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J. Hill - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll -have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using -this ebook. - - - -Title: A Sketch of the 29th Regiment of Connecticut Colored Troops - -Author: I. J. Hill - -Release Date: November 16, 2019 [EBook #60700] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 29TH REGIMENT OF CONNECTICUT COLORED TROOPS *** - - - - -Produced by Graeme Mackreth and The Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - - -<div class="hidehand"> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="cover" /> -</p></div> - - - - - - -<p class="ph2">A SKETCH</p> - -<p class="ph6">OF THE</p> - -<p class="ph3">29th REGIMENT</p> - -<p class="ph6">OF</p> - -<p class="ph1">CONNECTICUT COLORED TROOPS.</p> - -<p class="ph3">BY I. J. Hill,</p> - -<p class="ph6">GIVING</p> - -<p class="ph5">A Full Account of its Formation; of all the Battles through<br /> -which it passed, and its final Disbandment.</p> - -<p class="ph4" style="margin-top: 10em;">BALTIMORE:</p> -<p class="ph5"><span class="smcap">Printed by Daugherty, Maguire & Co.</span></p> -<p class="ph6">1867.</p> - - - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - -<p class="ph2">PREFACE.</p> - - -<p>The author of this has for a long time been greatly concerned for -this land and nation, and for the human family in general, but more -particularly for the unfortunate African, both in this and every other -part of the world. I was born in Selings Grove, Union County, Pa., in -the year 1826, the 2nd day of June, and was the youngest son of four -brothers. My father's name was Isaac, and my mother's, Rachel. The -family consisted of thirteen in number. My father being a poor man, I -was put out to a gentleman of Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of six -years; I was brought up with a limited education, not being permitted -to go to school, for it was against the laws of the State for a white -person to teach a colored child; but having kind friends to live with -and being beloved by white boys, I gained some information in spelling, -and with diligent study I learned to read and write. I never had the -opportunity of going to school a day in my life, when it became known -to the citizens that I could not write, I was sent home to Pennsylvania -in the year 1840, then 17 years of age. I embraced religion in the year -1846.</p> - -<p>I was called to the ministry in the year 1852, in which position I -studied; when the war broke out in 1861, I went out with the 3rd -Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Col. Emory, I was in the charge at Falls -Church, Va., and Fairfax Court House. When the rumor reached me that -the Government was enlisting colored men, I then left the Regiment -and went home, and in 1863 enlisted in the 29th Connecticut Regiment, -January the 7th, 1863.</p> - -<p>The author's desire and prayer is, that tranquility, peace and -happiness may cover the earth, as the waters cover the great deep. -Forasmuch as there has been a great deal of confusion in relation to -my afflicted nation, and different parties holding opposite opinions -have come forward with a desire to alleviate their condition; their -good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> intentions have taught us: First, that it is necessary to become -christians, to love and fear God and keep his commandments, to have -patience and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then we shall -be delivered in due time. Secondly, the reader is referred to the pages -of this work; please read it impartially and carefully, and you will -see plainly that the author's sole aim is to promote the happiness of -the human family, here and hereafter; therefore, I pray that those who -will read this book may be forever blessed in this world, and receive -endless happiness in the world to come.</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 45%;">I. J. HILL.</span><br /> -</p> - -<p><i>Woodbury, New Jersey, 1866.</i></p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph5">THE</p> - -<p class="ph2">PRINCIPAL BATTLES</p> - -<p class="ph5"> OF THE</p> - -<p class="ph3">TWENTY-NINTH REGIMENT,</p> - -<p class="ph2">U. STATES COLORED TROOPS</p> - - -<table summary="battles" width="25%"> -<tr><td align="right">1st.</td> <td>DEEP BOTTOM, VA.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">2d.</td><td>STRAUSBURG PLAIN, VA.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">3rd.</td> <td>PETERSBURG, VA.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">4th.</td> <td>NEW MARKET ROAD, VA.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">5th.</td> <td>FORT GILMOR, VA.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">6th.</td> <td>CHAFFIN'S FARMS, VA.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">7th.</td> <td>DARBYTOWN ROAD, VA.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">8th.</td> <td>RICHMOND, VA.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">9th.</td> <td>TEXAS EXPEDITION.</td></tr> -</table> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="smcap">Col. W.B. Wooster</span> led us on, he had no right to fear, there -was not a faint heart in the 29th Volunteers.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph4">A SKETCH</p> - -<p class="ph5">OF THE</p> - -<p class="ph3">29th Connecticut Colored Regiment.</p> - - -<p>The 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment was gotten up by Colonel Pardee, -and encampted at Grape Vine Point, New Haven, Connecticut. The -recruiting was commenced in August, 1863. The inducements held out to -men to join this Regiment were these: they were to receive a bounty of -$310 from the State, $75 from the County from which they enlisted, and -$300 from the United States. The $310 from the State we received, the -other bounties we did not receive.</p> - -<p>There were several men who took an active part in recruiting for this -Regiment, among them Lieutenant Brown of New York, to whom great credit -is due. There were others, both colored and white, who did very much -towards filling up the Regiment. Sergeant Archie Howard, Orderly of -Company C, recruited more men than any other excepting Lieut. Brown, -but I am sorry to say, that after all he did the parties failed to pay -him according to promise, and he was ordered to his Regiment without -receiving a just compensation for his labors.</p> - -<p>The first of January, 1864, the 29th Regiment was filled up. The writer -of this narrative was in the last squad of men that enlisted for this -Regiment, and out of the forty men I was the only one that was admitted -into the 29th, the balance of the recruits being put into the 30th -Regiment, that was then recruiting in the same camp. We remained at New -Haven until the 8th of March, and nothing of interest happened up to -that date, when we received orders from Colonel Pardee's Headquarters, -stating that the 29th Regiment was to move to Annapolis, Maryland.</p> - -<p>March 8, 1864. We broke camp to leave New Haven for Annapolis, Md. At -10 o'clock the whole Regiment was drawn up on the old parade ground, -with their knapsacks, to receive the flag, Col. W.B. Wooster in -command. The flag was presented by the Rev. Dr. Mott. On account of -the Regiment not receiving the $75 which was promised them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> at their -enlistment, they made no response to the presentation, and the Colonel -gave them no command to do so. The order was given to "forward, march," -and the Regiment paraded through the principal street of New Haven; -at 2 o'clock it halted in the public square, where we were visited by -our friends, also by some of the first families in the city. After -resting two hours, the word was given "attention," and every Company -was brought into line, and at the command "forward, march," the -Regiment moved down Chapel street to State st., and then to the long -wharf, where it halted and awaited the near approach of the transport, -that was still out in the stream. At 5 o'clock the troops commenced -embarking, Company A taking the lead, and at half past 6 o'clock all -were on board, excepting a few, with the writer of this journal, who -were detailed for duty at the Regiment's previous headquarters. On -my way from the long wharf I met the crowd of citizens that was not -permitted to go to the wharf with the Regiment. Never did my ears hear, -or my eyes perceive, or my heart feel the strong yearnings of nature as -they did at that moment; mothers weeping for their sons, and wives for -their husbands, and sisters for their brothers, and friends for their -friends, that were then on their way to the scene of conflict. White -and colored ladies and gentlemen grasped me by the hand, with tears -streaming down their cheeks, and bid me good bye, expressing the hope -that we might have a safe return. My heart felt the sobbing impulse for -the first time, and although I had no mother, no wife, and no sisters -there to greet me, yet strangers ministered unto me, and never shall I -forget their kind attentions to me. At 8 o'clock in the evening I went -on board the transport, and received an introduction to Col. Wooster as -Regimental Orderly Hill. The Colonel met me very kindly, and put his -state-room, which was letter K, into my care.</p> - -<p>At 10 o'clock I learnt the transport would not move anchor until next -morning at 6 o'clock; after gaining this information, I had a desire -to go ashore, but could form no excuse for doing so. While I was in -doubt what to do about it, one of the officers, Lieut. Leonard, came -to me and said. "Orderly Hill, can't you go to the post office for -me, as I can't go ashore?" My answer was, "I will try and go for -you." I had never spoken to the Colonel, and felt somewhat delicate -about approaching him, but as I had never been refused a favor by a -commanding officer, I took heart, adopting for my motto, "Without a -trial, there can be no denial," and started for the Colonel, and found -him in his berth. I said, "Colonel, can I go ashore?" He remarked, "If -I grant you permission, except on business, others will expect the -same favour." I said, "I have letters to carry to the post<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> office." -He said, "Well, you can go." I left him, and went to Lieut. Leonard, -of company D, and asked for Dr. Bigbee, whose family was living in New -Haven. The lieutenant passed him outside the guards with me, and we -felt it to be a great favor, for which we were very grateful. When my -errand was done, we proceeded to the residence of Dr. Bigbee, and found -his wife had retired, but on learning who had arrived she arose, and a -friend who was stopping with her, and they prepared us a good supper. -We enjoyed it—still we were saddened with the thought that we might -not meet again for three long years. We remained there until 2 o'clock, -and then bid the last farewell to our friends in New Haven, and went on -board the transport again, and laid down to sleep, but sleep had fled -from me entirely, and daylight found me as I laid down, wide awake. -Sabbath morning at 6 o'clock, we weighed anchor, and the stream bore us -down its rapid tide until New Haven was lost in the distance. The day -was spent very pleasantly, and at 3 o'clock we passed New York; and as -we passed the city, our drummers assembled on deck and played, at which -flags were displayed by the citizens, and cheers given in response. At -12 o'clock, the same night, we passed Cape May.</p> - -<p>I fared the same as the officers. The great anxiety now was to see -Annapolis, Maryland, which place we reached on Tuesday at 10 o'clock. -As we approached the place all became disheartened at the appearance of -things. Officers and men were much disappointed when we learned that we -should have to camp three miles from the town. Now, for the first time, -we had to pitch tents—the clouds threatened a storm, and the boys went -eagerly to work and most of them had their tents up before night.</p> - -<p>I spent the night in the Colonel's tent, and the next morning we found -the earth covered with snow to the depth of eight inches. We found the -people very inferior at this point; and a great many of the colored -people had caught the distemper from the whites, their so-called -masters. It was hard to find a pleasant family of colored people in the -place; they appeared to be afraid to speak to us. The first Sabbath I -spent in camp, and had the pleasure of listening to a very interesting -sermon from a reverend gentleman that paid us a visit for that purpose. -The text was, "And on him they laid the cross." He handled the subject -with great credit to himself, and great applause was given by the -soldiers. On the next Sabbath, which was the 27th of March, I visited -the Methodist church at Annapolis. At 11 o'clock I preached to a -crowded house, from Joshua, 3d chap. 11th verse. I preached at Zion's -church in the afternoon, from Revelations, 3d chap. 4th verse, and -truly the good Lord was with us. At 5 P.M. I re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>turned to camp, and -accompanied the Colonel to dress parade, and after it was over, I was -informed that an appointment was made for me to preach in the camp at 7 -P.M. Feeling much exhausted from the severe labors of the day, yet at -the time appointed I was there, and endeavored to preach from the text, -"The wages of sin is death." It was listened to by the officers and men -with the utmost attention. The week following the Colonel was absent on -business at Washington, D.C.; and according to frequent rumors in camp, -our regiment was to spend the summer at this point. I had cherished the -hope of greeting my dear family, whom I had left quite unwell at home; -but on Friday my hopes were blasted by a general order, stating that -the 29th Regiment should break camp at 7 o'clock on Saturday morning, -and embark on the transport then lying in the stream opposite the navy -yard, bound for Hilton Head, South Carolina.</p> - -<p>Saturday morning found me up at 4 o'clock, and in the best of spirits, -and as usual in a pleasant mood, but still I thought of home, sweet -home—it was lost to my sight, but not to my memory—and although -I was very busy, I did not forget the dear ones there; and while I -was waiting for the cars to come and take the officers' baggage, as -a soldier, the rail track was my chair and the cross-beam was my -writing desk, I wrote to my wife at this last moment. I went by rail -to Annapolis, and when I arrived there, I joined those who had gone by -boat. My lot was cast to the steamer Swallow. I went on board and put -the Colonel's things in his state-room and mine also, and then went -on shore and spent the day until 5 o'clock in the afternoon, when the -transport was launched out into the stream, and I was left ashore with -the Colonel, Adjutant and Lieut. Colonel. All kinds of rumors prevailed -on board. Some said I had deserted—others, that I was taken up for -carrying arms, but 5 o'clock found me in a life-boat with the Colonel -and his staff, bound for the Swallow, that was waiting our arrival. -When the boys saw me, they gave three hearty cheers for Orderly Hill. -We remained all night, and the next morning at 6 o'clock the Swallow -started down the stream, and Annapolis was soon lost to view. The -Swallow took the lead, and we soon lost sight of the other boats. -Monday morning at 9 o'clock we arrived at Fortress Monroe and the pilot -went ashore, and after remaining a few moments we set sail again for -Hilton Head, South Carolina.</p> - -<p>The wind was tolerably high, and the officers and men felt somewhat -concerned in reference to passing Cape Hatteras that night, but God -was in the wind, and when we passed the cape at midnight it was quite -calm; and Tuesday morning found us on the blue sea, out of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> sight -of land. This was the first time in my life that I was ever out to sea, -and it seemed very strange. All this time I had not been sea-sick, and -began to think I should entirely escape, as I had been on the water two -days. But at 3 P.M. I was very sick, and in company with many of the -old seamen I had to cast up accounts for relief. It was very rough, and -poor me! I thought I could not live, but the utmost attention was given -me by the Colonel and officers. The same night the boat took fire, and -being too sick to sleep, I was enabled to give timely warning of the -accident, or we should have perished by the flames or a watery grave; -but God was with me, and I got up in the midst of smoke and called the -first mate, and then went to the Colonel's state-room and told him what -had happened, and we put out the flames without arousing the other -officers and men.</p> - -<p>Wednesday morning I felt better. The first sail we had seen for two -days was that of a brig, which passed us this morning on our right. The -sea was quite calm, but as the day wore away the wind began to rise, -and 3 P.M. found me sick in the Colonel's berth. At 6 P.M. we were -in sight of land, and this, the last night we spent at sea, was the -hardest time we had, but joy came in the morning as we neared Hilton -Head. When we came to the landing, the Colonel and Adjutant went on -shore, and we waited their return. When they came aboard, the Colonel -told the Captain of the Swallow that he was ordered to Beaufort, -where we arrived at 10 A.M. and were received on the wharf by a large -crowd of people. We disembarked the same day, which was April 16th, -and marched through the main street, and went up to the camp of the -New York 26th U.S.V., and encamped on the right of Beaufort. We found -Beaufort a pleasant place of about five thousand inhabitants.</p> - -<p>May 20th, 1864. Nothing of importance had occurred up to this date. I -passed up the line of tents, and saw the Major in a wagon—he informed -me that the Paymaster had arrived. When I made this known to the 29th -Regiment the boys were much pleased, for they had not received any -money since their enlistment, but soon their spirits fell when they -learned they would receive only $7 per month. Company A took the lead -in the dissatisfaction, it being the first company, and company B next, -company K next, company C next, and so on till company D, it being -the last company and the one to which I belonged. After the companies -all expressed their indignation at the small sum of $7 per month, the -officers called them in line and told them they would receive $16 the -next pay day, and they had better take this—at the same time promising -them, that in the future they should receive full pay. They did as he -wished. This has been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> the failing with the colored race—they are -always ready to comply with wrong teachings of strange gods, especially -when they come from white men, and that is the reason we cannot be a -united nation. I would not and did not accept of the $7 per month, and -I stood entirely alone. All in my company took that sum but myself, -and when I was called up my response was, if the government could not -afford to pay me a soldier's wages I would peril my life and die for -my country without it. When I consider the sacrifice I have made of -my beloved family, and think that the general government does nothing -for them, and then to insult me with the sum of $7 per month! No, as -I have given my life I will become a martyr and die before I will -accept that sum. But I am happy to relate that when they found there -were some that felt the dignity of their manhood, the Paymaster Major -endeavored to make apology to me in reference to the affair, but there -was no compromise in me. I would accept nothing but $16 per month. -"Well," said he, "you will get the balance next pay day." My answer -was, "Whether I do or not, I will not accept of less than $16 this -time." I was brought to think of the psalmist David, when he said "Many -are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord will deliver them -out of them all." Notwithstanding our troubles, on Sabbath morning, -the 22d inst., my mind was very much relieved at 6 P.M. While at dress -parade, the General rode along the line, and the Colonel brought the -companies up in broken columns in front of the flag. At the command -of the Colonel, the regiment came to "order, arms"—and at this point -General Saxton dismounted, and gave me his horse. Taking off his hat he -commenced some brief remarks by saying, "Boys, I have come to greet you -with an order I have received that you are to be considered soldiers of -the United States and receive your pay as white soldiers, and I hope -you will consider yourselves men. Although your skins are dark, you -have the same muscle as white men, and the same courage to fight. It is -for you to get the same skill by strictly attending to your duty, not -from fear of punishment, but because you are soldiers. Two years ago I -came here to Beaufort and raised the first colored regiment. They were -all slaves, and their masters were in the rebel army. One day a flag of -truce came in from the rebel line, and the colored troops were out on -picket. Before these colored men became soldiers they could not look a -white man in the face, but at this time they began to feel like men. -One of the so-called masters came over, and seeing his so-called slave, -he exclaimed, using his own language, 'There is my negro in arms,' -but the colored soldier looked him square in the face, and as I never -make use of the word negro, I said to him, if he was once a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> slave he -is free now, and God has made him so, and there is not a regiment in -the department I would sooner go into the field with than the first -Southern, now called the 33d United States troops." He concluded by -saying, "Boys, if you ever want to make good soldiers you must look a -white man straight in the face, and let him know that you are a man."</p> - -<p>I spent the morning at the first colored church, and at 3 P.M. -preached from the 14th chapter of Job and the 14th verse. My theme was -"Death—an important change, not annihilation. It does not reduce us to -nothing, but alters our frame of being."</p> - -<p>At 7 P.M. the elder spoke from the text "Strive to enter in at the -straight gate," and I closed the meeting.</p> - -<p>The next Sabbath we had service in the camp in which I took part. The -Rev. Edward Scott preached. At 7 P.M. I preached from Revelations the -7th chapter and 9th verse. My theme was "The society and happiness of -the heavenly state. Life is a journey. Christians are but travellers to -the unseen world. The world to which we are going is unknown to us." -Truly we had a good time.</p> - -<p>May 25th. A general order, stating that a part of the 29th regiment -was ordered out on picket duty. Company D was asked for, but owing to -one of the officers being sick, and the Captain on detached service, -it could not go, so Co. E was substituted, and for the first time they -commenced packing to face the enemy in the field. When they were all -ready to move the boys started off cheerfully. As the officers looked -dejected, my prayer was, may God go with you and give you strength -to face the enemy. The camp was unusually quiet at this time. The -Colonel and Adjutant had orders to go to the front, and it left the -camp without a line officer, excepting the Major, and he looked quite -lonesome. The rumors were that the rebels intended to attack Beaufort -the 25th instant, but the day passed of all quiet along the line.</p> - -<p>August 9th—we broke camp at Beaufort and embarked on board the -transport Trade Wind bound for Hilton Head, where we arrived at 10 A.M. -The Colonel went ashore and received orders to go to Fortress Monroe.</p> - -<p>At 6 P.M. we weighed anchor and soon found our bark stemming the rapid -tide, and when night came on I was soon in the arms of sleep and -forgot all earthly care. The morning of the 10th instant I rose at 5 -o'clock and gazed upon the glorious sun as he rose out of the sea; -truly it was a grand sight to one as ignorant of such things as myself. -The day passed pleasantly, and the transports stemmed the rapid tide -three in number. When I stood on deck and took an ob<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>servation of the -surrounding scenery, I was lost in wonder at the profound immensity -of the great waters, and I came to the conclusion that the hand of -God had formed all these things; in this profound thought the morning -passed gently. After dinner, I had some talk with the boys on board -in reference to their fare, and they informed me they would be glad -to boil their coffee with the coals that the fire-man raked from the -furnace, but even that was denied.</p> - -<p>The night of the 10th came, and all retired to their sleeping places, -(and you may imagine they were not feather beds,) officers and men, -with the exception of Col. W.B. Wooster and a few Captains, who had -state-rooms, and they were the most miserable I ever saw, and dirty -accordingly, but they were the best they could have, therefore they -were contented. The night passed rapidly, and the morning of the 11th -inst. found all on board well and ready for breakfast. We found hard -tack and raw pork were not as agreeable as the fare we had been used -to, but hunger made it very palatable. After breakfast I went on -deck and amused myself by talking with the boys generally. I met the -Sergeant Major, and after inquiring of his health, he informed me that -he was on board with nothing to eat. I went to the Colonel's state-room -and brought my haversack with some cheese, cakes and pies, that my -friends in Beaufort put up for me, and I said, "Here is enough for you; -help yourself;" he looked up and said, "Mr. Hill, I never shall forget -your act of kindness to me in this hour of suffering."</p> - -<p>In the evening at 6 o'clock we came in sight of the light house off -Fortress Monroe. I went to the Captain and asked him when we should get -to the Fort, he said "In the morning about 8 o'clock." I retired and -went to sleep. The morning of the 12th found me up at 5 o'clock, and -looking around me I saw the land on my left. We arrived at Fortress -Monroe at 10 A.M. and dropped anchor, and the Colonel went ashore and -remained until 1 P.M. When he came on board he informed the officers -that he must proceed to Bermuda Hundred, Va. At 4 P.M. we weighed -anchor and left for our destined place. I was much pleased with the -scenery up the James river. The first thing that attracted my attention -was Jamestown in its desolation—nothing but a shattered wreck—the -only building is that of a brick church that stands in the midst of -green trees lifting their heads high and lofty, looking down on a city -doomed as Sodom was for sin. When we reached City Point within five -miles it was night, and the captain of the Trade Wind stated that he -did not think it safe to run up that night, as the rebels had guns -planted on the shore. We dropped anchor and waited the approach of -day. The boys slept soundly, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> sleep had fled from my eyes. The -morning of the 13th came, and we weighed anchor, and at 6 A.M. we found -our little transport safe at the wharf at Bermuda Hundred. We passed -City Point, and the troops went ashore and took up the line of march -for the General's headquarters. The day was intensely warm, and the -regiment marched five miles into Virginia, and not being accustomed -to marching they became weary, and most of the men threw away their -blankets. Being Regimental Orderly, I was detailed at Bermuda Hundred -till four o'clock, and then started for the regiment, which I reached -at 6 P.M. and found it encamped in the woods close to General Birney's -headquarters. The boys cheered me as I passed along the line on my way -to the Colonel's quarters. We remained there until 11 P.M. and received -an order to proceed to Deep Hollow. We marched until 2 A.M. and crossed -the pontoon bridge, and proceeding two miles farther passed ——; -halted in a corn field in the rear of the advanced pickets, and for the -first time laid on our arms in the open field. I lay near the Colonel, -with the reins of my horse tied to my wrist, my gun in my arms half -cocked, and in this position rested the night—the rebels being quite -close to us—within a stone's throw.</p> - -<p>The morning of the 14th inst. the Colonel sprang to his feet at 4 -o'clock and gave the order "Attention." The boys all arose from their -dusty beds, waiting for the order to load, expecting to take the -advance pickets, but at this juncture the General sent an order for him -to fall back to the fort at Malvern Hill. We got breakfast and the men -were stationary. All was quiet until one P.M., when the rebels attacked -the pickets that were stationed on the outposts. The Colonel gave the -order "Fall in." For the first time the boys put on their equipments -and fell in; and when the order was given "Forward," they rushed to -the battle in good order. Quite a battle took place, at which time a -number were killed and wounded on both sides, and we took a number of -prisoners.</p> - -<p>On the 15th inst. we remained quiet, with the exception of some -skirmishing. The 16th, we received orders to move the regiment and join -the 3d division 10th army corps, General Birney's brigade having at -this time fallen in with the 22d, 7th, 8th and 9th U.S. C. Troops, and -with the 29th they numbered 5,000. At 2 P.M. we took up our line of -march for Jones' landing. We crossed the pontoon bridge and marched up -the valley in a drenching rain, and in the midst of the deep mud the -boys were cheerful. We arrived at our place of destination at 7 P.M. -and rested in an open field in the rear of the advance pickets. The -boys stacked their arms and commenced putting up their shelter tents. -I took my tin cup and coffee, and prepared supper for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> the Colonel, -Lieut. Colonel, Major and Adjutant. After this I was at my wits end to -find a place for them to sleep; at last I formed this plan: I got nine -rails and laid three abreast and spread the blankets on them, and the -Colonel and Major laid down. The Lieut. Colonel laid on the ground. I -slept on the third tier, and being tired rested comfortably. The night -passed swiftly, and the morning of the 17th we rose early and got -breakfast, and awaited the order to advance to the front. At 10 A.M. we -halted in the woods, and the boys commenced clearing up to pitch their -tents, and while they were at work the General rode up at one P.M. and -told the Colonel to draw the division back to its former position, -which they did in good order. We got dinner and remained but a short -time, when the rebels commenced driving in our pickets, and the order -was given to "fall in," and the men fell in in good order, and rushed -to the battle; the 29th had the right centre, the 22d formed next to -the 29th on the right of the centre, the 7th on the left of the centre, -and the 9th in the centre. At the command "left flank," the whole -column marched at double quick. They halted at the woods, and quite -a battle took place, at which time our Lieut. Colonel was wounded in -the leg and his horse was shot from under him; he has since recovered. -We remained in line of battle till 12 o'clock, and to the surprise of -officers and men not a soldier of the 29th was killed or wounded, I -being the only one that a ball struck. While standing on an elevated -spot a rebel ball struck my hat and caused me to look around.</p> - -<p>On the 17th inst. the whole column moved back and remained all day -where Gen'l McClellan retreated from in the fall of 1861, twelve miles -from Richmond. We remained there until the 18th instant, and at 8 -P.M. the whole corps and 3d division moved down the valley. We halted -in an open field for two hours opposite the pontoon bridge crossing -the Chickahomney, at which time the order was given "Attention." The -whole regiment came in line, and when the order was given "Forward," -the column marched towards the bridge and halted on the bridge, on -account of a broken plank. The bridge being repaired, which detained -us an hour, we again took up the line of march and passed the general -headquarters, almost to our original position, and halted for the day -in an open field.</p> - -<p>The 19th instant we remained quiet. The 20th we started for the -front of Petersburg, and marched in a drenching rain to the forts on -the right of the Point of Rocks hospital. The 21st—came near being -flanked by the rebels, and marched back to Malvern Hill and repaired -breastworks. The 22d had quite a skirmish with the rebels, when we -were quite successful, killing and taking 75 prisoners, and had as -yet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> lost none of the 29th regiment in killed or wounded. We left on -the day of the 23d for the front of Petersburg again, and at 10 A.M. -crossed the James river on the pontoon bridge, and passed the heights -where the first New Jersey battery was stationed. We arrived in front -of Petersburg at 2 P.M. and were amused looking at the doomed city. The -rebels sent a shell, which passed over the regiment, and fell close to -the Colonel, who was sitting on his horse at the right of the brigade; -he gave the order "Attention," and countermarched the regiment and -fell back to the woods, and waited the order from the General, which -he received at 5 P.M. to fall back to the fort four miles distant, -to protect the pontoon bridge opposite the Point of Rocks, where we -arrived at 6 P.M. coming at almost double quick. On our return the -roadside was strewn with stragglers from different regiments, and -when the column met them they inquired the cause of our return, and -the reply of the boys was "the rebels are after us." It was a source -of laughter to us to find the stragglers falling in, and many of them -could out walk the well soldiers when they heard the rebels were -coming. We remained the night of the 23d at the fort in a drenching -rain, and the Johnnies did not come.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the 24th I found quite a number of my white friends -from home—Dr. Clark from Woodbury, N.J., and others. We were glad -to meet again alive, and talked of beloved friends at home, and the -morning passed rapidly and pleasantly to all. At one P.M. the order -came for the regiment to return to the front of Petersburg, when the -white soldiers seemed to regret that the 29th were going to leave the -fort. We took up our line of march and at 3 P.M. were again in front of -the land of Destruction, which was Petersburg. We halted in the rear -of Gen. Birney's headquarters and got supper, after which the regiment -moved to the rifle pits, with the exception of a few detailed men, of -which I was one. I was attracted by the remarks of a white soldier as -we left the fort. He looked at the colored troops and said, "Well, -they are taking those colored men to their slaughter pen in front of -Petersburg." Truly his saying was correct, for on the first night Co. -H felt the first stroke, having the first man killed out of the 29th -regiment. It was private Henry Mings, a native of Africa, who emigrated -to this country in 1862, and joined the 29th Connecticut Volunteers -Jan'y, 1864. He was very broken in speech, being a regular African, and -was, as is too often the case among soldiers, a very wicked man. He -died as he lived, a rebel to his God but true to this country.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> - -<p>On the 25th, Co. K felt the horrors of war. Private Samuel Burton was -killed, being shot through the head while moving the company; he was a -resident of Hartford, Conn. On the 26th Co. D felt the blow. Private -George Porter was shot in the shoulder, and died at the hospital four -days after. On the 27th Col. Wooster was brought in from the rifle pits -quite sick. The 28th we lost our first officer, a worthy man, who was -captured while out strengthening the pickets on the outpost. On the -29th we had two men killed, I could not ascertain their names, but they -belonged to Co. A. On the 30th we had two killed, one out of Co. B, and -one out of another company. The 31st we lost two men out of Co. E, and -one out of Co. K, private Chester Phillox.</p> - -<p>Sept. 1st, we struck tents in front of Petersburg, and took up our line -of march for our place of destination, unknown to all but the Generals. -When the line was drawn up, the colored troops of the 3d division, 10th -army corps, numbered 75,000, the 29th forming the centre. At 3 P.M. we -started on the main road leading direct to City Point, thinking we were -going by transport to some place of rest, but about 12 o'clock the same -night our hopes were blasted, when we took the left hand road leading -to Broadway Landing, and we soon found ourselves crossing the pontoon -bridge that brought us in the rear of Petersburg. Daylight found us on -the Old Market road leading direct to the front of Richmond. We marched -all night.</p> - -<p>Eight o'clock, on the morning of the 2d inst. found the whole brigade -engaged in front of the enemy; we drove them five miles, and at 1 P.M. -were inside the rebels' first line of works surrounding Richmond. We -had a hard battle, commencing at 2 P M., and had been engaged three -hours when a charge was made on two of the rebel forts. The left of the -line was charged by the 8th U.S.C. troops, supported by the 29th. The -centre was charged by the 9th Maryland, supported by the 7th U.S.C. -troops. The day was one long to be remembered; the rebels fought -hard, but the colored troops carried the day, and night found us in -the rebels' line of works. We lost quite a number of brave men and -among the wounded of the 29th was Capt. Thorpe and Lieut. McDonald; -we greatly regretted their loss, but to the surprise of all not one -of the 29th was killed; they all came out of the fight well. When I -looked upon the dead and wounded, it was awful to see the piles of legs -and arms that the surgeons cut off and threw in heaps on the ground. -We lay in front of the works all night, and the morning of the 3d we -had quite a warm reception. The bombarding was heavy on both sides, -and we could frequently see rebels carrying their dead and wounded out -of their trenches and forts. We had sev<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>eral wounded but none killed. -The Colonel being unable for duty, Major D. was in command, who was a -worthy and careful commander, and gained high praise from both officers -and men. The Colonel, officers and men generally, regretted the absence -of Lieut. Col. J.C. Ward, who was at that time sick at Fortress Monroe.</p> - -<p>The morning of the 4th inst. we moved on the left of the line, and -planted our flag under the rebel fire of grape and canister, bombshell -and musketry. When the rear guards came over the field the dead lay -strewed on the ground, but to my surprise we could find none of the -29th killed. The 5th inst. we rested in the rifle pits, with the -advance pickets thrown out in front of the third fort of the rebels; -nothing went on of importance, except the artillery fought a duel with -the rebel fort at long range. On the 6th instant, we remained still -in the breastworks. On the 7th we received orders to fall back to the -general headquarters to rest. The 29th had just reached their resting -place when a fight broke out in the centre, and they were ordered back -to the breastworks on double quick. On the 8th we remained at the -breastworks until 3 P.M. and then received orders to move on the right -to support the 45th at the fort on Lookout mountain. We arrived at -Lookout at 6 P.M., tired and weary, and hoped to encamp for the night, -but at 10 o'clock our hopes were blasted by an order, stating that the -29th must return to the front to support the 8th U.S. C. troops, then -laying in the breastworks. We remained at this post six days, when the -General ordered a scout to explore the woods in front of the rebels. -We left camp in front of the breastworks at two P.M. on the 14th inst. -and as we were accustomed to have it rain, the rain fell in torrents, -but General Birney gallantly led his band of the 3d division, 10th army -corps, numbering 75,000 colored troops. We arrived at our destination, -and the General ordered out the skirmishers, but whether he saw any -rebels, or saw too many of them to engage in a fight is yet a profound -secret, but the night of the 14th inst. found us back in camp in the -rear of the breastworks. The rain kept falling. The men were ordered -to have two days' rations and be ready to fall in at one A.M. in light -marching order, without knapsacks. Col. Ward, then in command of the -29th, said to me, "Hill, I would like you to be close to me, as I shall -want you early in the morning." At this I spread my blanket on the wet -ground and lay down to rest; sleep had fled from me, and as I looked at -the Colonel I could see a change in his countenance. Adjutant Spalding, -who had but lately rejoined the regiment, was also with us. There -seemed to be an uneasiness among the field officers. The morning of -the 15th inst. rolled round, and at 3 o'clock the line was formed and -gradually<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> moved off to the right, and as we marched along the Captain -of Co. D commenced singing "Are there no foes for me to face? Must I -not stem the flood? Is this vain world a friend to grace, to help me -on to God?" These sublime words oftentimes cheered the moving column -as it marched through the dreary roads of Virginia. When the glorious -sun arose it found us on the extreme right of the front, three miles -from Richmond, where the white troops were repulsed on the 6th inst. -The column was halted and drawn up in line of battle in front of the -woods, the white troops on the right, and the colored troops on the -left, the 8th and 29th forming in the centre, the 29th supporting the -8th. They entered the woods, and immediately attacked the enemy, and at -8 A.M. the battle became general along the whole line, and many a brave -soldier fell, killed or wounded. Among them were thirteen of the 29th. -The Adjutant fell wounded early in the engagement; Corporal George -Burr, Co. L, Corporal Sidney of Co. H, private Joseph Halstead of Co. -D, killed instantly. George E. Peters wounded in the side, Sergeant -James Evans wounded in the foot by a piece of shell. To my regret, -George Halstead was left on the field dead.</p> - -<p>A very striking instance came to my notice through the course of the -day of the 16th. A private of the 8th U.S.C. troops was wounded in the -head early in the engagement and brought to the rear. I found him lying -in his blood, and he would have died in this condition but I lifted him -up and raised his head. I went to my post, and at 1 P.M. returned, and -found him still alive, and when making some inquiries I learned that no -doctor had given him any attention, and inquired to know the cause of -this neglect. I made some stir about the case, and corn fodder and had -him laid on it and put by the fire. When the wounded were moved back he -was taken along and was soon in a condition to be sent to the hospital, -with hopes of his recovery. Many of like cases could be saved by a -little care and attention after the battle, but the complexion and rank -of a man has a great bearing. There was a great distinction made among -the wounded, so much so that it would make the heart of any christian -ache to see men treated so like brutes.</p> - -<p>On the evening of the 15th, at 5 o'clock, the cannon was sounded -for the army to fall back while the artillery spoke destruction and -slaughter to the rebels; we fell back, the cavalry covering our -retreat. The colored troops wore the first to go into the fight and -the last to come off the field. With what eagerness I looked for the -flag of the 29th, and at last I saw it floating among the pines; and -truly my heart leaped with joy when I once more saw the colors of our -Regiment.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> The-night found us back in camp, in the rear of our former -position.</p> - -<p>All was quiet in front of Richmond, from the 15th until the evening of -the 28th inst., when we received the information that the 10th Army -Corps had light marching orders, and as it was in our former marches, -different rumors prevailed. The Companies left their knapsacks at their -company quarters, and the morning of the 29th, at 4 o'clock, we were -on the march for the field of battle, which we reached at 6 o'clock; -the 8th formed in line in front of the enemy, the 18th formed on the -right, the 10th Corps, to which my Regiment belonged, was in the -centre. The 29th Regiment was put out on a skirmish in the advance to -charge the rifle pits. At the time of this battle, the highest officer -in the 29th was a Captain; the Colonel was home on a sick leave; the -Lieut. Colonel, W.C. Ward, was promoted Colonel of the 41st U.S., and -the Major was sick in camp. We mourned the loss of our field officers, -but Captain Camp, of Co. D, took the position of Major and formed the -line, and said to us, "Boys, we have got to fight to-day; do the best -you can; do your duty and I will stand by you till the last; will you -stand by me?" The boys replied, "we will stand by you till the last." -The Captain said: "Be careful and keep in line and obey the orders," -"Forward, double quick;" and the regiment charged the rebel rifle pits -and carried the works, and held them twenty-four hours. This was one -of the most desperate battles of the campaign. We lost in the fight -one hundred men killed and wounded. The 29th Colored Regiment covered -themselves with great praise given them from all the officers. General -Birney greatly complimented it for bravery in the battle. One of our -first Orderly Sergeants of Co. D, named Spencer, captured three rebel -prisoners. The fight lasted from 6 in the morning until 7 P.M.</p> - -<p>The morning of the 30th, while the regiment lay on the rebel works, -they shot away a 50 pounder. They received forty rounds of cartridge -and rose up and stormed the rebels' main works, and then received -orders to fall back, which they did in good order, and the evening of -the 30th found us safe back again in front of Richmond. We were called -to mourn the loss of Mr. Charles Bentley of Co. A, who fell in the -early part of the engagement with a ball in his breast, a champion of -liberty and a noble christian; also James Spriggs of Co. F, and 13 -others who fell asleep on the field of battle.</p> - -<p>Oct. 16, 1864. All was quiet up to this date. 3d division 10th army -corps, 29th regiment, Gen. Birney's brigade. To the surprise of the -regiment we were presented with the United States national colors, -which greatly pleased the boys. The flag was presented by the Major -of the 45th U.S.C. troops to Lieut. Col. W.C. Ward in a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> pleasing -manner, and in his statement he spoke of the bravery of the 29th in the -battle of the 15th inst., to which Lieut. Col. Ward replied, "I am no -speech-maker, but I have 672 guns that will speak for me when occasion -requires better than I can, and they are ready whenever called for." -Notwithstanding this pleasant incident, quite a mourning sensation -occurred in the regiment on the 19th inst. While on dress parade Lieut. -Col. Ward made a very feeling and parting address to the 29th regiment, -and told them he was promoted to Colonel of the 41st U.S.C. troops. He -said, "I intend to leave you in 24 hours. I would rather stay with the -29th, but duty demands it and I must obey." Truly, these remarks fell -upon the ears of the boys with tremendous weight.</p> - -<p>Col. W.C. Ward was generally beloved by the 29th regiment for his -gentlemanly and good discipline, and his careful protection of his -men. He was careful never to order the private to go where he was not -willing to go himself, and for these traits the men loved him. He was -in command of the regiment at the absence of Col. Wooster, and he led -it in and out of two battles with the loss of few men, and this made -us regard him as a leader we could look up to. While we were quartered -in the breastworks in front of Richmond, Col. Ward was mounted on -his horse, and I rode in the rear of him, and when we halted a rebel -sharpshooter shot at him just as he dismounted, and the ball went -through his hat. Col. Ward never flinched, but came to "attention," -and said "Well, Hill, I believe that was meant for me, but he did not -get me this time." This was during the first day's fight, and he had -not had his boots off for five days, and slept on the ground with his -men, faring as they did. Sometimes I would get him to take my blanket -to keep him warm, as I would rather do without it myself than see my -officers uncared for. But he left us, and no one felt his loss more -than I, for I was his first Orderly. When he came to the 29th regiment -as Captain of Co. E, I was promoted by him to Regimental Orderly, and I -was the last to escort him to his regiment, and with reluctance I left -him Colonel of the 41st U.S. regiment, encamped in the rear of the 29th -in front of Richmond.</p> - -<p>On the 5th of November I left camp in front of Richmond and went -on business to Bermuda Hundred, and to my surprise I received the -intelligence at 10 A.M. that the 29th regiment had moved to Malvern -Heights, one mile from Spring Hill, Virginia. After attending to the -business entrusted to my care I mounted my horse and started for -regiment, then laying at the fort, this being the first time the -regiment ever moved without my being with it. At 9 P.M. I found the -regiment in the forts on Malvern Hill in good spirits. The regiment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> -was divided in four different forts in the immediate front of the -rebels. All was quiet up to Nov. 8th, at which date we ranked in the -second division, 10th army corps, the 29th yet in the forts at Malvern -Hill. Nothing of importance occurred up to the 3d of December, when -we received moving orders at 4 P.M. and at that time the tents were -struck. This was on the Sabbath, and the relief did not arrive until -Monday. The 5th inst. at 10 A.M. we took up our line of march for a -destination unknown to us. All kinds of rumors prevailed among the -boys. Leaving comfortable quarters they had constructed, they did -not feel pleasant about going, but 2 P.M. found us on the left of -Fort Harrison in the centre of the line, the latter place being quite -inferior to our old company ground. When halted the boys went busily -to work at fixing up as usual, carrying timber and putting up their -cabins. They all worked busily until Tuesday evening at nine o'clock, -when there came an order stating that the 29th should pack up with -two days' rations. The hearts of the boys were sad enough before, but -when they heard of having marching orders they felt worse. We packed -up but did not start; and Wednesday, the 7th inst., found us still in -camp, in front of the rebs in a drenching rain. The same day found us -somewhat changed—the colored regiments all being consolidated in the -2d division, 3d brigade, 25th army corps. A number of detached men were -taken from the regiments. I was detailed at headquarters as Brigade -Postmaster. I felt somewhat strange in the new office, but I entered -upon my duties with a willing heart. All was quiet along the line, with -the exception of the Johnnies cheering. The evening of the 8th inst. -the advance pickets were fired on.</p> - -<p>January 1st, 1865.—Fort Burmen, in front of Richmond. The closing of -1864 passed off up to this date with frequent picket firing, our boys -taking their regular turn. On the 8th of January the rebels fired on -the pickets on the left of the line; the 29th at the sound fell in line -in their entrenchments waiting to receive the Johnnies, but they failed -to make an attack. We lay under marching orders up to the 13th inst. -when Col. W.B. Wooster received orders to move his headquarters in the -rear of the 29th regiment.</p> - -<p>All remained quiet up to the 23d, when at 8 P.M. the rebel fleet moved -down the James river towards the Dutch Gap, and commenced firing on -fort Bradley, which was kept up all night. On the 24th inst., at 2 -P.M., the clerk came to me and stated that there was an order to go -out to the picket line, but neither of the Orderlies whose duty it -was, wished to go, and seeing their dissatisfaction, I volunteered and -went out to the advance picket line. 8 A.M. found the whole line drawn -up in their entrenchments, under cannonading at long range, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> the -reinforcement in the rear in line of battle. The shelling was terrific -all day; I went into the basement of the house used for general -quarters at 2 P.M., where I formerly stayed. There was five of us in -the basement, and a stray shell from the rebel gunboat came through -the window and burst, passing over me and tearing out everything in -the basement, but to the surprise of all, none of us were killed or -wounded. This was a wonderful deliverance from God. The provost guard -in front of general quarters, having knowledge of my being in the -house at the time of the explosion, all exclaimed, "Hill is killed." A -very intimate friend of mine, Mr. Jordan Jones, said "Boys, Hill is in -the basement, and who will go in with me to bring out his remains." A -little boy by the name of Thomas Watson was with me, and when I heard -the shell coming I took him in my arms. After the explosion I shook -him to see if he were yet alive, when Tommy commenced kicking. I said, -"Boys, follow me;" and the next moment I made my appearance on the back -stoop facing the breastworks, just as they were coming in to see if we -were dead. As I came out the boys all cheered. I felt much stunned, and -found my hearing dull.</p> - -<p>There was a duel fought at long range on the 28th, at which time a -shell sent from the rebel ram came through my quarters tearing out -everything in the room, but my life was spared through the mercy of -God. On the 7th of Feb'y my heart gladdened, for I received a furlough -of twenty days to return home to see my beloved family and many -precious friends. I started the same day on board the transport Weldon -for City Point. I went from there to Fortress Monroe, from Fortress -Monroe to Annapolis, and from there to Washington city by cars, where -I arrived on Friday the 10th inst. at 9 A.M. I remained there until 6 -P.M. and then left in the cars for home; reaching Philadelphia at 12 -o'clock: I put up with Mr. Samuel Williams until Saturday morning the -11th inst. At 3 P.M. I hit Philadelphia in a boat at Walnut street -wharf for Camden, and there took the cars for Woodbury, N.J., where I -arrived and had the pleasure of embracing my beloved family. Truly the -meeting was one long to be remembered, I remained at home four days, -and then visited Trenton, N.J., where I had many kind friends. On -Monday I returned home again and remained with my family and friends; -everything was delightful, and truly a great change from camp life, -where I had spent one year and one month in the service. On the 24th -instant at 8 o'clock I bid my beloved wife and two children adieu; one -of my children was three years and six months old, and the other six -months. When the last moment came never in my life did I experience -such emotions, and no one but a husband and father can imagine what -they were, as I looked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> upon my family as I supposed for the last time -in life. Never shall I forget that last farewell. The wagon that bore -me away began to move and my eyes were fastened on my home until it -was lost in the distance. I landed in Philadelphia at 10 o'clock, and -there bid my father-in-law good bye, with the intention of going to -Baltimore, but when I arrived in the city I was detained by my friends. -Mr. Brown, in South street, made a reception for me at 8 P.M. I went -there at the specified time, and found a great many of my devoted -friends to pay, as they supposed, the last tribute to one they loved, -and a defender of the country. I remained in the city until Tuesday -the 25th, and at one P.M. I left the residence of Mrs. Young for Broad -and Prime sts., where I took the cars for Baltimore, and arrived there -at 5 P.M. I was escorted to the soldiers' refreshment saloon, where -I partook of the hospitality of kind friends, after which I inquired -of the friends if any of them could take me to the residence of Rev'd -W.D. Schureman. One of the ladies kindly took me there, and I found he -had gone to a fair then going on in his church. I went there and found -him and his lady; they received me as a brother and introduced me to a -great many of his congregation. I spent the evening pleasantly, but in -the midst of the great throng I thought of my home and dear family that -I had left behind. After the fair closed I went home with Mr. Schureman -and his wife, and stayed all night. I spent the next morning with -Mr. Schureman in his library talking over old times until 9 o'clock, -when we went to the Provost Marshal's and got my transportation for -Fortress Monroe, where I arrived on Thursday the 27th, after a lonesome -ride with a burdened heart. I arrived in camp at the expiration of my -furlough.</p> - -<p>At 10 A.M. on the 29th inst. we moved from the breastworks on the -left of Fort Harrison to the hill in the centre, where we built a -tower overlooking the rebel works into Richmond. We remained there -four weeks, and on the 27th of March we moved again. Part of the 29th -rested in Fort Harrison and the 2d Brigade in the white house, known -as General Birney's headquarters. All was quiet here until the 1st of -April, when all was in readiness, and the order was given to strike -tents and move on to Richmond. During Sunday night the brigade was out -in line of battle, and at three o'clock in the morning the rebels blew -up three gun boats and commenced vacating their works in our front. At -5 A.M. the troops commenced to advance on the rebel works—the 29th -taking the advance, the 9th U.S.C. troops next. Soon refugees from the -rebels came in by hundreds. Col. W.B. Wooster passed them about, and -made them go before the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> regiment and dig up the torpedoes that were -left in the ground to prevent the progress of the Union army. They -were very numerous, but to the surprise of officers and men, none of -the army were injured by them. On our march to Richmond we captured -500 pieces of artillery, some of the largest kind, 6,000 stand of -small arms, and the prisoners I was not able to number. The road was -strewed with all kinds of obstacles, and men were lying all along the -distance of seven miles. The main body of the army went up the New -Market road. The 29th skirmished all the way, and arrived in the city -at 7 A.M., and were the first infantry that entered the city; they went -at double quick most of the way. When Col. Wooster came to Main st. he -pointed his sword at the capitol, and said "Double quick, march," and -the company charged through the main street to the capitol and halted -in the square until the rest of the regiment came up. Very soon after -the arrival of the white troops the colored troops were moved on the -out-skirts of the city, and as fast as the white troops came in the -colored troops were ordered out, until we occupied the advance. The -white troops remained in the city as guards. We remained on the outpost.</p> - -<p>The 3d instant President Lincoln visited the city. No triumphal march -of a conqueror could have equalled in moral sublimity the humble -manner in which he entered Richmond. I was standing on the bank of -the James river viewing the scene of desolation when a boat, pulled -by twelve sailors, came up the stream. It contained President Lincoln -and his son, Admiral Porter, Captain ——, of the Army, Captain ——, -of the Navy, Lieut. W.W. ——, of the Signal Corps. In some way the -colored people on the bank of the river ascertained that the tall -man wearing the black hat was President Lincoln. There was a sudden -shout and clapping of hands. I was very much amused at the plight of -one officer who had in charge fifty colored men to put to work on -the ruined buildings; he found himself alone, for they left work and -crowded to see the President. As he approached I said to a woman, -"Madam, there is the man that made you free." She exclaimed, "Is that -President Lincoln?" My reply was in the affirmative. She gazed at him -with clasped hands and said, "Glory to God. Give Him the praise for his -goodness," and she shouted till her voice failed her.</p> - -<p>When the President landed there was no carriage near, neither did he -wait for one, but leading his son, they walked over a mile to Gen'l -Weitzel's headquarters at Jeff. Davis' mansion, a colored man acting -as guide. Six soldiers dressed in blue, with their carbines, were the -advanced guards. Next to them came President Lincoln and son, and -Admiral Porter, flanked by the other officer right and left. Then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> came -a correspondent, and in the rear were six sailors with carbines. Then -followed thousands of people, colored and white. What a spectacle! I -never witnessed such rejoicing in all my life. As the President passed -along the street the colored people waved their handkerchiefs, hats and -bonnets, and expressed their gratitude by shouting repeatedly, "Thank -God for his goodness; we have seen his salvation." The white soldiers -caught the sound and swelled the numbers, cheering as they marched -along. All could see the President, he was so tall. One woman standing -in a doorway as he passed along shouted, "Thank you, dear Jesus, for -this sight of the great conqueror." Another one standing by her side -clasped her hands and shouted, "Bless the Lamb—Bless the Lamb." -Another one threw her bonnet in the air, screaming with all her might, -"Thank you, Master Lincoln." A white woman came to a window but turned -away, as if it were a disgusting sight. A few white women looking out -of an elegant mansion waved their handkerchiefs. President Lincoln -walked in silence, acknowledging the salute of officers and soldiers, -and of the citizens, colored and white. It was a man of the people -among the people. It was a great deliverer among the delivered. No -wonder tears came to his eyes when he looked on the poor colored people -who were once slaves, and heard the blessings uttered from thankful -hearts and thanksgiving to God and Jesus. They were earnest and -heartfelt expressions of gratitude to Almighty God, and thousands of -colored men in Richmond would have laid down their lives for President -Lincoln. After visiting Jeff. Davis' mansion he proceeded to the rebel -capitol and from the steps delivered a short speech, and spoke to the -colored people as follows:</p> - -<p>"In reference to you, colored people, let me say God has made you -free. Although you have been deprived of your God-given rights by your -so-called masters, you are now as free as I am, and if those that claim -to be your superiors do not know that you are free, take the sword and -bayonet and teach them that you are—for God created all men free, -giving to each the same rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of -happiness."</p> - -<p>The gratitude and admiration amounting almost to worship, with which -the colored people of Richmond received the President must have deeply -touched his heart. He came among the poor unheralded, without pomp -or pride, and walked through the streets, as if he were a private -citizen more than a great conqueror. He came not with bitterness in -his heart, but with the olive leaf of kindness, a friend to elevate -sorrow and suffering, and to rebuild what had been destroyed. The 6th -inst. General Weitzel's headquarters were moved to a large<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> mansion -on the north corner of Franklin and 4th streets. Here the hearts of -the detached men were made glad with the expectation of remaining -sometime, but our hopes were soon blasted when the General told me that -on Tuesday the 11th, we should move to Petersburg. On Tuesday morning -the 25th corps moved by regiments to the regret of all, both white -and colored. As we moved down Main street to Broad, I could hear what -the rebels said as they stood on the corners in the drenching rain. -They expressed their feelings freely, saying "We never were protected -until the colored troops came here. They treat us better than our -own troops did." We moved in the drenching rain and marched on the -Petersburg turnpike within two miles of Petersburg. Nothing of interest -occurred up to the 16th of April, when we received the terrible news -that President Lincoln was dead. He was stricken down by the hand of -the assassin on Friday evening, April 14th, 1865, while in company -with his family at Ford's Theatre, in Washington, D.C. The fatal shot -was fired by John Wilkes Booth. This was four years after the opening -shot was fired upon Fort Sumter, and on the very day when the same old -union flag that was then taken down again floated over the Fort. This -good and God-fearing President died on the morning of the 15th of April -at half-past seven o'clock, and he bore to heaven the fetters of four -millions of slaves, and I think I can hear him say to the Father of all -good spirits, "These are they that came up through great tribulation." -He was meek, like the Lord and Savior, and forgave his enemies to the -last. I fancy I can almost hear him say in his dying moments, "Father, -forgive them, for they know not what they do." No class of people feel -his death as the colored people do, for we have lost the best friend -we had on earth, our great deliverer. He has done all a President -could do for the poor colored race, and in speaking of him let me, in -conclusion, adopt the language of the poet:</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 35%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">"Sleep brave warrior, sleep:</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Thy toils and fears are o'er;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Around the living stream of bliss,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">May we meet where parting is no more."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>About the 25th instant we left camp near Petersburg for Camp Lincoln -near City Point, when we lead a sort of idle camp life until the 6th of -June, when the 25th corps, 1st division, 2d brigade, received orders to -march to the City Point wharf, and there we halted and laid down until -the morning of the 7th inst. and at 9 o'clock embarked on board the De -Molay, bound for Norfolk. General Russell and staff came on board and -bid our officers good bye. Col. W.B. Wooster also came and saw us off. -We left many kind and weeping<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> friends standing on the wharf bidding us -God speed, and wishing us a safe return. As these friends stood on the -wharf they waved their handkerchiefs and cheered us until their voices -were lost in the distance, and we were gliding swiftly down the James. -We reached Fortress Monroe at 5 P.M., and then proceeded to Norfolk. -We spent the day quite pleasantly. Col. Sadrick and the officers -generally were in the best of spirits. The only lady on board was the -wife of Captain Smith. The 9th U.S. regiment was the regiment selected -by the commanding Colonel to accompany the 1st division, 2d brigade, -25th corps, but they greatly violated their trust in the harbor at -Norfolk, and endeavored to commit a mutiny. Some of the leaders of this -mutiny were arrested, and among than were Sergeant Daniel Elsley, and -six others. The men generally were unruly, and repeatedly threatened -my life, saying that I favored the officers taking them to Texas. The -general life of the men was swearing, gambling and dancing. We arrived -at Norfolk at 8 P.M. and anchored for the night. With a burdened heart -I laid down in the hinder part of the ship, while the starry decked -heavens formed my covering. While I lay thinking of my beloved family -and many kind friends I fell asleep, and had pleasant dreams of home -and loved ones there, which were very soon disturbed by a row among the -men in the forward hatch, who had been put under guard because they -refused to obey orders.</p> - -<p>The morning of the 8th the sun rose beautifully. Everything was quiet -on board and the day past off pleasantly. The 9th found us still in -harbor, and the men again endeavored to be unruly. The cause of their -uneasiness and all the disturbance was this: they thought the officers -were going to take them to Cuba and sell them, and the reason they -continually threatened me was because they thought I knew all about it. -But I held my passion and allowed them to think as they pleased. I give -great praise to Col. Gennett of the 9th U.S. regiment for the manner -in which he endeavored to find out the leaders of the mutiny. I kept a -strict lookout and put my trust in God.</p> - -<p>On the 10th instant I visited Norfolk, and found the colored people -generally doing well. I met with Rev. J.M. Brown, of the A.M. E. -Church, one of my old friends. He treated me very kindly, and we spent -a pleasant time together. He introduced me to some of the brethren of -the church. On the 11th, by general order, I went to Fortress Monroe -and got the mail and remained there all night at a boarding house. -The morning of the 12th inst. I returned to Norfolk and went on board -the transport De Molay in the evening, and found all glad to see me, -both officers and men. Sabbath I visited the churches in Norfolk, -and was much pleased to hear Elder J.M. Brown<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> in the morning. I -was also greatly pleased to see the Sabbath School, numbering 800; -they sang beautifully. At 4 P.M. I preached on board the transport -to the officers and men of the 9th U.S. regiment; my text was "For -the wages of sin is death," and good attention was given by all. I -had an appointment to preach to Rev. J.M. Brown's people, but I gave -the appointment to Rev. Dr. Garnet of Washington. The officers and -Chaplain of the 9th Colored regiment went to hear him; he spoke most -delightfully from the passage "Run and speak to that young man." On -Monday, the 13th inst., I visited Portsmouth and found the colored -people there doing well and engaged in many ways to procure a living. I -found some of the 29th boys in the hospital. On Tuesday I again went to -Portsmouth and spent a part of the day, and then went over to Norfolk -and back to Fortress Monroe, where I met many of my old officers of the -29th, and as usual, all were glad to see me. The 29th was then on the -transport Blackstone, then laying in the harbor opposite the fort. When -I passed in the mail steamer the men gave me three cheers. At 7 P.M. I -returned to Norfolk and went on board the De Molay. On Wednesday, the -14th inst., we weighed anchor and soon the De Molay was stemming the -tide; we went to Fortress Monroe and joined the rest of the transports -of the fleet, five in number. We remained there two hours for me to -get the mail, and 2 P.M. found us bound for Texas, where we expected -to arrive in fifteen days. We passed Cape Hatteras light house at 5 -P.M., and the ocean was calm and beautiful. We passed Cape Henry light -house at 4 P.M. Thursday morning, the 15th inst., found us out of sight -of land, and we were much amused at seeing the sun come up out of the -great waters. We had a pleasant sail, the sea was calm and beautiful -and the officers amused themselves by fishing, and caught some six feet -in length.</p> - -<p>Friday morning, the 16th, all well on board, we were greatly impressed -with the wonderful power of God, as it was manifested on every hand. We -were sailing due east with a fresh breeze. The only thing that had been -visible for two day was a small schooner off to the right. The 17th -inst. was quite hot on board the transport as the sea was calm. In the -evening we had a shower. Saturday, the 18th, we were still out at sea -and out of sight of land. The day passed off nicely; the sea continued -calm, and as yet I had not been sea-sick, which was quite remarkable -for me. The night of the 18th was cool and clear, and we discovered a -light off to the right. After taps I soon lay me down on the deck.</p> - -<p>Sabbath morning, the 19th inst., was beautiful and clear with a good -breeze, and the sailors put out all sail, and to the joy of both<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> -officers and men, we were able to see the land of Newfoundland coast. -We passed Gibraltar light house at the inlet, at 9 o'clock on the -morning of the 19th inst. Amidst the pleasant scenery of the voyage, -my thoughts ofttimes turned to my beloved family and friends at home, -separated from me by the great waters rolling between. The 20th inst., -it was still clear and calm, and found us sailing off the coast of -Florida Reefs.</p> - -<p>We passed the 29th regiment, which was on board the transport -Blackstone that had been disabled and was laying at anchor, but when we -came alongside, they got up steam and followed us, and on the morning -of the 21st, she was close in sight. We saw a great many small sail -boats. The 22d found us off the coast of Alabama, and in the evening -we were out of sight of land. Notwithstanding we had been at sea only -seven days, we began to be anxious to get on land, which we expected -to gain in two days more. On the 23d the men began to get restless, -and complained bitterly when the water gave out and we had to drink -condensed water. Those being accustomed to sea-sickness were generally -well up to this date; there were only 10 sick out of 750 men and 25 -officers.</p> - -<p>The officers generally amused themselves by fishing, and they caught -some of the largest kind. The 25th found us still on the De Molay, -out of sight of land. The officers spent quite a time on board the -De Molay, the night of the 25th. Thinking it to be the last night -they gave vent to their feelings, and kept up until 3 A.M. They would -not sleep, and would not let any one on board sleep. The chaplain of -the 9th U.S. endeavored to get them to stop, but they went on more -vigorous, seeming to be gratified that they found some one they could -annoy. They went on until they finally fell asleep. The morning of the -26th found us in Mobile Bay in sight of Fort Warren. There were a great -many transports laying in the harbor.</p> - -<p>We were glad to see land. Fort Gaines lay at our right and Fort Morgan -at our left. After we passed these forts we turned and anchored at -10 A.M. The scenery around the Fortress was beautiful. The gun boats -lay in the stream in great numbers. We hoped to gain camp here at -Mobile, but at 12 M. our hopes were blasted by an order from Colonel -Sadrick to go to New Orleans. We hoped to gain that place in two days -sail. We passed the light-house on the right and the scenery was most -delightful; we frequently saw groups of small trees growing by the edge -of the water. We glided down the stream and soon found ourselves wrapt -in the shades of night, which was beautiful to behold, and like nature -we were soon wrapt in the arms of sleep, and all cares of the world -were over.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> - -<p>The morning of the 27th found us generally well and in good spirits. We -were out of sight of land. The day was beautiful. Nothing of interest -occurred, but the usual sport of fishing by the officers. At 6 P.M. -we hove in sight of land and entered the channel leading up to New -Orleans. At 8 P.M. we anchored for the night. The morning of the 28th -was beautiful and clear. We passed a great many small vessels and at -9 A.M. came in sight of Fort Jackson and Fort Phillips. When a signal -was fired from the fort we had to come to until we were boarded by an -officer from the fort, who informed Col. Sadrick that the 2d division -could not go to New Orleans, neither could any of the officers or men -be permitted to go without a general order from General Grant. This was -quite a shock, as the officers and men had greatly anticipated spending -some time in New Orleans. The officers permitted us to go up to the -fort, but not to disembark without orders. There we were compelled -to lay on board until the Colonel could telegraph to Washington to -General Grant. We had run out of coal, wood and oil, and the transport -Blackstone was disabled, on which was the 29th colored regiment, and -could not go any farther.</p> - -<p>Fort Jackson is a large construction, mounting seventy guns of the -largest calibre. The ravine round the fort is two miles long and very -strongly fortified. At this fort were a great many alligators, and we -went on shore and amused ourselves by catching them until prevented by -the guard around the fort. Fort Phillips lies opposite Fort Jackson -on the right of the Mississippi, and is the place where the rebels -committed the great outrage on the colored soldiers. It is a large -fort mounting sixty large guns and the small ones I did not number, -but there were a great many of them. The 10th U.S. heavy artillery was -guarding these forts and looked well. I could not help thinking of the -cruelty that had been done to the poor colored soldiers here at this -spot; although a month had passed it was fresh to me.</p> - -<p>At 6 o'clock on the evening of the 29th the despatch came from General -Grant to Col. Sadrick to take the Blackstone and go to New Orleans -and get her repaired, and get coal and oil. Nothing but the staff -officers were allowed to go along. This caused some dissatisfaction, -but they had to submit. The 29th was landed at Fort Phillips, and on -Saturday the 30th inst. with Col. W.B. Wooster of the 29th, Lieut. -Col. Torance, Adjutant Spalding and lady, Lieut. Leonard and lady, -Capt. Griswell and lady, Lieut. M.D. Lee, and a few more of the 29th -officers, we proceeded up the Mississippi towards New Orleans. There -were but three colored men allowed to go; these belonged to Colonel -Sadrick's headquarters, and I was one of the lucky men. The day passed -very pleasantly—Col. W.B. Wooster having his string<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> band on board; in -the evening the officers got up a dance, and amused themselves until -a late hour, when we laid down to sleep, resting securely in the arms -of hope. The morning of the 31st at six o'clock, found us at the wharf -in New Orleans. I proceeded with Col. Sadrick and staff to the St. -Charles hotel, where they took rooms. This was one of the largest and -best hotels in the city, and a great many officers stopped there. I was -much pleased with the hotel, but it being Sabbath I left and started to -find the house of God; that was the disposition of my mind. Very much -to my surprise when going up Congress st. I met a colored friend, and I -asked him if he could tell me where the minister of the A.M. E. Church -stopped. He pointed to a door and said "In there." I went in and to my -surprise and joy found Rev. William A. Dove, one of my old friends. He -treated me very kindly, and I took a seat and we had a chat over old -things, while he was getting ready for church. I told him I wanted a -place to board, and up to this time I had no breakfast. He took me to -sister Vance's and introduced me; she made me welcome and got me a good -breakfast; I found her to be much of a lady. I went to church and found -Rev. Mr. Dove on the stand and was much pleased with his discourse -from the passage of scripture, "But having faith we can withstand the -wiles of the Devil:" he did justice to the subject. In the afternoon I -went to the same church at 4 o'clock to hear one of the natives of New -Orleans; his text was in Numbers, "If God be God, serve him; if Baal, -serve him." He did well. The appointment was then given out for me to -preach in the evening at 7 o'clock. I went according to appointment -and found the house crowded to excess with all classes, both white and -colored, very eager to hear the soldier. I took my text in Isaiah, 3d -chap. 10th verse, "Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with -him." We had a good time; surely the Lord was with us and blessed us, -and I felt the power of my station. When we adjourned I went to my -lodging place at Mrs. Vance's.</p> - -<p>On Monday, the 1st of July, I was visited by some old friends from -Philadelphia—Dr. Rock, Prof. Seymore, Prof. Murray and the chorister. -We all met at Capt. Ingram's and spent some time together. I was glad -to meet them and they to meet me. We parted and met again at 3 P.M. at -dinner and spent a good time. After dinner I went out to visit the city -and made several very pleasant calls.</p> - -<p>Tuesday, the 2d, I again met my friends at Mrs. Vance's, and spent -a part of the day. I often went to the St. Charles hotel to see my -officers; and Wednesday, the 3d, the Colonel informed me that we should -leave the next morning. Accordingly the next morning, 4th<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> of July, we -went on board the Blackstone. The only demonstration made in honor of -the great national day was the firing of cannons on the gun boats. At -8 o'clock we were stemming the rapid tide down the Mississippi. When -we were six miles from New Orleans the transport took fire and caused -great confusion among both passengers and crew. The little life boats -were lowered and all the ladies got into them but Mrs. Torance, and she -stood on the deck to watch the result. When the word was given that the -fire was out, and when the confusion was over we got up steam and went -on our way rejoicing. We arrived at Fort Phillips at 5 P.M., got the -balance of the 29th regiment, and then went to the De Molay, laying at -the mouth of the inlet which we reached at 8 P.M., and went on board. -We waited until the morning of the 5th inst. and then got up steam and -started for Brazos Santiago, Texas. The gulf was very rough, and I was -taken sick soon after we started. The 6th inst. found me still sick. -The 7th we reached Brazos and disembarked, and the moment I got on -shore I was better. Brazos has a miserable sandy beach. At that time -the headquarters of the 25th corps were standing in water knee deep. We -remained at this post two days. It was the most miserable place I ever -saw. Here our suffering just commenced. The colored troops were landing -hourly almost famished for the want of water, and it was cruel no water -was provided but condensed water, and but little of that. The poor -soldiers suffered greatly, for the means of making condensed water were -so limited that not more than 5,000 could be applied at one time, and -there were more than 10,000 soldiers there, and for what we did have we -paid ten cents per canteen. The troops were kept on forage during their -two days stay at this point. The 8th inst. I went to the landing and -the Mexicans had got a boat and brought barrels of water out of the Rio -Grande, and the Provost Marshal had given them a guard of colored men -to sell the water to the soldiers for ten cents a canteen. Col. Sadrick -became indignant at the situation of his command and the fare they had -to put up with, and went to the commanding General, Weitzel, and asked -permission to move his troops from Brazos, which was granted, and in -the evening of the 8th inst. we took up our line of march for White -Rench on the Rio Grande, a distance of ten miles, where we arrived at 1 -A.M. We had a hard march through mud up to our knees, and water in some -place four feet deep and a mile long. When we arrived at White Rench -the poor soldiers were almost famished for the want of water, and they -rushed on to the bank, it gave way, and seven of the third division -were drowned. The Rio Grande is noted for the rapidity of its waters -and is always muddy. We soon went to sleep and in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> morning I arose -early, and the first object that attracted my attention was a drowned -man floating down the stream. When the sun rose I took a look over the -country and not a tree was to be seen as far as the eye could behold, -and in fact we had not seen a single one in our ten miles march from -Brazos to White Rench. We remained in camp the 9th inst. until 5 P.M. -when the order was given to the 2d division to get ready to move to -Brownsville, twenty-eight miles distant. At this time the sore trial -began with both officers and men, about their knapsacks and baggage; -not a horse could be furnished to the commanders or wagons either, -except one to each regiment. When the brigade was ready to move, Col. -Sadrick came up to me and said, "Hill, you had better stay here with -my things a few days as the roads are bad and very muddy: I will leave -Lieut. Hamilton with you, and you can come up on the boat." Being -somewhat fatigued I was glad to comply.</p> - -<p>When the division moved I stood and looked after the column until the -line was lost to view, and then I returned to my lonely tent, and it -appeared as if I were the only living man in Texas. During the evening -some friends called on me from the 31st colored regiment and we spent -the evening as pleasantly as we could, the theme of our conversation -being our beloved friends at home and our dissatisfaction at what we -had seen of Texas. When my friends left for their camp I lay down on my -lonesome bed to sleep, having the starry decked heavens for my canopy -and the green earth for my pillow.</p> - -<p>The morning of the 10th I arose at 4 o'clock, and as was my habit, I -took a walk up the river. The sun arose beautifully and clear with a -pleasant breeze. At 8 A.M. the Lieutenant took breakfast, and while at -the table said, "Mr. Hill, I am going to Brazos at 9 o'clock, and I -want you to take charge while I am absent." I complied. After he left -I began to feel more lonesome than ever and to think of my beloved -family, until I became quite home-sick, and the day appeared like a -week. In the evening, at 10 o'clock, the Lieutenant returned hungry and -tired; after he had supper he said to me, "We will not be able to get -away from here for a week. I can get no transportation." I enquired -the cause; he said, "The roads are so bad the wagons can't run, and we -have but one boat running to Brownsville, and it is loaded down with -rations for the men, as there are none at Brownsville." I thought this -singular, but did not reply until he was through, and then I said, -"Lieutenant, when did the brigade get to Brownsville?" he said, "They -will get there this evening sometime." I was a disbeliever in the 29th -not marching twenty-eight miles in two days when I knew them to march -sixteen miles from 4 in evening until 2 in the morning, and having -marching orders at that,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> and went into a fight the next morning at 6 -o'clock. I had not forgotten their marching ability, therefore it was a -wonder to me why they should be so long going twenty-eight miles.</p> - -<p>I had sent the mail ahead, consequently I made up my mind to walk up -next morning. In the evening there were a great many sick soldiers -returned that were unable to go through the mud and were therefore -compelled to turn back. They spoke very discouragingly of the journey. -I went for the doctor for some, and for others made tea and gave them -something to eat. When the poor soldiers that knew me found I was -there, I never saw men so glad in my life. They had met me on the -battle-field, and had seen the interest I had ofttimes taken in the -sick and wounded soldiers, therefore they were satisfied I would see -they were treated right and had something to eat. After I had seen them -all attended to, I laid down to rest, it being late at night.</p> - -<p>The morning of the 12th inst. came. I arose at 5 o'clock and got my -breakfast and took my books and portfolio, bid the Lieutenant good-bye -and started on foot for Brownsville. I thought of getting to my post -that day, but I had not gone more than six miles before I saw my -expectations were blasted. It had not rained in this part of Texas -for six weeks, and yet the mud in the roads was in places up to a -man's knees and for miles hub deep. I was astonished to see the many -stragglers strewed all along the road. Many of them died and were -buried in the forest, with nothing to look at their graves but the wild -beasts of prey. I walked on until 1 P.M. and was only ten miles from -White Rench, the place I left. I sat down and ate my homely dinner -alone. I bowed to God and thanked him for his goodness and care over -me and committed my family to his care, I then started on my journey -again. Being accustomed to smoking after eating I got sick going -without it, not having any matches or fire with which to light my pipe. -In all my journey there was not a house to be seen. I went on wishing -in my mind that I had a light, and while I was walking I came to where -the troops had halted and had a fire in the road. There were two small -chunks lying in the road. I took one of them up and said, "I wish I had -got here before this went out." I blowed the chunk on the end, and to -my surprise, right in the heart was a live coal of fire about as large -as a hickory-nut. I lit my pipe and felt thankful. I carried the chunk -some ways, and thought the good Lord had provided this comfort of life -for me, when in a land of strangers and far from home.</p> - -<p>When I left White Rench in the morning, I had two haversacks filled -with rations, but I had by this time reduced them down to two<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> hard -tacks, for I had met so many poor soldiers sick and given out, left -behind with nothing to eat. I shared with them until the last was gone. -I found I would not be able to get to Brownsville that night, and I -said to myself, "What will I do for something to eat?" but I thought -the Lord would provide something for me; therefore, I trusted in him as -my provider and shield. The evening began to draw near and I was seven -miles from Brownsville and two of that was water waist deep. At 7 P.M. -I arrived at the first water, which was a run about eight rods wide and -four feet and a half deep. Here I met with a large number of sick, worn -and wearied soldiers; they were getting supper, and when they saw me -they were made up and gave me a nice supper. We all concluded to stop -there over night, and cross the run in the morning. We soon laid down -and I said "Boys, I don't think it proper for all of us to go to sleep, -and I will take the first watch. This country don't suit me." The men -soon fell asleep, and I lay on the ground and looked at the beautiful -moon, and listened to the many sounds of the great number of strange -beasts of the forest. I laid there until 2 o'clock and was thinking of -my home and beloved friends, when my attention was aroused by a drove -of dogs as I thought, coming through the bushes. I got up and then -they began to howl and I found them to be a drove of wolves. There was -a stream of water between them and us, and they would wade in a piece -and then go back and howl. I then called the boys to "attention," and -fifteen of them took their guns, and I gave the order "fire," and they -fired into the drove of wolves, and I never saw such scampering in all -my life. They howled and left, and the boys all staid awake the rest of -the night.</p> - -<p>The morning of the 15th came and they got breakfast and gave me mine, -after which we all started across the run and left our things; then -I went back and carried a sick man over. I bid the boys good bye and -then started on to Brownsville. I had travelled only two miles when I -came to a pond of water about two miles long and about knee deep; this -we had to wade through; it made me very tired; my limbs appeared as if -they were pulling out of the sockets, but I got through and arrived -in Brownsville at 12 M. I expected to find a town settled with people -and where the true God was worshipped, but to my surprise I could see -nothing but little huts made of mud. The natives are very inferior, -and dress very strangely. The men wear only a shirt and drawers, and -when at work they roll their drawers up to their hips, and also go -through the streets in that manner. The women go through the day with -nothing on them but a chemise and a thin skirt made of straw, their -bosoms open and breasts exposed, and when one looks at them they seem -to have no shame. I remained in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> the town until 2 o'clock and then put -off for headquarters, which were two miles to the right of Brownsville. -I reached there at 4 P.M. and all were glad to see me. I found Col. -Sadrick without a tent and laying on the ground; I got the men and -had him a tent put up that night, and I laid down out of doors. The -ground was covered with lizards, frogs, and what is called the horned -toad, which has horns like a goat, and a wreath of beads around its -body; they look bold and courageous. These reptiles were numerous, -with details of musquitoes like swarms of bees. The morning of the 4th -inst. found me quite sick, so much so that I had to call in a doctor. -He examined me and said I was ruptured from the strain of walking. I -began to decline until I was unable to get about, and I almost gave up -in despair when I looked at my condition, five thousand miles from home -and among strangers without a friend. My best friend, Jordan Jones, of -Co. K, was left behind. The company to which I belonged was at Brazos, -and I was left to the mercy of God and strangers. In the midst of my -illness I had a kind physician, Dr. Perry, of the 11th U.S. colored -regiment. He treated me kindly and gave me the best of attention. I -remained at my quarters until the 15th inst. and then my regiment came -up to Brownsville. The men were very much fatigued, Captain Clark being -an officer with very little feeling for a colored man, marched them -through in one day. Mr. Frank Walker died on account of the hard march -and great heat. Many more were sick and were obliged to be sent to the -hospital. Col. Wooster being a man of feeling, and one that looked to -the interest of the regiment and the welfare of the men, put Capt. -Clark under arrest and kept him there until the Col. resigned; but -three days after the Col. left he again took command of the company. -I remained sick at my quarters until August the 18th, when I was -recommended to the War Department for my discharge by Dr. Perry. Col. -Sadrick had an ambulance brought and I started to be mustered out, but -when I got to Brownsville I was so near dead that I was compelled to go -to the general hospital. This hospital was kept under the direction of -Dr. Major Stevens from Philadelphia, and belonged to the 29th colored -regiment. The doctor treated me with the utmost kindness and gave -me the best of attention. At this post I witnessed the most brutal -treatment (not to me but to others.) There were seven hundred sick in -this hospital, four hundred of that number in the ward with me.</p> - -<p>The hospital stewards and nurses were men with no human feeling. -The poor sick were dying ten per day, and before they were cold the -hospital stewards would search them, and take any thing valuable that -they found about them before they reported them dead. On one occa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>sion -there was a small boy, who had waited on some officer, that was quite -sick, and one morning he was quite fretful. One of the ward masters -went to him and struck him with a strap three blows, then took him -up and made him walk to the door leading to the street, and brought -him back again and laid him down, and in one hour he was dead, and -the spirit had flown to the God that gave it. It would be impossible -for me to tell the many instances of cruelty perpetrated on the poor -sick soldiers by the hands of these colored stewards. They acted more -like demons than human beings. The fare was also very bad; we had two -pieces of bread and a pint of coffee per day; this we were compelled to -put up with. I remained at this hospital two weeks and then asked the -doctor to let me go to my quarters, which he granted, and I took the -ambulance and again returned to the 25th headquarters. I remained there -until a general order came that all detached men unable for duty should -report to their regiments and be sent to the hospital. Therefore I -went to my regiment, and to my regret when I got there my best friend, -Col. W.B. Wooster had resigned and started home. I went and reported -to Adjutant J. Spaulding and he directed me to my company, where I -went and reported to my orderly, J. Spencer, of Co. D. He gave me my -quarters and I stayed there one week and then was put on detail to go -to New Orleans; I got ready and we went to Brownsville, and the order -was countermanded, and we returned to camp the next morning. There I -was again detailed at the headquarters of the corps, where I stayed -until the 20th of September, and then I had some words with one of the -General's waiters, and I would not stay any longer and again went to my -regiment, where I was at the time of writing this sketch.</p> - -<p>At this period of my stay in Texas joy began to spring up. We had -just received news that the 29th regiment was ordered home. The men -began to have the home-fever and it became general. Every day the men -in camp had appointed to be mustered out of the U.S. service, but -without avail. At last the happy day arrived and all hearts were glad. -On the 14th day of October, 1865, at nine A.M., Co. K was mustered -out; Captain Thorpe was in command of Co. K at this time. Then came -Companies C, E, and D to which latter I belonged; H, G, F, B, and so on -until the last company was mustered out. The occasion was one of note. -Every man was orderly and sober. All were eagerly waiting the order to -strike tents for home, for that was the theme of every one's thoughts. -We now hoped to leave Texas for home and trusted in God for our safe -arrival.</p> - -<p>October 15th, the 29th regiment left camp Sadrick, Texas, for -Brownsville, on their way home and were escorted through Browns<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>ville -by the 9th U.S. regiment, Col. Bailey in command. We marched to an -open field where the battalion was halted by Col. Torance, and the -officers and men of the 9th U.S. regiment took leave of the 29th. It -was an impressive scene. The 9th and 29th had shared the greatest -dangers together, and fought side by side, and now they were parting. -We shook hands and they bid us God speed. The headquarter band, Gen. -Smith's, escorted us through Brownsville. The line of march was taken -up again at 10 A.M. The band played "And beneath the starry flag we -shall breathe the air again," until the footsteps of the 29th were lost -in profound silence. The 43d U.S. left the same day. The day passed -off pleasantly, although the roads were bad and ofttimes the men were -compelled to wade in water and mud waist deep, the thoughts of going -home made the march seem easier than any other we had been in. No one -can experience the feelings of a returning soldier but one that has -been a soldier. I was left sick at Brownsville, unable to march when -the 29th left, consequently I went on the boat down the Rio Grande with -the sick. Wednesday the 15th, we left Brownsville. After sailing down -the Rio Grande, night overtaking us, we were compelled to land on the -Mexican side and stay all night. It stormed all night and we spent a -disagreeable time.</p> - -<p>The next morning, the 17th, we passed Clarksville on the Mexican -side, and landed at Brazos, and camped on the sand all night; the air -was clear and cool. We had a rough time coming from Clarksville to -Brazos outside, and came near being lost, but we landed safely at 4 -P.M. The 20th was clear and cold—the 22d U.S. troops left Brazos on -a transport for New Orleans. The 21st was pleasant. The 22d found us -still waiting for transportation. At this point I had a chance to see -all of our sick, numbering forty-eight. I was called at 2 o'clock to -go and see Chancey Douglas of Co. C, 29th regiment. He was very sick, -but I gave him good counsel and he got better and was able to come -along at 12 M. when we embarked on board the transport Alabama, and at -4 P.M. we weighed anchor, bound for New Orleans. The 24th, the gulf -was so rough that we could not sail, and were compelled to anchor on -account of the gale. We weighed anchor again at 8 A.M. on the morning -of the 25th, bound for Galveston, Texas, where we arrived at 12 M. We -found Galveston a splendid city, four hundred and fifty miles from New -Orleans. Here we took in wood and coal, and in the evening visited the -city and the churches there. One of the soldiers of Co. H died, by the -name of Davis; how true that "In the midst of life we are in death." -Dr. Hyde deserves great credit for the consideration he showed. He got -a nice plain coffin, the only one I had seen for four months for a -colored soldier.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> The night of the 20th we were in a dreadful gale off -Cape Horn, so much so that the pilot was compelled to lay by all night -in the harbor. It was the most severe storm I ever witnessed. We put -out to sea in the morning but were compelled to turn back. The soldiers -were quite unruly while we lay at Galveston, so much so that Col. -Torance was compelled to have the transport hauled off from the wharf, -and some of the men were left ashore that went off without leave. The -26th we started again for New Orleans, but we were compelled to come -back and lay in the harbor; we came near being lost, but God was with -us. The 27th we again started, bound for New Orleans, where we arrived -on the 28th inst. at 7 A.M. We had a hard time and often thought it -was our last, but the good Lord was with us. We went off the transport -Alabama the same day we arrived, and marched to the south side of the -city and encamped on an open lot, and put up our shelters the best -we could and laid on the ground. The night was cold and chilly; we -suffered a great deal and many took sick.</p> - -<p>The 29th inst. was the Sabbath, a most beautiful day. I remained in -camp. On the 30th I visited the city of New Orleans and found a great -number of my old friends. The first annual session of the A.M. E. -Conference was in session, Bishop Campbell presiding. I spent a good -time with the brethren. The 31st was a pleasant day and I was in camp. -We remained in New Orleans two weeks. On the night of the 10th of -November a man of Co. K was shot. There was quite an excitement in camp -on account of it. We broke camp on the 11th inst. at 11 o'clock, and -marched through the principal streets of the city and halted at the -wharf, where the transport Champion laid to take us on board.</p> - -<p>There was quite an excitement in the city of New Orleans. While the -drum corps played a national air; at 6 o'clock we commenced to embark -on the steamer Champion, and by 9 o'clock all were on board ready to -weigh anchor and stem the current of the Mississippi river. The morning -of the 12th found us at the mouth of the river, and we were overtaken -by a storm which lasted several days. On the 14th the sea was so rough -that it broke over the hurricane deck. On the 15th inst. we had a -pleasant sail; we passed the rebel ram Stonewall. Friday, 15th, head -wind. Saturday, 17th, was pleasant, and the first calm day we had. -Sunday, the 18th, was clear and cold. The 19th inst. we encountered a -storm off Cape Hatteras, which lasted until the 21st. At 12 o'clock the -wind changed and drove us ahead with great rapidity, and on the 22d, -at 9 A.M., to the joy of all on board, we arrived in New York Harbor. -We remained on board the Champion until 2 P.M. and then marched off -the transport and paraded through<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> the principal streets of the city -and were received with gratitude amid great cheers from the citizens. -The boys of the 29th were feeling somewhat indignant in reference to -the treatment they received from their State, it not giving them their -rights. But we forgot it for the time, from the manner in which the -citizens of New York received us.</p> - -<p>As we paraded down Broadway, opposite the St. Nicholas hotel, the City -Council run out the national and state colors, borne by a colored -man. When the boys looked up and saw the colors, they gave three -tremendous cheers. We went down Broadway to the Park and quartered in -the barracks, where we were decently accommodated with refreshments and -hospitality.</p> - -<p>We remained in New York until the 23d; and at 7 A.M. we marched to -the steamboat landing where the steamer Granite State was waiting to -take us up the East River, to Hartford, a distance of one hundred -and fifty miles. The Granite State struck on a bar and was unable to -arrive at Hartford until the morning of the 24th inst. The villages -were illuminated on our way. On the morning of the 25th we arrived at -Hartford, and a great reception was made for us. We paraded through the -principal streets and encamped on an open lot in the south part of the -city, until the morning of the 26th inst., at 8 o'clock, when we were -ordered to "fall in," and were paid off in part. Afterwards the men -broke ranks and returned in their homes.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Sketch of the 29th Regiment of -Connecticut Colored Troops, by I. J. 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Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/60700-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/60700-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 16cce18..0000000 --- a/old/60700-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60700.txt b/old/60700.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b32aeee..0000000 --- a/old/60700.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2026 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Sketch of the 29th Regiment of -Connecticut Colored Troops, by I. J. Hill - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll -have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using -this ebook. - - - -Title: A Sketch of the 29th Regiment of Connecticut Colored Troops - -Author: I. J. Hill - -Release Date: November 16, 2019 [EBook #60700] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 29TH REGIMENT OF CONNECTICUT COLORED TROOPS *** - - - - -Produced by Graeme Mackreth and The Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - - A SKETCH - - OF THE - - 29th REGIMENT - - OF - - CONNECTICUT COLORED TROOPS. - - BY I.J. Hill, - - GIVING - - A Full Account of its Formation; of all the Battles through - which it passed, and its final Disbandment. - - BALTIMORE: - Printed by Daugherty, Maguire & Co. - 1867. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The author of this has for a long time been greatly concerned for -this land and nation, and for the human family in general, but more -particularly for the unfortunate African, both in this and every other -part of the world. I was born in Selings Grove, Union County, Pa., in -the year 1826, the 2nd day of June, and was the youngest son of four -brothers. My father's name was Isaac, and my mother's, Rachel. The -family consisted of thirteen in number. My father being a poor man, I -was put out to a gentleman of Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of six -years; I was brought up with a limited education, not being permitted -to go to school, for it was against the laws of the State for a white -person to teach a colored child; but having kind friends to live with -and being beloved by white boys, I gained some information in spelling, -and with diligent study I learned to read and write. I never had the -opportunity of going to school a day in my life, when it became known -to the citizens that I could not write, I was sent home to Pennsylvania -in the year 1840, then 17 years of age. I embraced religion in the year -1846. - -I was called to the ministry in the year 1852, in which position I -studied; when the war broke out in 1861, I went out with the 3rd -Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Col. Emory, I was in the charge at Falls -Church, Va., and Fairfax Court House. When the rumor reached me that -the Government was enlisting colored men, I then left the Regiment -and went home, and in 1863 enlisted in the 29th Connecticut Regiment, -January the 7th, 1863. - -The author's desire and prayer is, that tranquility, peace and -happiness may cover the earth, as the waters cover the great deep. -Forasmuch as there has been a great deal of confusion in relation to -my afflicted nation, and different parties holding opposite opinions -have come forward with a desire to alleviate their condition; their -good intentions have taught us: First, that it is necessary to become -christians, to love and fear God and keep his commandments, to have -patience and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then we shall -be delivered in due time. Secondly, the reader is referred to the pages -of this work; please read it impartially and carefully, and you will -see plainly that the author's sole aim is to promote the happiness of -the human family, here and hereafter; therefore, I pray that those who -will read this book may be forever blessed in this world, and receive -endless happiness in the world to come. - - I.J. HILL. - -_Woodbury, New Jersey, 1866._ - - - - -THE - -PRINCIPAL BATTLES - -OF THE - -TWENTY-NINTH REGIMENT, - -U. STATES COLORED TROOPS - - - 1st. DEEP BOTTOM, VA. - 2d. STRAUSBURG PLAIN, VA. - 3rd. PETERSBURG, VA. - 4th. NEW MARKET ROAD, VA. - 5th. FORT GILMOR, VA. - 6th. CHAFFIN'S FARMS, VA. - 7th. DARBYTOWN ROAD, VA. - 8th. RICHMOND, VA. - 9th. TEXAS EXPEDITION. - - -Col. W.B. Wooster led us on, he had no right to fear, there -was not a faint heart in the 29th Volunteers. - - - - -A SKETCH - -OF THE - -29th Connecticut Colored Regiment. - - -The 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment was gotten up by Colonel Pardee, -and encampted at Grape Vine Point, New Haven, Connecticut. The -recruiting was commenced in August, 1863. The inducements held out to -men to join this Regiment were these: they were to receive a bounty of -$310 from the State, $75 from the County from which they enlisted, and -$300 from the United States. The $310 from the State we received, the -other bounties we did not receive. - -There were several men who took an active part in recruiting for this -Regiment, among them Lieutenant Brown of New York, to whom great credit -is due. There were others, both colored and white, who did very much -towards filling up the Regiment. Sergeant Archie Howard, Orderly of -Company C, recruited more men than any other excepting Lieut. Brown, -but I am sorry to say, that after all he did the parties failed to pay -him according to promise, and he was ordered to his Regiment without -receiving a just compensation for his labors. - -The first of January, 1864, the 29th Regiment was filled up. The writer -of this narrative was in the last squad of men that enlisted for this -Regiment, and out of the forty men I was the only one that was admitted -into the 29th, the balance of the recruits being put into the 30th -Regiment, that was then recruiting in the same camp. We remained at New -Haven until the 8th of March, and nothing of interest happened up to -that date, when we received orders from Colonel Pardee's Headquarters, -stating that the 29th Regiment was to move to Annapolis, Maryland. - -March 8, 1864. We broke camp to leave New Haven for Annapolis, Md. At -10 o'clock the whole Regiment was drawn up on the old parade ground, -with their knapsacks, to receive the flag, Col. W.B. Wooster in -command. The flag was presented by the Rev. Dr. Mott. On account of -the Regiment not receiving the $75 which was promised them at their -enlistment, they made no response to the presentation, and the Colonel -gave them no command to do so. The order was given to "forward, march," -and the Regiment paraded through the principal street of New Haven; -at 2 o'clock it halted in the public square, where we were visited by -our friends, also by some of the first families in the city. After -resting two hours, the word was given "attention," and every Company -was brought into line, and at the command "forward, march," the -Regiment moved down Chapel street to State st., and then to the long -wharf, where it halted and awaited the near approach of the transport, -that was still out in the stream. At 5 o'clock the troops commenced -embarking, Company A taking the lead, and at half past 6 o'clock all -were on board, excepting a few, with the writer of this journal, who -were detailed for duty at the Regiment's previous headquarters. On -my way from the long wharf I met the crowd of citizens that was not -permitted to go to the wharf with the Regiment. Never did my ears hear, -or my eyes perceive, or my heart feel the strong yearnings of nature as -they did at that moment; mothers weeping for their sons, and wives for -their husbands, and sisters for their brothers, and friends for their -friends, that were then on their way to the scene of conflict. White -and colored ladies and gentlemen grasped me by the hand, with tears -streaming down their cheeks, and bid me good bye, expressing the hope -that we might have a safe return. My heart felt the sobbing impulse for -the first time, and although I had no mother, no wife, and no sisters -there to greet me, yet strangers ministered unto me, and never shall I -forget their kind attentions to me. At 8 o'clock in the evening I went -on board the transport, and received an introduction to Col. Wooster as -Regimental Orderly Hill. The Colonel met me very kindly, and put his -state-room, which was letter K, into my care. - -At 10 o'clock I learnt the transport would not move anchor until next -morning at 6 o'clock; after gaining this information, I had a desire -to go ashore, but could form no excuse for doing so. While I was in -doubt what to do about it, one of the officers, Lieut. Leonard, came -to me and said. "Orderly Hill, can't you go to the post office for -me, as I can't go ashore?" My answer was, "I will try and go for -you." I had never spoken to the Colonel, and felt somewhat delicate -about approaching him, but as I had never been refused a favor by a -commanding officer, I took heart, adopting for my motto, "Without a -trial, there can be no denial," and started for the Colonel, and found -him in his berth. I said, "Colonel, can I go ashore?" He remarked, "If -I grant you permission, except on business, others will expect the -same favour." I said, "I have letters to carry to the post office." -He said, "Well, you can go." I left him, and went to Lieut. Leonard, -of company D, and asked for Dr. Bigbee, whose family was living in New -Haven. The lieutenant passed him outside the guards with me, and we -felt it to be a great favor, for which we were very grateful. When my -errand was done, we proceeded to the residence of Dr. Bigbee, and found -his wife had retired, but on learning who had arrived she arose, and a -friend who was stopping with her, and they prepared us a good supper. -We enjoyed it--still we were saddened with the thought that we might -not meet again for three long years. We remained there until 2 o'clock, -and then bid the last farewell to our friends in New Haven, and went on -board the transport again, and laid down to sleep, but sleep had fled -from me entirely, and daylight found me as I laid down, wide awake. -Sabbath morning at 6 o'clock, we weighed anchor, and the stream bore us -down its rapid tide until New Haven was lost in the distance. The day -was spent very pleasantly, and at 3 o'clock we passed New York; and as -we passed the city, our drummers assembled on deck and played, at which -flags were displayed by the citizens, and cheers given in response. At -12 o'clock, the same night, we passed Cape May. - -I fared the same as the officers. The great anxiety now was to see -Annapolis, Maryland, which place we reached on Tuesday at 10 o'clock. -As we approached the place all became disheartened at the appearance of -things. Officers and men were much disappointed when we learned that we -should have to camp three miles from the town. Now, for the first time, -we had to pitch tents--the clouds threatened a storm, and the boys went -eagerly to work and most of them had their tents up before night. - -I spent the night in the Colonel's tent, and the next morning we found -the earth covered with snow to the depth of eight inches. We found the -people very inferior at this point; and a great many of the colored -people had caught the distemper from the whites, their so-called -masters. It was hard to find a pleasant family of colored people in the -place; they appeared to be afraid to speak to us. The first Sabbath I -spent in camp, and had the pleasure of listening to a very interesting -sermon from a reverend gentleman that paid us a visit for that purpose. -The text was, "And on him they laid the cross." He handled the subject -with great credit to himself, and great applause was given by the -soldiers. On the next Sabbath, which was the 27th of March, I visited -the Methodist church at Annapolis. At 11 o'clock I preached to a -crowded house, from Joshua, 3d chap. 11th verse. I preached at Zion's -church in the afternoon, from Revelations, 3d chap. 4th verse, and -truly the good Lord was with us. At 5 P.M. I returned to camp, and -accompanied the Colonel to dress parade, and after it was over, I was -informed that an appointment was made for me to preach in the camp at 7 -P.M. Feeling much exhausted from the severe labors of the day, yet at -the time appointed I was there, and endeavored to preach from the text, -"The wages of sin is death." It was listened to by the officers and men -with the utmost attention. The week following the Colonel was absent on -business at Washington, D.C.; and according to frequent rumors in camp, -our regiment was to spend the summer at this point. I had cherished the -hope of greeting my dear family, whom I had left quite unwell at home; -but on Friday my hopes were blasted by a general order, stating that -the 29th Regiment should break camp at 7 o'clock on Saturday morning, -and embark on the transport then lying in the stream opposite the navy -yard, bound for Hilton Head, South Carolina. - -Saturday morning found me up at 4 o'clock, and in the best of spirits, -and as usual in a pleasant mood, but still I thought of home, sweet -home--it was lost to my sight, but not to my memory--and although -I was very busy, I did not forget the dear ones there; and while I -was waiting for the cars to come and take the officers' baggage, as -a soldier, the rail track was my chair and the cross-beam was my -writing desk, I wrote to my wife at this last moment. I went by rail -to Annapolis, and when I arrived there, I joined those who had gone by -boat. My lot was cast to the steamer Swallow. I went on board and put -the Colonel's things in his state-room and mine also, and then went -on shore and spent the day until 5 o'clock in the afternoon, when the -transport was launched out into the stream, and I was left ashore with -the Colonel, Adjutant and Lieut. Colonel. All kinds of rumors prevailed -on board. Some said I had deserted--others, that I was taken up for -carrying arms, but 5 o'clock found me in a life-boat with the Colonel -and his staff, bound for the Swallow, that was waiting our arrival. -When the boys saw me, they gave three hearty cheers for Orderly Hill. -We remained all night, and the next morning at 6 o'clock the Swallow -started down the stream, and Annapolis was soon lost to view. The -Swallow took the lead, and we soon lost sight of the other boats. -Monday morning at 9 o'clock we arrived at Fortress Monroe and the pilot -went ashore, and after remaining a few moments we set sail again for -Hilton Head, South Carolina. - -The wind was tolerably high, and the officers and men felt somewhat -concerned in reference to passing Cape Hatteras that night, but God -was in the wind, and when we passed the cape at midnight it was quite -calm; and Tuesday morning found us on the blue sea, out of the sight -of land. This was the first time in my life that I was ever out to sea, -and it seemed very strange. All this time I had not been sea-sick, and -began to think I should entirely escape, as I had been on the water two -days. But at 3 P.M. I was very sick, and in company with many of the -old seamen I had to cast up accounts for relief. It was very rough, and -poor me! I thought I could not live, but the utmost attention was given -me by the Colonel and officers. The same night the boat took fire, and -being too sick to sleep, I was enabled to give timely warning of the -accident, or we should have perished by the flames or a watery grave; -but God was with me, and I got up in the midst of smoke and called the -first mate, and then went to the Colonel's state-room and told him what -had happened, and we put out the flames without arousing the other -officers and men. - -Wednesday morning I felt better. The first sail we had seen for two -days was that of a brig, which passed us this morning on our right. The -sea was quite calm, but as the day wore away the wind began to rise, -and 3 P.M. found me sick in the Colonel's berth. At 6 P.M. we were -in sight of land, and this, the last night we spent at sea, was the -hardest time we had, but joy came in the morning as we neared Hilton -Head. When we came to the landing, the Colonel and Adjutant went on -shore, and we waited their return. When they came aboard, the Colonel -told the Captain of the Swallow that he was ordered to Beaufort, -where we arrived at 10 A.M. and were received on the wharf by a large -crowd of people. We disembarked the same day, which was April 16th, -and marched through the main street, and went up to the camp of the -New York 26th U.S.V., and encamped on the right of Beaufort. We found -Beaufort a pleasant place of about five thousand inhabitants. - -May 20th, 1864. Nothing of importance had occurred up to this date. I -passed up the line of tents, and saw the Major in a wagon--he informed -me that the Paymaster had arrived. When I made this known to the 29th -Regiment the boys were much pleased, for they had not received any -money since their enlistment, but soon their spirits fell when they -learned they would receive only $7 per month. Company A took the lead -in the dissatisfaction, it being the first company, and company B next, -company K next, company C next, and so on till company D, it being -the last company and the one to which I belonged. After the companies -all expressed their indignation at the small sum of $7 per month, the -officers called them in line and told them they would receive $16 the -next pay day, and they had better take this--at the same time promising -them, that in the future they should receive full pay. They did as he -wished. This has been the failing with the colored race--they are -always ready to comply with wrong teachings of strange gods, especially -when they come from white men, and that is the reason we cannot be a -united nation. I would not and did not accept of the $7 per month, and -I stood entirely alone. All in my company took that sum but myself, -and when I was called up my response was, if the government could not -afford to pay me a soldier's wages I would peril my life and die for -my country without it. When I consider the sacrifice I have made of -my beloved family, and think that the general government does nothing -for them, and then to insult me with the sum of $7 per month! No, as -I have given my life I will become a martyr and die before I will -accept that sum. But I am happy to relate that when they found there -were some that felt the dignity of their manhood, the Paymaster Major -endeavored to make apology to me in reference to the affair, but there -was no compromise in me. I would accept nothing but $16 per month. -"Well," said he, "you will get the balance next pay day." My answer -was, "Whether I do or not, I will not accept of less than $16 this -time." I was brought to think of the psalmist David, when he said "Many -are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord will deliver them -out of them all." Notwithstanding our troubles, on Sabbath morning, -the 22d inst., my mind was very much relieved at 6 P.M. While at dress -parade, the General rode along the line, and the Colonel brought the -companies up in broken columns in front of the flag. At the command -of the Colonel, the regiment came to "order, arms"--and at this point -General Saxton dismounted, and gave me his horse. Taking off his hat he -commenced some brief remarks by saying, "Boys, I have come to greet you -with an order I have received that you are to be considered soldiers of -the United States and receive your pay as white soldiers, and I hope -you will consider yourselves men. Although your skins are dark, you -have the same muscle as white men, and the same courage to fight. It is -for you to get the same skill by strictly attending to your duty, not -from fear of punishment, but because you are soldiers. Two years ago I -came here to Beaufort and raised the first colored regiment. They were -all slaves, and their masters were in the rebel army. One day a flag of -truce came in from the rebel line, and the colored troops were out on -picket. Before these colored men became soldiers they could not look a -white man in the face, but at this time they began to feel like men. -One of the so-called masters came over, and seeing his so-called slave, -he exclaimed, using his own language, 'There is my negro in arms,' -but the colored soldier looked him square in the face, and as I never -make use of the word negro, I said to him, if he was once a slave he -is free now, and God has made him so, and there is not a regiment in -the department I would sooner go into the field with than the first -Southern, now called the 33d United States troops." He concluded by -saying, "Boys, if you ever want to make good soldiers you must look a -white man straight in the face, and let him know that you are a man." - -I spent the morning at the first colored church, and at 3 P.M. -preached from the 14th chapter of Job and the 14th verse. My theme was -"Death--an important change, not annihilation. It does not reduce us to -nothing, but alters our frame of being." - -At 7 P.M. the elder spoke from the text "Strive to enter in at the -straight gate," and I closed the meeting. - -The next Sabbath we had service in the camp in which I took part. The -Rev. Edward Scott preached. At 7 P.M. I preached from Revelations the -7th chapter and 9th verse. My theme was "The society and happiness of -the heavenly state. Life is a journey. Christians are but travellers to -the unseen world. The world to which we are going is unknown to us." -Truly we had a good time. - -May 25th. A general order, stating that a part of the 29th regiment -was ordered out on picket duty. Company D was asked for, but owing to -one of the officers being sick, and the Captain on detached service, -it could not go, so Co. E was substituted, and for the first time they -commenced packing to face the enemy in the field. When they were all -ready to move the boys started off cheerfully. As the officers looked -dejected, my prayer was, may God go with you and give you strength -to face the enemy. The camp was unusually quiet at this time. The -Colonel and Adjutant had orders to go to the front, and it left the -camp without a line officer, excepting the Major, and he looked quite -lonesome. The rumors were that the rebels intended to attack Beaufort -the 25th instant, but the day passed of all quiet along the line. - -August 9th--we broke camp at Beaufort and embarked on board the -transport Trade Wind bound for Hilton Head, where we arrived at 10 A.M. -The Colonel went ashore and received orders to go to Fortress Monroe. - -At 6 P.M. we weighed anchor and soon found our bark stemming the rapid -tide, and when night came on I was soon in the arms of sleep and -forgot all earthly care. The morning of the 10th instant I rose at 5 -o'clock and gazed upon the glorious sun as he rose out of the sea; -truly it was a grand sight to one as ignorant of such things as myself. -The day passed pleasantly, and the transports stemmed the rapid tide -three in number. When I stood on deck and took an observation of the -surrounding scenery, I was lost in wonder at the profound immensity -of the great waters, and I came to the conclusion that the hand of -God had formed all these things; in this profound thought the morning -passed gently. After dinner, I had some talk with the boys on board -in reference to their fare, and they informed me they would be glad -to boil their coffee with the coals that the fire-man raked from the -furnace, but even that was denied. - -The night of the 10th came, and all retired to their sleeping places, -(and you may imagine they were not feather beds,) officers and men, -with the exception of Col. W.B. Wooster and a few Captains, who had -state-rooms, and they were the most miserable I ever saw, and dirty -accordingly, but they were the best they could have, therefore they -were contented. The night passed rapidly, and the morning of the 11th -inst. found all on board well and ready for breakfast. We found hard -tack and raw pork were not as agreeable as the fare we had been used -to, but hunger made it very palatable. After breakfast I went on -deck and amused myself by talking with the boys generally. I met the -Sergeant Major, and after inquiring of his health, he informed me that -he was on board with nothing to eat. I went to the Colonel's state-room -and brought my haversack with some cheese, cakes and pies, that my -friends in Beaufort put up for me, and I said, "Here is enough for you; -help yourself;" he looked up and said, "Mr. Hill, I never shall forget -your act of kindness to me in this hour of suffering." - -In the evening at 6 o'clock we came in sight of the light house off -Fortress Monroe. I went to the Captain and asked him when we should get -to the Fort, he said "In the morning about 8 o'clock." I retired and -went to sleep. The morning of the 12th found me up at 5 o'clock, and -looking around me I saw the land on my left. We arrived at Fortress -Monroe at 10 A.M. and dropped anchor, and the Colonel went ashore and -remained until 1 P.M. When he came on board he informed the officers -that he must proceed to Bermuda Hundred, Va. At 4 P.M. we weighed -anchor and left for our destined place. I was much pleased with the -scenery up the James river. The first thing that attracted my attention -was Jamestown in its desolation--nothing but a shattered wreck--the -only building is that of a brick church that stands in the midst of -green trees lifting their heads high and lofty, looking down on a city -doomed as Sodom was for sin. When we reached City Point within five -miles it was night, and the captain of the Trade Wind stated that he -did not think it safe to run up that night, as the rebels had guns -planted on the shore. We dropped anchor and waited the approach of -day. The boys slept soundly, but sleep had fled from my eyes. The -morning of the 13th came, and we weighed anchor, and at 6 A.M. we found -our little transport safe at the wharf at Bermuda Hundred. We passed -City Point, and the troops went ashore and took up the line of march -for the General's headquarters. The day was intensely warm, and the -regiment marched five miles into Virginia, and not being accustomed -to marching they became weary, and most of the men threw away their -blankets. Being Regimental Orderly, I was detailed at Bermuda Hundred -till four o'clock, and then started for the regiment, which I reached -at 6 P.M. and found it encamped in the woods close to General Birney's -headquarters. The boys cheered me as I passed along the line on my way -to the Colonel's quarters. We remained there until 11 P.M. and received -an order to proceed to Deep Hollow. We marched until 2 A.M. and crossed -the pontoon bridge, and proceeding two miles farther passed----; -halted in a corn field in the rear of the advanced pickets, and for the -first time laid on our arms in the open field. I lay near the Colonel, -with the reins of my horse tied to my wrist, my gun in my arms half -cocked, and in this position rested the night--the rebels being quite -close to us--within a stone's throw. - -The morning of the 14th inst. the Colonel sprang to his feet at 4 -o'clock and gave the order "Attention." The boys all arose from their -dusty beds, waiting for the order to load, expecting to take the -advance pickets, but at this juncture the General sent an order for him -to fall back to the fort at Malvern Hill. We got breakfast and the men -were stationary. All was quiet until one P.M., when the rebels attacked -the pickets that were stationed on the outposts. The Colonel gave the -order "Fall in." For the first time the boys put on their equipments -and fell in; and when the order was given "Forward," they rushed to -the battle in good order. Quite a battle took place, at which time a -number were killed and wounded on both sides, and we took a number of -prisoners. - -On the 15th inst. we remained quiet, with the exception of some -skirmishing. The 16th, we received orders to move the regiment and join -the 3d division 10th army corps, General Birney's brigade having at -this time fallen in with the 22d, 7th, 8th and 9th U.S. C. Troops, and -with the 29th they numbered 5,000. At 2 P.M. we took up our line of -march for Jones' landing. We crossed the pontoon bridge and marched up -the valley in a drenching rain, and in the midst of the deep mud the -boys were cheerful. We arrived at our place of destination at 7 P.M. -and rested in an open field in the rear of the advance pickets. The -boys stacked their arms and commenced putting up their shelter tents. -I took my tin cup and coffee, and prepared supper for the Colonel, -Lieut. Colonel, Major and Adjutant. After this I was at my wits end to -find a place for them to sleep; at last I formed this plan: I got nine -rails and laid three abreast and spread the blankets on them, and the -Colonel and Major laid down. The Lieut. Colonel laid on the ground. I -slept on the third tier, and being tired rested comfortably. The night -passed swiftly, and the morning of the 17th we rose early and got -breakfast, and awaited the order to advance to the front. At 10 A.M. we -halted in the woods, and the boys commenced clearing up to pitch their -tents, and while they were at work the General rode up at one P.M. and -told the Colonel to draw the division back to its former position, -which they did in good order. We got dinner and remained but a short -time, when the rebels commenced driving in our pickets, and the order -was given to "fall in," and the men fell in in good order, and rushed -to the battle; the 29th had the right centre, the 22d formed next to -the 29th on the right of the centre, the 7th on the left of the centre, -and the 9th in the centre. At the command "left flank," the whole -column marched at double quick. They halted at the woods, and quite -a battle took place, at which time our Lieut. Colonel was wounded in -the leg and his horse was shot from under him; he has since recovered. -We remained in line of battle till 12 o'clock, and to the surprise of -officers and men not a soldier of the 29th was killed or wounded, I -being the only one that a ball struck. While standing on an elevated -spot a rebel ball struck my hat and caused me to look around. - -On the 17th inst. the whole column moved back and remained all day -where Gen'l McClellan retreated from in the fall of 1861, twelve miles -from Richmond. We remained there until the 18th instant, and at 8 -P.M. the whole corps and 3d division moved down the valley. We halted -in an open field for two hours opposite the pontoon bridge crossing -the Chickahomney, at which time the order was given "Attention." The -whole regiment came in line, and when the order was given "Forward," -the column marched towards the bridge and halted on the bridge, on -account of a broken plank. The bridge being repaired, which detained -us an hour, we again took up the line of march and passed the general -headquarters, almost to our original position, and halted for the day -in an open field. - -The 19th instant we remained quiet. The 20th we started for the -front of Petersburg, and marched in a drenching rain to the forts on -the right of the Point of Rocks hospital. The 21st--came near being -flanked by the rebels, and marched back to Malvern Hill and repaired -breastworks. The 22d had quite a skirmish with the rebels, when we -were quite successful, killing and taking 75 prisoners, and had as -yet lost none of the 29th regiment in killed or wounded. We left on -the day of the 23d for the front of Petersburg again, and at 10 A.M. -crossed the James river on the pontoon bridge, and passed the heights -where the first New Jersey battery was stationed. We arrived in front -of Petersburg at 2 P.M. and were amused looking at the doomed city. The -rebels sent a shell, which passed over the regiment, and fell close to -the Colonel, who was sitting on his horse at the right of the brigade; -he gave the order "Attention," and countermarched the regiment and -fell back to the woods, and waited the order from the General, which -he received at 5 P.M. to fall back to the fort four miles distant, -to protect the pontoon bridge opposite the Point of Rocks, where we -arrived at 6 P.M. coming at almost double quick. On our return the -roadside was strewn with stragglers from different regiments, and -when the column met them they inquired the cause of our return, and -the reply of the boys was "the rebels are after us." It was a source -of laughter to us to find the stragglers falling in, and many of them -could out walk the well soldiers when they heard the rebels were -coming. We remained the night of the 23d at the fort in a drenching -rain, and the Johnnies did not come. - -On the morning of the 24th I found quite a number of my white friends -from home--Dr. Clark from Woodbury, N.J., and others. We were glad -to meet again alive, and talked of beloved friends at home, and the -morning passed rapidly and pleasantly to all. At one P.M. the order -came for the regiment to return to the front of Petersburg, when the -white soldiers seemed to regret that the 29th were going to leave the -fort. We took up our line of march and at 3 P.M. were again in front of -the land of Destruction, which was Petersburg. We halted in the rear -of Gen. Birney's headquarters and got supper, after which the regiment -moved to the rifle pits, with the exception of a few detailed men, of -which I was one. I was attracted by the remarks of a white soldier as -we left the fort. He looked at the colored troops and said, "Well, -they are taking those colored men to their slaughter pen in front of -Petersburg." Truly his saying was correct, for on the first night Co. -H felt the first stroke, having the first man killed out of the 29th -regiment. It was private Henry Mings, a native of Africa, who emigrated -to this country in 1862, and joined the 29th Connecticut Volunteers -Jan'y, 1864. He was very broken in speech, being a regular African, and -was, as is too often the case among soldiers, a very wicked man. He -died as he lived, a rebel to his God but true to this country. - -On the 25th, Co. K felt the horrors of war. Private Samuel Burton was -killed, being shot through the head while moving the company; he was a -resident of Hartford, Conn. On the 26th Co. D felt the blow. Private -George Porter was shot in the shoulder, and died at the hospital four -days after. On the 27th Col. Wooster was brought in from the rifle pits -quite sick. The 28th we lost our first officer, a worthy man, who was -captured while out strengthening the pickets on the outpost. On the -29th we had two men killed, I could not ascertain their names, but they -belonged to Co. A. On the 30th we had two killed, one out of Co. B, and -one out of another company. The 31st we lost two men out of Co. E, and -one out of Co. K, private Chester Phillox. - -Sept. 1st, we struck tents in front of Petersburg, and took up our line -of march for our place of destination, unknown to all but the Generals. -When the line was drawn up, the colored troops of the 3d division, 10th -army corps, numbered 75,000, the 29th forming the centre. At 3 P.M. we -started on the main road leading direct to City Point, thinking we were -going by transport to some place of rest, but about 12 o'clock the same -night our hopes were blasted, when we took the left hand road leading -to Broadway Landing, and we soon found ourselves crossing the pontoon -bridge that brought us in the rear of Petersburg. Daylight found us on -the Old Market road leading direct to the front of Richmond. We marched -all night. - -Eight o'clock, on the morning of the 2d inst. found the whole brigade -engaged in front of the enemy; we drove them five miles, and at 1 P.M. -were inside the rebels' first line of works surrounding Richmond. We -had a hard battle, commencing at 2 P M., and had been engaged three -hours when a charge was made on two of the rebel forts. The left of the -line was charged by the 8th U.S.C. troops, supported by the 29th. The -centre was charged by the 9th Maryland, supported by the 7th U.S.C. -troops. The day was one long to be remembered; the rebels fought -hard, but the colored troops carried the day, and night found us in -the rebels' line of works. We lost quite a number of brave men and -among the wounded of the 29th was Capt. Thorpe and Lieut. McDonald; -we greatly regretted their loss, but to the surprise of all not one -of the 29th was killed; they all came out of the fight well. When I -looked upon the dead and wounded, it was awful to see the piles of legs -and arms that the surgeons cut off and threw in heaps on the ground. -We lay in front of the works all night, and the morning of the 3d we -had quite a warm reception. The bombarding was heavy on both sides, -and we could frequently see rebels carrying their dead and wounded out -of their trenches and forts. We had several wounded but none killed. -The Colonel being unable for duty, Major D. was in command, who was a -worthy and careful commander, and gained high praise from both officers -and men. The Colonel, officers and men generally, regretted the absence -of Lieut. Col. J.C. Ward, who was at that time sick at Fortress Monroe. - -The morning of the 4th inst. we moved on the left of the line, and -planted our flag under the rebel fire of grape and canister, bombshell -and musketry. When the rear guards came over the field the dead lay -strewed on the ground, but to my surprise we could find none of the -29th killed. The 5th inst. we rested in the rifle pits, with the -advance pickets thrown out in front of the third fort of the rebels; -nothing went on of importance, except the artillery fought a duel with -the rebel fort at long range. On the 6th instant, we remained still -in the breastworks. On the 7th we received orders to fall back to the -general headquarters to rest. The 29th had just reached their resting -place when a fight broke out in the centre, and they were ordered back -to the breastworks on double quick. On the 8th we remained at the -breastworks until 3 P.M. and then received orders to move on the right -to support the 45th at the fort on Lookout mountain. We arrived at -Lookout at 6 P.M., tired and weary, and hoped to encamp for the night, -but at 10 o'clock our hopes were blasted by an order, stating that the -29th must return to the front to support the 8th U.S. C. troops, then -laying in the breastworks. We remained at this post six days, when the -General ordered a scout to explore the woods in front of the rebels. -We left camp in front of the breastworks at two P.M. on the 14th inst. -and as we were accustomed to have it rain, the rain fell in torrents, -but General Birney gallantly led his band of the 3d division, 10th army -corps, numbering 75,000 colored troops. We arrived at our destination, -and the General ordered out the skirmishers, but whether he saw any -rebels, or saw too many of them to engage in a fight is yet a profound -secret, but the night of the 14th inst. found us back in camp in the -rear of the breastworks. The rain kept falling. The men were ordered -to have two days' rations and be ready to fall in at one A.M. in light -marching order, without knapsacks. Col. Ward, then in command of the -29th, said to me, "Hill, I would like you to be close to me, as I shall -want you early in the morning." At this I spread my blanket on the wet -ground and lay down to rest; sleep had fled from me, and as I looked at -the Colonel I could see a change in his countenance. Adjutant Spalding, -who had but lately rejoined the regiment, was also with us. There -seemed to be an uneasiness among the field officers. The morning of -the 15th inst. rolled round, and at 3 o'clock the line was formed and -gradually moved off to the right, and as we marched along the Captain -of Co. D commenced singing "Are there no foes for me to face? Must I -not stem the flood? Is this vain world a friend to grace, to help me -on to God?" These sublime words oftentimes cheered the moving column -as it marched through the dreary roads of Virginia. When the glorious -sun arose it found us on the extreme right of the front, three miles -from Richmond, where the white troops were repulsed on the 6th inst. -The column was halted and drawn up in line of battle in front of the -woods, the white troops on the right, and the colored troops on the -left, the 8th and 29th forming in the centre, the 29th supporting the -8th. They entered the woods, and immediately attacked the enemy, and at -8 A.M. the battle became general along the whole line, and many a brave -soldier fell, killed or wounded. Among them were thirteen of the 29th. -The Adjutant fell wounded early in the engagement; Corporal George -Burr, Co. L, Corporal Sidney of Co. H, private Joseph Halstead of Co. -D, killed instantly. George E. Peters wounded in the side, Sergeant -James Evans wounded in the foot by a piece of shell. To my regret, -George Halstead was left on the field dead. - -A very striking instance came to my notice through the course of the -day of the 16th. A private of the 8th U.S.C. troops was wounded in the -head early in the engagement and brought to the rear. I found him lying -in his blood, and he would have died in this condition but I lifted him -up and raised his head. I went to my post, and at 1 P.M. returned, and -found him still alive, and when making some inquiries I learned that no -doctor had given him any attention, and inquired to know the cause of -this neglect. I made some stir about the case, and corn fodder and had -him laid on it and put by the fire. When the wounded were moved back he -was taken along and was soon in a condition to be sent to the hospital, -with hopes of his recovery. Many of like cases could be saved by a -little care and attention after the battle, but the complexion and rank -of a man has a great bearing. There was a great distinction made among -the wounded, so much so that it would make the heart of any christian -ache to see men treated so like brutes. - -On the evening of the 15th, at 5 o'clock, the cannon was sounded -for the army to fall back while the artillery spoke destruction and -slaughter to the rebels; we fell back, the cavalry covering our -retreat. The colored troops wore the first to go into the fight and -the last to come off the field. With what eagerness I looked for the -flag of the 29th, and at last I saw it floating among the pines; and -truly my heart leaped with joy when I once more saw the colors of our -Regiment. The-night found us back in camp, in the rear of our former -position. - -All was quiet in front of Richmond, from the 15th until the evening of -the 28th inst., when we received the information that the 10th Army -Corps had light marching orders, and as it was in our former marches, -different rumors prevailed. The Companies left their knapsacks at their -company quarters, and the morning of the 29th, at 4 o'clock, we were -on the march for the field of battle, which we reached at 6 o'clock; -the 8th formed in line in front of the enemy, the 18th formed on the -right, the 10th Corps, to which my Regiment belonged, was in the -centre. The 29th Regiment was put out on a skirmish in the advance to -charge the rifle pits. At the time of this battle, the highest officer -in the 29th was a Captain; the Colonel was home on a sick leave; the -Lieut. Colonel, W.C. Ward, was promoted Colonel of the 41st U.S., and -the Major was sick in camp. We mourned the loss of our field officers, -but Captain Camp, of Co. D, took the position of Major and formed the -line, and said to us, "Boys, we have got to fight to-day; do the best -you can; do your duty and I will stand by you till the last; will you -stand by me?" The boys replied, "we will stand by you till the last." -The Captain said: "Be careful and keep in line and obey the orders," -"Forward, double quick;" and the regiment charged the rebel rifle pits -and carried the works, and held them twenty-four hours. This was one -of the most desperate battles of the campaign. We lost in the fight -one hundred men killed and wounded. The 29th Colored Regiment covered -themselves with great praise given them from all the officers. General -Birney greatly complimented it for bravery in the battle. One of our -first Orderly Sergeants of Co. D, named Spencer, captured three rebel -prisoners. The fight lasted from 6 in the morning until 7 P.M. - -The morning of the 30th, while the regiment lay on the rebel works, -they shot away a 50 pounder. They received forty rounds of cartridge -and rose up and stormed the rebels' main works, and then received -orders to fall back, which they did in good order, and the evening of -the 30th found us safe back again in front of Richmond. We were called -to mourn the loss of Mr. Charles Bentley of Co. A, who fell in the -early part of the engagement with a ball in his breast, a champion of -liberty and a noble christian; also James Spriggs of Co. F, and 13 -others who fell asleep on the field of battle. - -Oct. 16, 1864. All was quiet up to this date. 3d division 10th army -corps, 29th regiment, Gen. Birney's brigade. To the surprise of the -regiment we were presented with the United States national colors, -which greatly pleased the boys. The flag was presented by the Major -of the 45th U.S.C. troops to Lieut. Col. W.C. Ward in a pleasing -manner, and in his statement he spoke of the bravery of the 29th in the -battle of the 15th inst., to which Lieut. Col. Ward replied, "I am no -speech-maker, but I have 672 guns that will speak for me when occasion -requires better than I can, and they are ready whenever called for." -Notwithstanding this pleasant incident, quite a mourning sensation -occurred in the regiment on the 19th inst. While on dress parade Lieut. -Col. Ward made a very feeling and parting address to the 29th regiment, -and told them he was promoted to Colonel of the 41st U.S.C. troops. He -said, "I intend to leave you in 24 hours. I would rather stay with the -29th, but duty demands it and I must obey." Truly, these remarks fell -upon the ears of the boys with tremendous weight. - -Col. W.C. Ward was generally beloved by the 29th regiment for his -gentlemanly and good discipline, and his careful protection of his -men. He was careful never to order the private to go where he was not -willing to go himself, and for these traits the men loved him. He was -in command of the regiment at the absence of Col. Wooster, and he led -it in and out of two battles with the loss of few men, and this made -us regard him as a leader we could look up to. While we were quartered -in the breastworks in front of Richmond, Col. Ward was mounted on -his horse, and I rode in the rear of him, and when we halted a rebel -sharpshooter shot at him just as he dismounted, and the ball went -through his hat. Col. Ward never flinched, but came to "attention," -and said "Well, Hill, I believe that was meant for me, but he did not -get me this time." This was during the first day's fight, and he had -not had his boots off for five days, and slept on the ground with his -men, faring as they did. Sometimes I would get him to take my blanket -to keep him warm, as I would rather do without it myself than see my -officers uncared for. But he left us, and no one felt his loss more -than I, for I was his first Orderly. When he came to the 29th regiment -as Captain of Co. E, I was promoted by him to Regimental Orderly, and I -was the last to escort him to his regiment, and with reluctance I left -him Colonel of the 41st U.S. regiment, encamped in the rear of the 29th -in front of Richmond. - -On the 5th of November I left camp in front of Richmond and went -on business to Bermuda Hundred, and to my surprise I received the -intelligence at 10 A.M. that the 29th regiment had moved to Malvern -Heights, one mile from Spring Hill, Virginia. After attending to the -business entrusted to my care I mounted my horse and started for -regiment, then laying at the fort, this being the first time the -regiment ever moved without my being with it. At 9 P.M. I found the -regiment in the forts on Malvern Hill in good spirits. The regiment -was divided in four different forts in the immediate front of the -rebels. All was quiet up to Nov. 8th, at which date we ranked in the -second division, 10th army corps, the 29th yet in the forts at Malvern -Hill. Nothing of importance occurred up to the 3d of December, when -we received moving orders at 4 P.M. and at that time the tents were -struck. This was on the Sabbath, and the relief did not arrive until -Monday. The 5th inst. at 10 A.M. we took up our line of march for a -destination unknown to us. All kinds of rumors prevailed among the -boys. Leaving comfortable quarters they had constructed, they did -not feel pleasant about going, but 2 P.M. found us on the left of -Fort Harrison in the centre of the line, the latter place being quite -inferior to our old company ground. When halted the boys went busily -to work at fixing up as usual, carrying timber and putting up their -cabins. They all worked busily until Tuesday evening at nine o'clock, -when there came an order stating that the 29th should pack up with -two days' rations. The hearts of the boys were sad enough before, but -when they heard of having marching orders they felt worse. We packed -up but did not start; and Wednesday, the 7th inst., found us still in -camp, in front of the rebs in a drenching rain. The same day found us -somewhat changed--the colored regiments all being consolidated in the -2d division, 3d brigade, 25th army corps. A number of detached men were -taken from the regiments. I was detailed at headquarters as Brigade -Postmaster. I felt somewhat strange in the new office, but I entered -upon my duties with a willing heart. All was quiet along the line, with -the exception of the Johnnies cheering. The evening of the 8th inst. -the advance pickets were fired on. - -January 1st, 1865.--Fort Burmen, in front of Richmond. The closing of -1864 passed off up to this date with frequent picket firing, our boys -taking their regular turn. On the 8th of January the rebels fired on -the pickets on the left of the line; the 29th at the sound fell in line -in their entrenchments waiting to receive the Johnnies, but they failed -to make an attack. We lay under marching orders up to the 13th inst. -when Col. W.B. Wooster received orders to move his headquarters in the -rear of the 29th regiment. - -All remained quiet up to the 23d, when at 8 P.M. the rebel fleet moved -down the James river towards the Dutch Gap, and commenced firing on -fort Bradley, which was kept up all night. On the 24th inst., at 2 -P.M., the clerk came to me and stated that there was an order to go -out to the picket line, but neither of the Orderlies whose duty it -was, wished to go, and seeing their dissatisfaction, I volunteered and -went out to the advance picket line. 8 A.M. found the whole line drawn -up in their entrenchments, under cannonading at long range, with the -reinforcement in the rear in line of battle. The shelling was terrific -all day; I went into the basement of the house used for general -quarters at 2 P.M., where I formerly stayed. There was five of us in -the basement, and a stray shell from the rebel gunboat came through -the window and burst, passing over me and tearing out everything in -the basement, but to the surprise of all, none of us were killed or -wounded. This was a wonderful deliverance from God. The provost guard -in front of general quarters, having knowledge of my being in the -house at the time of the explosion, all exclaimed, "Hill is killed." A -very intimate friend of mine, Mr. Jordan Jones, said "Boys, Hill is in -the basement, and who will go in with me to bring out his remains." A -little boy by the name of Thomas Watson was with me, and when I heard -the shell coming I took him in my arms. After the explosion I shook -him to see if he were yet alive, when Tommy commenced kicking. I said, -"Boys, follow me;" and the next moment I made my appearance on the back -stoop facing the breastworks, just as they were coming in to see if we -were dead. As I came out the boys all cheered. I felt much stunned, and -found my hearing dull. - -There was a duel fought at long range on the 28th, at which time a -shell sent from the rebel ram came through my quarters tearing out -everything in the room, but my life was spared through the mercy of -God. On the 7th of Feb'y my heart gladdened, for I received a furlough -of twenty days to return home to see my beloved family and many -precious friends. I started the same day on board the transport Weldon -for City Point. I went from there to Fortress Monroe, from Fortress -Monroe to Annapolis, and from there to Washington city by cars, where -I arrived on Friday the 10th inst. at 9 A.M. I remained there until 6 -P.M. and then left in the cars for home; reaching Philadelphia at 12 -o'clock: I put up with Mr. Samuel Williams until Saturday morning the -11th inst. At 3 P.M. I hit Philadelphia in a boat at Walnut street -wharf for Camden, and there took the cars for Woodbury, N.J., where I -arrived and had the pleasure of embracing my beloved family. Truly the -meeting was one long to be remembered, I remained at home four days, -and then visited Trenton, N.J., where I had many kind friends. On -Monday I returned home again and remained with my family and friends; -everything was delightful, and truly a great change from camp life, -where I had spent one year and one month in the service. On the 24th -instant at 8 o'clock I bid my beloved wife and two children adieu; one -of my children was three years and six months old, and the other six -months. When the last moment came never in my life did I experience -such emotions, and no one but a husband and father can imagine what -they were, as I looked upon my family as I supposed for the last time -in life. Never shall I forget that last farewell. The wagon that bore -me away began to move and my eyes were fastened on my home until it -was lost in the distance. I landed in Philadelphia at 10 o'clock, and -there bid my father-in-law good bye, with the intention of going to -Baltimore, but when I arrived in the city I was detained by my friends. -Mr. Brown, in South street, made a reception for me at 8 P.M. I went -there at the specified time, and found a great many of my devoted -friends to pay, as they supposed, the last tribute to one they loved, -and a defender of the country. I remained in the city until Tuesday -the 25th, and at one P.M. I left the residence of Mrs. Young for Broad -and Prime sts., where I took the cars for Baltimore, and arrived there -at 5 P.M. I was escorted to the soldiers' refreshment saloon, where -I partook of the hospitality of kind friends, after which I inquired -of the friends if any of them could take me to the residence of Rev'd -W.D. Schureman. One of the ladies kindly took me there, and I found he -had gone to a fair then going on in his church. I went there and found -him and his lady; they received me as a brother and introduced me to a -great many of his congregation. I spent the evening pleasantly, but in -the midst of the great throng I thought of my home and dear family that -I had left behind. After the fair closed I went home with Mr. Schureman -and his wife, and stayed all night. I spent the next morning with -Mr. Schureman in his library talking over old times until 9 o'clock, -when we went to the Provost Marshal's and got my transportation for -Fortress Monroe, where I arrived on Thursday the 27th, after a lonesome -ride with a burdened heart. I arrived in camp at the expiration of my -furlough. - -At 10 A.M. on the 29th inst. we moved from the breastworks on the -left of Fort Harrison to the hill in the centre, where we built a -tower overlooking the rebel works into Richmond. We remained there -four weeks, and on the 27th of March we moved again. Part of the 29th -rested in Fort Harrison and the 2d Brigade in the white house, known -as General Birney's headquarters. All was quiet here until the 1st of -April, when all was in readiness, and the order was given to strike -tents and move on to Richmond. During Sunday night the brigade was out -in line of battle, and at three o'clock in the morning the rebels blew -up three gun boats and commenced vacating their works in our front. At -5 A.M. the troops commenced to advance on the rebel works--the 29th -taking the advance, the 9th U.S.C. troops next. Soon refugees from the -rebels came in by hundreds. Col. W.B. Wooster passed them about, and -made them go before the regiment and dig up the torpedoes that were -left in the ground to prevent the progress of the Union army. They -were very numerous, but to the surprise of officers and men, none of -the army were injured by them. On our march to Richmond we captured -500 pieces of artillery, some of the largest kind, 6,000 stand of -small arms, and the prisoners I was not able to number. The road was -strewed with all kinds of obstacles, and men were lying all along the -distance of seven miles. The main body of the army went up the New -Market road. The 29th skirmished all the way, and arrived in the city -at 7 A.M., and were the first infantry that entered the city; they went -at double quick most of the way. When Col. Wooster came to Main st. he -pointed his sword at the capitol, and said "Double quick, march," and -the company charged through the main street to the capitol and halted -in the square until the rest of the regiment came up. Very soon after -the arrival of the white troops the colored troops were moved on the -out-skirts of the city, and as fast as the white troops came in the -colored troops were ordered out, until we occupied the advance. The -white troops remained in the city as guards. We remained on the outpost. - -The 3d instant President Lincoln visited the city. No triumphal march -of a conqueror could have equalled in moral sublimity the humble -manner in which he entered Richmond. I was standing on the bank of -the James river viewing the scene of desolation when a boat, pulled -by twelve sailors, came up the stream. It contained President Lincoln -and his son, Admiral Porter, Captain ----, of the Army, Captain ----, -of the Navy, Lieut. W.W. ----, of the Signal Corps. In some way the -colored people on the bank of the river ascertained that the tall -man wearing the black hat was President Lincoln. There was a sudden -shout and clapping of hands. I was very much amused at the plight of -one officer who had in charge fifty colored men to put to work on -the ruined buildings; he found himself alone, for they left work and -crowded to see the President. As he approached I said to a woman, -"Madam, there is the man that made you free." She exclaimed, "Is that -President Lincoln?" My reply was in the affirmative. She gazed at him -with clasped hands and said, "Glory to God. Give Him the praise for his -goodness," and she shouted till her voice failed her. - -When the President landed there was no carriage near, neither did he -wait for one, but leading his son, they walked over a mile to Gen'l -Weitzel's headquarters at Jeff. Davis' mansion, a colored man acting -as guide. Six soldiers dressed in blue, with their carbines, were the -advanced guards. Next to them came President Lincoln and son, and -Admiral Porter, flanked by the other officer right and left. Then came -a correspondent, and in the rear were six sailors with carbines. Then -followed thousands of people, colored and white. What a spectacle! I -never witnessed such rejoicing in all my life. As the President passed -along the street the colored people waved their handkerchiefs, hats and -bonnets, and expressed their gratitude by shouting repeatedly, "Thank -God for his goodness; we have seen his salvation." The white soldiers -caught the sound and swelled the numbers, cheering as they marched -along. All could see the President, he was so tall. One woman standing -in a doorway as he passed along shouted, "Thank you, dear Jesus, for -this sight of the great conqueror." Another one standing by her side -clasped her hands and shouted, "Bless the Lamb--Bless the Lamb." -Another one threw her bonnet in the air, screaming with all her might, -"Thank you, Master Lincoln." A white woman came to a window but turned -away, as if it were a disgusting sight. A few white women looking out -of an elegant mansion waved their handkerchiefs. President Lincoln -walked in silence, acknowledging the salute of officers and soldiers, -and of the citizens, colored and white. It was a man of the people -among the people. It was a great deliverer among the delivered. No -wonder tears came to his eyes when he looked on the poor colored people -who were once slaves, and heard the blessings uttered from thankful -hearts and thanksgiving to God and Jesus. They were earnest and -heartfelt expressions of gratitude to Almighty God, and thousands of -colored men in Richmond would have laid down their lives for President -Lincoln. After visiting Jeff. Davis' mansion he proceeded to the rebel -capitol and from the steps delivered a short speech, and spoke to the -colored people as follows: - -"In reference to you, colored people, let me say God has made you -free. Although you have been deprived of your God-given rights by your -so-called masters, you are now as free as I am, and if those that claim -to be your superiors do not know that you are free, take the sword and -bayonet and teach them that you are--for God created all men free, -giving to each the same rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of -happiness." - -The gratitude and admiration amounting almost to worship, with which -the colored people of Richmond received the President must have deeply -touched his heart. He came among the poor unheralded, without pomp -or pride, and walked through the streets, as if he were a private -citizen more than a great conqueror. He came not with bitterness in -his heart, but with the olive leaf of kindness, a friend to elevate -sorrow and suffering, and to rebuild what had been destroyed. The 6th -inst. General Weitzel's headquarters were moved to a large mansion -on the north corner of Franklin and 4th streets. Here the hearts of -the detached men were made glad with the expectation of remaining -sometime, but our hopes were soon blasted when the General told me that -on Tuesday the 11th, we should move to Petersburg. On Tuesday morning -the 25th corps moved by regiments to the regret of all, both white -and colored. As we moved down Main street to Broad, I could hear what -the rebels said as they stood on the corners in the drenching rain. -They expressed their feelings freely, saying "We never were protected -until the colored troops came here. They treat us better than our -own troops did." We moved in the drenching rain and marched on the -Petersburg turnpike within two miles of Petersburg. Nothing of interest -occurred up to the 16th of April, when we received the terrible news -that President Lincoln was dead. He was stricken down by the hand of -the assassin on Friday evening, April 14th, 1865, while in company -with his family at Ford's Theatre, in Washington, D.C. The fatal shot -was fired by John Wilkes Booth. This was four years after the opening -shot was fired upon Fort Sumter, and on the very day when the same old -union flag that was then taken down again floated over the Fort. This -good and God-fearing President died on the morning of the 15th of April -at half-past seven o'clock, and he bore to heaven the fetters of four -millions of slaves, and I think I can hear him say to the Father of all -good spirits, "These are they that came up through great tribulation." -He was meek, like the Lord and Savior, and forgave his enemies to the -last. I fancy I can almost hear him say in his dying moments, "Father, -forgive them, for they know not what they do." No class of people feel -his death as the colored people do, for we have lost the best friend -we had on earth, our great deliverer. He has done all a President -could do for the poor colored race, and in speaking of him let me, in -conclusion, adopt the language of the poet: - - "Sleep brave warrior, sleep: - Thy toils and fears are o'er; - Around the living stream of bliss, - May we meet where parting is no more." - -About the 25th instant we left camp near Petersburg for Camp Lincoln -near City Point, when we lead a sort of idle camp life until the 6th of -June, when the 25th corps, 1st division, 2d brigade, received orders to -march to the City Point wharf, and there we halted and laid down until -the morning of the 7th inst. and at 9 o'clock embarked on board the De -Molay, bound for Norfolk. General Russell and staff came on board and -bid our officers good bye. Col. W.B. Wooster also came and saw us off. -We left many kind and weeping friends standing on the wharf bidding us -God speed, and wishing us a safe return. As these friends stood on the -wharf they waved their handkerchiefs and cheered us until their voices -were lost in the distance, and we were gliding swiftly down the James. -We reached Fortress Monroe at 5 P.M., and then proceeded to Norfolk. -We spent the day quite pleasantly. Col. Sadrick and the officers -generally were in the best of spirits. The only lady on board was the -wife of Captain Smith. The 9th U.S. regiment was the regiment selected -by the commanding Colonel to accompany the 1st division, 2d brigade, -25th corps, but they greatly violated their trust in the harbor at -Norfolk, and endeavored to commit a mutiny. Some of the leaders of this -mutiny were arrested, and among than were Sergeant Daniel Elsley, and -six others. The men generally were unruly, and repeatedly threatened -my life, saying that I favored the officers taking them to Texas. The -general life of the men was swearing, gambling and dancing. We arrived -at Norfolk at 8 P.M. and anchored for the night. With a burdened heart -I laid down in the hinder part of the ship, while the starry decked -heavens formed my covering. While I lay thinking of my beloved family -and many kind friends I fell asleep, and had pleasant dreams of home -and loved ones there, which were very soon disturbed by a row among the -men in the forward hatch, who had been put under guard because they -refused to obey orders. - -The morning of the 8th the sun rose beautifully. Everything was quiet -on board and the day past off pleasantly. The 9th found us still in -harbor, and the men again endeavored to be unruly. The cause of their -uneasiness and all the disturbance was this: they thought the officers -were going to take them to Cuba and sell them, and the reason they -continually threatened me was because they thought I knew all about it. -But I held my passion and allowed them to think as they pleased. I give -great praise to Col. Gennett of the 9th U.S. regiment for the manner -in which he endeavored to find out the leaders of the mutiny. I kept a -strict lookout and put my trust in God. - -On the 10th instant I visited Norfolk, and found the colored people -generally doing well. I met with Rev. J.M. Brown, of the A.M. E. -Church, one of my old friends. He treated me very kindly, and we spent -a pleasant time together. He introduced me to some of the brethren of -the church. On the 11th, by general order, I went to Fortress Monroe -and got the mail and remained there all night at a boarding house. -The morning of the 12th inst. I returned to Norfolk and went on board -the transport De Molay in the evening, and found all glad to see me, -both officers and men. Sabbath I visited the churches in Norfolk, -and was much pleased to hear Elder J.M. Brown in the morning. I -was also greatly pleased to see the Sabbath School, numbering 800; -they sang beautifully. At 4 P.M. I preached on board the transport -to the officers and men of the 9th U.S. regiment; my text was "For -the wages of sin is death," and good attention was given by all. I -had an appointment to preach to Rev. J.M. Brown's people, but I gave -the appointment to Rev. Dr. Garnet of Washington. The officers and -Chaplain of the 9th Colored regiment went to hear him; he spoke most -delightfully from the passage "Run and speak to that young man." On -Monday, the 13th inst., I visited Portsmouth and found the colored -people there doing well and engaged in many ways to procure a living. I -found some of the 29th boys in the hospital. On Tuesday I again went to -Portsmouth and spent a part of the day, and then went over to Norfolk -and back to Fortress Monroe, where I met many of my old officers of the -29th, and as usual, all were glad to see me. The 29th was then on the -transport Blackstone, then laying in the harbor opposite the fort. When -I passed in the mail steamer the men gave me three cheers. At 7 P.M. I -returned to Norfolk and went on board the De Molay. On Wednesday, the -14th inst., we weighed anchor and soon the De Molay was stemming the -tide; we went to Fortress Monroe and joined the rest of the transports -of the fleet, five in number. We remained there two hours for me to -get the mail, and 2 P.M. found us bound for Texas, where we expected -to arrive in fifteen days. We passed Cape Hatteras light house at 5 -P.M., and the ocean was calm and beautiful. We passed Cape Henry light -house at 4 P.M. Thursday morning, the 15th inst., found us out of sight -of land, and we were much amused at seeing the sun come up out of the -great waters. We had a pleasant sail, the sea was calm and beautiful -and the officers amused themselves by fishing, and caught some six feet -in length. - -Friday morning, the 16th, all well on board, we were greatly impressed -with the wonderful power of God, as it was manifested on every hand. We -were sailing due east with a fresh breeze. The only thing that had been -visible for two day was a small schooner off to the right. The 17th -inst. was quite hot on board the transport as the sea was calm. In the -evening we had a shower. Saturday, the 18th, we were still out at sea -and out of sight of land. The day passed off nicely; the sea continued -calm, and as yet I had not been sea-sick, which was quite remarkable -for me. The night of the 18th was cool and clear, and we discovered a -light off to the right. After taps I soon lay me down on the deck. - -Sabbath morning, the 19th inst., was beautiful and clear with a good -breeze, and the sailors put out all sail, and to the joy of both -officers and men, we were able to see the land of Newfoundland coast. -We passed Gibraltar light house at the inlet, at 9 o'clock on the -morning of the 19th inst. Amidst the pleasant scenery of the voyage, -my thoughts ofttimes turned to my beloved family and friends at home, -separated from me by the great waters rolling between. The 20th inst., -it was still clear and calm, and found us sailing off the coast of -Florida Reefs. - -We passed the 29th regiment, which was on board the transport -Blackstone that had been disabled and was laying at anchor, but when we -came alongside, they got up steam and followed us, and on the morning -of the 21st, she was close in sight. We saw a great many small sail -boats. The 22d found us off the coast of Alabama, and in the evening -we were out of sight of land. Notwithstanding we had been at sea only -seven days, we began to be anxious to get on land, which we expected -to gain in two days more. On the 23d the men began to get restless, -and complained bitterly when the water gave out and we had to drink -condensed water. Those being accustomed to sea-sickness were generally -well up to this date; there were only 10 sick out of 750 men and 25 -officers. - -The officers generally amused themselves by fishing, and they caught -some of the largest kind. The 25th found us still on the De Molay, -out of sight of land. The officers spent quite a time on board the -De Molay, the night of the 25th. Thinking it to be the last night -they gave vent to their feelings, and kept up until 3 A.M. They would -not sleep, and would not let any one on board sleep. The chaplain of -the 9th U.S. endeavored to get them to stop, but they went on more -vigorous, seeming to be gratified that they found some one they could -annoy. They went on until they finally fell asleep. The morning of the -26th found us in Mobile Bay in sight of Fort Warren. There were a great -many transports laying in the harbor. - -We were glad to see land. Fort Gaines lay at our right and Fort Morgan -at our left. After we passed these forts we turned and anchored at -10 A.M. The scenery around the Fortress was beautiful. The gun boats -lay in the stream in great numbers. We hoped to gain camp here at -Mobile, but at 12 M. our hopes were blasted by an order from Colonel -Sadrick to go to New Orleans. We hoped to gain that place in two days -sail. We passed the light-house on the right and the scenery was most -delightful; we frequently saw groups of small trees growing by the edge -of the water. We glided down the stream and soon found ourselves wrapt -in the shades of night, which was beautiful to behold, and like nature -we were soon wrapt in the arms of sleep, and all cares of the world -were over. - -The morning of the 27th found us generally well and in good spirits. We -were out of sight of land. The day was beautiful. Nothing of interest -occurred, but the usual sport of fishing by the officers. At 6 P.M. -we hove in sight of land and entered the channel leading up to New -Orleans. At 8 P.M. we anchored for the night. The morning of the 28th -was beautiful and clear. We passed a great many small vessels and at -9 A.M. came in sight of Fort Jackson and Fort Phillips. When a signal -was fired from the fort we had to come to until we were boarded by an -officer from the fort, who informed Col. Sadrick that the 2d division -could not go to New Orleans, neither could any of the officers or men -be permitted to go without a general order from General Grant. This was -quite a shock, as the officers and men had greatly anticipated spending -some time in New Orleans. The officers permitted us to go up to the -fort, but not to disembark without orders. There we were compelled -to lay on board until the Colonel could telegraph to Washington to -General Grant. We had run out of coal, wood and oil, and the transport -Blackstone was disabled, on which was the 29th colored regiment, and -could not go any farther. - -Fort Jackson is a large construction, mounting seventy guns of the -largest calibre. The ravine round the fort is two miles long and very -strongly fortified. At this fort were a great many alligators, and we -went on shore and amused ourselves by catching them until prevented by -the guard around the fort. Fort Phillips lies opposite Fort Jackson -on the right of the Mississippi, and is the place where the rebels -committed the great outrage on the colored soldiers. It is a large -fort mounting sixty large guns and the small ones I did not number, -but there were a great many of them. The 10th U.S. heavy artillery was -guarding these forts and looked well. I could not help thinking of the -cruelty that had been done to the poor colored soldiers here at this -spot; although a month had passed it was fresh to me. - -At 6 o'clock on the evening of the 29th the despatch came from General -Grant to Col. Sadrick to take the Blackstone and go to New Orleans -and get her repaired, and get coal and oil. Nothing but the staff -officers were allowed to go along. This caused some dissatisfaction, -but they had to submit. The 29th was landed at Fort Phillips, and on -Saturday the 30th inst. with Col. W.B. Wooster of the 29th, Lieut. -Col. Torance, Adjutant Spalding and lady, Lieut. Leonard and lady, -Capt. Griswell and lady, Lieut. M.D. Lee, and a few more of the 29th -officers, we proceeded up the Mississippi towards New Orleans. There -were but three colored men allowed to go; these belonged to Colonel -Sadrick's headquarters, and I was one of the lucky men. The day passed -very pleasantly--Col. W.B. Wooster having his string band on board; in -the evening the officers got up a dance, and amused themselves until -a late hour, when we laid down to sleep, resting securely in the arms -of hope. The morning of the 31st at six o'clock, found us at the wharf -in New Orleans. I proceeded with Col. Sadrick and staff to the St. -Charles hotel, where they took rooms. This was one of the largest and -best hotels in the city, and a great many officers stopped there. I was -much pleased with the hotel, but it being Sabbath I left and started to -find the house of God; that was the disposition of my mind. Very much -to my surprise when going up Congress st. I met a colored friend, and I -asked him if he could tell me where the minister of the A.M. E. Church -stopped. He pointed to a door and said "In there." I went in and to my -surprise and joy found Rev. William A. Dove, one of my old friends. He -treated me very kindly, and I took a seat and we had a chat over old -things, while he was getting ready for church. I told him I wanted a -place to board, and up to this time I had no breakfast. He took me to -sister Vance's and introduced me; she made me welcome and got me a good -breakfast; I found her to be much of a lady. I went to church and found -Rev. Mr. Dove on the stand and was much pleased with his discourse -from the passage of scripture, "But having faith we can withstand the -wiles of the Devil:" he did justice to the subject. In the afternoon I -went to the same church at 4 o'clock to hear one of the natives of New -Orleans; his text was in Numbers, "If God be God, serve him; if Baal, -serve him." He did well. The appointment was then given out for me to -preach in the evening at 7 o'clock. I went according to appointment -and found the house crowded to excess with all classes, both white and -colored, very eager to hear the soldier. I took my text in Isaiah, 3d -chap. 10th verse, "Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with -him." We had a good time; surely the Lord was with us and blessed us, -and I felt the power of my station. When we adjourned I went to my -lodging place at Mrs. Vance's. - -On Monday, the 1st of July, I was visited by some old friends from -Philadelphia--Dr. Rock, Prof. Seymore, Prof. Murray and the chorister. -We all met at Capt. Ingram's and spent some time together. I was glad -to meet them and they to meet me. We parted and met again at 3 P.M. at -dinner and spent a good time. After dinner I went out to visit the city -and made several very pleasant calls. - -Tuesday, the 2d, I again met my friends at Mrs. Vance's, and spent -a part of the day. I often went to the St. Charles hotel to see my -officers; and Wednesday, the 3d, the Colonel informed me that we should -leave the next morning. Accordingly the next morning, 4th of July, we -went on board the Blackstone. The only demonstration made in honor of -the great national day was the firing of cannons on the gun boats. At -8 o'clock we were stemming the rapid tide down the Mississippi. When -we were six miles from New Orleans the transport took fire and caused -great confusion among both passengers and crew. The little life boats -were lowered and all the ladies got into them but Mrs. Torance, and she -stood on the deck to watch the result. When the word was given that the -fire was out, and when the confusion was over we got up steam and went -on our way rejoicing. We arrived at Fort Phillips at 5 P.M., got the -balance of the 29th regiment, and then went to the De Molay, laying at -the mouth of the inlet which we reached at 8 P.M., and went on board. -We waited until the morning of the 5th inst. and then got up steam and -started for Brazos Santiago, Texas. The gulf was very rough, and I was -taken sick soon after we started. The 6th inst. found me still sick. -The 7th we reached Brazos and disembarked, and the moment I got on -shore I was better. Brazos has a miserable sandy beach. At that time -the headquarters of the 25th corps were standing in water knee deep. We -remained at this post two days. It was the most miserable place I ever -saw. Here our suffering just commenced. The colored troops were landing -hourly almost famished for the want of water, and it was cruel no water -was provided but condensed water, and but little of that. The poor -soldiers suffered greatly, for the means of making condensed water were -so limited that not more than 5,000 could be applied at one time, and -there were more than 10,000 soldiers there, and for what we did have we -paid ten cents per canteen. The troops were kept on forage during their -two days stay at this point. The 8th inst. I went to the landing and -the Mexicans had got a boat and brought barrels of water out of the Rio -Grande, and the Provost Marshal had given them a guard of colored men -to sell the water to the soldiers for ten cents a canteen. Col. Sadrick -became indignant at the situation of his command and the fare they had -to put up with, and went to the commanding General, Weitzel, and asked -permission to move his troops from Brazos, which was granted, and in -the evening of the 8th inst. we took up our line of march for White -Rench on the Rio Grande, a distance of ten miles, where we arrived at 1 -A.M. We had a hard march through mud up to our knees, and water in some -place four feet deep and a mile long. When we arrived at White Rench -the poor soldiers were almost famished for the want of water, and they -rushed on to the bank, it gave way, and seven of the third division -were drowned. The Rio Grande is noted for the rapidity of its waters -and is always muddy. We soon went to sleep and in the morning I arose -early, and the first object that attracted my attention was a drowned -man floating down the stream. When the sun rose I took a look over the -country and not a tree was to be seen as far as the eye could behold, -and in fact we had not seen a single one in our ten miles march from -Brazos to White Rench. We remained in camp the 9th inst. until 5 P.M. -when the order was given to the 2d division to get ready to move to -Brownsville, twenty-eight miles distant. At this time the sore trial -began with both officers and men, about their knapsacks and baggage; -not a horse could be furnished to the commanders or wagons either, -except one to each regiment. When the brigade was ready to move, Col. -Sadrick came up to me and said, "Hill, you had better stay here with -my things a few days as the roads are bad and very muddy: I will leave -Lieut. Hamilton with you, and you can come up on the boat." Being -somewhat fatigued I was glad to comply. - -When the division moved I stood and looked after the column until the -line was lost to view, and then I returned to my lonely tent, and it -appeared as if I were the only living man in Texas. During the evening -some friends called on me from the 31st colored regiment and we spent -the evening as pleasantly as we could, the theme of our conversation -being our beloved friends at home and our dissatisfaction at what we -had seen of Texas. When my friends left for their camp I lay down on my -lonesome bed to sleep, having the starry decked heavens for my canopy -and the green earth for my pillow. - -The morning of the 10th I arose at 4 o'clock, and as was my habit, I -took a walk up the river. The sun arose beautifully and clear with a -pleasant breeze. At 8 A.M. the Lieutenant took breakfast, and while at -the table said, "Mr. Hill, I am going to Brazos at 9 o'clock, and I -want you to take charge while I am absent." I complied. After he left -I began to feel more lonesome than ever and to think of my beloved -family, until I became quite home-sick, and the day appeared like a -week. In the evening, at 10 o'clock, the Lieutenant returned hungry and -tired; after he had supper he said to me, "We will not be able to get -away from here for a week. I can get no transportation." I enquired -the cause; he said, "The roads are so bad the wagons can't run, and we -have but one boat running to Brownsville, and it is loaded down with -rations for the men, as there are none at Brownsville." I thought this -singular, but did not reply until he was through, and then I said, -"Lieutenant, when did the brigade get to Brownsville?" he said, "They -will get there this evening sometime." I was a disbeliever in the 29th -not marching twenty-eight miles in two days when I knew them to march -sixteen miles from 4 in evening until 2 in the morning, and having -marching orders at that, and went into a fight the next morning at 6 -o'clock. I had not forgotten their marching ability, therefore it was a -wonder to me why they should be so long going twenty-eight miles. - -I had sent the mail ahead, consequently I made up my mind to walk up -next morning. In the evening there were a great many sick soldiers -returned that were unable to go through the mud and were therefore -compelled to turn back. They spoke very discouragingly of the journey. -I went for the doctor for some, and for others made tea and gave them -something to eat. When the poor soldiers that knew me found I was -there, I never saw men so glad in my life. They had met me on the -battle-field, and had seen the interest I had ofttimes taken in the -sick and wounded soldiers, therefore they were satisfied I would see -they were treated right and had something to eat. After I had seen them -all attended to, I laid down to rest, it being late at night. - -The morning of the 12th inst. came. I arose at 5 o'clock and got my -breakfast and took my books and portfolio, bid the Lieutenant good-bye -and started on foot for Brownsville. I thought of getting to my post -that day, but I had not gone more than six miles before I saw my -expectations were blasted. It had not rained in this part of Texas -for six weeks, and yet the mud in the roads was in places up to a -man's knees and for miles hub deep. I was astonished to see the many -stragglers strewed all along the road. Many of them died and were -buried in the forest, with nothing to look at their graves but the wild -beasts of prey. I walked on until 1 P.M. and was only ten miles from -White Rench, the place I left. I sat down and ate my homely dinner -alone. I bowed to God and thanked him for his goodness and care over -me and committed my family to his care, I then started on my journey -again. Being accustomed to smoking after eating I got sick going -without it, not having any matches or fire with which to light my pipe. -In all my journey there was not a house to be seen. I went on wishing -in my mind that I had a light, and while I was walking I came to where -the troops had halted and had a fire in the road. There were two small -chunks lying in the road. I took one of them up and said, "I wish I had -got here before this went out." I blowed the chunk on the end, and to -my surprise, right in the heart was a live coal of fire about as large -as a hickory-nut. I lit my pipe and felt thankful. I carried the chunk -some ways, and thought the good Lord had provided this comfort of life -for me, when in a land of strangers and far from home. - -When I left White Rench in the morning, I had two haversacks filled -with rations, but I had by this time reduced them down to two hard -tacks, for I had met so many poor soldiers sick and given out, left -behind with nothing to eat. I shared with them until the last was gone. -I found I would not be able to get to Brownsville that night, and I -said to myself, "What will I do for something to eat?" but I thought -the Lord would provide something for me; therefore, I trusted in him as -my provider and shield. The evening began to draw near and I was seven -miles from Brownsville and two of that was water waist deep. At 7 P.M. -I arrived at the first water, which was a run about eight rods wide and -four feet and a half deep. Here I met with a large number of sick, worn -and wearied soldiers; they were getting supper, and when they saw me -they were made up and gave me a nice supper. We all concluded to stop -there over night, and cross the run in the morning. We soon laid down -and I said "Boys, I don't think it proper for all of us to go to sleep, -and I will take the first watch. This country don't suit me." The men -soon fell asleep, and I lay on the ground and looked at the beautiful -moon, and listened to the many sounds of the great number of strange -beasts of the forest. I laid there until 2 o'clock and was thinking of -my home and beloved friends, when my attention was aroused by a drove -of dogs as I thought, coming through the bushes. I got up and then -they began to howl and I found them to be a drove of wolves. There was -a stream of water between them and us, and they would wade in a piece -and then go back and howl. I then called the boys to "attention," and -fifteen of them took their guns, and I gave the order "fire," and they -fired into the drove of wolves, and I never saw such scampering in all -my life. They howled and left, and the boys all staid awake the rest of -the night. - -The morning of the 15th came and they got breakfast and gave me mine, -after which we all started across the run and left our things; then -I went back and carried a sick man over. I bid the boys good bye and -then started on to Brownsville. I had travelled only two miles when I -came to a pond of water about two miles long and about knee deep; this -we had to wade through; it made me very tired; my limbs appeared as if -they were pulling out of the sockets, but I got through and arrived -in Brownsville at 12 M. I expected to find a town settled with people -and where the true God was worshipped, but to my surprise I could see -nothing but little huts made of mud. The natives are very inferior, -and dress very strangely. The men wear only a shirt and drawers, and -when at work they roll their drawers up to their hips, and also go -through the streets in that manner. The women go through the day with -nothing on them but a chemise and a thin skirt made of straw, their -bosoms open and breasts exposed, and when one looks at them they seem -to have no shame. I remained in the town until 2 o'clock and then put -off for headquarters, which were two miles to the right of Brownsville. -I reached there at 4 P.M. and all were glad to see me. I found Col. -Sadrick without a tent and laying on the ground; I got the men and -had him a tent put up that night, and I laid down out of doors. The -ground was covered with lizards, frogs, and what is called the horned -toad, which has horns like a goat, and a wreath of beads around its -body; they look bold and courageous. These reptiles were numerous, -with details of musquitoes like swarms of bees. The morning of the 4th -inst. found me quite sick, so much so that I had to call in a doctor. -He examined me and said I was ruptured from the strain of walking. I -began to decline until I was unable to get about, and I almost gave up -in despair when I looked at my condition, five thousand miles from home -and among strangers without a friend. My best friend, Jordan Jones, of -Co. K, was left behind. The company to which I belonged was at Brazos, -and I was left to the mercy of God and strangers. In the midst of my -illness I had a kind physician, Dr. Perry, of the 11th U.S. colored -regiment. He treated me kindly and gave me the best of attention. I -remained at my quarters until the 15th inst. and then my regiment came -up to Brownsville. The men were very much fatigued, Captain Clark being -an officer with very little feeling for a colored man, marched them -through in one day. Mr. Frank Walker died on account of the hard march -and great heat. Many more were sick and were obliged to be sent to the -hospital. Col. Wooster being a man of feeling, and one that looked to -the interest of the regiment and the welfare of the men, put Capt. -Clark under arrest and kept him there until the Col. resigned; but -three days after the Col. left he again took command of the company. -I remained sick at my quarters until August the 18th, when I was -recommended to the War Department for my discharge by Dr. Perry. Col. -Sadrick had an ambulance brought and I started to be mustered out, but -when I got to Brownsville I was so near dead that I was compelled to go -to the general hospital. This hospital was kept under the direction of -Dr. Major Stevens from Philadelphia, and belonged to the 29th colored -regiment. The doctor treated me with the utmost kindness and gave -me the best of attention. At this post I witnessed the most brutal -treatment (not to me but to others.) There were seven hundred sick in -this hospital, four hundred of that number in the ward with me. - -The hospital stewards and nurses were men with no human feeling. -The poor sick were dying ten per day, and before they were cold the -hospital stewards would search them, and take any thing valuable that -they found about them before they reported them dead. On one occasion -there was a small boy, who had waited on some officer, that was quite -sick, and one morning he was quite fretful. One of the ward masters -went to him and struck him with a strap three blows, then took him -up and made him walk to the door leading to the street, and brought -him back again and laid him down, and in one hour he was dead, and -the spirit had flown to the God that gave it. It would be impossible -for me to tell the many instances of cruelty perpetrated on the poor -sick soldiers by the hands of these colored stewards. They acted more -like demons than human beings. The fare was also very bad; we had two -pieces of bread and a pint of coffee per day; this we were compelled to -put up with. I remained at this hospital two weeks and then asked the -doctor to let me go to my quarters, which he granted, and I took the -ambulance and again returned to the 25th headquarters. I remained there -until a general order came that all detached men unable for duty should -report to their regiments and be sent to the hospital. Therefore I -went to my regiment, and to my regret when I got there my best friend, -Col. W.B. Wooster had resigned and started home. I went and reported -to Adjutant J. Spaulding and he directed me to my company, where I -went and reported to my orderly, J. Spencer, of Co. D. He gave me my -quarters and I stayed there one week and then was put on detail to go -to New Orleans; I got ready and we went to Brownsville, and the order -was countermanded, and we returned to camp the next morning. There I -was again detailed at the headquarters of the corps, where I stayed -until the 20th of September, and then I had some words with one of the -General's waiters, and I would not stay any longer and again went to my -regiment, where I was at the time of writing this sketch. - -At this period of my stay in Texas joy began to spring up. We had -just received news that the 29th regiment was ordered home. The men -began to have the home-fever and it became general. Every day the men -in camp had appointed to be mustered out of the U.S. service, but -without avail. At last the happy day arrived and all hearts were glad. -On the 14th day of October, 1865, at nine A.M., Co. K was mustered -out; Captain Thorpe was in command of Co. K at this time. Then came -Companies C, E, and D to which latter I belonged; H, G, F, B, and so on -until the last company was mustered out. The occasion was one of note. -Every man was orderly and sober. All were eagerly waiting the order to -strike tents for home, for that was the theme of every one's thoughts. -We now hoped to leave Texas for home and trusted in God for our safe -arrival. - -October 15th, the 29th regiment left camp Sadrick, Texas, for -Brownsville, on their way home and were escorted through Brownsville -by the 9th U.S. regiment, Col. Bailey in command. We marched to an -open field where the battalion was halted by Col. Torance, and the -officers and men of the 9th U.S. regiment took leave of the 29th. It -was an impressive scene. The 9th and 29th had shared the greatest -dangers together, and fought side by side, and now they were parting. -We shook hands and they bid us God speed. The headquarter band, Gen. -Smith's, escorted us through Brownsville. The line of march was taken -up again at 10 A.M. The band played "And beneath the starry flag we -shall breathe the air again," until the footsteps of the 29th were lost -in profound silence. The 43d U.S. left the same day. The day passed -off pleasantly, although the roads were bad and ofttimes the men were -compelled to wade in water and mud waist deep, the thoughts of going -home made the march seem easier than any other we had been in. No one -can experience the feelings of a returning soldier but one that has -been a soldier. I was left sick at Brownsville, unable to march when -the 29th left, consequently I went on the boat down the Rio Grande with -the sick. Wednesday the 15th, we left Brownsville. After sailing down -the Rio Grande, night overtaking us, we were compelled to land on the -Mexican side and stay all night. It stormed all night and we spent a -disagreeable time. - -The next morning, the 17th, we passed Clarksville on the Mexican -side, and landed at Brazos, and camped on the sand all night; the air -was clear and cool. We had a rough time coming from Clarksville to -Brazos outside, and came near being lost, but we landed safely at 4 -P.M. The 20th was clear and cold--the 22d U.S. troops left Brazos on -a transport for New Orleans. The 21st was pleasant. The 22d found us -still waiting for transportation. At this point I had a chance to see -all of our sick, numbering forty-eight. I was called at 2 o'clock to -go and see Chancey Douglas of Co. C, 29th regiment. He was very sick, -but I gave him good counsel and he got better and was able to come -along at 12 M. when we embarked on board the transport Alabama, and at -4 P.M. we weighed anchor, bound for New Orleans. The 24th, the gulf -was so rough that we could not sail, and were compelled to anchor on -account of the gale. We weighed anchor again at 8 A.M. on the morning -of the 25th, bound for Galveston, Texas, where we arrived at 12 M. We -found Galveston a splendid city, four hundred and fifty miles from New -Orleans. Here we took in wood and coal, and in the evening visited the -city and the churches there. One of the soldiers of Co. H died, by the -name of Davis; how true that "In the midst of life we are in death." -Dr. Hyde deserves great credit for the consideration he showed. He got -a nice plain coffin, the only one I had seen for four months for a -colored soldier. The night of the 20th we were in a dreadful gale off -Cape Horn, so much so that the pilot was compelled to lay by all night -in the harbor. It was the most severe storm I ever witnessed. We put -out to sea in the morning but were compelled to turn back. The soldiers -were quite unruly while we lay at Galveston, so much so that Col. -Torance was compelled to have the transport hauled off from the wharf, -and some of the men were left ashore that went off without leave. The -26th we started again for New Orleans, but we were compelled to come -back and lay in the harbor; we came near being lost, but God was with -us. The 27th we again started, bound for New Orleans, where we arrived -on the 28th inst. at 7 A.M. We had a hard time and often thought it -was our last, but the good Lord was with us. We went off the transport -Alabama the same day we arrived, and marched to the south side of the -city and encamped on an open lot, and put up our shelters the best -we could and laid on the ground. The night was cold and chilly; we -suffered a great deal and many took sick. - -The 29th inst. was the Sabbath, a most beautiful day. I remained in -camp. On the 30th I visited the city of New Orleans and found a great -number of my old friends. The first annual session of the A.M. E. -Conference was in session, Bishop Campbell presiding. I spent a good -time with the brethren. The 31st was a pleasant day and I was in camp. -We remained in New Orleans two weeks. On the night of the 10th of -November a man of Co. K was shot. There was quite an excitement in camp -on account of it. We broke camp on the 11th inst. at 11 o'clock, and -marched through the principal streets of the city and halted at the -wharf, where the transport Champion laid to take us on board. - -There was quite an excitement in the city of New Orleans. While the -drum corps played a national air; at 6 o'clock we commenced to embark -on the steamer Champion, and by 9 o'clock all were on board ready to -weigh anchor and stem the current of the Mississippi river. The morning -of the 12th found us at the mouth of the river, and we were overtaken -by a storm which lasted several days. On the 14th the sea was so rough -that it broke over the hurricane deck. On the 15th inst. we had a -pleasant sail; we passed the rebel ram Stonewall. Friday, 15th, head -wind. Saturday, 17th, was pleasant, and the first calm day we had. -Sunday, the 18th, was clear and cold. The 19th inst. we encountered a -storm off Cape Hatteras, which lasted until the 21st. At 12 o'clock the -wind changed and drove us ahead with great rapidity, and on the 22d, -at 9 A.M., to the joy of all on board, we arrived in New York Harbor. -We remained on board the Champion until 2 P.M. and then marched off -the transport and paraded through the principal streets of the city -and were received with gratitude amid great cheers from the citizens. -The boys of the 29th were feeling somewhat indignant in reference to -the treatment they received from their State, it not giving them their -rights. But we forgot it for the time, from the manner in which the -citizens of New York received us. - -As we paraded down Broadway, opposite the St. Nicholas hotel, the City -Council run out the national and state colors, borne by a colored -man. When the boys looked up and saw the colors, they gave three -tremendous cheers. We went down Broadway to the Park and quartered in -the barracks, where we were decently accommodated with refreshments and -hospitality. - -We remained in New York until the 23d; and at 7 A.M. we marched to -the steamboat landing where the steamer Granite State was waiting to -take us up the East River, to Hartford, a distance of one hundred -and fifty miles. The Granite State struck on a bar and was unable to -arrive at Hartford until the morning of the 24th inst. The villages -were illuminated on our way. On the morning of the 25th we arrived at -Hartford, and a great reception was made for us. We paraded through the -principal streets and encamped on an open lot in the south part of the -city, until the morning of the 26th inst., at 8 o'clock, when we were -ordered to "fall in," and were paid off in part. Afterwards the men -broke ranks and returned in their homes. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Sketch of the 29th Regiment of -Connecticut Colored Troops, by I. 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