
+commissioned officers, 38 enlisted men; wounded, eight
+commissioned officers, 176 enlisted men; captured, 12 enlisted
+men; <i>Total Loss, 238.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Fredericksburg, Virginia.</i>&mdash;December 12, 13, and 14, 1862. Loss
+in wounded, one enlisted man. <i>Total loss one.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Edenton Road, Suffolk, Virginia.</i>&mdash;April 24, 1863. Loss in
+killed, one enlisted man; wounded, seven enlisted men. <i>Total
+loss, eight.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Providence Church Road, Suffolk, Virginia.</i>&mdash;May 3, 1863. Loss
+in killed, two enlisted men; wounded, one commissioned officer,
+seven enlisted men. <i>Total loss, 10.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Plymouth, North Carolina.</i>&mdash;April 20, 1864. Loss in killed, one
+enlisted man; wounded, one commissioned officer, 11 enlisted
+men; captured, 23 commissioned officers, 400 enlisted men.
+<i>Total loss 436.</i></p>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>CASUALTIES.</h4>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" width="55%" summary="List of Casualties">
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" width="90%">Killed in action,</td>
+  <td class="tdr" width="10%">47</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Died of wounds,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">45</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Died of disease,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">73</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Died in prison,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">177</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Shot in prison,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">1</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Supposed shot while attempting to escape from prison,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">1</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Lost at sea from burning steamship "General Lyon,"</td>
+  <td class="tdr">1</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Drowned from accident,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">1</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Drowned from collision of "Black Diamond," on Potomac river</td>
+  <td class="tdr bb">7</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Total deaths,</td>
+  <td class="tdr bt">353</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Discharged prior to muster-out of the regiment,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">386</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Captured at Antietam,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">12</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Captured at Plymouth,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">435</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Wounded,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">212</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Missing,</td>
+  <td class="tdr bb">56</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Total Casualties,</td>
+  <td class="tdr bt">1454</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">The regiment as mustered into service numbered,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">1007</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Recruits,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">75</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Officers appointed since first muster,</td>
+  <td class="tdr bb">5</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Total,</td>
+  <td class="tdr bt">1087</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">Number returning home with the regiment,</td>
+  <td class="tdr">131</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<p class="noin" style="margin-left: 25%;">
+The officers who returned were:<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>
+Lieutenant Colonel John H. Burnham, Commanding.<br />
+Major Henry L. Pasco.<br />
+Surgeon Nathan Mayer.<br />
+Quartermaster Gordon Robins, Jr.<br />
+Adjutant Herbert Landon.<br />
+Chaplain Charles Dixon.<br />
+Captains C.W. Morse, Henry Hintz, Joseph H. Barnum.<br />
+Lieutenants George A. Bowers, A.J. Case, Harmy Bruns and B.F. Blakeslee.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The above list of casualties is far from correct, but is as accurate
+as can be obtained from the Catalogue of Connecticut Soldiers, issued
+by the Adjutant General of the state, with some additions well known
+by surviving members. The casualties were greater rather than less,
+than the figures given above. The number given as killed, are those
+who were killed outright; but it is generally believed that a greater
+number died from wounds than the regiment has been credited with, for
+within forty-eight hours after the battle of Antietam, nine died from
+wounds; and out of the seven wounded at the fight on Providence Church
+road at Suffolk, three died. It is therefore safe to say that
+forty-five is too low a number of deaths out of 212 wounded. It is
+also believed that more than twelve were captured at the battle of
+Antietam. There is also no doubt that the regiment lost at least <i>two
+hundred and twenty</i>, by death from rebel cruelties and starvation.
+Eighteen can be counted who died immediately after arriving at
+Wilmington and Annapolis from southern prisons.</p>
+
+<p>The Sixteenth was always called an <i>unfortunate regiment</i>; for if
+there was any special hardship to endure, the regiment was sure to be
+called on to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>experience it, either by accident or otherwise. It was
+our bad luck.</p>
+
+<p>The list of casualties show in how many ways the men were lost. Some
+of the men and two of the officers never could be accounted for.
+Lieutenant George Johnson, who escaped from prison at Charlotte, has
+never been heard from. It is supposed that he was shot by guerrillas,
+who infested the locality in which he said he was going to reach the
+Union lines. Lieut. William H. Miller was last seen at Washington on
+his way to the regiment after having been exchanged. It is supposed
+that he was taken sick and died in the hospital. Elbert Sutleff, Co.
+K, was lost at sea by the burning of the steamship "General Lyon."
+Quite a number of the men who were returning to the regiment after
+captivity, were on a steamer going down the Potomac river in the night
+when the boat collided with the "Black Diamond." All the passengers
+jumped aboard the Diamond, which went down, and the regiment lost
+seven men. Some of the saved remained in the water three or four
+hours.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday, June 25th, the regiment proceeded to Morehead City, and
+embarked on the steam transport "General Meigs," with the 23d
+Massachusetts Regiment, and the Connecticut Brigade Band, which,
+learning that we were mustered out and on our way home, had obtained
+an order from General Palmer to be sent home under charge of
+Lieutenant Colonel Burnham. The sea being rough we did not leave till
+the next morning. We arrived at New York late on the afternoon of the
+28th. Taking on some rations we proceeded to New Haven, arriving there
+at an early hour <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>in the morning. Procuring special transportation, we
+reached Hartford at eight o'clock. Being a Hartford regiment, the
+citizens had made extensive arrangements to welcome us, but the 18th
+Connecticut had arrived that morning by boat and while their attention
+was drawn towards them, the Sixteenth suddenly entered the Asylum
+street depot. The news soon reached the State House Square, and the
+bell was rung, and by the time the regiment was in line the Governor's
+Guard, City Guard, and Colt's Band were on the "double quick," and
+thousands of citizens were hurriedly approaching the depot. Many who
+had seen the regiment leave for the war three years before, and now
+witnessed the decimated ranks were effected to tears. Those who had
+husbands, brothers, or relatives in the regiment, watched us eagerly
+and looked strangely into the ranks, hardly believing that any could
+be missing. One lady, the wife of an officer, was told for the first
+time of her husband's death. So great was her grief, that friends who
+accompanied her could hardly get her into a carriage to convey her
+home.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<p class="cen"><b>From the Hartford Courant, June 30th, 1865.</b></p>
+
+<h4>THE SIXTEENTH.</h4>
+
+<p>"Everybody supposed that this gallant regiment would arrive here on
+the 9.45 regular morning accommodation train from New Haven, but the
+"boys" being accustomed to making surprises secured special
+transportation and were in the Asylum street depot by eight o'clock.
+Here they were received by the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>Governor's Guard, the City Guard, and
+Colt's band, and escorted up High to North Main street, down Main to
+State. On the march, though few in numbers, (but one hundred and
+thirty enlisted men returning) their tidy and soldierly appearance was
+the subject of general comment. Being a Hartford regiment there was an
+unusual interest manifested to see them, and signs of welcome were
+apparent on every hand. Arriving in front of the United States Hotel,
+they were drawn up in line, and Governor Buckingham made a brief
+speech congratulating them on their safe return and extending them
+cordial greetings on behalf of the State."</p>
+
+<p>Hon. Ezra Hall was then introduced, and welcomed the regiment in
+behalf of the city in an eloquent manner as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p><i>Officers and Soldiers of the Sixteenth Connecticut</i>: Heroes of
+many a hard-fought battle, and worthy veterans of a redeemed
+country! On a beautiful summer day in 1862, when the nation was
+in its greatest peril, and rebel powers seemed successful for a
+time in driving back the armies of the Republic, placing in
+jeopardy all our hopes and every interest of free government,
+you, more than a thousand strong and valiant men, volunteered to
+place your names upon the muster-roll among the country's
+defenders. That roll of honor will go down the centuries and in
+the far off future the lover of freedom will unroll the scroll,
+and call your names as among the heroic volunteer force who
+cemented the <i>Union</i> of these States, and proclaimed through the
+immortal Lincoln, freedom to all mankind. It was hard to leave
+your situations, your homes, and those you loved. And a sharper
+pang would steal along your feelings as you thought the step
+might take you forever from the dear New England hills and all
+you held dear. But manfully you resolved, and the pensive
+feelings that evidenced so well your better life, while
+preparing for the decision, made you braver as you stood on the
+enemy's grounds, striking for the very homes you left, and the
+government of your fathers. But the question was decided for
+country; and you went out from your homes to camp. Hard were
+your pillows, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>the long and weary days went slowly on.
+Friends gathered to see you in your tents, and to pay you a
+tender tribute ere you went out to battle. They chatted and
+counselled with heavy hearts, but asked holy benedictions for
+your safety and through you for the country. Who of you can
+forget the stirring emotions of those meetings and partings. For
+a few days you drilled and disciplined for the coming strife.
+The order came. You struck your tents&mdash;passed down the very
+streets on which we stand, with colors flying and music
+measuring out the solemn step of war. No braver regiment ever
+went out from our city or State. Made up mostly of Hartford men,
+born and cradled under the very branches of the Charter Oak, we
+knew well what would be your history, and we watched with pride
+your firm and steady ranks, as you filed along these streets. As
+we followed with anxious eye the steamer winding down the
+Connecticut, bearing its precious freight, with the Stars and
+Stripes streaming in the wind, we felt a security and an
+indebtedness, which we now have all come to acknowledge. You
+went to New York, passed the capital of your country, and in a
+few days stood on the bloody fields of Antietam. There, in the
+old Ninth corps, under the faithful Burnside, you first realized
+war, and stood on the fated field of death. That was a sad day
+for the 16th Connecticut. Two hundred of your comrades, officers
+and men, had fallen, and when the shadows of evening closed on
+that historic day, your hearts, sad and broken, went up in
+thankfulness to God for your preservation. Well do I remember
+the sadness that settled over this city, as the news came across
+the wires that death had cruelly thinned and decimated your
+ranks, and that among the brave who had fallen were the noble
+Captains Manross, Drake, Brown, and Barber; but you had only
+time to bear out the noble two hundred to their sepulture, and
+to place some humble stone to mark their rest, before you were
+ordered to the fields of Fredericksburg.</p>
+
+<p>There bravely you stood through three long days of battle. From
+there you moved to Suffolk, where your ranks were again broken,
+and the brave Capt. Tennant fell&mdash;he who was beloved at home and
+dear to the Hartford City Guard, of which he was a member, and
+who followed him with reversed arms and bowed hearts, to yonder
+church yard where now he sleeps. Peaceful will be his rest, and
+sacred his memory, for he died for country and humanity. Slowly
+the days went by as you were garrisoned at Portsmouth, and long
+were your marches from Plymouth to New Berne. You will never
+forget, but will tell over to your children through all the
+coming years of your lives, how after a long siege by the rebels
+at Plymouth, nearly your entire regiment was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>captured, and
+taken away to rebel prisons at Macon and Andersonville; how of
+the four hundred and four unfortunate captives who entered
+Andersonville prisons, more than half were borne out lifeless
+and cold. My blood chills when I remember that more than two
+hundred of this regiment were starved and murdered in Southern
+prisons&mdash;imaging more perfectly the hell of secession and the
+barbarism of Southern institutions and chivalry, than any other
+page of the war. But you have been preserved to come back to
+your homes, and to watch again the flag of your country waving
+over your native city. You well remember how beautiful it looked
+to you when first you saw its colors after the hour of your
+deliverance came, and you passed the rebel lines. That flag
+to-day symbolizes the greatest freedom and the most perfect
+nationality. "'Tis the banner of all the West," that of a nation
+now pronounced&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="cen">"The heir of all the ages in the foremost files of time."</p>
+
+<p>But your work is done and your history is sealed. In the name of
+those for whom you fought and who have gathered here to do you
+honor it is my privilege to say a thousand times welcome home.
+Your thinned ranks, your torn colors, give convincing proof of
+your deeds of bravery The state will hang your tattered flag in
+yonder capitol, and claim with pride your history, and through
+all the future of the country, her sons will love, respect, and
+honor you as the brave soldiers who fought in the last great
+battle for freedom.</p>
+
+<p>But our city has a special interest in your history. You have
+been led by the honored Col. Beach; and the name of your
+Lieutenant-Colonel, he who would not leave his regiment for the
+colonelcy of another, he who has been with you in the camp, in
+the battle, in the prison and on the march until now, than whom
+there is none better, or braver on all the veteran roll, his
+name, John H. Burnham, has long been with us as a household
+word. Think it not strange that the Hartford City Guard extends
+a warm and earnest welcome to you, for the names of Burnham,
+Cheney, Tennant, Pasco, Burke, Lockwood, and Blakeslee, are all
+ours. As brothers we have watched your history during all these
+years of war. But while you are privileged to return all covered
+with honor and glory, and are to go to your homes, to be
+welcomed by mothers, wives, sisters, and lovers, noble patriotic
+women, in whose life there dwells the tenderest sentiment for
+you and country ever unlocked from the starry skies,&mdash;while you
+are to enjoy all this, I cannot forget the brave, devoted boys,
+comrades in all your trials until death, who will never, never
+come home again. They died, as you have fought, for country, for
+the restoration of law and order, for the complete <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>emancipation
+of a race, for the eternal principle of liberty, and for the
+final solution of the great problem of self-government. They
+fell away from home and friends, and most of them rest in
+Southern graves, but though they fell thus, they died at their
+posts. History will keep fresh their memories, and write their
+names on more than granite shaft or marble column.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>After an eventful life and a noble death, they rest well.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1">"Sleep sweetly, tender hearts, in peace,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">Sleep, holy spirits, blessed souls,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">While the stars burn, the moons increase,<br /></span>
+<span class="i1">And the great ages onward roll."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The friends of the dead of your regiment are more than of the
+living, and my heart was sad as I saw the tears start in the
+eyes of the little child, the tender maiden and the mother with
+her little ones, as they looked in vain among your passing ranks
+for their friends. But they will never again watch their
+returning footsteps, or hear the sweet sound of their voices. No
+words of mine can heal their wounded hearts. I can only say they
+have the highest claim upon the nations' gratitude. The noble
+deeds of their martyred dead will ever live in the archives of
+the State, and their memories will be embalmed forever in the
+feelings of the American people.</p>
+
+<p>Thrice welcome then, tried and faithful veterans of the
+republic. Go bear your honors and your trophies to your homes,
+and around your own hearths be as great and good as you have
+been in war.</p></div>
+
+<p>Breakfast was provided for the regiment at the Trumbull House and
+United States Hotel, after which a short street parade was had, the
+City Guard and Colt's band furnishing escort. Arms were then stacked
+in the armory of the Guard, and the regiment was dismissed, the men
+being allowed to go to their homes as most of them live in this
+vicinity, and fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and wives were
+waiting to extend <i>their</i> welcome. Before leaving the armory Colonel
+Burnham read the following farewell order:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>
+<p class="right"><span class="sc">Headquarters 16th Conn. Vols., Infantry</span>,<br />
+Hartford, Conn., 29th June, 1865.</p>
+
+<p>General Orders No. 10.</p>
+
+<p><i>Soldiers of the Sixteenth Connecticut</i>&mdash;Glad as I am that the
+war is over and we are all to rejoin our families and friends
+again, I cannot repress a feeling of sadness at the thought of
+severing, perhaps forever, the ties that have bound us together
+for the last three years. Although a less amount of glory in the
+field has fallen to our lot than to some others, no regiment
+from the State has been subjected to so much suffering. Whatever
+you have been ordered to do, you have done promptly, cheerfully,
+and well; and whenever in future I am asked of what in all my
+life I am proudest, I shall always answer "that I belonged to
+the 16th Connecticut, in the Union army." Placed in charge of
+the regiment under circumstances that might have made my task a
+difficult one, it will always be a source of the highest
+gratification to me to remember that I received the generous
+support of all, and to the effective co-operation of every
+officer and the high character of the men, belongs entirely the
+credit of the fine soldierly appearance and superior military
+condition in every respect you so soon acquired, and have not
+failed to maintain to this day. For those gallant comrades who
+have laid down their lives on the battle-field and in the
+hospital, and for those heroic men who have endured so much more
+than death in Southern prisons, let us shed a silent tear and
+ever cherish their memories tenderly in our hearts.</p>
+
+<p>You are about to go to your homes to enjoy in peace the
+blessings of the great and good government you have done your
+share to defend and preserve to our magnificent country, and I
+desire that each one of you should take with him my sincere
+thanks, for the cordial and hearty support you have given me,
+and the cheerful manner in which you have performed every duty
+required of you while I have the honor to be your commander.
+Wishing you every success that you can desire, and trusting you
+may find in your restored firesides all the comfort and
+happiness you have so nobly earned, I bid you an affectionate
+farewell.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="sc" style="padding-right: 10%;">John H. Burnham,</span><br />
+Lieutenant-Colonel 16th Conn. Vols. Infantry.</p></div>
+
+<p>On July 8th, the regiment assembled in Hartford, and were paid in
+full, except the officers who received <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>their pay when returns were
+made and all property properly accounted for. Thus ended the
+organization known as the Sixteenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
+Its record is a credit to the State and an honor to every man who has
+shared in its fortunes.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<div class="tr">
+<p class="cen"><a name="TN" id="TN"></a>Typographical errors corrected in text:</p>
+<br />
+Page 34: &nbsp;seige replaced with siege<br />
+Page 41: &nbsp;harrassed replaced with harassed<br />
+Page 54: &nbsp;Wessell's replaced with Wessells'<br />
+Page 61: &nbsp;Wessels replaced with Wessells<br />
+Page 69: &nbsp;'paced too and fro' replaced with 'paced to and fro'<br />
+Page 71: &nbsp;beseiged replaced with besieged<br />
+Page 77: &nbsp;atempt replaced with attempt<br />
+Page 87: &nbsp;occured replaced with occurred<br />
+Page 91: &nbsp;Lieutanant replaced with Lieutenant<br />
+Page 98: &nbsp;passsing replaced with passing<br />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Sixteenth Connecticut
+Volunteers, by B. F. Blakeslee
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+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/31867.txt b/31867.txt
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+++ b/31867.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Sixteenth Connecticut
+Volunteers, by B. F. Blakeslee
+
+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: History of the Sixteenth Connecticut Volunteers
+
+Author: B. F. Blakeslee
+
+Release Date: April 2, 2010 [EBook #31867]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY--16TH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jeannie Howse, Charlene Taylor, Joseph Cooper
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +-------------------------------------------------------+
+    | Transcriber's Note:                                   |
+    |                                                       |
+    | Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has |
+    | been preserved.                                       |
+    |                                                       |
+    | Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. For |
+    | a complete list, please see the end of this document. |
+    |                                                       |
+    +-------------------------------------------------------+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+    HISTORY
+
+    OF THE
+
+    SIXTEENTH
+
+    CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS.
+
+    BY
+
+    B.F. BLAKESLEE,
+
+    LATE 2D LIEUT. CO. G. 16TH C.V.
+
+    HARTFORD:
+    THE CASE, LOCKWOOD & BRAINARD CO., PRINTERS.
+    1875.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+It is to be regretted that a complete history of the 16th Regiment,
+Connecticut Volunteers, has not been written. At this late day it
+would require much time, labor, and expense, to prepare one, and
+probably will never be done. Many volumes might be written which would
+be of inestimable value hereafter. Their services in the War for the
+Union cannot be placed upon a few pages. This volume is but a mere
+outline history, mostly compiled from diaries written by me at a young
+age, the importance of which was not then comprehended; with no
+expectation of the future use they would be put to,--but little was
+written, and that mostly concerned myself. It is the object of this
+work to create a permanent record of some of the marches, battles, and
+experiences generally of the organization above mentioned. This
+undertaking is made in behalf of the surviving members of the
+regiment, to whom it is hoped the work will prove of some value as a
+book of reference. The hope is also expressed that this work may prove
+a not unwelcome though sad memorial to the friends of those members of
+the regiment who lost their lives in battle or prison. The author is
+unaccustomed to historical composition, and makes no boast of literary
+education.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+1862.
+
+CAMP WILLIAMS TO ANTIETAM.
+
+
+The regiment was recruited in Hartford county, and its services were
+tendered to the National Government in response to the President's
+call for three hundred thousand volunteers for three years. It was
+almost entirely made up of men in the county, and of excellent
+material,--some of the oldest and best families were represented in
+its ranks; and comprised many of the finest young men whom the
+commonwealth ever sent to uphold its honor in the field.
+
+It was organized during the month of August, 1862, under the command
+of Colonel Frank Beach, of the regular army. The month of August was a
+severe shock to most of the men, even those of a strong constitution.
+It was a complete revolution in their method of life. Many of the men
+were accustomed to all the refinements of wealth, and all of them had
+been reared in abundance. The outdoor life, though not hard as yet,
+was too great for those that had led the quiet and easy life of a
+citizen, and a few of our noble men who had offered themselves to the
+government were unable to endure the hardships, and died before the
+regiment left Hartford.
+
+On Sunday, August 24th, 1862, the regiment, numbering ten hundred and
+ten men, was duly mustered into the United States service by Lieut.
+Watson Webb, of the regular army.
+
+On the 28th, the regiment having been fully clothed and equipped,
+(except muskets,) as army regulations required, they were carefully
+reviewed and inspected in the company streets by the Colonel. It was a
+very hot day, and many of the men fainted under their load. This
+experience taught a lesson; we then saw that it was impossible to
+carry such loads; many of the men having from thirty to fifty pounds
+packed in their knapsacks. Immediately after inspection the men
+unpacked and threw away a great many articles which at first seemed
+impossible to get along without; but even then we were too heavily
+loaded, as we found out the next day.
+
+The forenoon of the following day was a busy time with the Sixteenth;
+bed-ticks were emptied, knapsacks packed, blankets rolled, and three
+days rations placed in the haversacks.
+
+Early in the day the relatives and friends of the soldiers commenced
+to arrive from the country, and before the regiment left, the city was
+full of visitors. At noon tents were struck, and we were drawn up in
+line, a thousand strong. The march of the regiment through the city
+was a perfect ovation. The dock and river banks were thronged with
+dear friends whom ties had bound together for years. The Governor and
+a portion of his staff marched at the head of the regiment. Six
+companies embarked on the "City of Hartford," and four companies on
+the "Geo. C. Collins," leaving the dock at three o'clock, amid the
+cheers of thousands of spectators. A pleasant sail down the river,
+passing the night as best we could on crowded boats, we reached New
+York in good season the next morning. We were here transferred to the
+steamer "Kill von Kull," and a breakfast of vegetable soup and coffee
+was dealt out. The steamer took us to Elizabeth, N.J., where we went
+aboard cars and proceeded to Baltimore via Harrisburg, arriving at
+Baltimore the next day at nine o'clock. There the "Union Relief
+Association," gave us a most excellent breakfast. While we were
+waiting there in the depot for a fresh train for Washington, the
+report was received that Stonewall Jackson had been captured. We
+cheered and shouted, laughed and danced, rejoiced and gave thanks in
+the same breath, and did every thing except to keep still.
+
+We have never forgiven ourselves for that day's folly, and never
+shall. Stonewall Jackson had not been captured, as we had good reason
+to understand two weeks afterward.
+
+In the afternoon we went aboard a miserable, dirty train and proceeded
+to Washington, arriving there late in the evening in a drizzling rain.
+We went into barracks for the night. Early in the morning the men
+visited the Capitol and other places of interest. At nine o'clock the
+regiment fell into line and for the first time we were "on the march."
+Passing through the city we made direct for Long Bridge, where we had
+a long rest; while resting General McClellan came across from the
+Virginia side. In crossing Long Bridge we received a startling
+illustration of war,--meeting a line of ambulances a mile in length,
+bringing dead and dying from the battlefield of second Bull Run. The
+regiment marched to Fort Ward, a distance of five or six miles from
+Washington. That night it rained terribly, and the tents not having
+come up, we were compelled to sit in the rain all night; this we
+thought soldiering with a vengeance. The next day was spent in drying
+our blankets and clothing in the sun. During the week we had little or
+no drill, and but few instructions in marching. On Saturday we
+received orders to be ready to march in light marching order. The next
+morning (Sunday, Sept. 7th,) we had the regular army Sunday Inspection
+with arms. At noon we took up our line of march, and went directly
+back to Washington, arriving there at sunset; this was a terrible
+march for us, being very hot and so dusty that we could barely see the
+second file ahead. Halting in Seventh street, we had a long rest where
+we ate supper, filled canteens, and flirted with girls in the windows.
+Resuming the march we started to join the Army of the Potomac, which
+was several miles beyond, and heading towards Frederick City,
+Maryland. At nine and a half P.M. we halted for the night, having made
+nineteen miles since one P.M. This was good marching for new troops,
+and showed what we would be equal to when necessity required. The
+regiment encamped for the night in the woods, but when we came to lie
+down on the ground with little or no covering it seemed rather tough.
+Having been ordered to move in light marching order, we left our
+knapsacks in Virginia, and therefore the men had only a blanket or an
+overcoat, whichever in their judgment would be the most useful. The
+next morning at an early hour we proceeded to Leesboro, a distance of
+three miles, and a report being among the men that we were out of
+rations, Colonel Beach refused to go further until we had some. The
+men commenced to forage on a small scale.
+
+September 9th the Baltimore papers gave us the startling news that the
+rebels had occupied Frederick City, and were invading Pennsylvania.
+During the day some shelter-tents were issued, which were gladly
+welcomed, as we had lain on the ground without any shelter for eight
+nights. On the evening of the 10th some rations came, and the cooks
+went to work and cooked during the night three days rations. In the
+meantime the men lived on the farmers near by.
+
+The next day we started "on the march" at seven and a half A.M.,
+marching steadily until three P.M., when we halted, being about a mile
+and a half from Brookville, and having made fourteen miles.
+
+September 12th we commenced marching at seven A.M. and marched to
+Mount Lebanon, a distance of fourteen miles. It was an extremely hot
+day.
+
+Saturday, September 13th, we learned that General Burnside had driven
+the rebels out of Frederick City; commenced marching at eight A.M. We
+passed through Damascus, Monrovia, and New Market, and encamped just
+outside of the town, and near New Market street. We heard the booming
+of artillery ahead all day. The next morning (Sunday the 14th) we
+broke up camp in a hurry, and marched rapidly towards Frederick City,
+reaching there at noon. Just before entering the city we passed quite
+a large squad of rebel prisoners. These were the first rebels that we
+had seen, and they attracted considerable attention from us. We
+encamped in a small vacant lot on the east side of the city, and
+during the afternoon most of the regiment were around the city without
+leave, hunting up something to eat, most of whom got good square meals
+from the citizens at a cheap price, averaging twenty-five cents per
+man. The rebels had been driven out of the city by General Burnside
+only twelve hours before, and the union citizens were in high spirits;
+nearly every house had the red, white, and blue in some shape thrown
+to the breeze to testify to its loyalty to the United States.
+
+Monday, September 15th. The regiment commenced to march quite early in
+the morning, and passed through Fairfield and Middletown. We could
+here begin to form some idea of that great army, the "Army of the
+Potomac," and the fearful destruction that an army can make. The road
+was completely blocked up with army wagons and ambulances. The road
+was narrow over the mountain, and terribly dusty. The ambulances were
+filled with the wounded, and rebel prisoners under guard were trying
+to go to the rear. Infantry, baggage wagons, provision and ammunition
+trains, were eagerly pushing to the front. The result was a
+stand-still for over an hour. On both sides of the road, shot and
+shell had pierced the trees and houses. The fences were riddled with
+bullets, telegraph poles were down, and the earth was ploughed by
+solid shot. The dead lay by the road-side, and the ambulances were
+scouring the mountain sides with men detailed to pick up the wounded.
+The churches, houses, and barns were filled with the wounded. Parties
+were seen in every direction burying the dead. The scenes showed that
+a fierce battle had been fought the day before, and we began to
+realize what we must go through when we should join the main army. We
+marched that day about twelve miles, and encamped for the night on the
+battle-field of South Mountain. The next day we started on the march
+at six A.M. and passed through Boonsboro, and Keedysville. At
+Boonsboro, also, the churches, houses, and barns were filled with
+wounded. At Keedysville, we had a long rest, and it was here that we
+first saw a "line of battle." Colonel Beach, with his experienced eye,
+first spied the distant jets of white smoke. All were watching the
+peculiar puffs of smoke with great interest, when Adjutant Burnham,
+who had been absent, returned with the order that we were _wanted at
+the front_. This took us a little by surprise as we did not expect to
+go into battle so soon. But on went the bundles, and after a tedious
+march through ploughed fields and forests, passing brigades and
+divisions, the booming of artillery and bursting of shells sounding
+louder and louder, we finally joined a brigade consisting of the 4th
+R.I., and the 8th and 11th C.V.
+
+After resting awhile we loaded our muskets for the first time, and
+marched over a hill, and into a meadow which lay between two hills.
+While getting into this position we could plainly see the rebel
+gunners load and fire, some of the shells coming quite near us. At
+last we were in the great "line of battle" of the "Army of the
+Potomac," 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 9th Corps, General Burnside, on its
+extreme left. It was now eight o'clock in the evening, and quite dark;
+we were within a few rods of the enemy, and orders were given in a
+whisper; we were ordered to make no noise and to rest on our arms; for
+thirty minutes the utmost quiet prevailed. A musket was accidentally
+discharged; in a second the troops were on their feet, with arms at a
+"ready," and as they stood peering into the darkness ahead you could
+hear both lines of battle spring to arms for miles.
+
+Occasionally the boom of artillery was heard, and during the night
+there were repeated alarms, so that the soldiers on either side
+obtained but little rest. The hostile pickets on one portion of the
+line were so near each other, that during the night six of the enemy
+were captured.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+1862.
+
+THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
+
+
+The next morning dawned beautifully; little did we imagine that that
+bright sun would be obscured by the smoke of battle, the field we trod
+ploughed with shot, flow with blood, and planted thick with the dead.
+Scarcely had the sun risen when a shell from the enemy dropped not far
+from our force, which was quietly resting upon their arms near the
+crest of a low knoll a short distance from the enemy's position.
+Immediately another followed, a twelve pounder crashed diagonally
+through the Eighth Connecticut, killing three men instantly, and
+wounding four in Company D.
+
+The position was changed for one less exposed, but in getting there
+the troops were obliged to pass under a deadly fire from a rebel
+battery stationed at short range distance. In this undertaking the
+Sixteenth lost three wounded. We lay here perhaps two hours, and had a
+good view of the battle on the right, which had by this time assumed a
+fearful magnitude. Along the western banks of the Antietam River,
+there runs, with a gradual rise of undulating ground, a
+crescent-shaped ridge, presenting its concave side to the river. The
+top of this ridge spreads out into a broad tableground of forests and
+ravines. A series of timbered-covered hills surrounded this ridge;
+some of the adjacent hills had been cleared of the forest, and were
+covered with orchards and cornfields, enclosed with fences of rails or
+stone. Behind this ridge runs the road from Hagerstown to Sharpsburg
+and Shepardstown. Sharpsburg is just in the rear of the ridge.
+
+Along these hills the rebel lines were posted, four miles in extent.
+Their position was exceedingly strong, protected by ravines and
+forests. Every commanding crest bristled with artillery, and the
+forests were planted thick with infantry. The extreme right of the
+rebel line was within three-fourths of a mile of the Potomac; in
+front, and along their left flank, flowed the Antietam, winding
+through a wooded ravine, with banks too high and with waters too deep
+to permit a crossing, except at two fords, at some distance from each
+other. Between these distant fords there were three bridges; on the
+right, at the center, and on the left. These bridges were strongly
+guarded. The federal troops were on the east side of the Antietam,
+behind a low range of hills, lying at the base of the Blue Ridge.
+These eminences were generally commanded by the heights held by the
+rebels. General Lee had certainly chosen a very strong position.
+
+The Eleventh Connecticut now received orders from General Burnside to
+take the bridge, after the batteries had shelled the woods on the
+other side, and hold it until General Rodman could march his column
+over. At about nine o'clock the Sixteenth again formed and marched
+about a mile, first through a corn-field, and finally into a valley
+where they halted in an orchard. While passing through the cornfield
+the men stripped themselves of blankets, overcoats, and all luggage
+that would impede the progress of marching or the use of firearms.
+After filling our canteens from a brook near by, we marched up a steep
+hill that seemed almost impossible to surmount, then down on the other
+side and into Antietam river, which we forded and marched to a side
+hill. Soon in plain sight could be seen a rebel battery dashing
+intrepidly forward and planting itself directly in range of the
+Sixteenth.
+
+By this time the rebel batteries were all roaring. They opened on us
+in all their fury. The air was filled with bullets and fiendish
+missiles. Hundreds of cannon were now aimed at us; grape and
+cannister, marbles and railroad iron were showered down like rain. The
+crest of the hill was a great protection to the Sixteenth, and only
+about a dozen were disabled. A battery was ordered up to engage the
+enemy, but it was whirled back in less than five minutes, losing every
+officer, seven men, and five horses. To see those men stand there and
+be shot down till they received orders to retire was a fearful sight.
+It was half past three o'clock; the Fourth Rhode Island and the
+Sixteenth Connecticut were ordered into a cornfield, and they moved
+forward quite a distance in advance of the army at their right; we
+here laid down letting the shot and shell pass over us.
+
+In the meanwhile the Division of A.P. Hill, which had arrived from
+Harper's Ferry, and joined Lee's army, were coming into this cornfield
+from the opposite side, unobserved; at the same time Company H,
+(Captain Barber,) had been thrown out in advance as a vidette to
+prevent being surprised. At four o'clock McClellan sent orders to
+Burnside to advance, and carry the batteries in his front at all
+hazards and at any cost. Burnside's corps was charging. General Rodman
+observed that the rebels were about to flank us and get in our rear,
+and ordered the Fourth Rhode Island, and Sixteenth Connecticut to
+swing to the left that we might face them, but at that particular
+moment the rustling of cornstalks warned us that the rebels were on
+us. Colonel Beach gave the order 'Attention!' While this order was
+being executed a terrible volley was fired into us. Volley after
+volley in quick succession was hurled into our midst. The Sixteenth
+sprang up and returned the fire with good effect; some fixed bayonets,
+advanced, and were captured. The most helpless confusion ensued. Our
+men fell by scores on every side. Still our position was obstinately
+maintained, until ordered to fall back. The rebels discovered the
+disorder, and came on us in heavy column.
+
+While we were falling back to cover near the bridge we were swept by a
+destructive cross-fire, and the rebels becoming entangled in this
+cross-fire extricated themselves and fell back to the stone wall. The
+Eighth, Eleventh, and Sixteenth Connecticut, and the Fourth Rhode
+Island, re-formed and were placed in position for defence. At this
+time General Burnside's messenger rode up to McClellan. His message
+was, "I want troops and guns. If you do not send them I cannot hold my
+position for half an hour." McClellan said slowly: "Tell General
+Burnside that this is the battle of the war. He must hold his ground
+till dark at any cost. I will send him Miller's Battery; I can do no
+more. I have no infantry." Then as the messenger was riding away he
+called him back. "Tell him if he cannot hold his ground, then the
+bridge, to the last man! always the bridge! If the bridge is lost, all
+is lost." The enemy was pressing down hard upon the battery which had
+been placed on the crest in front of the Eleventh. Burnside called for
+aid and General Rodman having been killed, Colonel Harland took
+command of the division, re-formed the disorganized regiments, and by
+his bravery the unsupported battery was rescued from capture.
+
+The fighting was ended. It was indeed a fearful day for the Sixteenth.
+Without having time allowed to learn even the rudiments of military
+science, it was hurried forward and was formed in regimental line
+almost for the first time on the battle-field of Antietam, the
+bloodiest day America ever saw. After sunset the brigade was relieved,
+and retired across the river to reorganize and be ready for the duties
+which they might be called upon to do when another day should come.
+Arms were stacked, and the tired soldiers laid down to rest. Of all
+gloomy nights, this was the saddest we ever experienced. All was quiet
+and silent as the grave. The stacks of straw which the rebels had
+fired burned slow and dimly. The cries and groans of the wounded that
+lay on the battle-field could be heard distinctly, and the occasional
+report of artillery sounded solemn and death-like.
+
+The morning of the 18th dawned. The sun rose obscurely and there was a
+fair prospect of rain. The Sixteenth had gone into the battle with 940
+men. Some not being able to endure the hard marching had been left at
+Frederick City. On this morning we could muster but 300 men; but
+during the day about 200 joined the regiment who wore unable to find
+it the previous evening. It was a sorry sight that morning as General
+Burnside rode up to encourage the men, who supposed, of course, that
+the battle would be resumed, said, "only hold out this day, boys, and
+the war is ended." Colonel Harland's brigade was once more moved
+forward, and stationed in line of battle near the bridge, which
+General Burnside had been ordered to hold at all hazards. Here they
+remained until the next morning, when the bridge was crossed, and the
+Sixteenth detached from the brigade to bury their dead, and care for
+the wounded who were still lying upon the field. The casualties in the
+Sixteenth were as follows: Lieut. Col. F.W. Cheney wounded in the arm,
+Maj. Geo. A. Washburn wounded severely in the groin, Captains Manross,
+Drake, and Brown instantly killed, Captain Barber mortally wounded,
+dying; about fifteen hours after, Captains Babcock and Hayden wounded,
+Lieut. William Horton killed, and four lieutenants wounded.
+
+Thirty-eight enlisted men were killed outright. A great many of the
+men were mortally wounded and died within twenty-four hours after the
+battle, so that on the 19th, two days after the battle, when the
+regiment was detailed to bury the dead and pick up the wounded, the
+recapitulation stood as follows: Killed, 4 captains, 1 lieutenant, and
+51 enlisted men; wounded, 2 field officers, 2 captains, 4 lieutenants,
+and 176 enlisted men; captured, 12 enlisted men and 180 missing,
+making a total loss of 432 men. For forty-eight hours men were
+brought in. Parties scoured the fields hunting for the wounded. Many
+had crept out of the storm of battle and hidden under fences, or among
+rocks, or in thickets, and their strength failing, they could neither
+come forth, or make known their situation. Some of the badly wounded
+did not have any attention for several days. All houses and barns were
+converted into hospitals, and yards and fields were strewn with straw
+and the wounded laid, there without shelter. Surgeons worked hard day
+and night, taking rest only when unable to stand up from weariness. At
+one of these hospitals about 25 of the Sixteenth were placed. Nothing
+was to be heard but cries, groans, and entreaties. Here Captain Barber
+lay in about the center of a barn, quiet, happy, and contented with
+his lot. The wounded lay around him on every side. He said that he
+could not live long, and spoke encouraging words to all. Gilbert B.
+Foster, of Co. A, who died November 13th, was also here. In a room
+about 12x20 a bloody table stood and around it were five surgeons. A
+wounded man was laid on the table and it took but a few seconds for
+them to decide what to do, and but a few minutes to do it. The
+amputated limbs were thrown out of a window. In forty-eight hours
+there were as many as two cart loads of amputated legs, feet, arms,
+and hands in the pile. Plenty of men, most of them slightly wounded,
+were hard at work carrying the wounded to and fro, making beds of
+straw, hauling and cutting wood, cooking, feeding, and assisting in a
+thousand ways.
+
+(On the afternoon of the 18th, a heavy shower, lasting an hour, made
+it very uncomfortable for those not sheltered.)
+
+"Captain Drake was the most gentlemanly man in the regiment," said
+Surgeon Mayer. "He was the very soul of courtesy and unaffected
+dignity of deportment. He always had a quiet care for his men, when
+they were sick, and was a marked favorite with them, as well as with
+comrades in the line."
+
+"Capt. Barber was especially noticeable for his religious character,
+earnest convictions, and high regard for duty. His patriotism was of
+sterling mould, and he was a brave and intelligent officer."
+
+"Captain N.S. Manross, of Bristol, was a man of learning and varied
+accomplishments. He graduated at Yale in the class of 1850. In 1861,
+Dr. Manross accepted the position of Professor of Chemistry and Botany
+in Amherst College, where he was very popular and successful. Previous
+to this he had been to Europe, attended German lectures, and took the
+degree of doctor of philosophy. He invented a machine for the cutting
+of crystals from calc-spar. During vacation, he returned to Bristol,
+Conn., where he made a patriotic speech to his fellow-citizens, and
+consented to lead them to the field. Said he to his wife, "You can
+better afford to have a country without a husband than a husband
+without a country." His men loved him. While the regiment was in the
+cornfield and the baffle was raging the fiercest, a cannon-ball struck
+Captain Manross in the side and passed under his arm. A friend bending
+over him heard him murmuring, "Oh, my poor wife, my poor wife!"
+
+Prof. James D. Dana said of him, "His death is a great loss to the
+scientific world." Prof. B. Silliman, Jr., says "As an explorer, Dr.
+Manross possessed remarkable qualifications. To a rugged constitution
+and great powers of endurance, he united great coolness, quiet but
+undaunted demeanor, the courage of a hero, and unyielding
+perseverance. Had he lived--but what need is there of conjecture now?
+The world will never know its loss, but his friends will never forget
+theirs."[1]
+
+On the 19th, the Sixteenth were employed in gathering up the dead and
+wounded. This was a very unpleasant duty, making many of the men sick.
+Forty of the men were buried that afternoon side by side, under a
+large tree, near the stonewall, where the hardest of the battle was
+fought.
+
+
+BELINDA SPRINGS, ANTIETAM IRON WORKS, AND PLEASANT VALLEY.
+
+The following day the regiment rejoined their brigade at Belinda
+Springs, a distance of two miles, and moved thence to Antietam Iron
+Works on the 26th. Here sickness prevailed to a great extent, and but
+few men could be reported for duty. On the afternoon of September 23d,
+Messrs. E.N. Kellogg, J.M.B. McNary and W.H.D. Callender, of Hartford,
+Conn., came into camp. Crowds gathered around them, anxious to learn
+the news from home, and to send letters and messages. It seems that at
+10 P.M., Saturday, Sept. 20th, a dispatch was received at Hartford,
+that the Sixteenth had suffered severely and that Lieut. Col. Cheney
+was killed. It was thought best that these gentlemen should proceed to
+the battle-field, and carry out such arrangements for the care of the
+dead and wounded as they thought best; they accordingly left Hartford
+on the midnight train, reaching the regiment as stated above. By this
+time the dead were all buried, and most of the wounded had been taken
+to various hospitals. Lieut. Col. Cheney and Major Washburn were at
+this time at Boonsboro.
+
+On October 3d, the entire army was reviewed by President Lincoln. The
+Vice-President and several Congressmen were present. On October 7th,
+the regiment marched over the mountain into Pleasant Valley, a
+distance of about six miles. This march, though short, was a very hard
+one; the path being very narrow, only admitting one at a time in some
+places, and so steep and rocky that it was very hard to surmount with
+our heavy loads. At the top of the mountain the troops halted an hour
+for rest. Here we had an extended view of the surrounding country. We
+could see a great distance, and the scenery was magnificent. At the
+camp in Pleasant Valley the regiment suffered severely from sickness,
+and when the army again took up its line of march, they could muster
+but few effective men. At this place a large number of promotions and
+appointments were made to fill vacancies.
+
+
+MARCH TO FALMOUTH.
+
+On October 28th we struck tents at 8 A.M. and after "falling in" we
+were once more "on the march." We passed through Knoxville and Berlin.
+At Berlin we crossed the Potomac on a pontoon bridge. Once more we
+trod the "sacred soil" of Virginia. Passing through Lovettsville, we
+halted at 2 P.M. and encamped about a mile from the village. On
+October 30th reveille was sounded at 3 A.M. By the time the men had
+struck tents and packed up, the cooks had plenty of hot coffee ready,
+which is the soldier's breakfast, and at sunrise we were again _on the
+march_. We passed through a village called Burlington and encamped at
+11 A.M. near Wheatland. Saturday, November 1st, there was heavy firing
+in front during the afternoon. Orders were given to be ready to march
+at a moment's notice. The next day we began to march at 9 A.M. with
+five days rations. We passed through Princeville and Goose Creek. The
+heavy firing in front continued. We halted at 7 P.M. and went into
+camp. The next day we marched during the afternoon, passing through
+Union. Artillery firing was heard ahead. On November 5th we struck
+tents and were on the march at 8 A.M. At 2 P.M. the entire army was
+drawn up in line of battle about a mile beyond Rectorsville, the
+artillery doing the fighting. After resting on our arms all night we
+commenced to march at 8 A.M., making fifteen miles during the day. We
+were following the enemy up closely. November 7th was a tedious and
+rough day. Snow fell most of the day, and at least one-third of the
+regiment were without shoes. We marched to a place called Waterloo,
+within five miles of Warrenton. Colonel Beach, being absent sick,
+Lieut. Col. Cheney and Maj. Washburn wounded, Capt. Mix was in
+command. On the 9th of November some Rebel cavalry broke through our
+lines and were making a raid around the army. Coming very near us at 4
+P.M. the long roll beat and without packing up and hardly having time
+to put on our equipments, we double-quicked up the mountain and took
+position in ambush, where we staid till the morning of the 11th, when
+we returned to the old camp.
+
+For several days rations had been very scarce, hard crackers selling
+as high as twenty-five cents each. Rations of pork, beans, and
+potatoes finally came on the 11th, and the next day some hard bread,
+which was very wormy. Rations not being plenty, the men went foraging,
+and obtained large quantities of honey. One man who was detailed in
+the Quartermaster's Department, who always had considerable _lip_, was
+successful enough to get two water-pails full. While eating some in
+the night he was stung by a bee, and the next morning he had about
+four inches of _lip_, which was rather more than we had seen him have
+before.
+
+On November 15th, we commenced to march at eight o'clock in the
+morning. After marching about three hours, we suddenly halted on the
+Warrenton turnpike, near Sulphur Springs. Here the cavalry and light
+batteries had a little set-to with the rebels, in which the rebels got
+worsted and retreated, leaving two wagons loaded with muskets, which
+they set on fire. After filing to the left through the woods, and into
+a hollow near the road, we drew up into line of battle for the night.
+
+On Sunday, November 16th, we marched twenty miles, passing through the
+town of Liberty. The next day we marched from noon till eight in the
+evening, passing through Elk Run. On November 18th, the reveille was
+sounded at three A.M. We marched from six A.M. till five P.M., making
+a very long and hard march, and many of the men fell out from
+exhaustion.
+
+On November 19th, the reveille sounded at five A.M., and at eight
+o'clock we were once more on the march. A hard rain-storm which had
+set in the night before made the road in this region from three to
+eight inches deep with mud. During the march we forded four streams,
+knee deep. We passed through Spottsville and Falmouth.
+
+
+FALMOUTH, CAMP STARVATION.
+
+We encamped opposite the city of Fredericksburg, at half past two in a
+drenching rain, having made a hundred and seventy-five miles in twelve
+days. The field where the regiment encamped was very even ground, and
+the water stood on it from half an inch to two inches deep. The mud
+was about four inches deep. The men were completely exhausted from
+scanty rations, and foot-sore from long marches. The rain coming down
+in torrents, the soldiers were wet through to the skin. Fires could
+not be built, and tents could not be raised. Little or no sleep did
+the troops get that night. The next day was very cold, and it was
+still raining. The batteries opened on the city for about two hours in
+the morning.
+
+On November 21st, the sun once more showed itself after a long
+absence, and the men were enabled to dry their clothes, build fires,
+cook and eat salt junk, pour down hot coffee, and once more felt in
+good spirits.
+
+On the 26th, General Sumner reviewed the entire corps.
+
+On December 3d, Arthur D.N. Talcott, of Company "A," died in camp, and
+was buried at sundown.
+
+When the regiment left camp near Fairfax Seminary on the 7th of
+September, they left their knapsacks with contents under charge of a
+guard. A few days after they were sent to Washington, and there
+stored. These were returned to us on the 3d of December. They were
+very welcome at this time, the weather now being very cold. The snow
+was three inches deep, and there was plenty of ice. For nearly three
+months a number of the men had been without blankets. About this time
+Governor Morgan of New York sent us a taste of home. Each man had
+three apples, two onions, and half a pickle, and the smoking men had
+half a paper of tobacco each. These went down with a genuine relish.
+At this time Capt. Charles L. Upham, of the Eighth Connecticut
+Volunteers, was placed in command of the regiment.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+  [1] Military and Civil History of Connecticut.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+1862.
+
+BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.
+
+
+On Wednesday, December 10th, clothing was issued to the regiment.
+Shoes were very much needed. In the evening a pontoon train went down
+towards the river, but no unusual notice or remarks were made about
+it, and both officers and men went to sleep that night without
+suspecting in the least that early on the morrow a heavy battle would
+be raging. The next morning the troops were early aroused by the
+tremendous discharge of two mortars, and simultaneously the opening of
+our batteries of nearly two hundred pieces. Nearly the entire day the
+batteries poured incessantly their deadly fire of shot and shell into
+the city with terrible rapidity. During the afternoon the firing
+gradually ceased, and at sundown victory rested on our banners. During
+the day three days rations and sixty rounds of cartridges were issued
+to the men. Towards the evening the Sixteenth was ordered down to the
+river, but before reaching there the order was countermanded, and they
+returned to camp for the night. The next day (Friday,) the Sixteenth
+advanced to the river again early in the morning, and lay on the banks
+all day, watching the fighting on the other side of the stream. In the
+evening they crossed the pontoon bridge, and went into the city.
+After stacking arms on Main street, most of the men went into houses
+to sleep. The effects of this short siege was awful to contemplate.
+Some portions of the city were completely battered down. Buildings in
+various parts of the city were burning, and during the night fresh
+fires were continually breaking out. Although the enemy had carried
+away most of their wounded and dead, still a few remained in the city.
+In a cellar was found by the Union troops, ten women and a child, all
+dead; they had gone there for protection from our shells, but one had
+struck there, and bursting, killed them all. While a member of the
+Sixteenth was searching for wood in the yard of a residence after
+dark, he stumbled over what he supposed to be soldiers asleep on the
+ground. Excusing himself he went on and after gathering an armful of
+wood, was returning when he stumbled over the same men again. Much to
+his disappointment they did not get up and damn him. Going into the
+house and getting a lighted brand, he came out and found that they
+were _three dead rebels_ who had been killed and lay there side by
+side. One of them was an officer. An amusing incident occurred on this
+same evening in Company H. Sergeant Spencer was around the yard
+looking after boards to sleep on. Finding one that was some twelve or
+fourteen feet long, he laid one end of it on what he supposed to be a
+stone, and was about to jump on it to break it in the center, when a
+soldier who lay there wanted to know "what he was trying to do?" In
+the darkness of the night he had laid the board on a man's head. The
+next day we were drawn up in line of battle, but being on the reserve
+had nothing to do but witness the contest raging in front, which was
+fearful. At dusk we moved to the front, where bullets came thick and
+fast until eight o'clock, when the firing ceased, and all was quiet
+during the night, except the howling of dogs, and the occasional
+discharge of artillery.
+
+On Sunday morning, December 14th, we returned into the city, remaining
+there all day. The fighting continued hard in front. At sundown we
+again moved to the front, where we remained supporting a battery until
+the next night, when we returned to the city, crossed the river and
+marched to our old camp, being the last brigade to leave the city.
+Thus ended the battle without the Sixteenth being actively engaged
+with the enemy, and meeting with a loss of only one wounded and one
+missing. Drilling, inspections, grand reviews, picket duty, and
+frequent preparations for marching, constituted the chief occupation
+of the troops during the greater part of the winter months. The
+weather was extremely cold, quarters were poor, and constant exposure
+invited sickness and disease, and death creeping in boldly hurried
+away its defenceless victims with alarming rapidity. Many were
+discharged, and the ranks continued to decrease daily.
+
+On December 24th, Lieutenant-Colonel Cheney, in consequence of the
+severity of his wound was compelled to resign, and two days after,
+Adjutant John H. Burnham was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel, and
+took command, Colonel Beach being absent, sick. Colonel Burnham's
+promotion was the _making_ of the regiment. Being a man of promptness,
+and full of energy, and above all a perfect soldier, Colonel Burnham
+infused a new spirit into an organization which had been exhausted by
+arduous marches, a severe battle, and a weary campaign. It was about
+this time that another piece of good luck happened to the regiment,
+which was the appointment of Dr. Mayer, as Surgeon. He was a good
+physician, and as a surgeon could not be surpassed in the army of the
+Potomac. He commenced immediately to make improvements in and out of
+the hospital, and to look to the cleanliness of the tents, company
+streets, and the cooking utensils. He also saw that the food issued
+was properly prepared by the cooks; and when he gave cough syrup, it
+was not _stuff_ that men would use on their food for molasses.
+
+
+NEWPORT NEWS AND SUFFOLK.
+
+On the 6th of February, 1863, our connection with the Army of the
+Potomac was dissolved. We were ordered to Newport News, where the
+regeneration of the regiment steadily progressed. At three o'clock in
+the morning the regiment was ordered to _pack up_, and be ready to
+march in two hours. It was pitch dark and raining terribly, with mud
+six inches deep. It was some little time before the men could get
+bon-fires burning, so that we could see to pack up. The men dressed,
+took what rations they could get, and fell into line after repeated
+orders, leaving most of the tents standing, they being wet and too
+heavy to carry. Marching to the depot, the mud was not only deep but
+extremely slippery, and nearly every man slipped down, and those that
+did not, were completely spattered over from head to foot, and were
+covered with mud and completely drenched through to the skin by the
+rain, which was decidedly uncomfortable that cold morning. After
+shivering in the cold for two hours, we were allowed to get aboard the
+freight cars, and were taken to Acquia Creek. Here we went aboard the
+steamer John S. Brooks, as did also the 8th and 15th C.V. Most of the
+men had little or no water in their canteens, and all suffered
+terribly from thirst before we reached Newport News on the afternoon
+of the 8th. Whose fault this was I am unable to say, but it was a
+great piece of negligence to put troops aboard a vessel knowing that
+they were to remain there for over two days without seeing them
+provided with water. Newport News was a paradise by the side of
+Falmouth. There was no mud, rations were good, and the weather was
+beautiful. We were quartered in barracks, which made it very pleasant.
+
+On landing, the first thing was a drink of water, and then two days
+rations of soft bread were issued to us, which, although being two
+loaves, was disposed of in less than two hours; the first one in
+something less than five minutes. Not having tasted any for over five
+months we appreciated it. The guard mounts, dress parades, and reviews
+at this place were the grandest and most imposing ever witnessed in
+this country. About five weeks were spent in drilling, recruiting,
+&c., at the end of which time the 3d Division was ordered to Suffolk
+to strengthen the force at that point.
+
+It was the early part of March and bitter cold when the regiment left
+Newport News and by boat went to Norfolk, where they went aboard a
+train consisting of platform cars with a single baggage or passenger
+car in the rear for the officers. Everything being in readiness the
+train started and sped on its way to Suffolk, arriving there at
+midnight. The men jumped off the train and fell into line, when lo and
+behold only two officers were to be found. The car containing the
+officers had not been attached to the train. The two officers present
+had for some reason got upon the cars with their men, and therefore
+were with the regiment. But we had no orders, whether we were to go
+farther or stay there, and whom to report to we did not know. The
+train moved off, dark as a pocket, and some of the men nearly froze to
+death. Something had got to be done. After a little consultation, the
+two officers took command of the two wings respectively, and the First
+Sergeants the companies. The regiment moved off by the flank to cut
+their way through the darkness and encamp _somewhere_, until daylight.
+We first tumbled down a steep embankment, at least twelve feet, the
+men falling on all sides, then into a brook two feet deep and six feet
+wide, and finally brought up against a rail fence. Tearing this down
+we passed into a field and halted, not deeming it best to proceed
+farther. The men spread out in every direction in the darkness, each
+one bringing in what he could find in the shape of wood to build
+fires.
+
+There was a house near by which we supposed to be vacant, and the men
+in the darkness had taken all the fence and wood, and had even pulled
+the clapboards from the house as high as they could be reached. When
+morning came, we found it to be an elegant wood house painted white,
+and the owner thereof at first made quite a fuss, but when he found so
+many of the men nearly frozen to death, he concluded _it was all for
+his country_. It was on that night that the Quartermaster-Sergeant
+found that one of the men had bored a hole into a barrel of coffee,
+which he had mistaken for whiskey, and was shaking it up good,
+wondering why it would not run. Daylight finally came and we found
+that we were on the outskirts of the city and within sixty rods of the
+112th N.Y. Vols., whose generous Colonel hearing the noise in the
+night, reconnoitered and finding that we were Union troops, ordered
+all his cooks up to make us hot coffee. Kettle after kettle of hot
+coffee all sweetened, was brought to us, which we drank in large
+quantities before getting thoroughly warmed through. This was a
+perfect godsend to us, and a more thoughtful action could not have
+been done by the Colonel. We fully appreciated it, as was shown by the
+fast friendship between the two regiments thereafter. Some half dozen
+of the men nearly died, by being chilled through, being several days
+before they were able to do duty. The officers arrived next morning on
+the regular train.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+1863.
+
+SIEGE OF SUFFOLK.
+
+
+During the siege of Suffolk the Sixteenth took an active part on the
+defensive side, and had the honor of two engagements with the enemy,
+in one sally losing one killed and seven wounded, and in a sort of
+half battle across the Nansemond river, two killed and eight wounded.
+
+"But though we did not suffer much from the enemy, we did a good deal
+from General Peck. This fidgetty old man kept fortifying and
+re-fortifying until his soldiers had become regular mud-diggers, and
+he had spent no end of labor and money in constructing works of
+immense magnitude, to defend a position not worth holding. There was
+digging and basket-weaving to an extent that went far toward
+developing the talents of the soldiers for farm work, and there were
+orders enough issued to supply the greatest army on earth. It will not
+easily be forgotten that the Eighth, who had been especially affected
+by gabion manufacture, awoke one morning and, instead of the stars and
+stripes, found a large sheet floating from their flagstaff with the
+inscription: "Peck's Avengers, or the Basket-Makers of the
+Nansemond."[2]
+
+At four o'clock in the afternoon of April 11th, could be seen the
+pickets coming into town with a vengeance. Soon could be heard the
+long roll beating in the camps near General Peck's headquarters, and
+almost instantly the excited General himself came riding into camp at
+break-neck speed, the guard coming very near bayoneting his horse,
+ordering the regiment under arms immediately. Colonel Beach, who was
+in his tent, overhearing the order, came out and told the General
+"that he would frighten the _best_ of troops, and that he (Beach)
+would not stir an _inch_ until he received orders through the proper
+channels." As soon as the orders came properly we fell in and marched
+to our position at the breastworks. Two days after, the rebels made an
+attack directly opposite the Sixteenth on the Somerton Road, but were
+so handsomely repulsed by the artillery, that they soon retired. From
+that time until the siege was raised we had the usual amount of hard
+labor and constant watching night and day that attends a siege and
+constant exposure to the enemy's fire. On April 24th, under the
+command of General Corcoran, the 13th Indiana, and the 11th and 16th
+Connecticut regiments went out on the Edenton Road on a
+reconnoissance. After skirmishing with the enemy for about thirty
+minutes, the regiment charged, driving the rebels from their pits to
+their earth-works, which was, perhaps, fifty rods. After holding this
+line long enough for the artillery to have a good duel and the General
+to find out the strength of the rebels, we returned within our
+defenses.
+
+The regiment captured five prisoners, the officer of the pickets, a
+sword and various cooking utensils, which the rebels had left in their
+hurry. The casualties were one killed and seven wounded. This was a
+very successful skirmish and gave the men great confidence in
+themselves. Owing to swamps and the slashing on the edge of the woods,
+which the rebels had prepared, the men came into camp with their
+clothing completely ruined, making it necessary for an issue of
+clothing the next day.
+
+On Sunday, May 3d, the regiment was ordered across the Nansemond river
+on the Providence Church Road, where they were engaged with the enemy
+several hours. The casualties were two killed and eight wounded.
+Privates H.W. Barber (A) and Frederick P. Cooley (H) were killed
+outright and Capt. Tennant, Serg't Pocket (D) and Corp'l Rivers (I)
+died from the effects of their wounds soon after, making really a loss
+of five killed. First Serg't Blakeslee (A) seriously wounded in the
+head, (making the second time in the same place,) was examined by Col.
+Beach, Capt. Pasco, and other members of the regiment and pronounced
+dead and left on the field.
+
+Chaplain Francis B. Butler, of the 25th N.J. Regiment, while picking
+up Serg't Blakeslee, was fatally shot by a sharpshooter and died a few
+hours after with prayer on his lips for the wounded who lay around
+him. Under good surgical treatment by Surgeon Mayer, Serg't Blakeslee
+was able to fight other battles. Capt. Tennant was wounded in the
+early part of the action, and was taken from the field on a rude
+litter; notwithstanding the pain caused by the wound, he was cheerful
+and smiling; and remarked that he was good for a ten day's furlough.
+He was a brave young officer, and one of the best in the service. He
+was greatly beloved, and his early death brought sadness to many a
+brave heart. Young Barber's last words were "Tell mother that I never
+was a coward."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+  [2] Surgeon Mayor's Address. Re-union, 1867.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+1863.
+
+PORTSMOUTH, ON TO RICHMOND.
+
+
+After the siege was raised, the regiment remained in Suffolk until the
+middle of June, when they removed to Portsmouth, and encamped about
+three miles from the city, on the western branch of the Elizabeth
+river. This camp was formerly occupied by the 22d Georgia (rebel)
+regiment. The site was in a splendid grove and being on the bank of
+the river, afforded a fine place for the men to bathe, row, sail, and
+catch fish and oysters. I recollect of no place where the regiment
+lived so well, and enjoyed themselves so much as there. We had been
+there but two days when we were ordered to build a fort; but after
+working on it two days, it was abandoned by an order to be ready to
+march in light marching order with three days rations the next
+morning. Every thing was made ready and the men retired as usual at
+nine o'clock. But at half-past eleven the long roll sounded, and after
+forming in line the regiment marched through the woods to Portsmouth,
+a distance of three miles, in pitch darkness, and embarked on a
+transport, which left at 3 A.M.
+
+
+YORKTOWN, WHITE HOUSE LANDING.
+
+At eleven o'clock we found ourselves at Yorktown, encamping on the
+grounds where many a soldier had fought. The works built by McClellan
+and even those of the revolutionary war were still visible as was also
+the spot where the sword of Lord Cornwallis was surrendered by General
+O'Hara to General Lincoln, who was designated by Washington to receive
+it.
+
+At half-past one on the morning of the 26th, the long roll beat again,
+and after falling in, the regiment marched to the wharf where they
+waited in the rain till 10 o'clock for a transport. At eleven all was
+ready, and after sailing up the Pamunkey river, which is one of the
+crookedest rivers in the country, as well as one of the finest and
+most picturesque, we disembarked at White House Landing.
+
+Spier's cavalry had gone ahead of us one day and surprised the rebels,
+they barely having time to get aboard a train which stood in readiness
+to take them to Richmond. The cavalry then made a little raid through
+three counties, returning on the evening after the day of our arrival.
+They reported one severe fight and the capture of Brig. Gen. Wm. H.F.
+Lee, one Lieutenant-Colonel, one Surgeon, and one hundred prisoners.
+They also brought with them thirty-five wagons, besides burning
+eighty-five wagons and several railroad bridges. On the 28th, General
+Dix and Staff arrived and preparations were at once made for a move
+towards Richmond. Captain Pasco, of Company A, received his commission
+as Major on this day.
+
+
+BLACKBERRY RAID.
+
+On the morning of July 1st, the reveille sounded early and the
+division crossed the river, and after marching hard all day encamped
+for the night near King William's Court House. The next morning we
+were aroused at three o'clock, and marched to Brandywine, a distance
+of eight miles. On July 3d the reveille sounded at three o'clock, but
+we did not commence to march till five, when we marched pretty steady
+until one o'clock. The entire army had to stop then on account of the
+heat. This was the hottest day of the summer, and between the hours of
+twelve and one, sixty-five men fell out of the Sixteenth, fifteen of
+them having received a severe sunstroke. Four out of our Brigade died
+almost instantly. At five in the afternoon, the division commenced to
+march again and did not halt till nine in the evening, making in all
+about twenty miles that day. The name of this place was Taylor's
+Ferry.
+
+The next day being July 4th, was a legal holiday in times of peace,
+but was not so for this division. The 11th and 16th Connecticut
+regiments and a section of battery were left at this point to guard a
+bridge and the supply train. The rest of the army moved to Hanover
+Court House, where they had a rather tough time. After marching all
+day, they had to tear up three miles of railroad, cut telegraph wires
+and burn bridges, all under the fire of the enemy. This did a great
+deal of good, for Lee was in Pennsylvania, and finding his
+communication cut in the rear, retreated.
+
+The next morning the Sixteenth was up at three, moved their position
+at five, and at eight the troops who had gone to Hanover Court House,
+returned. At noon three regiments were detailed to forage on the
+country and take all the beef, mules, horses, sheep and salt, which
+they could find. At two o'clock a supply train from White House
+Landing arrived with two days rations. At eight in the evening, we
+found that the enemy were after us, and we started on the retreat.
+Contrabands followed us in large numbers. At ten the rebels were close
+on our heels, as we passed through Mongoheck. At three o'clock the
+next morning we had gained somewhat on the rebels and were allowed an
+hour's rest at the Town of Ayletts. The men were so tired on this
+march, that they actually slept while marching, and when we halted at
+3 o'clock that morning the men fell as if struck by lightning and were
+all sound asleep in two second's time. But our position was not safe,
+and the bugle sounded the reveille at four and after partaking of a
+scanty breakfast, we marched till half-past two in the afternoon, when
+we encamped about a mile this side of King William's Court House in a
+hard rain storm. This was certainly a hard fate for those who went to
+Hanover Court House, too fearful to be believed, making three days and
+two nights of hard labor with only one hour's rest. But it had to be
+done. Several who were unable to keep up and fell out were mercilessly
+shot dead by guerrillas who harassed the rear. A great many of the men
+provided themselves with horses, which they took out of barns by the
+road-side. The reveille as usual sounded at an early hour (three A.M.)
+the next morning and we marched to White House Landing, reaching there
+at eleven. The next day the division took up their line of march and
+marched to Hampton through a heavy rain storm and mud knee deep.
+Thence by boat they proceeded to Portsmouth, reaching their old camps
+on the afternoon of the 14th.
+
+This raid in history is called the "Blackberry Raid," there being no
+end of blackberries, of the most luscious kind. It was during this
+raid that a new Chaplain, (Charles Dixon, of the Eighth Conn. Vols.,)
+reported for duty. There seemed to be at first serious objections,
+both among the officers and men, to our having a chaplain, but they
+were soon dismissed; for he was one of those rare men whom all learned
+to love, and his bravery in battle and southern prisons won him a good
+name. On our return to Portsmouth, through a special order, a
+Regimental Band was organized, which grew to be a most excellent one,
+and added not a little to our military standing.
+
+
+CAMP TENNANT.
+
+July 15th, 16th, and 17th, was spent in fixing up our camp. But the
+19th, 20th, and 21st was spent entirely in _trying_ to have a review.
+The first day we marched two miles, stood in a broiling sun for two
+hours, and then returned to camp. The next day the same performance
+was gone through with and no reviewing officer came. Finally, on the
+last day, just as General Foster got within a few rods of us the rain
+came down in torrents, and continued till General Foster went away.
+The rain stopped at five, and as the men were all ready for the review
+it was agreed that the ceremony should be gone through with by Colonel
+Burnham acting as reviewing officer, and Major Pasco taking the
+command. From this time until the ninth of September there was but
+little to attract attention, except the general routine of parades,
+picket and police duty. The regiment therefore had a little time of
+rest.
+
+On the 30th of July, Colonel C.H. Prentice, J.G. Rathbun, J.A. Case,
+and J.S. Brooks, of Hartford, made a visit to the regiment. As nearly
+the entire regiment were acquainted with them, they were _very_
+welcome, and we presume they enjoyed their visit, especially the day
+that they visited the outposts, a distance of seven miles from camp,
+when one of those southern rain-storms came up, and they got a
+thorough soaking. This delayed their visit another day, in order to
+have their clothes dried. The quartermaster temporarily supplied them
+with brogans and clothes, but the amusing part of it was that Col. P.
+was so large and tall that the soldier's sizes could not be gotten
+only half on, and therefore with a cap and coat half on, and pants
+that reached a little below the knees, and with a huge pair of
+brogans, he looked so badly that he stayed in the Colonel's tent and
+played euchre all day and night. It was about this time that we had
+some terribly hot weather, the thermometer reaching 118 deg. on August 2d,
+and 115 deg. on August 3d. The pious members of the regiment went to work
+and built a chapel, which turned out to be a very fine edifice, and
+together with a temperance organization which started about this time,
+effected a great deal of good. The chapel was dedicated with
+impressive ceremonies, and a church organization was formed, the
+fruits of which last even to this day. The surgeons ordered some
+hospitals built, which were also dedicated by a fine dance. The
+_morale_ of the regiment at this time was about perfect, and I can not
+better write of it than in the words of Surgeon Nathan Mayer, in his
+address to the regiment, at its reunion in 1867.
+
+"Gradually the finest camp but one, which it has been my fortune to
+see, grew up. The most perfect order, the most civilized condition
+prevailed. The tents were neatly and prettily furnished, as our
+Connecticut country homes are, and the ground was always in beautiful
+condition. As winter approached the men built a hospital of logs,
+log-houses for the officers, log-kitchens, and eating saloons for the
+companies. Our pioneers erected a perfect village. Everybody purchased
+pine slats and made pretty huts, using their tents as peaked roofs to
+the structures. A chapel of considerable pretensions was raised--and
+here the difference between Connecticut and New York soldiers was
+apparent in more than one way, but in none more than in this. While
+the New York battery at our side thought first of all of erecting a
+theatre, _we_ built a hospital and a chapel. While _they_ gave their
+leisure to studying parts and rehearsing them, _we_ organized prayer
+meetings, a choir, and endeavored in various ways to perfect ourselves
+as soldiers and men. Of great benefit was the presence of ladies in
+our camp. A number of officers and men had asked their wives to visit
+them in camp, and ere long a pretty row of cottages extended on the
+right flank of the grounds; in these there was singing, and chatting,
+and playing euchre or whist, and other social games almost every
+evening. And the demeanor of every soldier in the camp of the
+Sixteenth Connecticut at that time was _gentlemanly_. Not an oath was
+heard, not a phrase that in any way could offend the ear of a virtuous
+female; not an act perpetrated that savored of anything but deference
+and respect toward the sex. To complete the softening influence thus
+cast on the regiment the Colonel's mother, Mrs. Burnham, paid us a
+visit, and went among the men as such a good, sensible old lady, with
+a heart full of kindness, and a head full of shrewd Connecticut sense,
+would naturally do. She advised and comforted those in trouble,
+listened to complaints and nursed the sick. She was regarded as a
+representative of the good respectable home life which we had left,
+and to which we would sooner or later return, and the veneration and
+affection of the regiment for her was unbounded.
+
+During all these weeks the military standing of the regiment rose
+perceptibly. There was not a cleaner, prompter, more loyal, reliable,
+and honest regiment in the service. No brighter arms, no quicker
+evolutions, no greater perfection in drill was to be found any where.
+The dress parade every evening gathered a crowd of lookers on. The
+guards, if detailed to other points, attracted attention. And the name
+of the Sixteenth was a good name in every man's mouth."
+
+
+EXCURSION THROUGH DISMAL SWAMP.
+
+On September 9th, five companies were detailed to go to South Mills,
+to do two weeks picketing. South Mills was about twenty-two miles from
+our outposts, and within seven miles of Elizabeth City. It was
+infested by guerrillas, and was merely held that no rebels might come
+through Dismal Swamp and surprise us. It was about the only place in
+that famous swamp where a few houses could be built and called a
+village. The detachment, under the command of Major Pasco, reached
+Deep Creek that morning, at half past nine. At Deep Creek the five
+companies, together with two wagons loaded with provisions, embarked
+on two canal boats, and hitching mules to the boats we were on the way
+to North Carolina. The scenery through the swamp was novel. This mode
+of traveling was new to the soldiers, and was highly enjoyed. Some
+footed it on the tow-path, some played chess, or cards, others smoked
+and read, and others danced to music from a fiddle and guitar, played
+by Dennison and Thompson. The canal was filled with turtles, snakes,
+and frogs of large dimensions. Thousands of snakes were killed that
+day, as the boat moved slowly along by the men cutting them in two
+with willow switches.
+
+Arriving at South Mills at 7 P.M. we immediately proceeded to encamp
+in the dark by the side of Spier's cavalry about half a mile from the
+wharf; but before we could pitch our tents a terrible thunder storm
+came up and continued all night. Such a storm of lightning, thunder
+and rain, but few of us ever witnessed before. We were about drowned
+out by morning. The next day was a lively one. We changed camp in the
+morning, and three of the cavalry who were on picket were fired into
+by a party of about 40 guerrillas. One of the men was shot in three
+places and expired immediately. His horse was also shot in three
+places, the other two escaped all injuries. Two companies of cavalry
+were immediately sent out and scoured the woods, but could find
+nothing. One of our spies came in and informed us that the guerrilla
+camp numbering about 800, had found out our strength and position and
+they would probably attack us. So we moved our camp to our original
+position by the side of the cavalry for safety. In the evening a
+guerrilla, while trying to crawl through the lines, was caught by the
+pickets. The next day three men were arrested, one of which proved to
+be a guerrilla, and was sent to General Getty for sentence. His name
+was Finley. Late in the evening three more companies of the 5th
+Pennsylvania cavalry came to reinforce us. On September 14th a spy
+came into camp and informed us that the commander of the guerrilla
+band was in town, and that he was to leave that night with four
+recruits. Captain Robinson, with 26 picked men, were detailed to go
+out and lay in ambush, where he was to pass. But we lost them as they
+had passed there in the afternoon.
+
+On Tuesday, September 15th, three scouting parties, consisting of the
+5th and 11th Pennsylvania cavalry went out in the morning on three
+roads and returned in the evening, bringing with them five rebel
+soldiers and a colored man. On the 21st, five companies of the 15th
+Connecticut relieved us and the next day we returned to our old camp
+at Portsmouth. This trip, although dangerous on account of guerrillas,
+who were continually shooting at us if we strayed a short distance
+from our command, was much enjoyed by the men. The excursion we shall
+always look back upon with pleasure. The beautiful scenery, and many
+incidents and exciting times we shall never forget. The frightful
+noises of Dismal Swamp in the night cannot be imagined by one who has
+never been there. A night in Dismal Swamp is never forgotten.
+
+After our return from South Mills there was another of what the boys
+called "a long spell" of quiet, the time being used up mostly by
+picket duty. Thanksgiving was observed as well as possible. On the 6th
+of December Sergeant Major Herbert Landon and 1st Sergeant B.F.
+Blakeslee received commissions as Second Lieutenants; and on New
+Year's Day Lieutenant Turner was promoted to be Captain. On the 3d of
+January, the Chapel was dedicated with ceremonies, the Chaplains of
+the 11th Pennsylvania, 13th New Haven, 5th Pennsylvania cavalry, and
+8th and 16th Connecticut regiments taking part. The building was
+filled to overflowing and excellent music was furnished by a choir of
+ladies and gentlemen. In the evening a prayer meeting was held. The
+next day a few recruits came, being the only ones the regiment ever
+had, for while other regiments recruited largely, no one cared to
+enlist in the Sixteenth, a regiment noted for having severe hardships.
+And it was very unfortunate for those who joined us that day, for
+nearly all of them died in prison. On the 20th of January orders came
+to be ready to move at an early hour the next morning. In accordance
+with the order the men were up as early as one o'clock; and at
+precisely three o'clock the camp was fired and in a few moments
+nothing was left of the finest camp we ever had. Taking the cars we
+went to Portsmouth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+1864.
+
+PLYMOUTH.
+
+
+At Portsmouth the companies E, K, G, and B went aboard the steamer
+S.R. Spalding and the remainder on the Vidette. The weather was very
+fine and we had merry times and a fine sail around Cape Hatteras,
+reaching Morehead City on the morning of the 23d and proceeded thence
+by rail to New Berne. We left New Berne at midnight on the "John
+Farron" for Plymouth, and arrived there at midnight on the 24th. On
+the 26th Companies A, C, and H, under Capt. Hintz, went on a raid with
+other troops, under Col. Maxwell.
+
+These companies returned on the 28th, and after that there were
+several raids into the interior, which the men enjoyed very much, as
+they had exciting times in breaking up rebel cavalry camps and
+capturing and burning up large quantities of cotton and tobacco,
+besides taking a number of prisoners. For some time the regiment lay
+here, going on raids, doing picket duty, and making such fine dress
+parades that it called forth the entire town every evening. One little
+incident which occurred here, and as it has been published, I will
+insert it as written by Serg't Maj. Robert H. Kellogg:
+
+"There's one thing, at least, to be said in favor of Plymouth. It was
+the home of a few "true blue," loyal Southerners--a _very_ few,
+however. They were hard to find, and I fear they are yet. The loyal
+men before spoken of, and some who were not loyal, were blessed with
+numerous daughters, fair to behold, but apt to have a few little
+weaknesses, such as 'dipping snuff' and smoking corn cob pipes. One of
+these men lived in a small house half way between the camp of the 16th
+and the western or left end of the town, and was blessed (or cursed, I
+doubt if he knew which at times,) with three daughters, and pretty
+ones they were. 'The prettiest girls I've seen yet!' was the emphatic
+declaration of each succeeding man who was lucky enough by dint of
+long watching or shrewd stratagem to get a peep at them. For, be it
+known, the father was as watchful over these fair scions of his house,
+as any ogre, read of in fairy tales, could possibly have been over his
+captives. Perhaps he had read some sensation tale of 'excesses of a
+brutal and licentious soldiery,' and thereupon resolved to keep his
+household uncontaminated from the least approach of such an insidious
+foe. I can not think he had taken a good square look into the honest
+faces of the 16th men, nor heard Chaplain Dixon preach to his crowded
+audience of boys in blue, every Sunday. At all events he seemed
+determined that no officer or soldier should form the acquaintance of
+his girls. On the other hand, our boys were quite as determined that
+they _would_ become acquainted with them. But how was it to be done?
+That was the question which was presented to the mind of many a one
+who had cast 'sheep's eyes' at that humble dwelling in the hope of
+getting a glimpse at its fair inmates. Many and various were the plans
+which were made, but alas!
+
+    'The best laid schemes o' mice an' men,
+              Gang aft a-gley,
+    And lea'e us naught but grief and pain,
+              For promised joy.'
+
+"None had been successful until at last one day two members of Co. "A"
+walked coolly and boldly into the forbidden cottage. First let me give
+the names of the ones who did it, then I'll tell _how_ they did it.
+The persistent and successful schemers were Corporal Sam Belden,
+(remembered by every one of his surviving comrades to-day and by many
+friends in this vicinity,) and Private John Quinn. And this was 'the
+way the fort was taken.' After much polishing of buttons and brushing
+of uniforms, they obtained possession of the Company Clothing Book and
+another volume of similar size, which they found in the Orderly
+Sergeant's tent; and on a pleasant afternoon quietly left the camp,
+unnoticed, and proceeded to the scene of interest. A modest knock at
+the door brought out 'pater familias' or 'old tar heels' as the
+unsuccessful besiegers spitefully termed him. Corporal Sam coolly
+informed him, with that imperturbable gravity of countenance and
+manner for which he was celebrated, that they were deputed by General
+Wessells, who was in command of the Post, _to take the census of the
+town_. There was no getting around _that_, for an order emanating from
+such a source was not to be lightly disobeyed; so they were rather
+ungraciously admitted to the heretofore unvisited house--couldn't call
+it a mansion by any stretch of the imagination. Once seated inside,
+Corporal Sam as spokesman, commenced a series of questions which the
+U.S. Census Commissioners would have hard work to equal, private Q.
+jotting down the replies of the blushing and confused girls, and of
+the astonished father. Of course, by this cool and ingenious method
+they obtained the names of all, their ages, and other interesting
+information, and moreover they did it all with such suavity, and
+conducted themselves with such gentlemanly deportment, that, from that
+day they were invited, happy, envied, and regular visitors at the
+forbidden house."
+
+On March 3d, at noon, the regiment was again on board the "John
+Farron," and on its way to Newbern, arriving there the next day
+evening and quartering in barracks near the Neuse River.
+
+On the 11th the "Lancer" brought our baggage, and also the sad news of
+the drowning of Captain Mix, who in attempting to return to the
+regiment took a small schooner for Roanoke Island. While in Albemarle
+Sound, a squall struck the boat; and the boom knocked Capt. Mix
+overboard, as he sat smoking on deck. A boat was instantly lowered;
+but when within twenty-five feet, he sank. He was a good swimmer, but
+was encumbered with a heavy overcoat and large boots. He was well
+versed in tactics and military discipline, and was the last of the
+original captains of the Sixteenth.
+
+On March 17th, Company "G," was ordered to Fort Stevenson, to relieve
+the Twenty-first, who were ordered to Little Washington.
+
+On March 20th, a negro riot occurred across the Trent River. Captain
+Burke, with one hundred men of the Sixteenth, soon quelled it,
+bringing with him between two and three hundred prisoners, whom he
+turned over to the Provost Marshal.
+
+_Pack up at once_, was the order soon after tattoo, and at midnight
+the regiment with all its baggage was aboard the "Thomas Collyer,"
+returning to Plymouth. It was terribly stormy and rough; and at seven
+in the evening the vessel got out of the channel and ran aground in
+Albemarle Sound, a distance of about seven miles from Roanoke Island
+Landing. Here we lay until half past eleven on the morning of the 23d,
+the gale blowing terrifically, and the boat going higher and higher on
+the ground with every wave. The men were without rations, and
+suffering terribly from the cold and freezing spray. _A flag of
+distress_ was raised, but not until the storm abated did any vessel
+dare come for our rescue. Finally the "General Berry," which was at
+Roanoke Island and had been watching for twenty-four hours, came and
+took us to Plymouth. The "Thomas Collyer" was nearly dashed to pieces,
+and it was some months before she was got off the bank, and was put in
+running order. The regiment lost considerable camp and garrison
+equipage, and some ordnance stores, which were washed overboard.
+
+
+BATTLE OF PLYMOUTH, 1864.
+
+I find in my diary, as early as March 24, that our pickets were fired
+into by rebel scouting parties, and on the next day we were expecting
+to be attacked. This rumor probably arose from some contrabands whom
+we traded with at the picket post, on the Columbia road, and who
+reported the enemy in large numbers in two counties south of us. These
+reports, together with the information General Wessells received, that
+the ram Albemarle was about completed, led the General on the 13th of
+April to ask for more troops, in order to hold the place if attacked.
+General Butler replied: "You will have to defend the district with
+your present force, and you will make such disposition of them as will
+in your judgment best subserve this end."
+
+About the 14th of April, while officer of the picket, on the Lee's
+Mill road, an officer of General Wessells' staff and the officer of
+the day, invited me to accompany them outside of the lines, to see
+what information we could pick up. Mounting cavalry horses, we went
+out a distance of four or five miles, returning by the way of the
+Columbia road picket post. At one house where we stopped, a lady who
+had just arrived from the interior said that the rebels were
+concentrating, and it was reported that they were going to attack
+Plymouth. As I had heard these stories before, I paid but little
+attention to her report at the time.
+
+On Saturday, April 16th, two days after, I was again officer of the
+picket on the Columbia road. The next morning (Sunday) at dawn, while
+asleep at the reserve post, I was awakened by the discharge of a
+musket by the picket at the bridge. Rushing to the spot, I found the
+picket to be William Maxwell, of Company A. He reported five or six
+scouts who had come to the edge of the woods suddenly, but fled on
+being fired at. I reported the fact to General Wessells, on being
+relieved at nine o'clock A.M. He seemed to think them guerrillas, but
+they proved to be advance guards, for in the afternoon when most of
+the soldiers were in church, the pickets were attacked by cavalry on
+the Washington and Lee's Mill roads simultaneously, and so sudden was
+the attack on the Washington road that the entire reserve picket were
+taken prisoners.
+
+The "long roll" was sounded, and the troops prepared for the attack.
+Light artillery and cavalry were immediately sent out to ascertain the
+strength of the enemy. They had a short engagement, resulting in one
+killed, and Lieutenant Russell of New York Cavalry badly wounded. In
+the garrison, there were besides the Sixteenth Conn. Vols., the
+Eighty-fifth New York Volunteers, One Hundred and First, and One
+Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, Twenty-fourth New York
+Independent Battery, two companies of the Second Massachusetts Heavy
+Artillery, two companies of New York Cavalry, and two companies Second
+North Carolina Volunteers, making in all 1,600 effective men. Early in
+the evening the enemy made a furious attack upon Fort Gray, on the
+river, a mile above the town. By eleven o'clock in the evening it was
+ascertained that the enemy had a force of between ten and twelve
+thousand men, and all loyal women and children in the place were
+embarked on board the "Massasoit," and sent to Roanoke Island. It was
+very evident to us that we must either be killed or go to "Libby."
+Company "H," Captain Barnum, had been sent that morning to Roanoke
+Island for duty, and therefore a remnant of the regiment avoided the
+fate of prison life in the south.
+
+The next day the enemy opened with artillery at an early hour, and the
+firing on the skirmish line was very lively until eleven o'clock.
+Captain Burke was wounded in the shoulder during the morning. At five
+o'clock in the afternoon I was detailed with fifty men to skirmish
+with the enemy on the Lee's Mill road for an hour or two to allow the
+regular picket line a little rest and time to eat. I had hardly got
+the line properly deployed, when it seems the enemy were ready to make
+their assault on the town. From the woods emerged the Confederates in
+great numbers. The loyal line fired a few regular shots, but the enemy
+came pouring out of the woods in such numbers that the Union line
+withered and shrank back. The enemy's artillery came to the crest of
+the hill, and so well was it manned that our camps were completely
+riddled, and Fort Williams partially silenced.
+
+It was a regular artillery fight, and many old army officers said it
+was the handsomest artillery duel they ever witnessed. Three of the
+Sixteenth were wounded in the engagements in the skirmish line, one of
+whom was A.P. Forbes, of Company B. The enemy came on so rapidly, and
+we retired so slowly, that the two lines nearly met. One of the
+Sixteenth was pressed so closely that, in the dusk of the evening, he
+dodged behind a stump and thereby saved himself from capture. He was
+so near the Confederate battery that he overheard a staff officer give
+the order, "It is no use, captain, we cannot endure this fire,--limber
+to the rear." The enemy retiring, he returned inside our ranks.
+
+Heavy artillery firing was kept up until eleven o'clock P.M., and
+under cover of the darkness, the enemy advanced up to Fort Wessells, a
+work about ten hundred yards in front of the line of fortifications.
+Fort Wessells was furiously stormed three separate times, by a very
+superior force with great loss of life. The third time it had to
+succumb, and sixty men were captured. The fort was well supplied with
+hand grenades, which were used with great effectiveness. It was during
+this night that the famous ram, "Albemarle," came down the Roanoke
+river, passing our batteries, sank the Southfield, and drove off the
+balance of the fleet of gunboats. The Bombshell had previously gone up
+the river, and in returning was so completely riddled by the enemy's
+batteries, that she sank on arriving at the dock.
+
+The next day their artillery opened on the right of the town, but the
+lay of the ground in front of our works was such that it was really
+our strongest point. A few of their infantry advanced into a ravine in
+our front, and were unable to extricate themselves until dark.
+
+During the day the town was pretty effectually shelled, and a caisson
+was blown up on each side. Our navy being entirely gone, the ram
+"Albemarle" did good service for the enemy, with ninety and two
+hundred pound shot.
+
+Three separate times were we asked to surrender and save further
+sacrifice of life, but each was peremptorily declined. General Hoke
+(rebel) the last time replying, "I will fill your citadel _full_ of
+iron; I will compel your surrender, if I have to fight to the last
+man."
+
+There was no doubt now but what we must succumb sooner or later. There
+was no hope unless reinforced, and that could not be as long as the
+ram was in the river. The men built bombproofs and traverses, which
+were a great protection.
+
+Late in the evening, Co. "G" was ordered to the left of the town, on
+the Columbia road. They lay there during the night, preventing the
+gunners on the ram from sighting their guns and coming on deck; they
+also had two little brushes with cavalry, who broke through the line
+to procure beef that was in a yard near by. The enemy, meanwhile, were
+concentrating nearly half their force opposite this point.
+
+By 4.30 o'clock on the morning of the 20th, (I find from their
+accounts,) they had ten regiments of infantry, four battalions of
+artillery, (Pegram's, Blunt's, Marshall's, and Lee's,) and two
+companies of cavalry, besides the "Albemarle" and "Cotton Plant." This
+must have made a force of five or six thousand in line about six
+hundred yards in front of our works. At this hour a rocket was sent up
+as the signal for the attack, and a more furious charge we never
+witnessed. Instantly over our heads came a peal of thunder from the
+ram. Up rose a curling wreath of smoke--the batteries had opened, and
+quickly flashed fierce forks of flame--loud and earth-shaking roars in
+quick succession. Lines of men came forth from the woods--the battle
+had begun.
+
+Company G, being on the skirmish line, fell back and entered "Coneby
+redoubt," properly barred the gate and manned the works. The enemy,
+with yells, charged on the works, in heavy column, jumped into the
+ditch, climbed the parapet, and, with the artillery company (who had
+previously occupied the redoubt), for fifteen murderous minutes, were
+shot down like mown grass. The conflict was bloody, short, and
+decisive. The enemy were in such numbers that we had to yield. The
+gate had been crushed down by rebel shot, and the enemy poured in to
+the number of five or six hundred, with thousands on the outside.
+Great confusion then ensued; guns were spiked, musket barrels bent,
+and all sorts of mischief practiced by the Union soldiers, while the
+enemy were swearing at a terrible rate, because we would not take off
+equipments and inform them if the guns could be turned on the town,
+and in trying to reorganize their troops, who were badly mixed, to
+take the next work. We were prisoners, and as we marched out of the
+fort we could see at what a fearful cost it was to them. There were in
+the fort at the time, forty artillery men, who fired grape and
+canister, and forty-two of Company "G," (two being unable to get in,
+or not hearing the orders, went back to town,) making a total of
+eighty-two men, against five or six thousand. Our loss was one
+wounded, an artillery man, while the rebel loss, from their latest
+accounts, was five hundred killed and wounded. The enemy then passed
+in the rear and on the bank of the river, to the right of the town,
+and while part of their force was on the right working towards the
+center, those on the left were doing the same. Every position was
+obstinately maintained. A squad of men here, and a squad there, the
+redoubts and forts were but slowly captured. For three or four hours,
+Fort Williams, with guns turned, did murderous execution, nearly two
+hours of which was in the streets of Plymouth. By half-past ten
+o'clock the last gun had been fired, the flag over our citadel
+lowered, and _Plymouth had fallen_.
+
+The troops were captured by an overwhelming force, after one of the
+severest fights of the war. In the words of J.W. Merrill, the author
+of "Records of the Twenty-fourth N.Y. Battery," "there is no question
+that the defense of Plymouth by its garrison of 1,600 men against a
+besieging force of 12,000 men, was one of the hardest fought battles
+of the war." The rebels raised the "black flag" against the negroes
+found in uniform, and mercilessly shot them down.
+
+The shooting in cold blood of three or four hundred negroes and two
+companies of North Carolina troops who had joined our army, and even
+murdering peaceable citizens (as I have the personal knowledge of the
+killing, with the butt-end of a musket, of Mr. Spruell, the man whom I
+boarded with, and by the way, a secessionist, for objecting to the
+plundering of a trunk which he had packed), were scenes of which the
+Confederates make no mention, except the hanging of one person, but of
+which many of us were eye-witnesses, was but the Fort Pillow massacre
+re-enacted.
+
+The following order was issued the day after the capture by Gen. Peck:
+
+
+              HEADQUARTERS ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, }
+                                 NEWBERN, N.C., April 21, 1864. }
+
+    General Orders, }
+        No. 66. }
+
+    With feelings of the deepest sorrow the commanding general
+    announces the fall of Plymouth, N.C., and the capture of its
+    gallant commander, Brigadier-General H.W. Wessels and his
+    command. This result, however, was not obtained until after the
+    most gallant and determined resistance had been made. Five times
+    the enemy stormed the lines of the General, and as many times
+    were they handsomely repulsed with great slaughter, and but for
+    the powerful assistance of the Rebel iron clad ram and the
+    floating sharp-shooter battery, the Cotton Plant, Plymouth would
+    still have been in our hands. For their noble defense the
+    gallant General Wessells and his brave band have and deserve the
+    warmest thanks of the whole country, while all will sympathize
+    with them in their misfortune. To officers and men of the navy
+    the Commanding General tenders his thanks for their hearty
+    co-operation with the army, and the bravery, determination and
+    courage that marked their part of the unequal contest. With
+    sorrow he records the death of the noble sailor and gallant
+    patriot, Lieutenant Commander C.W. Flusser, U.S.N., who, in the
+    heat of battle, fell dead on the deck of his ship, with the
+    lanyard of his gun in his hand.
+
+    The Commanding General believes that these misfortunes will tend
+    not to discourage but to nerve the Army of North Carolina to
+    equal deeds of bravery and gallantry hereafter. Until further
+    order, the headquarters of the sub-district of the Albemarle
+    will be at Roanoke Island.
+
+    The command devolves upon Colonel D.W. Wardrop, of the
+    Ninety-ninth New York Infantry.
+
+        By command of
+                                           Major-General G. PECK.
+    J.A. JUDSON, Assistant Adjutant-General.
+
+While I have given an extended account of the position and service, of
+Company "G," the remaining companies were not less exposed, nor did
+less fighting. The losses in the Sixteenth were one killed and twelve
+wounded. The total losses in the garrison were fifteen killed and
+about one hundred wounded. The number captured was about sixteen
+hundred. The accounts in the northern papers were meagre and greatly
+exaggerated, giving generally the losses of killed and wounded equal
+to the entire garrison, and the losses of the enemy in equal
+proportion to their number. The Richmond papers gave long and very
+accurate accounts of each day's operations, but suppressed their
+losses and the killing in cold blood of the North Carolina soldiers,
+negroes, and citizens. Their latest accounts, however, admit from four
+to six hundred killed and from fifteen hundred to two thousand
+wounded. The Rebel Government considered Plymouth of great importance,
+and promised Gen. Hoke a Major-General's commission if he would take
+the place. It was this incentive that made him storm the works with
+such desperation. From the Richmond papers we find mentioned as
+operating against us sixteen regiments of infantry, eleven batteries
+divided into two battalions and commanded by Majors Reid and Mosely.
+The artillery, together with two companies of cavalry, were commanded
+by Col. Deering. In addition to the above were the ram Albemarle and
+consort Cotton Plant. The whole force was divided into three brigades,
+(Hoke's, Ransom's, and Kemper's) commanded respectively by Col.
+Mercer, Gen. Ransom, and Col. Terry.
+
+
+EXTRACTS FROM RICHMOND PAPERS.
+
+The comments and correspondence in regard to the capture of Plymouth
+contained in the Richmond Whig, Dispatch, Enquirer, and Examiner,
+would fill three volumes of the size of this. Only a few of them can
+be inserted:
+
+From the _Enquirer_, April 22, 1864.
+
+    CAPTURE OF PLYMOUTH--ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED PRISONERS AND
+    TWENTY-FIVE PIECES OF ARTILLERY CAPTURED.
+
+    The following is a copy of a dispatch received in Richmond,
+    yesterday morning, by General Bragg:
+
+    "PLYMOUTH, April 20th.--To General Bragg.--I have
+    stormed and carried this place, capturing one Brigadier, one
+    thousand six hundred men, a quantity of stores, and twenty-five
+    pieces of artillery.
+
+                                             R.D. HOKE, Brig-Gen.
+
+From the _Enquirer_, April 25th:
+
+    PROMOTED.--Brigadier-General R.F. Hoke has been
+    promoted to the rank of major-general, to date from the capture
+    of Plymouth, N.C.
+
+From the _Enquirer_, April 26th:
+
+    THE PLYMOUTH AFFAIR.--The Wilmington _Journal_, of
+    Saturday, says "our loss in killed and wounded is not large
+    considering the magnitude of the enterprise; but, as might have
+    been looked for from the character of the conflict, the works
+    having been stormed, a large proportion of the wounds are of a
+    desperate character." When a place is taken by storm, and there
+    is resistance, as in this case, the fighting is done hand to
+    hand--guns are fired off at a trifling distance and the wounds
+    inflicted in most cases are serious if not mortal. We learn that
+    some of our wounded who have been brought to Wilson, bear
+    evidence of the desperate character of the struggle whilst it
+    lasted. They are wounded in almost every imaginable way, and but
+    few of their hurts can be called slight.
+
+From the _Dispatch_, May 2d, 1864.
+
+    A correspondent of the _Raleigh (N.C.) Confederate_, sends that
+    paper a history of the capture of Plymouth, which is very
+    interesting.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    FEINT ON WARREN NECK.--On the night of the 17th, an
+    attack was made upon Warren Neck, under the direction of Colonel
+    Deering. A gunboat of the enemy coming to the assistance of the
+    garrison was sunk, and a force of infantry sent from the town
+    was repulsed; but the enemy successfully resisted all attempts
+    to take this stronghold. On Monday our artillery opened
+    vigorously on the town; and during the day both parties pounded
+    away at each other incessantly; but beyond a little skirmishing
+    with the enemy and manoeuvering for position our infantry did
+    nothing. Toward evening, however, it became evident that
+    something was on foot; and Ransom's brigade, and the 8th N.C.
+    was drawn up in the woods facing the works on the Washington,
+    Lee's Mill and Bath roads. A heavy line of skirmishers was
+    thrown out under the command of Captain John Pegram, A.A.G., and
+    advancing rapidly with the peculiar gait of sharp shooters and
+    the yell with which our boys go to the charge, drove the enemy
+    back into his works, and approached within two hundred and fifty
+    yards of the fort, earnestly demanding to be led into the place.
+    Meanwhile Pegram's battery dashed forward at a run, supported by
+    the infantry, and unlimbering, devoted a furious fire upon the
+    place. Three times we advanced, each time nearer, until within
+    good charging distance; but the artillery had it all to
+    themselves. The movement was merely a demonstration to call off
+    the enemy's attention from Hoke's attack upon Fort Wessells,
+    which, after a sharp but short resistance, fell before the
+    superior powers of Hoke's brigade; and that night's work was
+    done.
+
+    The _Gunboat appears on the scene_. Leaving a line of pickets on
+    the field, the main body of the troops withdrew to prepare, by a
+    few hours rest, for the attack, which we all felt would be made
+    on the morrow, and as we lay down by our fires, every one
+    wondered at the Albemarle's delay, and prayed for her speedy
+    arrival. At three in the morning we were all awakened by the
+    thunder of her Blakely guns, as she defiantly saluted Warren
+    Neck, _en passant_, and sailed safely by over the obstructions
+    which the enemy had placed in the river. She went to work at
+    once among the enemy's gunboats, sinking one and driving the
+    rest to Hatteras, and then turning her attention to the
+    fortifications, she kept up a speedy fire during the morning,
+    silencing the enemy's guns, and driving him into his bombproofs.
+    But still the "stars and stripes" floated over his works, and as
+    he refused, when summoned to strike his colors, it became
+    necessary for us to do it ourselves, and the evening and night
+    of the 19th were devoted to preparing for the assault on the
+    morning of the 20th. Kemper's brigade had fought gallantly at
+    Warren Neck. Hoke's men had taken Fort Wessells with three guns
+    and sixty prisoners. It was now Ransom's turn.
+
+    The Columbia road which enters the town at its eastern
+    extremity, running parallel with the river and near it, crosses
+    Coneby creek about a mile from town: To this point Ransom's
+    brigade, the 8th N.C. and Pegram's battery marched late in the
+    evening of the 19th, behind a screen of woods, which hid the
+    movement from the enemy, and reached the creek about sunset. The
+    bridge was destroyed, and the creek was too deep to be forded. A
+    strong picket of the enemy was on the opposite bank behind
+    entrenchments, and about three-quarters of a mile off were two
+    32-pounders and five 12-pounders bearing on the spot. The
+    pontoons must be laid for the infantry and artillery to cross,
+    and that quickly or the movement would be a failure. The moon
+    was shining brightly, turning night almost into day, and not a
+    breath of air was stirring, so that every movement we made could
+    be distinctly heard or seen by the enemy. Lieutenant Marshall
+    Lee, with twenty men of Co. E 24th, was advanced to the water's
+    edge supported by the rest of the company, and Co. A of the
+    35th, the whole under the command of Captain Barna Lane. The
+    pontoon train, under Lieutenant Pool, 10th N.C.T., dashed down
+    at a gallop, slid one boat into the creek and quickly and
+    rapidly the two companies crossed and were immediately engaged
+    with the enemy. The 24th followed at once, the men coming into
+    line as fast as they got over, and the enemy fell back, closely
+    pursued by Captain Lane's command, deployed as skirmishers. The
+    pontoons were now laid and by 8 o'clock the infantry was over
+    and formed in line of battle, the left resting on the road and
+    the right on the river in the following order: First on the
+    right the 55th, second the 25th, third the 8th, fourth the 36th,
+    fifth the 24th, with two companies on the south of the road. In
+    this position, we lay during the night, sheltering ourselves as
+    well as we could from the enemy's two works on the road, which
+    kept up a constant fire until nearly day break. Just before day
+    a strong line of skirmishers was thrown out before the brigade
+    under command of Captain Durham, Q.M., 29 N.C.T., but acting
+    temporarily on General Ransom's staff. _The Assault._ At just
+    3-1/2 the morning of the 20th our line began to move forward,
+    slowly at first, dressing on the center, and halting
+    occasionally for that purpose. From the start the fire from the
+    enemy's batteries was rapid and severe, striking down many a
+    brave fellow; but closing up the gaps, the long line moved
+    silently on, the left still resting on the road, till Pegram's
+    battery, dashing forward at a run unlimbered in front, and
+    opened fire on the enemy's works.
+
+    Then for the first time that morning our boys gave a loud
+    yelling of defiance, and quickening their pace to a
+    double-quick, pressed with a determination not to be resisted
+    right upon the enemy's two works, which were taken with scarcely
+    a moment's delay, the one on the south of the road, by the left
+    of the 24th, led by Colonel Clarke and the one on the right by
+    the right of the 24th, assisted by the 25th. The enemy fled in
+    terror to the houses, Fort Williams, and any other place which
+    suffered them protection from the fierce fire of our pursuing
+    ranks. We were now in the town, and the head of every street
+    running east and west was held by one or more of our regiments;
+    but their position in line was somewhat changed. The 24th was
+    still on the Columbia road, now street, with the 56th and 25th
+    to the right, and the 35th and 8th to the left. Halting a moment
+    to breathe the men and dress the lines, we pushed slowly and
+    carefully forward, clearing the enemy from every street, yard,
+    and house, from the windows of which and from behind the fences
+    they poured an incessant fire. But nothing could check our
+    progress and in an hour the enemy were all driven into Fort
+    Williams or the entrenched camp. The fort was on our left and
+    the camp in front. Leaving the 35th, the 8th, and a portion of
+    the 24th, to contend with the fort, the rest pushed on for the
+    camp, which the 24th being on the direct road soon reached and
+    opened fire, exposed still to a severe musketry fire from the
+    fort on the flank and the camp in front. In a few minutes the
+    56th came up on the right by another street, and by their
+    arrival decided the contest, for immediately on the appearance
+    of this additional force the enemy threw down his arms, and
+    raised the white flag. Captain Lockheart, of the 56th, ran in to
+    receive the surrender, and instantly both regiments poured into
+    the camp, and throwing down their own foul guns and empty
+    cartridge boxes, took the clean, well-filled ones, which were
+    lying about, and pressed on through the tents to the western
+    side of the camp, where they could see the United States flag
+    floating over Fort Williams, evidence that the fighting was not
+    yet done. Here we were shortly joined by the 43d North Carolina
+    of Hoke's brigade, who came in from the west, having been
+    delayed by a morass, which they had great difficulty in
+    crossing.
+
+    _The Town in our own hands._ The town was ours. Every house and
+    street in it was swept of the enemy, who shut up in his
+    stronghold, still refused to surrender. This was a case for the
+    artillerist and the guns of the captured forts were soon turned
+    upon their stronger brother, fighting as the result shows,
+    better for us than they had against us. Captain Cooke too of the
+    Albemarle dropped some of his 90 pound shell among them. Still
+    they resisted stoutly, showing a disposition to die rather than
+    to yield. At last, however, some of our boys creeping forward
+    through the entrenchments, got an enfilading fire upon them,
+    which soon brought them to terms, and hundreds of them rushed
+    out of the fort without arms and surrendered. Just at this
+    moment a shell burst directly on the magazine, and when the
+    smoke cleared away the hated flag was fluttering rapidly down to
+    the ground. Without waiting for orders, the brigade swarmed into
+    the fort, Company B, of the 24th, leading, and the color of
+    everything was quickly changed from blue to grey."
+
+From the _Examiner_, April 22d:
+
+    "The details of the affair at Plymouth are not yet fully
+    ascertained. It is safe, however, to pronounce it one of the
+    most brilliant affairs of the war. Its immediate fruits are
+    important. Those which may ultimately flow from it, the
+    possession of an abundant country, and the possible command of
+    the inland waters of North Carolina, though as yet the subject
+    of uncertain speculation, may well excite high hopes for the
+    future. General Hoke, judging from the large number of his
+    prisoners, does not seem to have made such thorough work as that
+    by which Forrest has so shocked the tender souls and frozen the
+    warm blood of the Yankees. The resistance he encountered was
+    probably not as desperate, and the blood of the victors not so
+    heated; though in a fortification carried by storm the loss of
+    the garrison must inevitably be large. The strict laws of
+    civilized warfare acknowledge the power of the victors to put
+    all to the sword in such cases. However severe such an example
+    might seem it would strike a salutary terror into the Yankees,
+    which would be useful to them in the end, and their melancholy
+    whine, at meeting a part of the punishment their barbarities
+    merit, is absurd."
+
+From the _Examiner_, April 25th:
+
+    "Tuesday evening a flag of truce was sent to Fort Williams,
+    demanding the surrender of the enemy. The flag was taken by
+    Colonel Deering and another officer; and General Wessels, the
+    Yankee commander, refused to treat with them, but requested a
+    conference with the General commanding. At the interview which
+    ensued the Yankee commander said to General Hoke, that if he
+    surrendered he would be sacrificed by his Government, and, he
+    feared, would be retired from the service. "Then," replied
+    General Hoke, "I understand that you are fighting for your
+    commission and for no other cause. If such is your reply, I have
+    only to compel your surrender, which I will do if I have to
+    fight to the last man." The general assault followed Wednesday
+    morning. It was made by all our forces. As our troops came
+    within range of the enemy's artillery, they suffered very
+    severely, as the ground in front had been surveyed and was
+    staked off with target posts for artillery practice. Latham's
+    battery had been placed just by one of the targets, and was
+    shelled with such skill by the enemy that all his horses had
+    been killed. The accounts of his casualties are deplorable, and
+    we trust they may be reduced by the more exact statements, which
+    will be officially given."
+
+From the _Examiner_, April 30th:
+
+    "_The Capture of Plymouth in the North._ The news of the fall of
+    Plymouth had reached the North. Of course, after their several
+    days of felicitation that "the fort would surely hold out," this
+    news was sudden and unwelcome to them. The _Tribune_ announces
+    it under this imposing head, in very large capitals: _Surrender
+    of Plymouth. General Wessels and one thousand five hundred men
+    prisoners. Our loss one hundred and fifty killed. The rebel loss
+    one thousand and seven hundred killed. North Carolina troops
+    taken out and shot after surrendering. All negroes in uniform
+    also murdered._
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    It is positively affirmed that the rebels in taking possession
+    of Plymouth, ordered out the North Carolina (Union) troops, who
+    formed part of the garrison, and shot them; and that all negroes
+    found in uniform were murdered. We presume the account is
+    correct, and it only proves that what was supposed to be an
+    exceptional barbarity at Fort Pillow, has been adopted as the
+    deliberate policy of the rebels. As the issue is to be made it
+    must be met."
+
+From the _Examiner_, May 3d:
+
+    (Extract from a letter on the _Victory of Plymouth_, dated
+    Plymouth, N.C., April 24, 1864.)
+
+    * * * "During Monday night Hoke's and Kemper's brigades slept on
+    their arms in the position they had gained. Before day break
+    next morning three regiments of Ransom's brigade and Col.
+    Branch's artillery were ordered to support them, and Ransom,
+    with two regiments and artillery, was again ordered to the right
+    to make a demonstration. At light the enemy opened a heavy
+    artillery fire upon our position, to which we replied, also
+    turning their own guns from the captured fort upon them. General
+    Hoke, after making a more thorough reconnoissance on Tuesday
+    morning, did not attack on the left, hence returned Ransom's
+    regiments to him on the right. About midday he determined to
+    send Ransom's brigade, with artillery, to the right, Coneby's
+    bridge a distance of four or five miles, to make a simultaneous
+    demonstration with him, while he would attack from his position
+    on the left with his and Kemper's brigades. Ransom reached the
+    bridge about dark, threw forward his skirmishers, who found the
+    enemy in strong position on the opposite side, and the bridge
+    destroyed. Finding the enemy were in the rifle pits and
+    stubbornly refusing to yield the position, three pieces of
+    artillery, under. Captain Blount, were advanced to within three
+    hundred yards of the bridge and the enemy were soon dislodged.
+    Our sharpshooters again advanced and the enemy re-appeared when
+    some gallant fellow of the 24th N.C. regiment plunged into the
+    creek, brought back a skiff, and immediately a party of select
+    men were put over in it, and ordered, at all hazards to drive
+    the enemy. The pontoons were hurried to the front, one placed in
+    the creek, which ferried over three or four companies that
+    followed, deployed as skirmishers, and the enemy fled,
+    abandoning a position of vital importance to them. The pontoons
+    were soon _laid_, and the infantry consisting of the 24th N.C.,
+    Col. Clark; 25th Alabama, Col. Rutledge; 56th N.C., Col. Faison;
+    35th N.C., Col. Jones; and (of Clingman's brigade) the 8th N.C.,
+    Col. Murchison, passed rapidly over and deployed into line at
+    about a mile from the enemy's outposts, the right flank resting
+    on the Roanoke, and the left on Coneby Creek. The artillery
+    commanded by Col. Branch, did not cross, as the enemy could
+    easily hear the crossing, and would shell furiously at the least
+    noise. About twelve o'clock the troops were all in position, and
+    were ordered to sleep on their arms and rest for the heavy work
+    just ahead of them. The night was perfectly calm and cloudless,
+    with the full moon shedding its soothing beams upon the sleeping
+    veterans as they lay upon the bare ground, covered with their
+    blankets in groups of two or three for warmth, as the air was
+    sharp and piercing, seeming not even to dream of the morning's
+    carnage. The field officers in rear of their regiments paced to
+    and fro unable to rest from the heavy responsibilities that were
+    crowding upon them. Along the line of the skirmishers commanded
+    by "the fighting Quartermaster Durham" and the gallant
+    Applewhite, the quick blaze of the rifle, like fire-flies at
+    night, was the only relief from the dead calm that prevailed
+    around, as the enemy's heavy guns, however, were belching forth
+    shell and spherical case, firing with great accuracy. When
+    Generals Hoke and Ransom separated, it was understood that as
+    soon as the latter was in position, he would signalize the fact
+    by a rocket, when General Hoke, with his and Kemper's brigades,
+    would attack on the left, and Ransom on the right, would make an
+    attack or a demonstration, as he thought best. After making a
+    reconnoissance, Ransom at one o'clock in the morning
+    (Wednesday), dispatched General Hoke that he was in position,
+    but would defer all movements until the dawn of day, when he
+    would not _demonstrate, but attack, and intended to carry the
+    place by assault_, asking from General Hoke his simultaneous
+    co-operation. He called together his field officers,
+    communicated to them his purpose and plans, and by his
+    confidence, coolness, and resource seemed to inspire them
+    thoroughly with his own self-reliance. As a ruse, he determined
+    to place his artillery in the rear of his infantry, and thereby
+    cause the enemy to overshoot our lines, which proved a complete
+    success. The moon had just gone down and the gray streaks of the
+    morning were faintly visible in the east, when the signal rocket
+    went up, and the line of skirmishers were ordered to advance,
+    which they did handsomely, driving in the enemy easily. The
+    infantry now moved forward, and the artillery, consisting of
+    Blount's, Marshall's, and Lee's batteries, under Colonel Branch,
+    dashed forward at a full gallop into position, and opened
+    immediately upon the town and forts at about twelve hundred
+    yards. The enemy had by this time concentrated a most terrific
+    fire from their siege guns and field pieces. Just at this time
+    General Hoke opened, with his artillery under Majors Mosely and
+    Reid, a very rapid and tremendous fire, and his infantry sent up
+    yell after yell as if charging. Ransom caught up the sound, and
+    rising in his stirrups, from the head and right of the line, in
+    a clear and ringing voice, gave the command, "Charge, boys, and
+    the place is yours," and such a charge and yell no one who ever
+    saw or heard it can ever forget. It baffles description. It was
+    as the wildest gust of the tornado as it prostrates the forest,
+    or the mad fire as it dashes through the prairies, it was a
+    thunder bolt. The hail of shot, shell, canister, grape, and
+    Minnie balls were not only unheeded but seemed unheard. The
+    infantry and artillery fell thick and fast, but immediately the
+    gaps were closed. In ten minutes the two outer forts, with eight
+    guns, were captured, our infantry scaling their parapets, and
+    the infantry within one hundred and fifty yards of the forts,
+    horses, and limbers blown up and cannoneers shot down, and yet
+    those remaining stood to their guns without shelter, confident
+    of victory, and to avenge their dead. The whole command of
+    officers and men, infantry and artillery, seemed enthused with
+    the inspiration of certain victory. Several hundred prisoners
+    were captured in these forts, which were immediately sent to the
+    rear, and now began the contest for the town more than a half a
+    mile in length, the enemy's infantry slowly retiring and
+    stubbornly resisting our advance, Fort Williams dealing out
+    grape and spherical case; their field pieces at the farther
+    extremities of the broad straight streets raking them with a
+    murderous fire; their infantry in the houses and cellars and
+    behind fences, delivering galling charges of Minnie shot, but
+    all of no avail. Our men were confident, aroused, and
+    irresistible. They pressed on steadily, without halt or
+    hesitation, tearing down fences, hedges, and every obstacle that
+    they met, capturing the enemy at every step. Soon they were in a
+    rout, and our infantry pressed through the town and waved their
+    battle flags over the fortifications in front to General Hoke's
+    forces, who could scarcely believe that so much could be
+    accomplished in so short a time. * * Ransom's charge has not
+    been surpassed at any time; his military genius comprehended the
+    situation, and he was master of it. He determined upon his
+    charge, knowing what pluck and dash could accomplish, and
+    satisfied it was the only point of attack. With twenty-two
+    hundred muskets and nine pieces of artillery, he charged the
+    enemy's work which they regarded unassailable and carried them
+    without a halt. His loss, which reached _five hundred in thirty
+    minutes_, shows how sanguinary was the work." (Signed R.)
+
+From the _Richmond Dispatch_, April 30th:
+
+    _The Fall of Plymouth. A Specimen of Yankee Lying. A Sympathetic
+    order for General Wessels. Negro Soldiers Butchered._ "The
+    Philadelphia _Inquirer_ contains the official and other
+    announcements of the fall of Plymouth. The butchery of the negro
+    troops is news here, though if General Hoke had butchered the
+    whole garrison in the assault, after a refusal to surrender, it
+    would have been perfectly proper under the laws of war. It will
+    be seen that the loss of the Confederates is put down at fifteen
+    hundred!! The following is a telegram dated Fortress Monroe, the
+    24th instant: The gallant garrison at Plymouth, after a
+    desperate struggle with the rebel foe, who besieged them by land
+    and water, with an infinitely superior force, were compelled to
+    surrender, but not until they had slaughtered hundreds of the
+    enemy in their attempts to storm the forts. The fight commenced
+    late on Sunday afternoon, and continued until half-past ten on
+    Wednesday morning, when the surrender was made. Our men fought
+    with the ferocity of tigers, and they would never have yielded
+    had there been anything like an equality of forces. But the
+    rebels outnumbered them nearly ten to one. When the attack first
+    was made the Confederates were twelve thousand strong, and
+    afterwards received eight thousand more as reinforcements. Aided
+    as they were by their powerful ram and gunboats, it is not at
+    all surprising that they succeeded in capturing the Town of
+    Plymouth."
+
+From the New York _Herald_, April 26th, 1864:
+
+    "_The Rebel Losses_ are, beyond the slightest doubt, immensely
+    heavy. When it is considered that every fort around Plymouth was
+    stormed from three to seven times, and each assault repulsed
+    with great slaughter, besides pouring broadside after broadside
+    into the rebel ranks from the Miami and Southfield, the
+    casualties among the rebel troops must have been enormous. A
+    rebel surgeon was heard to say that "the damned Yankees had
+    killed and wounded one-third of their whole force, and he hoped
+    that no mercy would be shown the cursed Yankees." The gunboat
+    Whitehead went on a reconnoissance, on Wednesday, a short
+    distance above Plymouth, and the officers and crew observed
+    about three hundred rebel troops engaged in burying the dead.
+    From a steeple on the town church, overlooking a large tract of
+    land, it was found that the field of Asa Johnson (about sixty
+    acres), was completely filled with dead and dying rebels. The
+    entire rebel force could not have been short of from fifteen to
+    twenty thousand men, of whom one-third are unfit for future
+    service.
+
+    _The Fort Pillow Massacre Re-enacted._ My informant also
+    acquainted me with the fact that all the negroes found after the
+    surrender, were stripped of their clothing and brutally murdered
+    in cold blood. It must be understood that General Wessels had no
+    colored troops at Plymouth, save a few recruits for North
+    Carolina regiments, and the poor unfortunate blacks thus
+    butchered were merely laborers for the government. The negroes
+    were formed into line, in a nude state, and fired at by the
+    brutal soldiery, purporting to represent Southern chivalry.
+    Nature revolts at these facts; and the plan apparently adopted
+    by the Rebels for the future disposition of the negroes is
+    emancipation _from_, and not _for_, life."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+1864.
+
+PRISON LIFE OF THE OFFICERS.
+
+
+I shall not in this chapter pretend to give a complete history of
+Prison Life in the South, only a part. As I look back over the great
+mass of events that were continually occurring during all hours of the
+day and night of less than one year, I give up in despair. The inhuman
+treatment, and fearful atrocities of our brutal keepers are
+heart-rending, and I can poorly illustrate them. Language is unable to
+describe the real condition of affairs in southern prisons. No one can
+present in its true light the fearful suffering experienced in them.
+Others have contributed sketches for the dark picture. I shall
+therefore be very brief.
+
+By noon of the 20th of April, the entire garrison of Plymouth was in
+the hands of the rebels, and all the captured were concentrated on the
+Washington road. During the afternoon, the rebel cavalry scoured the
+woods and shot dead every colored soldier and man that was able to
+bear arms. The number murdered in this way must have been in the
+neighborhood of one hundred.
+
+We went to sleep that night feeling very gloomy, tired, and hungry,
+most of us having had nothing to eat during the day. It was nothing
+new to us to sleep on the ground without anything over us, for we
+were quite used to that, but we could easily see what we were to
+expect from the hands of the rebels, and many were thinking of home
+and how anxious our friends would be to hear of our fate, whether
+killed in the battle or captured; and if captured, _worse_ than
+killed. The next day we had twenty-five hard crackers and on an
+average about ten ounces of raw salt pork issued to us. This had to
+last us till the morning of the 26th, making five days, thus making
+five crackers and two ounces of pork per day. On this we had to live
+and during the day make quite long marches.
+
+Colonel Beach, Lieutenant Colonel Burnham, Major Pasco, Quartermaster
+Robins, Surgeon Mayer, Assistant Surgeon Nickerson, and Captain Burke,
+together with the wounded men, remained at Plymouth. About noon of the
+21st we took up our line of march, halting about nine in the evening,
+making a distance of thirteen miles. We marched more or less every day
+until the noon of the 25th, when we arrived at Tarboro, having passed
+through the villages of Foster's Mill, Jamesville, Williamston, and
+Hamilton. Crowds of women and children lined the roadside eager to get
+a glimpse of the "Yankees," some hissing and insulting us in various
+ways. On the 23d, the 11th Virginia guarded us, and we learned that
+the same regiment fought against us on the Edenton road at Suffolk a
+year before. By the time we reached Tarboro, we were nearly starved,
+having been out of rations from twelve to thirty-six hours. At noon,
+some bacon and corn-bread were issued to the officers, and to the
+enlisted men in addition some peas which were by long cooking
+softened sufficiently to be eaten. At one o'clock, April 26th, all the
+officers and the 85th New York went aboard the cars and were on their
+way to the famous prison pens of the South, thus separating the
+officers from the enlisted men--only a few of whom lived to meet again
+at New Berne a year after. Traveling all night in crowded cars, we
+arrived at Wilmington at daybreak, where we crossed the river by ferry
+boats, and again taking cars we arrived at Florence, South Carolina,
+at 10 P.M.
+
+Here we again changed trains, being packed by fifties in box cars.
+This was a miserable night, as we were packed so closely that we could
+neither lie down nor sit. Some had to stand up, and those farthest
+from the door nearly suffocated. Leaving Florence in the morning we
+arrived at Charleston at 10 P.M. Here another change of cars
+was made, sixty being packed in each car, and we remained there all
+night. The next morning some hard-tack and good bacon were issued.
+Leaving Charleston at seven in the morning we arrived at Savannah at
+two P.M. Here more rations were issued and another change of
+cars was made. We finally arrived at Andersonville at 2-1/2 o'clock
+the next afternoon. Having marched us to a position, where we could
+obtain a view of the famous pen, Capt. Wirz soon appeared on a horse,
+making such a comical appearance that we laughed outright. "You Got
+damn Yanks, you vont laugh when you get in dat Bull Pen," were his
+first words of greeting. Having been sent to Andersonville by mistake
+we were not allowed to go in to the Bull Pen, but were marched to a
+school house or church, where we staid until the next day. Being
+Sunday, Chaplain Dixon gave us a short sermon from Psalms 37th, which
+was very appropriate and suitable under the peculiar circumstances in
+which we were then placed. At half past nine in the forenoon we were
+placed aboard the cars again, and went to Macon.
+
+
+CAMP OGLETHORPE, MACON.
+
+Here we went into Camp Oglethorpe, one hundred and ten in number,
+being all the officers captured at Plymouth, and going under the title
+of "Plymouth Pilgrims." General Howell Cobb soon rode up on his
+charger with a bran new saddle and bridle, and introduced himself by
+saying, "that we were just the fellows he wanted to see." "Why don't
+you go to the front then," replied Adjutant Clapp. This rather
+astounded the old gentleman. At this camp one day, Adjutant Clapp was
+having his haircut and accidently the barber nicked his ear a little.
+A lady who was at the time passing around the camp noticed it, and the
+next day sent a little brother into the camp to sell pies, and in the
+bottom of the basket was a book with a note directed to the soldier
+with the cut ear, and stating that she was from the north and
+sympathized with our misfortune. For good reasons I withhold her name,
+but she was a noble and brave girl, and afterwards risked her life in
+aiding Federal officers to escape.
+
+On the 17th of May, 900 officers from Libby arrived and were placed in
+a pen which had been built a short distance from our camp, and in the
+evening we were also placed there. Here we found Lieutenant-Colonel
+Burnham, Major Pasco, Quartermaster Robins, and Captain Burke, who
+were separated from us at Plymouth. Colonel Beach and Surgeon Mayer
+had been exchanged. Prison life had now commenced in earnest with us
+and we felt it deeply. We had heretofore been where we could see what
+was going on around us, and had the liberty of trading with hucksters
+and others. We were now cut off from the world, _in a pen_, with
+little or no shelter, and under the command of the most brutal, cruel,
+heartless, and inhuman men that this world produces. They were General
+Winder, Major Dick Turner, and Captain Tabb. As it is not the purpose
+of this history to record all the brutal acts of these men I give two
+or three to illustrate what fiends we were under. When General
+Stoneman made his attempt to rescue the prisoners, Winder issued an
+order called No. 13, which stamps the brute with infamy beyond
+redemption. In this order, which has been preserved, Winder commanded
+"the officers in charge of the artillery to open their batteries,
+loaded with grape-shot, as soon as the Federals approached within
+seven miles, and to continue the slaughter until every prisoner was
+exterminated." We had at this time six cannon bearing on us. "Was the
+prison mined," said Colonel Farnsworth to Turner, the jailor of Libby
+Prison, "when General Kilpatrick approached Richmond to attempt the
+rescue of the prisoners?" "Yes, and I would have blown you all to
+Hades before I would have suffered you to be rescued." Major Turner
+himself gave the prisoners to understand that if any more attempts
+were made for their rescue, the prison would be blown to atoms. The
+following atrocious order from rebel headquarters was afterwards
+issued. "Any soldier killing a Federal soldier, approaching the dead
+line, shall receive a furlough of sixty days; while for wounding one,
+he shall receive a furlough for thirty days." Under this order many
+were shot, who had no intentions of escaping. On May 29th,
+Assistant-Surgeon Nickerson was brought into prison. On June 10th,
+fifty of the officers, (Lieutenant-Colonel Burnham being one of the
+number,) were taken to Charleston and placed under the fire of the
+Union batteries on Morris Island.
+
+We had religious services very regularly and they were well attended
+after the rebels found out that we would have them, cost what they
+would. I think it was the second service that we had, and on Sunday
+evening, for during the day word came to the commandant of the prison,
+Captain Tabb, that "the prisoners were praying for Abraham Lincoln,
+Grant, and Sherman." Services had commenced in the evening and the
+congregation were singing the first hymn, when in came Captain Tabb
+accompanied by the officer of the day. They at once inquired who had
+charge of the meeting, and being informed that it was Chaplain White,
+came up to him, and, entering into conversation, told him "he (Captain
+Tabb) could not allow any praying in there for the President of the
+United States." Meanwhile the hymn was concluded, when Chaplain Dixon,
+of the 16th, knowing what was up, at once stepped forward and began to
+pray, asking God to bless all in authority, especially the President
+of the United States, his cabinet and Congress, and all his advisers,
+also that he would bless General Grant and his glorious army; that he
+might be successful in capturing Richmond, the capital and stronghold
+of the rebellion; that he would also bless Sherman, spare his life,
+give him wisdom to carry out his plans, that his army might be a
+victorious one all through its campaign; that treason might be
+crushed, and traitors punished; that the time might speedily come when
+our dear old flag should wave over every village, town, and city of
+the United States, and we enjoy peace again. When the prayer was
+finished Captain Tabb withdrew from the crowd saying, "d----n smart
+prayer, but I don't believe it will amount to anything."
+
+Many attempts to escape were planned, but few were successful. Major
+Pasco was caught tunneling, and the officer in command ordered him to
+fill up the tunnel. A revolver was held menacingly at his breast; but
+he resolutely refused. He was taken from prison and threatened with
+hanging, but was finally recommitted. On the 4th of July, the rebels
+gave us four roll-calls in the morning. An officer hoisted a small
+United States flag, which we all cheered lustily, much to the chagrin
+of the rebel guards. Then another sang the Star-Spangled Banner and we
+cheered that. Afterwards, without any preconcerted arrangement, we
+went into a large building, and held a meeting. Chaplain Dixon made
+one of the most patriotic prayers we ever heard. Then earnest,
+off-hand speeches were made, filled with a determination to persevere
+until the Rebellion should be crushed. Lieutenant-Colonel Thorp, 1st
+N.Y. Dragoons, was particularly defiant, and the audience showed their
+appreciation of it by frequent and prolonged applause. Of course such
+proceedings could not be tolerated by our rebel commandant, and he
+sent in his officer of the day to break up the meeting. The crowd
+quietly dispersed, after giving three rousing cheers each for
+President Lincoln and the little flag, the Proclamation, Grant, and
+Sherman. To us it was a very satisfactory celebration. In the course
+of the afternoon the following order was posted on the bulletin-board:
+
+
+                    SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 6.
+
+                                           C.S. MILITARY PRISON, }
+                                     MACON, GA., July 4th, 1864, }
+
+    "I. Lieutenant-Colonel Thorp is relieved from duty as senior
+    officer of prisoners for a violation of prison rules, and
+    Lieutenant-Colonel McCrary will again assume that position.
+
+    "II. The same order and quiet will be observed on this day as on
+    any other.
+
+    "III. A disregard of this order may subject offenders to
+    unpleasant consequences.
+
+                              "GEO. C. GIBBS, Captain Commanding."
+
+After the meeting was over, Colonel Thorp was called out to
+headquarters, when the following conversation took place between
+Captain Gibbs and himself:
+
+_G._--"What's your name?"
+
+_Col._--"T.J. Thorp."
+
+_G._--"Were you addressing the officers in the prison?"
+
+_Col._--"I was."
+
+_G._--"What did you mean by it?"
+
+_Col._--"It was the desire of the officers that I should address them,
+_which I did_, as is the custom in our country on the 4th of July."
+
+_G._--"_Sir_, I shall put you in _irons_, and send you to jail."
+
+_Col._--"Very well, you can do so; but such treatment will not
+ameliorate my feelings toward you or the Confederacy in the least. We
+deem it not only a privilege, but a duty, to commemorate the 4th of
+July as the birth-day of a great nation, for whose defense and
+perpetuity we are willing to _suffer_, and _die_, if need be."
+
+At this the Captain commuted his verdict to solitary confinement in
+jail _without irons_; but, before the guard arrived, the order was
+entirely revoked, and Colonel Thorp was sent back inside the stockade,
+with threats of summary treatment if he persisted in addressing the
+officers again on _any subject_.
+
+
+SAVANNAH--CHARLESTON.
+
+On July 28th, the first division of prisoners went to Charleston. This
+took of the 16th, Major Pasco, Quartermaster Robins, Captains Morse,
+Robinson, Burke, Hintz, and Lieutenant Bruns. The next day 600 more
+left for Savannah. In this squad all the remaining officers of the
+16th went, they being Chaplain Dixon, Adjutant Clapp, Captain Turner,
+Lieutenants A.G. Case, Bowers, Strong, Andrus, Miller, Waters, Landon,
+and Blakeslee. On our way we busied ourselves by pitching the guards
+out of the cars when under full headway. Arriving at Savannah we were
+received by a large delegation of citizens, who were greatly
+interested, and wondered where our horns and tails were. Great was
+their surprise that we did not look different from their soldiers. The
+crowd was very great, and the police, aided by the city militia,
+could hardly clear the way for us to march through the streets. The
+officer in charge also was greatly confused, and gave so many wrong
+orders that it was a long time before we were able to march to the old
+United States Marine Hospital. We were confined in the yard surrounded
+on three sides by a brick wall eight feet high. While at this prison
+Lieutenant John M. Waters was taken sick with bilious fever. After a
+sickness of two weeks he was taken into the hospital on August 17th,
+dying the next day at 11 A.M. On the 19th, Chaplain Dixon was allowed
+to go out and perform the last duty of respect to our comrade in the
+presence of the Commander of the prison, Officer of the Day, Officer
+of the Guard, two Lieutenants, and four privates. Lieutenant Waters
+was very genial and, until his sickness, had kept up good courage. On
+September 2d, the Chaplains and Surgeons were sent to Charleston to be
+exchanged. This took Chaplain Dixon and Assistant Surgeon Nickerson of
+the 16th.
+
+At an early hour on the morning of September 13th, we left Savannah
+and went to Charleston, where we were enthusiastically received and
+thrown into the yard of the jail. We here found Edward Woodford of
+Company I, who gave us some of the casualties of the enlisted men at
+Andersonville. He reported that the regiment stood it better than the
+other regiments who were captured at Plymouth, but already sixty had
+died. Two days after our arrival, Major Pasco, who was on parole at
+Roper hospital, (together with the balance of the 16th officers who
+left Macon in the first division, July 28th,) visited us, and through
+his efforts three days after, we joined him at Roper Hospital, by
+signing the following parole.
+
+
+                                   CHARLESTON, S.C., C.S. AMERICA,
+                                                  SEPTEMBER, 1864.
+
+    "We, the undersigned, prisoners of war, confined in the city of
+    Charleston, in the Confederate States of America, do pledge our
+    parole individually as military men and men of honor, that we
+    will not attempt to pass the lines which shall be established
+    and guarded around our prison house; nor will we, by letter,
+    word, or sign, hold any intercourse with parties beyond those
+    lines, nor with those who may visit us, without authority. It is
+    understood by us, that this parole is voluntary on our part, and
+    given in consideration of privileges secured to us, by lessening
+    the stringency of the guard, of free ingress and egress of the
+    house and appointed grounds during the day, by which we secure a
+    liberty of fresh air and exercise, grateful to comfort and
+    health.
+
+    "Hereby we admit that this, our parole, binds us in letter and
+    spirit, with no room for doubts or technicality of construction,
+    and its violation will be an act of lasting disgrace. Signed:"
+
+_The firing upon the city_ was continued daily notwithstanding our
+being brought here and placed under fire of our own batteries as a
+means of saving the besieged city. Cheer after cheer went up as we
+heard the missiles crash through adjacent buildings.
+
+On September 17th, at 1 P.M., a fire broke out near us. General Foster
+immediately opened on the place, the fourth shell bursting in a
+dwelling house near by, setting that also on fire. So accurate were
+Gilmore's guns aimed that two shells burst in the burning buildings;
+and the negroes told us that one struck an engine, entirely destroying
+it, and killing several firemen. One shell struck our wall, tearing it
+nearly down. Several pieces of shell came into the yard where we were,
+but no one was injured. One of our officers in Roper Hospital was
+wounded in the arm by a piece of shell that came through the roof
+while he was eating dinner, making a flesh wound, smashing up the
+table, and passing on through the floor. In the evening we often
+watched the shells coming, and it was a beautiful sight. We first
+caught the flash of our guns; then, after waiting a few seconds, we
+could see the missile, which looked like a shooting star, climbing up
+higher and higher; and, when it reached its full hight, we could hear
+the report of the guns that sent it; by this time the shell was so
+near, that we could hear its sharp, shrill shriek; then it gradually
+descended, and approached until it was right over our heads, when it
+burst, most of the pieces going beyond us. The report of the explosion
+then reached us, as we heard the fragments rattle among the brick
+walls, or crash fearfully through the wooden tenements. Shells from
+Gilmore's batteries on Morris Island were continually making sad havoc
+in the city, killing and wounding from one to eight persons daily, and
+going through entire blocks. Sometimes a single percussion shell would
+blow up an entire building.
+
+On October 2d, Major Pasco received a letter from Lieutenant Colonel
+Burnham, stating that he was once more a prisoner of war and confined
+at Wilmington. This was news that very much surprised us. It seems
+that after being exchanged at Charleston, he had been home and had got
+newly fitted out, and was on his way to the regiment. At this time Co.
+"H" and a few others of the regiment which had been gathered from
+different points were stationed at Roanoke Island, and this composed
+the 16th Connecticut Volunteers, on the Union side of the lines.
+Lieutenant Colonel Burnham took the steamer "Fawn" at Norfolk, and
+while passing Coinjock, on the Albemarle and Chesapeake canal, they
+were fired into by guerrillas, who lay concealed near the shore. One
+was killed outright and several wounded. The remainder were taken
+prisoners, and the steamer was burned. The prisoners were marched to
+Elizabeth City, and turned over to the rebel authorities. Colonel
+Burnham was soon after again paroled.
+
+
+COLUMBIA.
+
+On October 5th, we went to Columbia. Captains Morse, Burke, and
+Robinson escaped by jumping from the train, but were recaptured on the
+11th, and rejoined us next day at Camp Sorghum.
+
+That we might get wood the commandant allowed a certain number to be
+paroled each day. Their names were written on a piece of paper, handed
+to the officer of the day, who instructed the guard to pass them in
+and out at their pleasure till night. On the 3d of November, Captains
+Robinson, Dickerson, and Burke, took advantage of this, and
+successfully escaped, an account of which has been written by Captain
+Dickerson as follows:
+
+"Upon the evening of the 3d of November, 1864, a large number of
+officers were paroled for the purpose of bringing wood for cooking and
+building purposes. Three of us,--Captains Burke, Robinson, and
+myself--finished getting wood, saw our paroles destroyed, returned to
+camp, and, after a short time, recrossed the guard-line, and,
+unsuspected, made our way to the woods. We kept slowly through the
+woods, until we were safely beyond the reach of the rebels. Night
+coming on, we traveled through the fields and woods, until we struck a
+road which ran parallel with the Congaree River; and traveled
+southward about twelve miles. We then left the public road, and
+traveled through the woods, toward the river, which was about eight
+miles distant. Upon the afternoon of the 4th, we fell in with five
+other of our escaped prisoners from the same camp, who escaped two
+nights previous to ourselves by bribing the guard. They had been in
+the swamp two days, and had made an arrangement with the negroes for
+provisions, and information where two boats could be found. We joined
+our parties, and in the evening the negroes met us, and furnished us
+with the promised necessaries. Proceeding to the river, which was
+about two miles distant, we found the boats which accommodated all of
+us. At about eleven o'clock, all things being ready we embarked in our
+boats, and paddled down the river. Early in the morning, we landed,
+having secured a hiding-place for our boats and ourselves, and devoted
+the day to cooking and sleep. Darkness again found us upon the river;
+and we soon passed the bridge of the South Carolina railroad, which
+was guarded by sentries; paddled all night; and again secured
+ourselves for the day.
+
+"While engaged, some in cooking, others in sleep, our attention was
+attracted by loud talking; and soon we discovered a boat below us,
+upon the river, being poled up the river by negroes. One of our party
+posted himself upon the bank of the river, where he could hail the
+boat without discovering the presence of the rest of the party, and,
+hailing the negro in charge of the boat, informed him that he was in
+want of provisions. The negro replied that he had no time to stop, and
+persisted in keeping on his course. When all entreaty failed, the
+captain told him he was a 'Yankee' officer, escaped from rebel prison,
+making his way north and needed provisions, and information regarding
+obstructions in the river. The negro no sooner learned his true
+character than he immediately landed, secured his boat, staid with us
+all day, cooking rations, and giving very valuable information. He
+claimed in return for his service, a sight of the rest of the party,
+whom he had instinctive shrewdness to know were concealed close by.
+Night again found us upon the river; and after a few hours' sail we
+landed at a farm, of which we had been informed by the negroes, where
+we succeeded in capturing a goat, which supplied us with meat to our
+journey's end.
+
+"Monday and Tuesday nights nothing occurred to delay our progress
+toward the desired goal. Wednesday evening, we had been going down the
+river but a short time, when we reached a ferry, where we made the
+acquaintance of four negroes, who furnished us with a large quantity
+of sweet-potatoes, salt, and meat. Upon parting with them, they bade
+us God-speed and a safe journey. Elated and happy with our success, we
+kept steadily forward; and soon after we landed to again consult the
+negroes, who told us we were but five miles from a battery, mounting
+two pieces, upon the right bank of the river, guarded by rebel
+soldiers. After receiving other information and provisions, we parted
+company with the last of our negro friends, and proceeded down the
+river, passed the battery in safety, and, landing, waited for the
+darkness of the night to finish our journey to the coast. Thursday
+night, full of hope, we again took to our boats, and meeting no
+interference, reached the coast safely.
+
+"The light of Friday morning, November 11th, revealed to us the spars
+of a ship, which we soon made out to be one of the United States
+blockade. It was the Canandaigua, Captain Harrison; and after sundry
+attempts we succeeded in getting safe on board, under the protection
+of the star-spangled banner. We came north on the Fulton."
+
+Of the many devices for escape, all were not as successful as the
+above, as our major will testify.
+
+Major Pasco had become possessed of two gold dollars which had been
+sent him in cans of solidified milk from the north. He had bribed a
+guard to permit Captains Morse, Turner, and himself, to pass out that
+evening between the hours of eight and ten, for the two gold dollars
+and a jack knife. At the appointed time, and all three officers being
+ready, they approached the dead line, and Captain Morse going first
+gave the booty to the guard who allowed him to pass and also Captain
+Turner. At this point an officer who was lying on the ground and
+trying to escape on his own hook in another manner, jumped up and
+passed out. The guard had passed out three according to agreement.
+Major Pasco came along and was halted by the guard, and the following
+conversation took place:
+
+Major. You agreed to pass out three of us.
+
+Guard. Well I have let out three. You must go back.
+
+Major. That last man you let pass didn't belong to my party.
+
+Guard. Can't help it, I have let out three and you must go back.
+
+The Major undertook to explain matters, but the sentinels along the
+line commenced to fire at him and he beat a hasty retreat into camp,
+where he dreamed all night of the officer who euchred him out of an
+escape.
+
+But the Major was not to be foiled out of a successful escape. He made
+a second attempt to reach the Union lines by writing out a false sick
+certificate to pass to the hospital, but he was recaptured after seven
+days absence. The third time he succeeded. Shortly after the train
+left Columbia, while we were going to Charlotte, N.C., he jumped off
+the train and was overtaken by Sherman's army. Lieutenant Bruns also
+escaped from this prison, but was recaptured and brought back after an
+absence of ten days. Captains Morse and Turner were returned to
+prison, having been absent a month. There were so many escapes from
+this prison that on the 12th of December, the rebels marched us into
+the city and confined us in the yard of the Insane Asylum with a brick
+wall around it eight or ten feet high, and eighteen inches thick.
+
+
+CHARLOTTE, RALEIGH, GOLDSBORO, WILMINGTON.
+
+The month of February was full of rumors in regard to our exchange,
+but it was an old story to us given out to prevent our trying to
+escape. On the 14th and 15th we were moved to Charlotte. General
+Sherman had by this time arrived within two miles of the city and was
+posting his artillery on the hill, (Camp Sorghum[3]) where we had been
+imprisoned a few weeks before.
+
+As the train started. General Sherman opened his batteries on the
+city. Lieutenant Landon and a party of sixteen had managed to hide
+themselves between the rafters under the floor of the second story of
+the Hospital building, where they stayed with little or no food for
+forty-eight hours and fell into the hands of Sherman. Major Pasco,
+Captains Morse and Turner, who jumped from the first train that left
+Columbia, secreted themselves in the woods and General Sherman
+overtook them on his way north. The remaining officers of the 16th
+were sent to Charlotte with the rest of the prisoners, arriving there
+on the evening of the 16th, having been delayed some hours at a point
+40 miles from Columbia by running into a drove of cattle which the
+rebels were driving ahead of Sherman's course. The engine, tender, and
+one car was thrown from the track, killing three beef creatures. This
+was issued to us, being the first meat of any kind that we had tasted
+for four months and ten days.
+
+Disembarking from the cars on the morning of the 17th, we marched
+three-quarters of a mile to a little pine grove, which we called Camp
+Necessity or Camp Bacon, by reason of some bacon having been
+issued,--the only meat rations for over four months. The fact that we
+were soon to be exchanged was now confirmed by the rebels taking off
+part of the guard and allowing them to use unloaded muskets. Still[4]
+"old fish" turned away and would not believe it, and a good many
+escaped, as it was a very easy matter. Captain Hintz and Lieutenant
+Bruns immediately left, and Lieutenant Johnson with Lieutenant Eli P.
+Alexander, (Co. H. 26th Mich.,) went out about noon, and nothing has
+ever been heard from them. It is supposed that they were murdered by
+guerrillas. On the 20th, we signed a parole not to serve against the
+Confederate States until regularly exchanged, and that evening we left
+for Raleigh, where we stayed a few days and thence proceeded to
+Goldsboro, where we were quartered in the Court House. On the 27th we
+signed the following parole.
+
+    We, the undersigned, prisoners of war, do give our Parole of
+    Honor, that we will not take up arms again, nor serve as
+    Military Police or Constabulary force in any fort, garrison, or
+    fieldwork, nor as guards of prisoners, depots or stores, nor to
+    discharge any duty usually performed by soldiers: until
+    exchanged under the provisions of the cartel entered into July
+    22d, 1862.
+
+About six o'clock in the evening of the 28th, we left Goldsboro by
+cars crowded both in and outside, amid cheers and songs, bound for
+Wilmington, which was now in our possession. Riding all night,
+daylight found us standing on the track at Rocky Point, a few miles
+from Northeast Bridge, and fourteen miles from Wilmington. This was
+the picket line and out-post of the rebels. At nine o'clock Colonel
+Hatch on a special train arrived and proceeded ahead with a flag of
+truce on the engine. We soon started and reached neutral ground about
+ten o'clock. About a mile past Marlboro, we came in sight of the "Boys
+in Blue." Three cheers were immediately given. As the train came to a
+stand still, all were silent, and we quietly disembarked and were
+counted through the ranks of twenty Union soldiers, they presenting
+arms. As soon as we were able clearly to comprehend that there was not
+somebody at our side with a loaded musket, cheer upon cheer was given,
+caps were thrown high in the air, some were hugging and kissing each
+other, and others cried. Whilst some sang, others were laughing and
+rolling on the ground. Finally our old pans, kettles, bags of meal,
+and bundles of all sorts were flung high in the air. Cheer upon cheer
+was given for Lincoln, Grant, Sherman, and _General Exchange_. Some
+hugged the horse of a Colonel, who seemed to have command over us, but
+tried in vain to get us into line. Taking up the line of march, a mile
+brought us to Cape Fear River, and in sight of the United States flag.
+Cheer after cheer ran the whole length of the line. The 6th
+Connecticut was encamped on the bank of the river, and at the end of
+the pontoon bridge which we had to cross, they had erected a handsome
+arbor decked with flags. In the center of the arch, surrounded with a
+wreath of evergreens, were the words
+
+                    "WELCOME, BROTHERS."
+
+A band was placed here, and played "Hail to the Chief who in Triumph
+Advances." Some few cheered but more were moved to tears, and kissed
+that dear old flag which they had so long suffered for, and all
+marched under with uncovered heads. Arriving at the top of the hill,
+we found the whole division of troops in line to receive us. On
+reaching camp we partook of a breakfast of United States rations, the
+first full meal which we had had for a long time. At noon those that
+were able walked to Wilmington, a distance of nine miles. We were here
+met by officers who provided us with another meal, and then we were
+quartered in churches and private residences. The next day (March 2d,)
+we took the steamer "General Sedgwick" for Annapolis, Md., where we
+remained a week, receiving two months pay and a leave of absence for
+30 days, at the end of which time we were to report at Camp Parole,
+Annapolis, Md.
+
+Extracts from a statement made in 1867 by Lieut. B.F. Blakeslee, to a
+"Congressional Committee on the Treatment of Prisoners of War and
+Union Citizens;" John P.C. Shanks of Indiana, Chairman.
+
+    At Macon, for quarters we had merely a roof which sheltered us
+    from rain; but no protection from the cold damp nights. Rations
+    consisted per diem of a pint to a pint and a half of corn-meal;
+    from poor to fair in quality, and occasionally in lieu thereof
+    baked corn-bread from one to two inches thick, three inches long
+    and three inches in width, containing a large quantity of water
+    and very hard; rice half a tea-cupful, or in lieu thereof the
+    same quantity of beans; salt, a teaspoonful; bacon, from three
+    to four ounces; invariably decayed and maggoty, with only two
+    exceptions, two issues of soap were made and that was the end of
+    trying to keep clean; meat of any kind except the bacon above
+    mentioned we never saw. No cooking utensils were issued. The
+    rations of wood were not sufficient to do our cooking. From the
+    11th to the 18th of July, none whatever was issued, and rations
+    had to be eaten raw.
+
+    This caused much hunger, suffering, and misery, as the beans and
+    rice could not be eaten. The quality of the water in this prison
+    was good and usually plenty, though some days the supply was
+    short. Our treatment here was generally bad. The length of
+    confinement was three months.
+
+    At Savannah we were better treated in every respect than in any
+    other prison, provided with tents, and cooking utensils, and a
+    good supply of rations of good quality. Fresh beef was issued
+    nearly every day. The water though, was very poor; having a
+    fetid smell, and unpleasant taste, and could only be used for
+    drinking purposes by filtering through charcoal; or burnt rice
+    or meal steeped in it. The length of confinement was six weeks.
+
+    At Charleston Jail Yard, only a part were provided with shelter;
+    and in rainy weather the yard was flooded with water, so we
+    could neither lie down nor do any cooking. In pleasant weather,
+    it was as hot as an oven. Little or no fresh air could come
+    within those walls which were twelve feet high, and in addition
+    surrounded by buildings. When there was a breeze, there were
+    whirlwinds of dust which would almost suffocate us. The water
+    was very poor, making a great many sick. The rations consisted
+    of small quantities of corn-meal and rice, and one ounce of
+    bacon per day; but after a week or so the bacon was dispensed
+    with. There were no utensils for cooking, and but little salt
+    was issued. In addition to our deplorable condition we were
+    under fire from Gilmore's batteries, whose shells were
+    continually bursting around us, occasionally coming amongst us
+    and twice tearing the wall away. On one occasion for sixty hours
+    we had not a morsel to eat.
+
+    At Roper Hospital Prison, in Charleston, our exact rations were
+    for ten days, two and a third quarts of corn-meal, two quarts of
+    rice, three pints of black beans (including bugs,) and four
+    ounces (daily) of fresh beef, or in lieu thereof, two ounces of
+    bacon. No cooking utensils were to be had. We certainly should
+    have starved to death here, had it not been for an arrangement
+    made for obtaining money which enabled us to purchase food of
+    the citizens. The authorities gave us Confederate money in
+    exchange for our drafts (in gold) on the North.
+
+    At Columbia we were turned into an open field like a drove of
+    cattle to pass the winter months, without any shelter whatever,
+    neither cooking utensils, axes, spades or anything were issued
+    that would enable us to make ourselves comfortable. With scanty
+    clothing, but few blankets, some without shoes, we were left
+    here to pass the winter as best we could. Rations consisted of
+    corn-meal and rice. Twelve days rations of rice made one meal.
+    Salt was issued in small quantities, and for four consecutive
+    days we had none at all. On September 26th and 27th, we had
+    nothing to eat. One or two issues of flour were made, but no
+    meat of any kind was provided.
+
+    While on our way to Charlotte, the train ran into a drove of
+    cattle, killing three, which were issued to us, making the only
+    meat rations we had had for four months and ten days. At Raleigh
+    we met several trains loaded with enlisted men going north to be
+    paroled. Nearly all were sick and very dirty and black; no soap
+    having been issued to them for six months. Nineteen out of one
+    train had died since leaving Salisbury, a distance of 132 miles,
+    mostly of starvation, though some who were on the top of the
+    cars were frozen to death. On Monday morning they had half a
+    loaf of bread, weighing not over five ounces issued to them,
+    since which time the rebels had issued _not a particle of food_.
+    It was then Thursday noon. How soon thereafter rations were
+    issued to them I am unable to state.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+  [3] So named, because that was the principal ration we received
+  while there.
+
+  [4] The first six months of prison life one is called a "fresh
+  fish," the next four months a "sucker," the next two a "dry cod,"
+  and the balance of his time a "dried herring," or "old fish."
+  After exchange he becomes a "pickled sardine."
+
+  As soon as a new prisoner made his appearance at the gate, the cry
+  of "fresh-fish," by each one ran through the prison, and a general
+  rush was made for the gate. An eager group surrounded him, and
+  while some would be seriously asking questions concerning his
+  capture and listening to his pitiful story others would call out
+  "Take your hands out of his haversack;" "Give him air;" "Keep that
+  louse off him;" "Don't take his clothes;" etc. All this affected
+  them strangely at first, and produced a hearty laugh for us.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+PRISON LIFE OF THE ENLISTED MEN.
+
+
+It is to the credit of the rebel soldiers whose good fortune it was to
+capture our command, that we were treated with considerable courtesy
+and kindness while in their power. Our men were allowed to retain
+their blankets and overcoats, and all little articles of value which
+they might have upon their persons. Many of the men had about them
+large sums of money which they were allowed to keep. From Plymouth,
+the long and wearisome march made to Tarboro (an account of which is
+given in the preceding chapter,) together with scanty rations and
+exposure, told severely on the men, and many were sick and feeble; and
+it was with no little pleasure that, on the morning of April 29th,
+they marched to the depot in the town to take cars to Camp Sumter,
+where, as the rebels informed them, rations would be dealt out
+plenteously. They were crowded aboard small box cars by forties, and,
+in addition, six rebel guards were stationed in each car, occupying
+the door. Of course under such circumstances, they were nearly
+suffocated, and were pressed almost out of shape. The train started at
+10 o'clock, stopping at Goldsboro, where rations were issued,
+consisting of three small hard crackers and a little scrap of bacon,
+to subsist on for the next twenty-four hours. Although arriving at
+midnight at Wilmington, they were not allowed to get out of the
+wretched cars until morning. At sunrise they were marched down to the
+dock, and conveyed by ferry boats to the opposite side. Taking the
+train in waiting for them, they proceeded to Charleston, arriving
+there on Sunday morning, May 1st. In the afternoon they were
+transferred to another train and put aboard platform cars and at a
+rapid rate went to Savannah, Georgia. But before reaching there they
+were overtaken by a storm and thoroughly drenched with rain. Changing
+cars at Savannah, they proceeded to Macon, and thence to
+Andersonville, arriving there at nine in the evening. Leaving the cars
+they were marched into an open field near by, where they remained
+during the night, and marched into the prison pen the next morning
+under the escort of a strong guard. How each one felt as he entered
+this "hell upon earth," can little be imagined. The first night ten
+died near the position of the 16th. The men seemed to stand it pretty
+well at first, much better than the other regiments captured at
+Plymouth, and it was not until the 20th of June that the first of
+their number died, Alonzo A. Bosworth, Co. D. But by the 1st of
+August, some of the Sixteenth died nearly every day.
+
+The inhuman treatment which our men experienced in Southern Prisons
+has been told over and over, and is well known in history and need not
+be repeated; but this history would not be complete without inserting
+the following testimony of rebel barbarity taken from the diary of
+Corporal Charles G. Lee, (Co. B.,) who died from exposure and lack of
+food, immediately after being exchanged at Wilmington, N.C. He writes
+as follows, "Again I am called to bid adieu to the passing year, but
+under very different circumstances from any in which I have ever been.
+During the year 1864, I have passed eight months in the most degrading
+imprisonment. In that time, our inhuman captors had not furnished
+shelter of any kind; and we have repeatedly been for two and three
+days at a time without a morsel of food; and even that we have
+received would at home have been generally thought unfit for swine. We
+have not had a particle of meat for forty-two days, and but little
+molasses, or any thing to take the place of it. Our rations chiefly
+consist of about a pint and a half of coarse corn-meal, and half a
+teaspoonful of salt daily. Now and then we receive a few beans or
+sweet potatoes. Many a night have I lain awake because I was so hungry
+that I could not sleep."
+
+About the 1st of September the prisoners were removed to Charleston,
+South Carolina, where they remained about four weeks, when the yellow
+fever broke out and raged so fearfully among the rebel forces who
+guarded the prisoners, that they were removed to Florence, where they
+spent the winter months. During the latter part of December, 1864, and
+the months of January and February, 1865, the men were--a few at a
+time--paroled and allowed to come north, and afterwards were regularly
+exchanged, thus ending the career of the Sixteenth in prison, with the
+heavy loss of over fifty per cent. in deaths, in a period of a few
+months. A more detailed account has been published by Sergeant Major
+Robert H. Kellogg, in his "Life and Death in Rebel Prisons." Among the
+number who escaped from prison, were Quartermaster Sergeant Hiram
+Buckingham and Andrew J. Spring, of Company K. An order was received
+for the names of all sailors at Andersonville. Sergeant Buckingham
+suspecting it was for the purpose of exchange, obtained a suit of
+sailor's clothes, and accordingly took the name of Johnny Sullivan, a
+sailor who had died in the hospital a few months before. In about a
+week after the names had been registered, the sailors were ordered out
+of prison. Buckingham answering "Here," to the name of Johnny
+Sullivan, passed out without detection. They went to Charleston,
+thence to Richmond, and were exchanged, having been in prison just six
+months.
+
+Andrew J. Spring in some manner procured money enough to bribe a
+guard, who allowed him to escape with two comrades. They were five
+days in reaching the Union lines, living meanwhile on sugar-cane,
+green corn, and persimmons. Traveling in the woods, they guided
+themselves by the moss, which grows heaviest on the north side of the
+trees, and successfully passed three lines of rebel pickets.
+
+The shooting of prisoners who came near the "dead line," was of almost
+daily occurrence; for if they were near it with no intention of
+escaping, the sentinels would fire. The regiment lost one man in this
+manner, William Drake of Company A, who was shot December 4th, 1864.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+1865.
+
+NEW BERNE,--HARTFORD, CONN.
+
+
+Company "H," (Captain Barnum,) who escaped capture at Plymouth, by
+being detached and sent to Roanoke Island for duty in April, 1864, was
+reinforced now and then by men who had previously been detached for
+special service, or were absent sick, also by a few who were exchanged
+from time to time, representing every company, and this composed the
+16th regiment in actual service. Captain Barnum labored with much zeal
+under many difficulties, to preserve the former prestige of the
+regiment. During December the regiment proceeded to Plymouth, and went
+thence on an expedition to Poster's Mills, about ten miles, destroying
+the mills and a large quantity of grain, and returning with various
+spoils. On another occasion the regiment went to Hertford, where they
+captured large quantities of cotton, tobacco, finished carriages, and
+buggies, several thousand feet of lumber, several mules, and forty
+contrabands. And again one bright night Captain Pomeroy with sixty men
+proceeded by steamer up the Alligator river, capturing a barge and
+three small sail vessels containing twenty-five hundred bushels of
+shelled corn, together with the outfit of fifteen men with their mules
+and carts. They were intending to take the corn to a mill near by to
+be ground. The regiment also made several unimportant raids to
+Columbia, Edenton, and the adjoining country, until March 4th, 1865,
+when they were ordered to New Berne, N.C., where the exchanged
+prisoners joined them and remained on provost duty. Most of the
+officers were quartered in the houses at the corner of Craven and
+Union streets. Colonel Beach having been released from Libby Prison in
+May, 1864, was assigned to various duties in Washington, only once
+rejoining what remained of the regiment. That was at New Berne, where
+he was taken sick and soon departed on sick-leave.
+
+Colonel Frank Beach was a graduate of West Point Academy, class '57.
+He was stationed at first at Fortress Monroe, as a brevet second
+lieutenant of artillery.
+
+At a later date he was ordered to the far west with General Gibbon,
+and took part in the well-known Utah expedition in 1858. The
+sufferings of that campaign and the winter encampment on the prairie
+were shared by him, as well as the almost unendurable _ennui_ of later
+days, when Digger Indians or inimical Mormons were the only society
+accessible to the small garrison.
+
+When the war broke out Colonel Beach was post adjutant at Port McHenry
+near Baltimore, and remained in that position for some time. He took
+some share in McClellan's advance, and was stationed at Yorktown as an
+officer of artillery. But in the summer of 1862, he was permitted, by
+special order of the war department, to accept the colonelcy of the
+Sixteenth Connecticut regiment which had been tendered him by Governor
+Buckingham. He commanded the regiment at the battle of Antietam,
+showing great personal bravery and heroism during the engagement. He
+galloped hither and thither on his white horse over the field, trying
+in vain to draw the men out of the desperate charge into which they
+had been ordered, and sad and full of woe was his heart on the night
+after the struggle, when the broken remnants of the Sixteenth gathered
+around him in the rear of the battle ground. He made personal inquiry
+after each of the wounded, and visited a number of them on that
+evening and the following days, doing for them all that was possible.
+
+The winter which followed made him an invalid with a disease whose
+seeds had been laid in the Utah campaign. But, as he was reluctant to
+leave the regiment, he accompanied it in an ambulance on the long
+marches down Virginia to Fredericksburg. With him, and sharing the
+same ambulance, was Colonel Griffin Stedman, the heroic commander of
+the Eleventh Connecticut, still lame from Antietam wounds. They became
+firm friends, and not unfrequently in those cold evenings the
+ambulance would harbor a merry party, which, by the light of a
+hospital lantern, and in the sight of the surrounding camp fires,
+would speed the long hours by merry conversation. Major Converse,
+Adjutant Barnum, (both fallen) and Dr. Mayer would bear them company.
+
+The greater part of that winter the Colonel remained with the
+regiment, but was finally forced to take sick leave. He returned to it
+in the summer at Portsmouth, Va., and held command during the siege of
+Suffolk, and the charge on Longstreet's army. Then he conducted it to
+North Carolina, where he remained in command of a brigade, until at
+Plymouth, he was taken prisoner with the regiment and all the other
+troops that garrisoned this surprised out-post.
+
+After the war Colonel Beach was for some time in command of a solitary
+fort near Washington. He was soon after stationed at Washington, and
+then at Fort McHenry. His old trouble having reappeared with more than
+its former violence and persistency, he was placed on the retired
+list, and endeavored to regain his health, but with only temporary
+success. He died at New York, in the New York hotel, on Wednesday
+evening, February 5th, 1873.
+
+Colonel Beach was a gentleman of very handsome appearance and strong
+masculinity of deportment. He was widely and well read, and as
+thoroughly acquainted with the progress of modern philosophy and
+science as with the prominent poets and writers of _belles lettres_ of
+all ages. He had an elegant yet terse method of expression, and a
+flashing quality of wit. But no man was of kinder heart, and in the
+regular army his good nature had become proverbial. In his first
+connection with the Sixteenth Connecticut Regiment under unfortunate
+circumstances, many misunderstandings between him and the men gained
+ground. This, as in some other regiments, was owing to the jealousy
+with which the volunteer soldiers, fresh from home, regarded regular
+army officers, and to the disagreeable impression the necessities of
+army discipline made on them. But, a little later, and at the close of
+the war, there was not a man of the regiment who was not warmly
+attached to the Colonel, admired him, was proud of his bravery, his
+military knowledge, bearing, and of his standing in the army. "Little
+Moustache," and "Black Eye," the men used to call him among
+themselves, and they made a boast of him to those of other regiments.
+He was as splendidly endowed with all the qualities that make the true
+and noble man, as with all those that please and captivate in society.
+For years a sufferer from a harassing disease, yet few came in
+personal contact with him but will regret his demise as that of a
+person of fine and polished intellect, and engaging manners, and of a
+great-hearted gentleman.
+
+Surgeon Mayer who was exchanged in May, 1864, was ordered to the
+Foster General Hospital at New Berne, N.C. There he remained in charge
+of four wards until the latter part of September, when the Chief
+Surgeon of the hospital went north, and he succeeded to the charge of
+the institution. Immediately afterwards the yellow fever broke out.
+Its ravages in the city of New Berne and among the garrison are a
+matter of general history. There were only a few of the Sixteenth at
+New Berne at the time, and most of these had been detailed as clerks
+or nurses to the hospital, at Surgeon Mayer's suggestion. Jasper A.
+Winslow, Company "C," who at his own request, through the Surgeon's
+influence, was ordered there as clerk, took sick at once, and died in
+a few days. W. Chester Case, Company "H," was doing clerk's duty and
+proved very efficient at this terrible time. He held out courageously,
+and kept the reports of the dying, of their places of burial, of their
+possessions and accounts, until he himself was seized with the fever.
+When it is considered that sometimes as many as thirty or forty died
+in one day at the hospital, an idea may be formed in regard to the
+difficulty and labor of keeping reports. Under Surgeon Mayer's
+personal treatment Case and a few other Sixteenth men, sick at New
+Berne, recovered. But at last he took sick himself. For two days it
+was doubtful whether he would live. Then, some favorable symptoms
+occurred, and Medical Director Hand sent him to Morehead City. After a
+two weeks convalescence, he returned to New Berne, where Surgeon Rice
+and Surgeon Cowgill, who had been in charge since his sickness, lay
+also attacked by the fever. He took charge again and so continued
+until his appointment to a different office. During the epidemic,
+eighteen assistant Surgeons had shared his labors, all of whom had in
+succession been attacked by the fever, which carried off nine of them.
+
+General Palmer, in recognition of Surgeon Mayer's services, appointed
+him Medical Purveyor of the district, and this office he held until
+the muster out of the regiment. A complimentary order was issued to
+him. His management of the hospital during the yellow fever time, and
+his administration of the Medical Purveyor's department, met with
+general praise.
+
+The Doctor says: "I got out of the hospital where over five hundred
+died, and had saved seventy patients above the general average; and I
+got out of the Medical Purveyor's office, where I had some million
+dollars worth of property to administer and was square with the United
+States Government, all but fourteen pounds of nails, which I couldn't
+account for; so I may consider myself fortunate. But the
+Quartermaster's Department kept writing for those nails every quarter
+for four or five years."
+
+In May it was generally conceded that the war was ended, and Captains
+Dickerson and Turner resigned and went home. Adjutant Clapp also
+resigned while home on leave of absence, and Lieutenant Landon was
+made Adjutant. June 19th, Major Pasco returned from Connecticut, with
+the necessary muster rolls and papers to enable us to complete the
+muster-out rolls. Then both day and night did the officers work on
+discharge papers and muster-out rolls. Finally on Saturday, June 24th,
+the rolls were examined and we were honorably mustered out of the
+service, at 5. P.M., by Captain John D. Parker, A.C.M., Second
+Massachusetts heavy artillery, the men remarking, while standing in
+line, waiting patiently; "that while it did not take long to enlist,
+it took a long time to get mustered out." It proved quite true; for
+while we enlisted for three years, it was not supposed that we should
+be out more than three or six months at the most; and many of the men
+enlisted expecting to return in a short time, not one of us realizing
+the hardships and sufferings we must pass through. But who of us
+regrets the faithful service performed for our country. How many
+around us to-day do we see who blush and say the greatest mistake they
+ever made was that they did not go to the war. How many would say as
+did a prominent man to me, the day we returned home; "I would give
+fifty thousand dollars to have seen and been through what you have."
+
+The regiment participated in the following
+
+                    ENGAGEMENTS.
+
+    _Antietam, Md._--September 17th, 1862. Loss in killed, four
+    commissioned officers, 38 enlisted men; wounded, eight
+    commissioned officers, 176 enlisted men; captured, 12 enlisted
+    men; _Total Loss, 238._
+
+    _Fredericksburg, Virginia._--December 12, 13, and 14, 1862. Loss
+    in wounded, one enlisted man. _Total loss one._
+
+    _Edenton Road, Suffolk, Virginia._--April 24, 1863. Loss in
+    killed, one enlisted man; wounded, seven enlisted men. _Total
+    loss, eight._
+
+    _Providence Church Road, Suffolk, Virginia._--May 3, 1863. Loss
+    in killed, two enlisted men; wounded, one commissioned officer,
+    seven enlisted men. _Total loss, 10._
+
+    _Plymouth, North Carolina._--April 20, 1864. Loss in killed, one
+    enlisted man; wounded, one commissioned officer, 11 enlisted
+    men; captured, 23 commissioned officers, 400 enlisted men.
+    _Total loss 436._
+
+
+CASUALTIES.
+
+    Killed in action,                                          47
+    Died of wounds,                                            45
+    Died of disease,                                           73
+    Died in prison,                                           177
+    Shot in prison,                                             1
+    Supposed shot while attempting to escape from prison,       1
+    Lost at sea from burning steamship "General Lyon,"          1
+    Drowned from accident,                                      1
+    Drowned from collision of "Black Diamond," on Potomac
+      river                                                     7
+                                                              ---
+    Total deaths,                                             353
+
+    Discharged prior to muster-out of the regiment,           386
+    Captured at Antietam,                                      12
+    Captured at Plymouth,                                     435
+    Wounded,                                                  212
+    Missing,                                                   56
+                                                              ---
+    Total Casualties,                                        1454
+
+    The regiment as mustered into service numbered,          1007
+    Recruits,                                                  75
+    Officers appointed since first muster,                      5
+                                                              ---
+    Total,                                                   1087
+
+    Number returning home with the regiment,                  131
+
+    The officers who returned were:
+    Lieutenant Colonel John H. Burnham, Commanding.
+    Major Henry L. Pasco.
+    Surgeon Nathan Mayer.
+    Quartermaster Gordon Robins, Jr.
+    Adjutant Herbert Landon.
+    Chaplain Charles Dixon.
+    Captains C.W. Morse, Henry Hintz, Joseph H. Barnum.
+    Lieutenants George A. Bowers, A.J. Case, Harmy Bruns and
+    B.F. Blakeslee.
+
+The above list of casualties is far from correct, but is as accurate
+as can be obtained from the Catalogue of Connecticut Soldiers, issued
+by the Adjutant General of the state, with some additions well known
+by surviving members. The casualties were greater rather than less,
+than the figures given above. The number given as killed, are those
+who were killed outright; but it is generally believed that a greater
+number died from wounds than the regiment has been credited with, for
+within forty-eight hours after the battle of Antietam, nine died from
+wounds; and out of the seven wounded at the fight on Providence Church
+road at Suffolk, three died. It is therefore safe to say that
+forty-five is too low a number of deaths out of 212 wounded. It is
+also believed that more than twelve were captured at the battle of
+Antietam. There is also no doubt that the regiment lost at least _two
+hundred and twenty_, by death from rebel cruelties and starvation.
+Eighteen can be counted who died immediately after arriving at
+Wilmington and Annapolis from southern prisons.
+
+The Sixteenth was always called an _unfortunate regiment_; for if
+there was any special hardship to endure, the regiment was sure to be
+called on to experience it, either by accident or otherwise. It was
+our bad luck.
+
+The list of casualties show in how many ways the men were lost. Some
+of the men and two of the officers never could be accounted for.
+Lieutenant George Johnson, who escaped from prison at Charlotte, has
+never been heard from. It is supposed that he was shot by guerrillas,
+who infested the locality in which he said he was going to reach the
+Union lines. Lieut. William H. Miller was last seen at Washington on
+his way to the regiment after having been exchanged. It is supposed
+that he was taken sick and died in the hospital. Elbert Sutleff, Co.
+K, was lost at sea by the burning of the steamship "General Lyon."
+Quite a number of the men who were returning to the regiment after
+captivity, were on a steamer going down the Potomac river in the night
+when the boat collided with the "Black Diamond." All the passengers
+jumped aboard the Diamond, which went down, and the regiment lost
+seven men. Some of the saved remained in the water three or four
+hours.
+
+On Sunday, June 25th, the regiment proceeded to Morehead City, and
+embarked on the steam transport "General Meigs," with the 23d
+Massachusetts Regiment, and the Connecticut Brigade Band, which,
+learning that we were mustered out and on our way home, had obtained
+an order from General Palmer to be sent home under charge of
+Lieutenant Colonel Burnham. The sea being rough we did not leave till
+the next morning. We arrived at New York late on the afternoon of the
+28th. Taking on some rations we proceeded to New Haven, arriving there
+at an early hour in the morning. Procuring special transportation, we
+reached Hartford at eight o'clock. Being a Hartford regiment, the
+citizens had made extensive arrangements to welcome us, but the 18th
+Connecticut had arrived that morning by boat and while their attention
+was drawn towards them, the Sixteenth suddenly entered the Asylum
+street depot. The news soon reached the State House Square, and the
+bell was rung, and by the time the regiment was in line the Governor's
+Guard, City Guard, and Colt's Band were on the "double quick," and
+thousands of citizens were hurriedly approaching the depot. Many who
+had seen the regiment leave for the war three years before, and now
+witnessed the decimated ranks were effected to tears. Those who had
+husbands, brothers, or relatives in the regiment, watched us eagerly
+and looked strangely into the ranks, hardly believing that any could
+be missing. One lady, the wife of an officer, was told for the first
+time of her husband's death. So great was her grief, that friends who
+accompanied her could hardly get her into a carriage to convey her
+home.
+
+
+From the Hartford Courant, June 30th, 1865.
+
+THE SIXTEENTH.
+
+"Everybody supposed that this gallant regiment would arrive here on
+the 9.45 regular morning accommodation train from New Haven, but the
+"boys" being accustomed to making surprises secured special
+transportation and were in the Asylum street depot by eight o'clock.
+Here they were received by the Governor's Guard, the City Guard, and
+Colt's band, and escorted up High to North Main street, down Main to
+State. On the march, though few in numbers, (but one hundred and
+thirty enlisted men returning) their tidy and soldierly appearance was
+the subject of general comment. Being a Hartford regiment there was an
+unusual interest manifested to see them, and signs of welcome were
+apparent on every hand. Arriving in front of the United States Hotel,
+they were drawn up in line, and Governor Buckingham made a brief
+speech congratulating them on their safe return and extending them
+cordial greetings on behalf of the State."
+
+Hon. Ezra Hall was then introduced, and welcomed the regiment in
+behalf of the city in an eloquent manner as follows:
+
+    _Officers and Soldiers of the Sixteenth Connecticut_: Heroes of
+    many a hard-fought battle, and worthy veterans of a redeemed
+    country! On a beautiful summer day in 1862, when the nation was
+    in its greatest peril, and rebel powers seemed successful for a
+    time in driving back the armies of the Republic, placing in
+    jeopardy all our hopes and every interest of free government,
+    you, more than a thousand strong and valiant men, volunteered to
+    place your names upon the muster-roll among the country's
+    defenders. That roll of honor will go down the centuries and in
+    the far off future the lover of freedom will unroll the scroll,
+    and call your names as among the heroic volunteer force who
+    cemented the _Union_ of these States, and proclaimed through the
+    immortal Lincoln, freedom to all mankind. It was hard to leave
+    your situations, your homes, and those you loved. And a sharper
+    pang would steal along your feelings as you thought the step
+    might take you forever from the dear New England hills and all
+    you held dear. But manfully you resolved, and the pensive
+    feelings that evidenced so well your better life, while
+    preparing for the decision, made you braver as you stood on the
+    enemy's grounds, striking for the very homes you left, and the
+    government of your fathers. But the question was decided for
+    country; and you went out from your homes to camp. Hard were
+    your pillows, and the long and weary days went slowly on.
+    Friends gathered to see you in your tents, and to pay you a
+    tender tribute ere you went out to battle. They chatted and
+    counselled with heavy hearts, but asked holy benedictions for
+    your safety and through you for the country. Who of you can
+    forget the stirring emotions of those meetings and partings. For
+    a few days you drilled and disciplined for the coming strife.
+    The order came. You struck your tents--passed down the very
+    streets on which we stand, with colors flying and music
+    measuring out the solemn step of war. No braver regiment ever
+    went out from our city or State. Made up mostly of Hartford men,
+    born and cradled under the very branches of the Charter Oak, we
+    knew well what would be your history, and we watched with pride
+    your firm and steady ranks, as you filed along these streets. As
+    we followed with anxious eye the steamer winding down the
+    Connecticut, bearing its precious freight, with the Stars and
+    Stripes streaming in the wind, we felt a security and an
+    indebtedness, which we now have all come to acknowledge. You
+    went to New York, passed the capital of your country, and in a
+    few days stood on the bloody fields of Antietam. There, in the
+    old Ninth corps, under the faithful Burnside, you first realized
+    war, and stood on the fated field of death. That was a sad day
+    for the 16th Connecticut. Two hundred of your comrades, officers
+    and men, had fallen, and when the shadows of evening closed on
+    that historic day, your hearts, sad and broken, went up in
+    thankfulness to God for your preservation. Well do I remember
+    the sadness that settled over this city, as the news came across
+    the wires that death had cruelly thinned and decimated your
+    ranks, and that among the brave who had fallen were the noble
+    Captains Manross, Drake, Brown, and Barber; but you had only
+    time to bear out the noble two hundred to their sepulture, and
+    to place some humble stone to mark their rest, before you were
+    ordered to the fields of Fredericksburg.
+
+    There bravely you stood through three long days of battle. From
+    there you moved to Suffolk, where your ranks were again broken,
+    and the brave Capt. Tennant fell--he who was beloved at home and
+    dear to the Hartford City Guard, of which he was a member, and
+    who followed him with reversed arms and bowed hearts, to yonder
+    church yard where now he sleeps. Peaceful will be his rest, and
+    sacred his memory, for he died for country and humanity. Slowly
+    the days went by as you were garrisoned at Portsmouth, and long
+    were your marches from Plymouth to New Berne. You will never
+    forget, but will tell over to your children through all the
+    coming years of your lives, how after a long siege by the rebels
+    at Plymouth, nearly your entire regiment was captured, and
+    taken away to rebel prisons at Macon and Andersonville; how of
+    the four hundred and four unfortunate captives who entered
+    Andersonville prisons, more than half were borne out lifeless
+    and cold. My blood chills when I remember that more than two
+    hundred of this regiment were starved and murdered in Southern
+    prisons--imaging more perfectly the hell of secession and the
+    barbarism of Southern institutions and chivalry, than any other
+    page of the war. But you have been preserved to come back to
+    your homes, and to watch again the flag of your country waving
+    over your native city. You well remember how beautiful it looked
+    to you when first you saw its colors after the hour of your
+    deliverance came, and you passed the rebel lines. That flag
+    to-day symbolizes the greatest freedom and the most perfect
+    nationality. "'Tis the banner of all the West," that of a nation
+    now pronounced--
+
+          "The heir of all the ages in the foremost files of time."
+
+    But your work is done and your history is sealed. In the name of
+    those for whom you fought and who have gathered here to do you
+    honor it is my privilege to say a thousand times welcome home.
+    Your thinned ranks, your torn colors, give convincing proof of
+    your deeds of bravery The state will hang your tattered flag in
+    yonder capitol, and claim with pride your history, and through
+    all the future of the country, her sons will love, respect, and
+    honor you as the brave soldiers who fought in the last great
+    battle for freedom.
+
+    But our city has a special interest in your history. You have
+    been led by the honored Col. Beach; and the name of your
+    Lieutenant-Colonel, he who would not leave his regiment for the
+    colonelcy of another, he who has been with you in the camp, in
+    the battle, in the prison and on the march until now, than whom
+    there is none better, or braver on all the veteran roll, his
+    name, John H. Burnham, has long been with us as a household
+    word. Think it not strange that the Hartford City Guard extends
+    a warm and earnest welcome to you, for the names of Burnham,
+    Cheney, Tennant, Pasco, Burke, Lockwood, and Blakeslee, are all
+    ours. As brothers we have watched your history during all these
+    years of war. But while you are privileged to return all covered
+    with honor and glory, and are to go to your homes, to be
+    welcomed by mothers, wives, sisters, and lovers, noble patriotic
+    women, in whose life there dwells the tenderest sentiment for
+    you and country ever unlocked from the starry skies,--while you
+    are to enjoy all this, I cannot forget the brave, devoted boys,
+    comrades in all your trials until death, who will never, never
+    come home again. They died, as you have fought, for country, for
+    the restoration of law and order, for the complete emancipation
+    of a race, for the eternal principle of liberty, and for the
+    final solution of the great problem of self-government. They
+    fell away from home and friends, and most of them rest in
+    Southern graves, but though they fell thus, they died at their
+    posts. History will keep fresh their memories, and write their
+    names on more than granite shaft or marble column.--
+
+    After an eventful life and a noble death, they rest well.
+
+      "Sleep sweetly, tender hearts, in peace,
+      Sleep, holy spirits, blessed souls,
+    While the stars burn, the moons increase,
+      And the great ages onward roll."
+
+    The friends of the dead of your regiment are more than of the
+    living, and my heart was sad as I saw the tears start in the
+    eyes of the little child, the tender maiden and the mother with
+    her little ones, as they looked in vain among your passing ranks
+    for their friends. But they will never again watch their
+    returning footsteps, or hear the sweet sound of their voices. No
+    words of mine can heal their wounded hearts. I can only say they
+    have the highest claim upon the nations' gratitude. The noble
+    deeds of their martyred dead will ever live in the archives of
+    the State, and their memories will be embalmed forever in the
+    feelings of the American people.
+
+    Thrice welcome then, tried and faithful veterans of the
+    republic. Go bear your honors and your trophies to your homes,
+    and around your own hearths be as great and good as you have
+    been in war.
+
+Breakfast was provided for the regiment at the Trumbull House and
+United States Hotel, after which a short street parade was had, the
+City Guard and Colt's band furnishing escort. Arms were then stacked
+in the armory of the Guard, and the regiment was dismissed, the men
+being allowed to go to their homes as most of them live in this
+vicinity, and fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and wives were
+waiting to extend _their_ welcome. Before leaving the armory Colonel
+Burnham read the following farewell order:
+
+
+                         HEADQUARTERS 16TH CONN. VOLS., INFANTRY,
+                                Hartford, Conn., 29th June, 1865.
+
+    General Orders No. 10.
+
+    _Soldiers of the Sixteenth Connecticut_--Glad as I am that the
+    war is over and we are all to rejoin our families and friends
+    again, I cannot repress a feeling of sadness at the thought of
+    severing, perhaps forever, the ties that have bound us together
+    for the last three years. Although a less amount of glory in the
+    field has fallen to our lot than to some others, no regiment
+    from the State has been subjected to so much suffering. Whatever
+    you have been ordered to do, you have done promptly, cheerfully,
+    and well; and whenever in future I am asked of what in all my
+    life I am proudest, I shall always answer "that I belonged to
+    the 16th Connecticut, in the Union army." Placed in charge of
+    the regiment under circumstances that might have made my task a
+    difficult one, it will always be a source of the highest
+    gratification to me to remember that I received the generous
+    support of all, and to the effective co-operation of every
+    officer and the high character of the men, belongs entirely the
+    credit of the fine soldierly appearance and superior military
+    condition in every respect you so soon acquired, and have not
+    failed to maintain to this day. For those gallant comrades who
+    have laid down their lives on the battle-field and in the
+    hospital, and for those heroic men who have endured so much more
+    than death in Southern prisons, let us shed a silent tear and
+    ever cherish their memories tenderly in our hearts.
+
+    You are about to go to your homes to enjoy in peace the
+    blessings of the great and good government you have done your
+    share to defend and preserve to our magnificent country, and I
+    desire that each one of you should take with him my sincere
+    thanks, for the cordial and hearty support you have given me,
+    and the cheerful manner in which you have performed every duty
+    required of you while I have the honor to be your commander.
+    Wishing you every success that you can desire, and trusting you
+    may find in your restored firesides all the comfort and
+    happiness you have so nobly earned, I bid you an affectionate
+    farewell.
+
+                                          JOHN H. BURNHAM,
+                    Lieutenant-Colonel 16th Conn. Vols. Infantry.
+
+On July 8th, the regiment assembled in Hartford, and were paid in
+full, except the officers who received their pay when returns were
+made and all property properly accounted for. Thus ended the
+organization known as the Sixteenth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
+Its record is a credit to the State and an honor to every man who has
+shared in its fortunes.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +----------------------------------------------------+
+    | Typographical errors corrected in text:            |
+    |                                                    |
+    | Page 34: seige replaced with siege                 |
+    | Page 41: harrassed replaced with harassed          |
+    | Page 54: Wessell's replaced with Wessells'         |
+    | Page 61: Wessels replaced with Wessells            |
+    | Page 69: 'paced too and fro' replaced with         |
+    |          'paced to and fro'                        |
+    | Page 71: beseiged replaced with besieged           |
+    | Page 77: atempt replaced with attempt              |
+    | Page 87: occured replaced with occurred            |
+    | Page 91: Lieutanant replaced with Lieutenant       |
+    | Page 98: passsing replaced with passing            |
+    |                                                    |
+    +----------------------------------------------------+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Sixteenth Connecticut
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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
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+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #31867 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/31867)