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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c60e259 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #68723 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68723) diff --git a/old/68723-0.txt b/old/68723-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 533d8a2..0000000 --- a/old/68723-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3288 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Memories of the Civil War, by Henry B. -James - -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 -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Memories of the Civil War - -Author: Henry B. James - -Release Date: August 10, 2022 [eBook #68723] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David E. Brown and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team - at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images - generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMORIES OF THE CIVIL -WAR *** - - -[Illustration: - - _Fraternally Yours, - Henry B. James._] - - - - - - MEMORIES OF - THE CIVIL WAR. - - BY - HENRY B. JAMES. - Co. B, 32nd Mass. Volunteers. - - [Illustration] - - “To you my comrades whether far or near, - I send this message, let our past revive; - Come, sound reveille to our hearts once more.” - - [Illustration] - - NEW BEDFORD, MASS. - FRANKLIN E. JAMES. - 1898 - - - - - To my Boys, - - _Who delighted in their childhood - to hear their father tell stories of - the war, and at whose desire these - memories have been recalled, this - book is - --DEDICATED._-- - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - CHAP. PAGE. - - I ENLISTMENT 1 - - II TO THE SEAT OF WAR 6 - - III ON THE MARCH 10 - - IV ANTIETAM 14 - - V UNDER ARREST 17 - - VI IN CAMP 21 - - VII FREDERICKSBURG 25 - - VIII CHANCELLORSVILLE 29 - - IX BRANDY STATION & ALDIE 33 - - X GETTYSBURG 38 - - XI MINE RUN 44 - - XII A LETTER FROM THE FRONT 48 - - XIII RE-ENLISTED 52 - - XIV AT HOME AGAIN 55 - - XV IN THE WILDERNESS 59 - - XVI LAUREL HILL 63 - - XVII WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN 69 - - XVIII LEAVES FROM MY DIARY 73 - - XIX COLD HARBOR 79 - - XX NORFOLK RAILROAD 85 - - XXI EXTRACTS FROM MY DIARY 88 - - XXII PETERSBURG 92 - - XXIII PEEBLE’S FARM 97 - - XXIV WELDON RAILROAD 101 - - XXV HATCHER’S RUN 106 - - XXVI ON FURLOUGH 112 - - XXVII WOUNDED 117 - - XXVIII CLOSING SCENES 123 - - XXIX MUSTERED OUT 128 - - [Illustration] - - - - -PREFACE - -[Illustration] - - -I have written this account of my experience in the service of my -country from memory, aided by old diaries, letters, etc., and have -endeavored to be as accurate as possible, in regard to dates and events -of historical importance, but if mistakes occur, it cannot be wondered -at, after such a lapse of time. Some of my diaries were lost upon the -battlefield, and of those that remain, many of the entries were in -pencil and are almost effaced. - -I had no intention when I began writing of making a long story, but -as I went on, memory brought back many a stirring scene, many a weary -march, many a tender thought of comrades who shared them all with me, -and so I have written them down as they came to me. - -My thanks are due my wife for so carefully editing, and my son for -printing my attempt to keep in a permanent form, my recollections of -the War of the Rebellion. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -ENLISTMENT. - - To Arms! To Arms! Our country calls for aid, - Of faithful sons an offering must be made. - From every hamlet in the loyal North, - Her sturdy yeomen in their strength go forth; - Mechanics, merchants, all professions too, - Give up the arts of peace, another to pursue. - - _Edwin Emery._ - - -I have often been asked to narrate my experience in the War of the -Rebellion, and have as often refused, but now after the lapse of thirty -three years since the close of that fearful struggle between brother -men, I feel that perhaps it would be well, for the satisfaction of -those who so earnestly desire it, to “Fight my battles over again.” - -Mine was not an exceptional experience, only that of many a boy of ’61, -but it may partly answer the question so often asked: “What did the -privates do?” - -I have often wondered how it happened that I, born of quaker stock on -my mother’s side (she was descended from the Kemptons, who were among -the first settlers of our quaker city of New Bedford,) should have had -such a natural leaning towards scenes of adventure and conflict. It may -well have been that I inherited it from the paternal side of the house, -for my father’s father, John James, was taken prisoner on board his -ship during the War of 1812, and thrown into an English prison, and I -have often, during my childhood, listened to his tales of warfare and -bloodshed, and longed to be a man that I might fight and avenge the -wrongs inflicted on my devoted country in its earlier days; and how -I wished, as I read of the War of the Revolution, that I might have -lived in those stirring days, and done my part in creating the American -Nation. - -Certainly it did not seem possible that occasion would ever arise when -I should be one of the defenders of that great nation. - -The attack on Fort Sumter, the shot that so stirred the loyal hearts -of the men of the North, awakened in me an ardent desire to enlist -and help avenge the insult to our country’s flag, but my father was so -opposed to the idea that I reluctantly yielded to his authority until -a few months later, during a visit to my brother in Woburn, Mass., I -enlisted November 2nd 1861, just past my twentieth birthday, in Co. -B, 1st Battalion, afterwards the 32nd Mass. Infantry. The company was -raised by George L. Prescott, of Concord, Mass. - -We were mustered into the United States service on November 27th, and -on December 3rd were sent to Fort Warren, Boston harbor, to guard -prisoners of war, among them being the confederate generals Buckner -and Tilghman, Commodore Barron, Colonel Pegram, the confederate -commissioners Mason and Slidell, the mayor and chief of police of -Baltimore, and many others. - -I remember an incident that may be of interest to which I was an -eye-witness: General Buckner was walking on the parapet, under guard, -when a foreign man of war was being saluted in accordance with military -usage; a large 32 lb. gun was belching forth half minute salutes; as he -drew near it, wrapped in deep thought, not seeming to notice what was -taking place the order came to fire just as he was abreast of the gun; -he realized his danger and jumped forward just in time, for the next -instant the gun was discharged, and the prisoner must have felt that it -was indeed a narrow escape. - -Many other interesting incidents connected with these celebrated -prisoners occur to me, but they would make my story too long. - -We were drilled in the art of war during all that winter, and under the -strictest military discipline, the commander of the fort being that -brave old martinet of the regular army, Colonel Justin E. Dimmock. My -brother George also enlisted in the same company as myself and was with -me at Fort Warren, but the hardships and exposures of that long cold -winter and an attack of typhoid fever undermined his health to such an -extent that he was discharged a short time before we left Fort Warren -for the seat of war in the following May. - -The hard and laborious life of the army seemed to agree with me, and -from the day of my enlistment until the time I was wounded, more than -three years later, my health was perfect, which was something to be -thankful for, in the army. - -I did not regret leaving my brother behind me for I felt that one son -was enough for my father to spare for his country’s service; besides -my brother had a wife and child, while I was young, with no mother to -mourn for me, should I fall, and I felt that I could be spared better -than those who had home ties, and that I could face hardships and -dangers better than those who had families depending upon them. In -short it seemed my duty and pleasure to go to the war. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -TO THE SEAT OF WAR. - - They turned from home, from wife and child, - And all that life held sweet, - Into the hell of battle, calm - They walked with steady feet, - Resolved for wounds and pain and death; - In sacrifice complete. - - _Unknown._ - - -On the 25th of May we left Fort Warren for the seat of war. Arriving -at Washington we went into camp Alexander. June 30th our battalion, -now composed of six companies, was ordered to join the army on the -peninsula. Embarking on the transport Hero we arrived at Fortress -Munroe July 2nd. - -We continued on up the James river, landing at what was formerly -President Harrison’s plantation, on July 4th 1862. Now began our -soldier life in earnest, for fighting was then going on; mud was -knee deep and all was confusion. We were assigned to the brigade of -Gen. Charles Griffin, division of Gen. Morell, in Fitz John Porter’s -command, afterwards the Fifth Army Corps. - -We were drawn up in line and given 80 rounds of ammunition. Just then -an officer rode up covered with mud, and said: “Well boys, I will give -you a chance at the rebs; keep cool and fire low!” Off he went, and I -was informed it was Gen. George B. McClellan. - -We moved through a piece of woods, and were opened upon by a battery. -It was getting to be pretty warm, when the order came “Forward -to charge the battery,” but before we could move, the order was -countermanded, and we retreated; this was the end of the Seven Days -Fight. - -We camped upon the banks of the river and staid there six weeks, every -day sickness and death reducing our ranks, for it was a very unhealthy -place. In fact it was the worst place that could be imagined for a -camp, marshy, wet ground, dust and mud alternating; what wonder is it -that our men sickened and died? Here on August 9th Lieut. Nathaniel -French Jr., one of the most promising officers in our regiment died of -malarial fever. - -Through it all my health remained perfect, and I was always ready for -duty. Many of our regiment were here detailed to act as guards over the -quartermaster’s stores on the river bank. - -Soon after our arrival at Harrison’s Landing, President Lincoln visited -and reviewed our army. Our division stood in line from four o’clock in -the afternoon until after nine in the evening, and then a party rode -by in the moonlight, one of whom was said to be the President of the -United States; as he was the only one who wore a stove-pipe hat, we -concluded that it must be a fact, that we had been duly reviewed, and -gladly broke ranks and prepared our suppers. - -On the night of August 1st the enemy ran six pieces of artillery down -on the opposite side of the James river, and about midnight opened -upon our camp, and cold iron rained upon us, ending our slumbers for -that night. We had two tents for the officers, and five for the men, -and solid shot went through them all, but we escaped serious injury, -which seemed rather remarkable. We were more than eager to leave this -sickly camp and life of inaction, but here we had to stay and wait for -marching orders. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -ON THE MARCH. - - And we marched away to join the fray, - Where the work of death was done, - And soon we stood where the battle clouds - Hid the face of the mid-day sun. - - ’Mid the battle’s din our ranks grew thin, - And we dug our comrades’ graves, - By brook and rill, by vale and hill, - And laid away our braves. - - _Benj. Russell Jr._ - - -Marching orders came on August 10th, and we gladly took up our line of -march, passing through Williamsburg, Yorktown and Big Bethel to Newport -News, where we boarded steamer Belvidere for Acquia Creek, thence by -rail to Stafford Courthouse, near Fredericksburg. We were still kept on -the move, and on August 27th we marched out on the Gainesville road, -and formed in line of battle; here we had quite a sharp brush with -the enemy. We were endeavoring to head him off in his march northward, -but were too late, and had to chase him as rapidly as possible. - -[Illustration: March 6, 1865.] - -I shall never forget the long and weary march of the next day, which -happened to be my twenty-first birthday. All that hot, dusty day was -spent in a forced march, and we suffered greatly for water, of which -there was none to be had in that dreary country. Along in the afternoon -I came to a puddle of water covered with green slime, in which partly -lay a dead mule, who had probably died while trying to slake his -thirst. I did not take warning by him, but brushed aside the green scum -and took a drink; it was wet and that was all that could be said of it. - -I dragged myself along until within an hour of sunset, and then I -dropped by the roadside as hundreds had done before me. Our surgeon -came along, and kindly urged me to keep on, saying we were to camp -in a piece of woods about a mile further on; but I was too far gone -to stir then. I rested an hour or so, and then limped into camp; too -weary to get anything to eat or drink, I took off my equipments and -without even unrolling my blanket, dropped upon the ground, and with my -knapsack for a pillow, slept all night the dreamless sleep of a tired -soldier. - -When the boys reached camp, their first thought was to find water; -there was but one well in the vicinity, and that was found under guard -reserved for the headquarters mess. The indignant rank and file drove -off the guard and helped themselves to the water. - -Some of the boys, not knowing of the well, went into the swamp and -dipped up the stagnant water there. No wonder there was a large amount -of sickness after that time. It did not make me sick, but I felt rather -lame when I awoke in the morning. - -Next day, August 29th, we arrived on the old battle ground of Bull Run, -in time to take part in the second battle of Bull Run. Again we had to -fall back, and again we took up the line of march. - -The next day we moved at 3 o’clock A. M. and camped at 11 P. M., -after a march of twenty eight miles. At Chantilla we met the enemy on -September 1st, but after a short engagement again kept on, marching -through Georgetown into the state of Maryland. It was hot weather, and -many of the men fell exhausted by the way; but we must not pause, for -the enemy was still pressing northward and we must get between him and -our own loved homes. - -When we reached the South Mountain battle ground, that fierce conflict -was over and they were burying the dead. I saw the body of General Reno -who was killed in that battle. We had won a victory, but the loss was -very heavy, and we had lost the gallant Reno, a serious blow for our -cause. The idol of his men, they greatly mourned his loss. - - “There was one poor fellow spoke up clear, - How he suffered before he died! - I am dying boys, but I feel no fear, - For I’ve fought by Reno’s side.” - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -ANTIETAM. - - One summer morning a daring band - Of rebels rode into Maryland. - Over the prosperous, peaceful farms, - Sending terror and strange alarms, - The clatter of hoofs, and the clang of arms. - - Fresh from the South, where the hungry pine, - They ate like Pharaoh’s starving kine; - They swept the land like devouring surge, - And left their path to its furthest verge, - Bare as the track of the locust scourge. - - _Unknown._ - - -Harper’s Ferry had fallen, and Lee was gathering his army on the west -bank of Antietam Creek in Maryland. When we reached the east side of -the creek, we caught up to the main army under General McClellan on -the 16th of September, just at sunset. We found the rebels to be well -posted behind the top of the ridge on the other side of the stream. - -The two armies now stood face to face, for McClellan’s army was camped -on the east side of the hills on the west branch of the Antietam. Our -division was soon among them, and busy getting our supper, while we -could see the smoke from the campfires of the opposing forces, where -they too were preparing their evening meal. - -What a beautiful sight it was after nightfall! The thousands of glowing -campfires upon both hillsides made a picture upon my memory that time -will never efface. After our weary march it seemed good to be here in -camp, even though I knew a battle was to be expected the next day. I -remember how peaceful and quiet everything seemed, and the cheerfulness -of the men around me, showed how they enjoyed the welcome rest, and how -little they thought of the conflict before them. - -The 17th of September dawned fair and pleasant, but what a storm of -death took place that day! The battle began at dawn and lasted until -dark. The loss of life was terrible; the loss to the Union army alone -was more than fifteen thousand men. We held the field, but on that -narrow strip of ground between the Potomac river and Antietam Creek lay -many thousands of brave men, while their comrades were so worn out with -their terrible exertions that they could hardly find strength to care -for the wounded or bury the dead. - -Our regiment being on the reserve, supporting a battery, our loss -was not heavy. On the 18th our corps relieved the ninth (Burnside’s) -corps at the lower bridge. On the 19th we expected another battle, -but the enemy had retreated during the night. We pursued them through -Sharpsburg, capturing many prisoners and several pieces of artillery. -We went into camp and excepting a two days raid to Leestown, remained -quiet until October 30th, when we started for Harper’s Ferry and -crossed the river into Virginia once more. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -UNDER ARREST. - - Although the years have long gone by, - And I ought to wear a wig, - I often give a smile or sigh, - To the memory of that pig! - - And how we carried him that day, - Upon that weary tramp, - And thought that we would have a feast, - When once we got to camp. - - But when at last we stopped to rest, - And cooked that little beast, - We never even got a bite, - The general had the feast! - - _L. M. James._ - - -My company was detailed to guard the ammunition train on its way back -into Virginia. Before starting on the march, we had general orders read -to us, forbidding all foraging in Maryland. On the first day’s march -towards Harper’s Ferry, several of the boys, myself included, noticed -a number of small pigs in a field near the road. - -As we had been on very short rations for about a week, it seemed to us -a good chance to have a feast when we went into camp, so over the fence -after the pigs we went. As I raised my gun to fire at a pig, I saw -General Griffin, (who commanded our brigade,) and his staff, passing -along the road on the further side of the wagons. - -I waited until I thought he was beyond the sound of my rifle and then -fired. The bullet passed through the pig, struck a stone, glanced, and -went down the road, passing within a foot of the general’s head, for he -had stopped for a few moments, instead of riding on as I had supposed. - -After I had shot the pig, one of the boys ran up and was using the butt -of his gun to finish him and stop his squealing, when suddenly we were -surrounded by the staff of Gen. Griffin! I made a break for the road, -but found it was of no use, for the general himself stood by the fence, -so back I went and with the rest of the boys was placed under arrest. -Orders were given to march us to camp without rest, and carry the pig -along, which we took turns in doing. It was a long pull, and when I -could march no longer, down I sat. The guard repeated the order. “I am -going to rest,” I said. “Don’t let the general see you,” said the guard. - -I did not rest long, but traveled all day without anything to eat, for -we had left our haversacks and overcoats in the teams, which were now a -long distance ahead. - -At night we went into camp, then had to dress the pig, and it was -cooked for the supper of the general and his staff, and we poor -fellows got nothing. We pitched the general’s tent and were then -turned over to the provost guard. About eight o’clock I went under -guard to the general’s tent to do something he wanted done. “Guard, to -your quarters,” said the general, “This man will not run away!” “No, -general, I will not,” said I, and I quickly performed the duty required -of me and went back to the provost guard. - -At ten o’clock we were all sent under guard to our regimental -headquarters. Our colonel had just rolled himself up in his blanket for -the night and did not care to be disturbed. “Do you know where your -company is?” he demanded: - - “Yes sir” we answered, without any regard for facts. - - “Go to it,” he ordered, and we gladly started, free men once more. - There were one hundred thousand men in the camp, and to find one - small company in the middle of the night was no easy task, but about - daylight we found the teams and our haversacks, got something to eat, - and started off on the march again. So ended the only time in my life - that I was a prisoner, or under arrest. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -IN CAMP. - - Comrades known in marches many, - Comrades tried in dangers many, - Comrades bound by memories many, - Brothers ever let us be! - - Wounds or sickness may divide us, - Marching orders may divide us, - But whatever fate betide us, - Brothers ever let us be! - - _An old army song._ - - -The Army of the Potomac, on November 10th, 1862, was massed near -Warrington Virginia, where General McClellan was relieved from command -of the army. I shall never forget the grief that was manifested by the -soldiers on the removal of this popular commander. Ever mindful of -the welfare and comfort of his men, he had won a warm place in their -hearts, and enjoyed the respect and esteem that was never accorded any -other commander. - -The following verses were sung in camp and on the march long after he -left us: - - The order came, the die was cast, - McClellan was removed at last, - While far and near o’er hill and dale, - In thrilling notes the accents fell-- - “Come back to us McClellan!” - - The bold, the brave, the fearless men, - When he had passed beyond their ken, - Bowed down their heads their tears to hide, - While still within their hearts they cried-- - “Come back to us McClellan!” - - His chieftains came to say farewell, - And in the evening camp light fell, - The tears they strove in vain to hide, - While from their sorrow’d hearts they cried-- - “Come back to us McClellan!” - - Go to the warriors on the field, - Charging upon the rebel steel, - And while they deal the fatal blow, - Hark to the cry, now high, now low-- - “Come back to us McClellan!” - - Go to the soldier sorely tried, - Go to the sick one’s lone bedside, - Stand by his cot, ere the soldier dies, - And listen to his feeble cries-- - “Come back to us McClellan!” - - Go to the tented camping ground, - Where dirt and dust and mud abound, - And from the restless, slumbering ones, - In murmuring words the entreaty comes-- - “Come back to us McClellan!” - - _Jonas A. Bigelow, U. S. A._ - - -He was succeeded by General Burnside, and after a week of rest, we -started for Falmouth Virginia, and on the 22nd went into camp at -Stoneman’s Switch. Here we remained most of the time all winter, -although we expected every day to be ordered off on the march again for -the unknown “Somewhere.” - -I well remember the hungry Thanksgiving day spent here. We were a -long ways from our base of supplies at Acquia Creek, and all that we -received was brought in wagons for several miles over hard and rough -roads from Belle Plain. - -For a week we lived on hardtack, and the morning of Thanksgiving day, -we received the last of the supplies in our regiment, half a cracker -for each man. This was all we had until afternoon; our officers were -out all the morning hunting in every direction for food, and at last -succeeded in borrowing twenty boxes of hard bread, which was all that -the officers and men had that day. - -How we thought of home that day and the good dinners that we had -enjoyed on former festival days! How little our friends at home would -have enjoyed their feast, could they have known that we were starving! -In the course of the day I happened to see, near the tent where the -officers bought their supplies, (for they did not draw rations like the -rank and file,) a few beans that had been trodden down into the mud. -I carefully picked them out, and perhaps got half a pint altogether, -which I washed and stewed, and with my tentmate, made out our -Thanksgiving dinner. - -This was not the only time I have gone hungry; many a time have I -suffered from hunger from cold, and from heat, but I shall ever -remember that particular time, for it seemed to make me still more -hungry as I thought of former Thanksgiving feasts, and the food I had -wasted. But such are the fortunes of war, and we bore it as we did all -other discomforts, as part of the price that must be paid, that our -flag might again wave over an undivided country. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -FREDERICKSBURG. - - Of all the terrible sights of war, - The worst and most fearful sight, - Is the stubborn struggle of gallant men - In brave but unequal fight! - The useless charge and the shattered ranks, - And the slaughter and the flight! - - _Edward Willett._ - - -Here we remained for some weeks, building ourselves log shanties, -chopping wood, standing guard, being drilled, inspected, reviewed, and -now and then going over towards the river and watching the confederates -making their works good and strong, against the time when we were ready -to attack them. While we were making ready, they were building and -strengthening works, that would be beyond the power of mortal man to -carry by assault, and yet that was what we were called upon to do, when -at last General Burnside had got his army ready for active service. -He had entirely re-organized the Army of the Potomac, which now -numbered one hundred and twenty thousand men, divided into three grand -divisions, each division consisting of two corps. Everything possible -was done to strengthen our forces, and put us in good condition for -active service; all this was not completed until the 11th of September. - -The town of Fredericksburg is on the south side of the Rappahannock -river, nearly opposite Falmouth. Back of the town is the range of hills -called Marye’s Heights, where Lee’s army was strongly entrenched, when -Gen. Burnside had got ready for business. - -General Lee, with his three hundred cannon, covered the town and river, -and his position was one of the strongest, yet Burnside persisted in -his plan of attack, for on the morning of the 11th of December, at -daybreak, the bugle sounded “Forward!” - -It was a still, cold morning, and we started off in heavy marching -order, our regiment leading, as it was our turn that day. We were in -good spirits, although we knew that we had started out on a desperate -attempt, and were enroute for Fredericksburg, three miles away. We -marched to a point near the river and remained until the next day, when -we crossed the river on pontoon bridges under a heavy fire from the -enemy, with terrible loss of life. - -On the 13th the bloody battle of Fredericksburg was begun, one of the -most disastrous of the war. It was a useless, ill-judged endeavor to -rout Lee’s army from his impregnable position. In this battle more -than thirteen thousand men were lost to the Union army, while the -confederates lost less than half that number. My regiment lost thirty -live men, killed and wounded. Defeated and disheartened, on the morning -of the 16th, our army re-crossed the river and returned to our old camp. - -On the 21st of January, 1863, we started on the “Mud march,” about -four o’clock in the morning. A bitter cold wind was blowing fiercely, -and the air was full of sleet and rain. We marched all day and when we -stopped for the night, made fires and sat around them all night to keep -warm. The next day was warm as summer, but rainy; the mud grew deeper, -as we struggled along, sinking in and being pulled out, taking us all -day to go three miles. The whole country was under water, and you could -not step without sinking above your shoes in mud. When we stopped for -the night we could only lay down in the mud, or sit by the fires we -managed, with much difficulty, to make. - -The next day the water dried up a little, so we pulled down the fences -and used the rails to corduroy the road. We returned to Stoneman’s -Switch, and re-constructed our shanties as well as we could, though we -sadly missed the comforts we had destroyed before starting out, lest, -in our absence, they might fall into the hands of the Johnnies. - -We remained in camp until spring, and before that time arrived. Gen. -Burnside was relieved, and General Hooker took his place. We gladly -heard the order read that relieved him and appointed “Fighting Joe” as -his successor. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -CHANCELLORSVILLE. - - Ah I see you once more in your camp by the way; - Yes, again do I hear your guns in the fray! - In those tangled old woods you stood there in line, - While the foe was advancing! Ah boys, it was fine! - I remember it still, how they swept o’er the field - With their tiger like yell. They thought we would yield. - You stood like a rock, as all will agree-- - My friends and my comrades of company B. - - _M. B. Duffie._ - - -On April 27th 1863, we again started on our tour through Virginia. -We crossed the Rappahannock at Kelley’s Ford, marched to the Rapidan -river, and went into camp on the south side. A brief rest, and again -on the march, arriving at Chancellorsville, where we waged battle -with the enemy from April 30th to May 5th. Here, on the 2nd of -May, occurred the famous charge of the eighth Pennsylvania cavalry, -numbering but three hundred men under Major Keenan, on Stonewall -Jackson’s leading division, keeping them back for a short time, giving -our generals time to place their guns in position, thus saving our army -from utter defeat. The tragic story is told by the poet Lathrop far -better than I can tell it. - - “Cavalry, charge!” not a man of them shrank, - Their sharp full cheer, from rank to rank, - Rose joyously with a willing breath, - Then forward they sprang, and spurred and clashed, - Shouted the officers, crimson sashed; - Rode well the men, each brave as his fellow, - In their faded coats of the blue and yellow: - And above in the air, with an instinct true, - Like a bird of war, their pennon flew. - - With clank of scabbards and thunder of steeds, - And blades that shine like sunlit reeds, - And strong brown faces bravely pale, - For fear their proud attempt shall fail, - Three hundred Pennsylvanians close, - On twice ten thousand gallant foes! - - Line after line the troopers came, - To the edge of the wood that was ringed with flame; - Rode in and sabred, and shot, and fell; - Nor one came back, of his wounds to tell. - - Line after line, ay, whole platoons, - Struck dead in their saddles, of brave dragoons, - By the maddened horses were onward borne, - And into the vortex flung, trampled and torn; - As Keenan fought with his men, side by side, - So they rode, till there were no more to ride. - - But over them lying there, shattered and mute, - What deep echo rolls? ’Tis a death salute. - From the cannon in place! For heroes, you braved - Your fate not in vain, the army was saved! - - They have ceased. But their glory shall never cease, - Nor their light be quenched in the light of peace. - The rush of their charge is resounding still, - That saved the army at Chancellorsville! - - _George Parsons Lathrop._ - -We were defeated, and obliged to retreat, our brigade being detailed to -cover the retreat of our army back over the river. We formed a line of -battle, and as each division passed, we fell back a little nearer the -river, still keeping our line of battle. Finally we were within half a -mile of the river, where the last of our army were rapidly crossing on -pontoon bridges. General Griffin, our brigade commander, had crossed -the river on some duty assigned him, when he was informed that a large -force of the enemy was rapidly approaching, and his brigade would -inevitably be taken prisoners. - -“If they are, I will be taken with them!” exclaimed our brave -commander, and spurring his horse, he rapidly crossed on the pontoons, -and soon reached us, and marched us quickly to the river, just as -the confederates approached, intent on gobbling us up. We cut the -fastenings of the pontoons, and the bridge swung off down the stream -just in time, and we were all safely landed on the other shore, happy -to know that we had escaped the horrors of a rebel prison, or death at -the hands of the merciless foe. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -BRANDY STATION AND ALDIE. - - Oh, tell me not their lives are lost, - Who to the death-shots yield, - But rather, write beneath their names, - “Promoted on the field!” - - _Unknown._ - - -After the battle of Chancellorsville, the thirty-second Massachusetts -was detailed for guard duty on the railroad to Acquia Creek. We -remained here but a short time however, for northward moved the enemy, -and we on after them; at Brandy station on the 9th of June, we caught -up with them, and had a sharp engagement, but failed to stop the march -into Pennsylvania. Crossing the river towards Culpepper Courthouse, -past Morrisville, on to Manassas, camping on the old battle ground on -the night of the 16th. - -We had a tough march the next day, travelling more than twenty miles; -no water was to be had, and we suffered greatly with the heat and -dust. Our regiment started in the morning with two hundred and thirty -men, and camped that night with one hundred and seven, of which number -I was one, and this was doing better than any other regiment in our -division. Hundreds of men dropped by the roadside, fainting and dying -from exhaustion; four died of sunstroke. We heard indications of battle -all day from the direction of Aldie, and I suppose this forced march -was thought necessary, but I can truly say that I much preferred all -the horrors of the battlefield to these terrible long marches, when it -seemed impossible to keep up. To drop out was to lose sight of your -regiment, and perhaps die uncared for, or be gobbled up by guerrillas, -who were plentiful all through that God forsaken country. - -To be captured by guerrillas was sure death or imprisonment, which to -me seemed worse than death on the field. It was during this march that -I acquired the nickname of “Mosby,” after the noted guerilla Colonel -Mosby, who was then making his dashing raids through that region, -causing his very name to be a terror to all the inhabitants thereof. - -I had picked up from the road where it had been dropped, among other -impedimenta by the rebels we were pursuing, a gray cardigan jacket, -which, being much better than the one I had worn so long, I had put on, -and thrown away the old one. I wore it into the battle of Gettysburg a -few days later, and had several narrow escapes from being shot for a -rebel by our own men, on account of its color. As it was all I had, I -had to wear it, for we could draw no clothing on the march. - -Some little time after the Gettysburg fight, I was on guard at the -colonel’s tent, and he noticed my gray jacket, and enquired why I wore -it, and I told him it was all I had. - - “I’ll see that you have another, my boy,” said the colonel, and soon - after, my captain provided me with a new blouse, which I gladly - donned, discarding the gray one, which had but one fault and that was - its color. I could not discard the nickname however, by which I am - best remembered by some of my old comrades, who will never forget how - I fought the Johnny rebs at Gettysburg, with a confederate’s jacket - on. - -At Aldie occurred the great cavalry fight under Generals Pleasanton, -Gregg and Kilpatrick. What a splendid sight it was! An event even in -our eventful life to see those brave men move in battle line, with -sabres drawn, steady as though on dress parade! Through the enemy’s -line they went, dealing death right and left. Not all of them came -back, but those who did, came with victory perched upon their banners. - -Then on we went, across the state of Maryland, encamping at midnight -July 1st at Hanover, Pennsylvania, after a forced march of sixteen -hours. By this time we were about worn out with so much marching and -fighting, but there was no rest for us yet; for we had hardly dropped -down for the night, when an aid arrived with orders to march directly -to the aid of the First corps, which was fighting the whole rebel army -at Gettysburg. So again we took up our weary line of march, pressing -forward as fast as possible to the aid of our comrades. As we drew near -Gettysburg, word passed down the line that General McClellan was again -in command of the army. - -How we shouted! How we cheered, and we moved on with quickened step, -believing that our beloved general would lead us on to battle, and to -victory! It was a false report, perhaps sent down the line to cheer our -hearts and quicken our lagging feet. It served the purpose, but it was -a sad disappointment, when we learned the truth. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -GETTYSBURG. - - God send us peace! And where for aye the loved and lost recline, - Let fall, O South, your leaves of palm, O North, your sprigs of pine! - But when with every ripened year, we keep the harvest home, - And to the dear Thanksgiving feast our sons and daughters come, - When children’s children throng the board in the old homestead spread, - - And the bent soldier of these wars is seated at the head, - Long, long the lads shall listen to hear the graybeard tell, - Of those who fought at Gettysburg, and stood their ground so well; - “’Twas for the Union and the flag!” the veteran shall say, - “Our grand old army held the ridge, and won that glorious day!” - - _Edmund Clarence Stedman._ - - -We arrived on the field of Gettysburg at nine o’clock A. M., July 2nd, -and without rest were ordered into the front line of battle. Our -brigade consisted of the 9th and 32nd Massachusetts, 4th Michigan, and -62nd Pennsylvania. We had hardly got into line, when the enemy advanced -directly upon us, and for an hour we had it hot and heavy. - -Here our regimental loss was heavy, but we finally repulsed them, -and soon after changed position to a piece of woods bordering on the -wheatfield. Here a line was engaged in the wheatfield, and the ground -was covered with the wounded and dead. We advanced and relieved them, -when the enemy charged us with such overwhelming fury that we were -obliged to fall back. - -Here Colonel Jeffers of the 4th Michigan and a color sergeant of the -same regiment were killed, trying to save their flag, but it was -captured, and a part of the regiment were taken prisoners. - -We could not stand the terrible storm of leaden hail, and were -retreating when our brigade commander halted us and ordered us to face -the charging enemy. It was a fatal act for many of the Thirty-second! -We fought our way back inch by inch, union and confederate men -inextricably mingled; so we fought until we gained the shelter of -the woods. I had lost my regiment, but saw the Pennsylvania Bucktails -fixing bayonets for another charge, so I stepped into their ranks to -charge with them, when I saw my regimental colors, with four of the -color guard near by, so joined them and waited for the boys to rally -under the old flag, when we again advanced into the bloody fray. - -I look back with pride upon the valor shown that day by my brave -comrades; at Little Roundtop, the Wheatfield, in the Loop, many a -brave boy of the 32nd gave up his life, in that terrible struggle. Our -regiment carried into the fight 227 men, and we lost 81 killed and -wounded. My tentmate, Dwight D. Graves, went down severely wounded in -the foot, and another comrade, Calvin P. Lawrence, was left on the -field with a broken leg when we fell back. As the rebs charged over -him, one of them turned to bayonet him, but his lieutenant prevented -him, and asked the wounded man, - - “Where’s your men now?” - - “You just keep on, you’ll find them!” was the reply, as the men - swept over him. Soon they rushed back in full retreat, and our brave - comrade shouted after them, “I say, leftenant, I guess you found - them.” We kept the field, and all that night I spent looking over - the battle ground for wounded comrades, giving to one a drink of - water from my canteen, placing a knapsack under the head of another, - covering another from the chilly air with a blanket picked up on the - field, and doing what I could to relieve their suffering. - -Morning came, and our brigade remained near Little Round Top, receiving -our full share of the storm of iron hail, throughout the artillery -duel of the third day. Then came Pickett’s desperate charge, the final -effort of the enemy, who never got further north than here. Then came -the retreat of the enemy, and our pursuit of them back into Virginia. - -During the battle, my cousin, James A. Shepard, of the 18th -Massachusetts received his death wound, while going to a spring to -fill several canteens for his comrades. I saw him the day before the -battle bright and cheerful. I heard he was wounded, but did not learn -of his death until some days after, when a letter from home gave me the -following account of his death and burial. - -He was shot in the shoulder, severing an artery, and died in a -Philadelphia hospital a few days after the battle, but lived to see his -widowed mother, who was telegraphed for, at his request. - -When she arrived at the hospital, she stood a moment at the door of the -ward where her boy lay on his deathbed, and where the long rows of beds -and their occupants all looked alike to her; she heard his voice at -the further end of the room, saying “Oh mother, mother! here I am come -quick!” and soon the heartbroken mother knelt by his bedside, while he, -happy in her presence, talked of the battle and tried to comfort her. - - “I know I’ve got to die,” he said, “But never mind, mother dear, it - is in a glorious cause, and we whipped the rebels good!” Poor boy, he - was only twenty, yet was willing to die for his country! - -As he grew weaker, he talked of the dear ones at home, and wished he -could have bade them goodbye. - - “Kiss them for me, mother,” he said, “And take me home, and lay me - beside my father, and put some flowers on my grave from the dear old - home garden, that I have so longed to see!” - -His mother remained with him until he died, and through untold -difficulties, she brought his body home, being obliged to smuggle -it part of the way, and now, in the family lot, he lies beside his -father and mother. Two of his brothers also lie buried there, Charles, -who served in the Massachusetts heavy artillery, and George, who was -badly wounded in the head while serving in the navy; he never fully -recovered, and died soon after the war ended. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -MINE RUN. - - We wait for the bugle, the night winds are cold, - The limbs of the soldiers feel jaded and old. - The field of our bivouac is windy and bare, - There is lead in our joints, there is frost in our hair, - The future is veiled, and its fortune unknown, - As we lie with hushed breath till the bugle is blown. - - _Thomas B. Higginson._ - - -We crossed the river near Berlin, keeping east of the Blue Ridge. At -Manassas Gap on July 23rd, we saw some pretty fighting by the Third -Corps, and on the 8th of August, we went into camp at Beverly Ford, -and remained five weeks, enjoying our well earned rest. Here I saw -five deserters shot. Sept. 15th we moved to Culpepper, where I saw a -bounty jumper drummed out of camp, branded with the letter D. Here -we received 180 recruits, and between October 10th and 29th, we were -marching back and forth, to one point and then another, as though our -generals thought we needed exercise. - -November 29th, 1863 found us in line of battle at Mine Run. For three -days and nights we faced the enemy, and awaited the signal to open -the battle. I shall never forget one night, the coldest I ever saw in -Virginia. Mine Run was a little stream of water made formidable by the -rebels, whose works were back of it. The stream was filled with thorny -bushes and brush, now frozen in; when across that, there was a strong -abattis made of sharpened timber, that must be removed before we could -charge the enemy, strongly entrenched behind earthworks. Not much -charging could be done in that situation, and we old soldiers knew the -hopelessness of such an attempt. - -We knew that the order had been given to charge on the enemy’s works at -daybreak. We felt rather gloomy, for we knew that death was certain, if -we made that desperate attempt. For my part, I had faced many dangers, -had been under fire many times, but had never felt, as I did then, that -death stared me in the face. The horrors of that bitter cold night -can never be told. All night long we had to keep in motion to avoid -freezing to death, for no fire could we have, lest we be discovered by -the enemy; more than one poor fellow was frozen to death in the rifle -pits. - -Morning came at last, but we heard no order to charge. All honor to -General Meade, who has been censured for his failure to charge across -Mine Run. With all his bravery, he was too humane to order such a -useless sacrifice of life, though he knew he incurred censure and -probably disgrace, in ordering a retreat instead. Silently we retreated -out of our dangerous situation, and made our way towards Stephensburg. -Hungry and cold as we were, we hurried along, halting now and then just -long enough to build a little fire and boil some coffee, the soldier’s -best friend. - -Towards night it grew warmer, and when the order came to halt for the -night on an open plain, we were too tired to do anything but drop in -our tracks, rolled up in our rubber blankets. When we awoke in the -morning, we found that several inches of snow had fallen during the -night, and covered that vast body of sleeping men as with a white and -fleecy blanket. We soon had fires and a warm breakfast. By ten o’clock -the snow had melted, and we took up our march with renewed courage. - -Our army crossed to the north side of the Rappahannock river, and two -days after found us encamped at Liberty, near Bealton Station, on the -Orange and Alexandria railroad, and here we had a brief respite from -our toils and dangers. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -A LETTER FROM THE FRONT. - - “Halt! Who goes there?” My challenge cry, - It rings along the watchful line, - “Relief!” I hear a voice reply; - “Advance and give the countersign!” - - _Unknown._ - - - Camp at Liberty Va., Dec.--1863. - -You ask me about our daily life, and now, while “All is quiet upon the -Potomac,” I will try to give you some idea of company B’s life in camp. -Reveille is sounded at sunrise; our company falls into line, and the -first sergeant calls the roll. - -Each man then cooks his own breakfast, except when two or three -tentmates agree to take turns. In my case, my tentmate does the -cooking, and I get the wood and water. Our rations when in camp are -generally hardtack, pork, salt, sugar, coffee, beans, potatoes, fresh -meat, etc., but we do not draw all of these things at once; some days -we will draw hardtack and pork, sugar and coffee; on other days, fresh -meat, and potatoes. - -In drawing rations for the regiment, the quartermaster draws up a -requisition for as many rations as there are men in the regiment; they -are sent to regimental headquarters, and divided among the companies. -The first sergeant of each company receives it, and divides it among -the men. - -One day’s rations consists of ten hardtack, half a pound of salt pork, -a few spoonfuls of coffee, and the same of sugar. In drawing fresh -meat, it is cut up into pieces, the orderly calls the roll, beginning -one day at A, and the next at Z, and as each man’s name is called, -he steps up, takes his choice of the meat, and the last is “Hobson’s -choice.” - -After breakfast, surgeon’s call is sounded, and if sick or unfit for -duty, the boys report to him; he gives them pills or quinine, and -reports them either fit for duty, or sick in quarters. His word is -law, and if he understands his calling, he seldom makes mistakes; but -I have known many instances where men have been reported for duty, who -were not fit to be out of their bed. - -Next, the orderly makes the detail for camp guard, police, picket, -etc. At 8 o’clock A. M., camp guard is placed on duty around the camp, -and remains so for twenty-four hours, two hours on post, and four off. -Those detailed for police duty, are placed under a non-commissioned -officer, and set to cleaning up camp. - -The pickets fall in, and after all the details from the various -companies get together, they are marched to the front, and are posted -so that the whole front is guarded, relieving those that have been on -duty. They remain on duty for twenty-four hours, two hours on post, and -four off, except when very near the enemy, in an exposed position, then -they sometimes remain for several days. - -After the pickets go on duty, we who are not detailed for duty, have -about two hours to ourselves, in which to wash and mend our clothes, -clean our rifles and equipments, etc. At 10.30 o’clock we go on -company drill, which lasts an hour, after which, we get our dinner. - -After dinner we have battalion drill, brigade drill, or something else -to keep us busy, and out of mischief. - -Dress parade comes at sunset, tattoo at 9 o’clock, taps at 9.30; all -lights must then be out, and the army is at rest. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -RE-ENLISTED. - - Two years have passed; those gallant men - Have kept the oath that they made then. - On many a field their valor’s shone, - On many a field their bones are strewn; - They’ve bravely fought and still shall fight, - For Union, and the cause of right! - Till rebel hosts shall yield the way, - To Union arms, and Union sway. - - _J. B. C._ - - The die is cast! Come life or death, - My Country! I will faithful be, - Until o’er all thy wide domain, - Shall wave the banner of the free. - - _L. M. J._ - - -It was at Liberty that most of the members of the 32nd Massachusetts -re-enlisted for three years more. I was not the first to re-enlist; I -knew now what a soldier’s life really was. I realized that my father -knew what he was talking about, when he told me that it was no holiday -picnic, and that the men of the South were as brave as those of the -North, and that it would take years instead of months to conquer them, -as so many thought when the war began. I had endured two years of -hardships and dangers, and longed for a peaceful life with those I -loved at home. I knew my dear old father would be grieved, were I to -again enlist. - -I fought it all out alone on picket, that cold long night, went back -to camp, and with fingers almost too stiff with cold to hold the pen, -signed my name to the paper that bound me to the service of my country -for “Three years more, or until the close of the war.” - -Yes, I had made up my mind, that come what would, I would see it out! -My country needed me; dire disaster had overtaken it, dark and gloomy -was the situation, and now more than ever, were needed strong and -willing hands to defend it; and so I would do my duty, and leave the -rest to God. - -And now, looking back over the long years since that day, I can truly -say, I have never regretted my decision. The terrible year that -followed would have been included in my first term of enlistment of -three years, and so I did not serve quite a year longer than I would -have done, if I had not re-enlisted. Many a poor fellow who felt that -three years was enough, and that he could not endure such a life any -longer than that, and consequently did not re-enlist, lost his life in -the battle summer that followed. But none could foresee the future, and -the close of the war looked to us in the field, as a long way ahead. - -So many of the regiment re-enlisted that we were given 30 days -furlough, and allowed to go home as a regiment. We had previously -had re-enforcements from time to time, so that there were 340 who -re-enlisted, and started for home, arriving in Fall River by the New -York boat, on January 17th, 1864. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -AT HOME AGAIN. - - From every height our banners bright, their flashing folds display! - The trumpet’s tongue is jubilant with stirring notes today. - The cannon and the merry bells join with our vast array, - And sound a welcome home! - - Ye have come from the battlefields of glory and of blood, - Where like a rock ye firmly met rebellion’s rushing flood, - Where o’er the traitors’ reeling ranks triumphantly ye stood, - To find a welcome home. - - _James B. Congdon._ - - -As the day of our arrival was the Sabbath, which we dimly remembered -was kept sacred at the North, the commanding officer telegraphed to -Governor Andrew to know if it would do to take his men through Boston -on the Sabbath day. He quickly received the answer, “Come right along!” -So he issued orders to the men to be as orderly as possible, and not -shock the pious people of the Puritan state, and we took the train to -Boston. - -How astonished the war-worn soldiers were at their reception! Ours was -the first Massachusetts regiment returning with the proud title of -“Veteran,” and the people had turned out _en masse_ to do us honor. We -marched through crowded streets to the State House, where we received -a welcome from the Governor, and a salute was fired in our honor, on -the Common; then to Faneuil Hall, where a most sumptuous dinner was -prepared for us, of which we were invited to partake, by the Mayor of -Boston. - -After dinner, Governor Andrew made an address that will, I think, ever -be remembered by the members of the old 32nd. I cannot remember all he -said, but some of his eloquent words still linger in my memory: - - I cannot, soldiers of the Union Army, by words, in a fitting measure, - repeat your praise. This battle-flag, riddled with shot and torn with - shell, is more eloquent than human voice, more pathetic than song. - This flag tells what you have done, it reveals what you have borne, - and it shall be preserved as long as a thread remains, a memorial of - your valor and patriotism. - - I give you praise from a grateful heart, in behalf of a grateful - people, for all you have suffered, and all you have accomplished; and - while I welcome you to your homes, where the war-worn soldier may - rest a brief while, I do not forget your comrades in arms who have - fallen, fighting for that flag, defending the rights and honor of - our common country. The humblest soldiers who have given their lives - away, will be remembered as long as our country shall preserve its - history. - -As the people gazed on the torn and blackened remnant of the beautiful -silk flag we had borne away with us two years before, it seemed to -tell more eloquently than words could do, of battles won and lost. And -now, after the lapse of thirty-four years, it still, with other battle -flags, is preserved in a glass case in the State House at Boston. If -you should look for it there, it might be difficult to find it among -the many handsome banners hanging there, for it is a mere strip of silk -that seems to be just hanging by a few threads to the staff, a black -and ragged remnant of the beautiful silk flag we took with us to the -front; but we old soldiers are far more proud of it than we were in the -days when it was first presented to us, before it had been consecrated -by the blood of the brave boys who bore it through the storm of battle, -and gave their lives, rather than the flag should be lost to the -regiment. We had a new flag to take back with us, and that also bears -the marks of shot and shell, and is sacredly preserved. - -After the dinner was over, we were dismissed, and I made quick time to -New Bedford, where I received a warm welcome from my father, who was -overjoyed to see me. - -The first night at home, I went to bed in my old room, but could not -sleep, the feather bed was too soft for me; at last I got up, rolled -myself in a blanket, and laid down on the floor, where I slept like a -top. The feather bed was removed next day, and I slept very comfortably -after that on the straw mattress. - -How the happy days flew by, when friends vied with each other in making -my furlough pleasant for me, and doing their best to spoil my appetite -for army rations, with their cakes, pies, and all sorts of good things! - -But all too soon we had to say goodbye. On February 17th we once more -started for the South, arriving at camp Liberty two days later, warmly -welcomed by the comrades we had left there, and proud of the title of -“Veteran,” with all that it implied. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -IN THE WILDERNESS. - - In that valley down there, where the wild ivies creep, - The night birds stand sentry o’er comrades asleep, - Their graves are now sunken, the headboards decayed, - And the trenches are crumbled, where fought our brigade. - Through rifts in the forest, if your vision is keen, - The breastworks we builded, can dimly be seen. - - _M. B. Duffie._ - - -General Grant now took command of the army, and on April 30th 1864, we -broke camp at Liberty, and began the hardest, most bloody campaign of -the war. Our division gathered near Rappahannock Station; crossed the -river for the fifteenth time, and marched to Brandy Station, marching -almost constantly. We crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford, marched -all the next day, camping at night in the Wilderness, very near the -enemy. May 5th we threw up earthworks, but at noon advanced, leaving -our works to other troops. We were soon heavily engaged, and so began -Bloody May. - -From this time forward, day and night, marching, fighting, digging -earthworks, there was no rest for us. From losses in battle, and from -sickness, our regiment again dwindled down to a company in numbers. - -On May 8th we supported the 5th Massachusetts battery, with some pretty -smart fighting. On the 9th we again went to the front, and threw up -works, behind which we kept pretty close most of the day. Sharpshooters -were plenty in the rebel lines, not far from us. One of my company, -George Erskine, who was near me in the works, sat on a cracker box, and -turned his head to speak to me, thereby exposing himself a little, and -as I was looking at him, I saw a bullet strike the side of his head, go -through it, and strike the ground. He gave one sigh, and fell dead at -my feet. It was the work of a rebel sharpshooter. - -A little later in the day, the orderly sergeant asked-- - - “Who will go out on the skirmish line?” - -The skirmish line was about a third of a mile in front of us, and to -reach it, one had to run the gauntlet, for the enemy had a fair view of -the whole field, and they improved it, you may be sure. - -Several comrades volunteered, and went under a sharp fire. I felt a -little ashamed of myself for not going too, so I said to my chum, - - “If he calls for more, I am going!” - - “I go if you do,” said dear old Dwight, and soon the word came again, - - “Who will volunteer?” - - “I will go for one!” Said I, and Dwight said the same. - -Over the works we went, the minie balls singing and zipping at us as we -made our best time over that open field. We reached the line all right, -and settled down to business. - -After a time I found my ammunition was getting low, and by the time it -was all gone, it was growing dark, so that we could move round with -less danger, for we could not show ourselves without drawing the fire -of the sharpshooters, so at dark I went round among the dead, and took -all the ammunition I could find, and began again where I left off. -We remained within two hundred yards of the enemy’s works all night. -During the night, our officers sent us plenty of ammunition, and -informed us that we were to charge at noon next day, and that we were -to fall into line as they advanced, but for some reason, the expected -charge was delayed. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -LAUREL HILL. - - Through a vista bright of the years long fled, - By the flag-decked graves of our comrades dead, - By the tints of summer, and the winter’s white, - By the sheen of noon, and the shades of night, - There hangs a scene of the olden days, - With a warp of blue, and a woof of gray. - I will cut the web from out the loom, - And place it today ’mid the May-day bloom. - - * * * * * - - Three times amid the brake they form, - Three times upon the guns they storm, - Three times the army holds its breath, - To see those charges grand of death. - - _S. D. Richardson._ - - -For two or three days we remained on the skirmish line, digging rifle -pits to protect ourselves from the fire of the enemy. These were holes -in the ground deep enough for one or more men to stand in, and if we -showed our heads we were pretty sure to draw their attention, so we -kept out of sight as much as possible. But our greatest peril was from -our own line, a quarter of a mile in the rear of us, for there were -several pieces of artillery continually sending shells and solid shot -over our heads into the enemy’s lines, and some of them were too near -us for comfort and safety, for we were on slightly rising ground in -front of them, and the gunners, to do more execution, depressed their -pieces so much that every now and then a shot or shell would skim by, -or over us, as we hugged the ground. - -We would watch for the flash of the guns, and drop to the ground, so -the shot generally went over us. In the rifle pit with me were two of -my comrades, one of whom had taken off his haversack, and laid it near -by. A shot from our line struck that haversack, and sent it flying in -every direction. - -Comrade Flint was fairly peppered with pieces of tin plate, cup, -knife, fork and spoon, which wounded him severely in several places. -He stood the pain as long as he could, and finally said he was going -back to the lines; we advised him to wait until dark, but the pain was -so great that he could not, and he started on the run across the open -field, back to our main line. Instantly he was a target for the rebel -sharpshooters. We watched him anxiously, and once saw him go down, but -he was up and off in a moment, and reached our lines, where he went -into the hospital. - -He received a wound in the leg, from which he never fully recovered. -The other wounds healed after a while, but left indelible scars. - -Soon after, the firing ceased, and we felt better, when we were no -longer in danger from our own artillery. - -At last, on the morning of the 12th came the order to attack, and our -gallant little brigade commanded by Colonel Prescott, dashed across the -field as far as the foot of Laurel Hill. How our brave boys charged -those works under that heavy shower of grape and canister, none who -survived will ever forget! - -But we could not take the works, and had to fall back, under a galling -fire from their whole line. Oh! What a shower of death came down -upon us! Before we got our colors back to our old position, the 32nd -had lost five color bearers, and one hundred and three, out of one -hundred and ninety men, killed or wounded. A number of the boys of our -company lay killed or wounded upon the field we had charged over, and -the constant firing along the whole line of the enemy’s works, made -it dangerous business going out to bring them in; but several of us -determined to do so, in spite of the risk we incurred. - -Before leaving home we had made a solemn promise to each other, that no -man should be left unburied or uncared for on the field; that we would -risk life and limbs that our wounded should be cared for, and our dead -comrades tenderly laid in the bosom of mother earth. We usually waited -until night before going out after our fallen comrades, but we could -see the poor fellows lying there under the scorching sun, and felt that -some of them would not hold out until night. - -Taking a blanket for a stretcher, four of us started out on the run, -drawing upon us a deadly fire from the enemy. One of our party fell, -wounded in the leg, but the rest managed to take him along in our hasty -retreat. Again and again we made the attempt, succeeding in getting -most of our wounded under cover. - -Night came, and we started out to bury our dead. Many a poor fellow -lying upon his face, did I turn over in my search for my comrades -that night. Suddenly I came upon one of my company, still living, -but mortally wounded. He had been shot through the spine, and could -not be moved, so I made him as comfortable as possible by putting a -blanket under his head, and giving him some water. His sufferings -were terrible, but soon over; he knew his time had come, and gave me -messages for his folks and friends at home. - -I promised him that I would write and let them know how, and when he -died, and that I would see that he was buried. I remained with him -until death released him from his agony, then closed his eyes, and -covered him with his blanket. - -Sadly I left him, and moved on to where I could hear a well known voice -calling for help. It was another of my company badly wounded, but able -to be moved, so I hastily rolled him into a blanket, and we soon had -him within our line. - -Busy all night, when daylight came, we had buried our dead, and -gathered in our wounded, thus fulfilling the compact that was never -broken when it was possible for us to keep it. What a comfort it was -to us, that solemn promise, for, far worse than death, was the thought -of lying exposed and unburied on the battlefield. That night was a -sad one, never to be forgotten by me, when we rolled our comrades up -in their blankets, and laid them in graves that will forever remain -unknown. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN. - - Yes, it all appears to my mind like a dream, - How we filed out of camp, and forded that stream. - Through the storm we have struggled, by day and by night; - For our flag and our country, we wrought with our might. - On that dangerous post, through the dews and the damp, - We have guarded from ill, our slumbering camp. - - _M. B. D._ - - -From the 12th to the 23rd, our regiment was constantly under fire from -the enemy in front of us, at Spotsylvania Courthouse, and vicinity, -continually changing our location, throwing up earthworks each night -after a weary day’s march, before we could roll ourselves in our -blankets, and take our short night’s rest. - -On the morning of the 23rd, we took up our line of march towards the -North Anna river, crossing it at Jericho Ford, our brigade advancing -at once in line of battle into a piece of woods, where we had a -skirmish with the enemy, who fell back, and we proceeded to fell trees, -and build a line of works. - -Before we had finished them, the enemy in force, under General Hill, -attacked us, and endeavored to drive us out of our works and into the -river. The assault fell mainly upon our division. Our regiment was on -the left of the line of battle, and we did our best to give them a warm -reception. For the first time since the campaign began, we fought in -our works. It was a short, sharp fight, and the enemy was repulsed. - -We remained in our works until morning, when we moved on towards -Hanover Junction, but on May 26th we received orders to retire, which -we did during the night, and once more crossed the North Anna river -at Quarles Ford, and marched almost constantly for twenty-four hours -towards the Pamunky river. - -We next met the enemy near Mechanicsville, on the morning of the 30th -of May. Little did we think then, that in the future years, that day -would be set apart for honoring the memory of the fallen sons of the -nation, our brigade advanced in line of battle through Tolopotomy -Swamp, driving the confederate skirmishers until we came to open fields -near Shady Grove Church, where we found the enemy in force behind -earthworks. - -We could not take them, so kept back as much as we could, out of range, -yet our loss during the day was twenty-two, killed or wounded. I shall -never forget our march through Tolopotomy woods, keeping in line, over -briars and fallen trees and stumps. Our shoes were worn out with twenty -five days of constant marching and fighting, and we were about as bad -off ourselves. But we got there all the same, and staid there until -midnight, when we were relieved by a part of the Ninth Corps, and went -into camp, where we remained on the reserve for two or three days. - -We took this time to do a little much needed washing, for we had no -change of clothing, being in very light marching order. During our long -marches, often, when we came to a stream, have I taken off my shirt, -given it a hasty wash, wrung it out, put it on again, and gone on my -way rejoicing. - -Perhaps the simple record kept in my diary during that “Bloody May,” -as it has been so often called, will give some idea of the life we led -when we were constantly confronting the enemy, with, as we might well -say, a musket in one hand, and a shovel in the other; we could not stop -to rest without first shoveling up earthworks to protect us from the -fire of the ever active enemy. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -LEAVES FROM MY DIARY. - - That starry banner blazed afar, - The ensign of the free; - The beacon light of millions past, - And millions yet to be. - Thy father loved its shining folds, - He followed where they waved, - Thro’ tangled wood, or frowning height, - As battle’s storm he braved. - - _Mrs. Ralston._ - - - _May 1, 1864._ Was relieved from picket last night, broke camp, - went within one mile of Rappahannock Station. To-day crossed the - Rappahannock river, and marched to Brandy Station. Corporal Tuttle - left for home. - - _May 2._ In camp near Brandy Station; sent letters home. Several of - the boys left us, having exchanged into the navy. - - _May 3._ Broke camp at one o’clock P. M. Camped near Culpepper. - - _May 4._ Broke camp last night at eleven o’clock; marched through - Stephensburg, crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford at eight A. M.; - camped at one P. M., after marching fourteen hours. - - _May 5._ In the Wilderness. Left camp, advanced half a mile, and - threw up breastworks; skirmishing began, and we advanced into the - fight, which was very hot work. Fell back to our works at night. - - _May 6._ Left our line at three A. M. and went to the front; heavy - skirmishing from daylight till dark. There has been some hard - fighting on our left. At dark we went to the rear, then back to the - front, where we stayed until midnight, then returned to our works. - - _May 7._ Was awakened about sunrise by heavy firing all along the - line. Our brigade made a charge over the works; some fighting all day. - - _May 8._ Sunday. We moved to the right at ten P. M. last night. Came - up with the enemy at eight this morning; heavy fighting. We are - driving the enemy. Our regiment supported the Fifth Mass. battery. - Our brigade charged the rebs works, with a loss of three hundred men. - Fighting near Spotsylvania Courthouse. - - _May 9._ Started at ten o’clock last night, and went to the front. - This morning threw up some works, and laid in them all day. No - fighting in front of us, only skirmishing until sunset, then we had - some hard fighting. Volunteered, and went out skirmishing. Erskine, - of my company killed today. We were attacked twice, but the enemy was - repulsed. - - _May 10._ Our regiment supported the First New York battery today. - Fighting began at half past eleven, and lasted until night. John Tidd - and E. B. Hewes of my company wounded. Received a week’s mail; no - letters for me. - - _May 11._ Still supporting the First New York battery. Sent a letter - home written on paper picked up on the battlefield. - - _May 12._ Went out skirmishing at three o’clock this morning. Flint - of my company, badly wounded. Later charged the enemy’s works. - Wellington and Dowd of my company killed. - - _May 13._ Was relieved from skirmish line, and went to the regiment, - then we started for somewhere; stopped in the woods. Lost my knapsack - and everything I had. - - _May 14._ Up in front; staid here all day, but not much fighting. - Within a mile of Spotsylvania. - - _May 15._ In front; no fighting. Formed in line of battle in advance - of our works, expecting to charge the enemy’s works, but did not, for - some reason to me unknown. - - _May 16._ Laid in line of battle all day and night; no fighting. On - guard. - - _May 17._ Laid in line of battle until dark, and then advanced, and - worked all night throwing up works. - - _May 18._ Shelling began early this morning. Laid behind works all - day and night. Received seven letters from home, the first I have had - since we broke camp at Liberty, and they are very welcome. - - _May 19._ Laid behind our works until about sunset, then fighting - began on our right. Packed up and moved to the right. Commenced a - letter to father. - - _May 20._ Laid in line of battle behind our works. Sent letter to - father. - - _May 21._ Laid behind our works until one P. M. Packed up and moved - to the left; camped at eight o’clock P. M. Received letters from home. - - _May 22._ Broke camp at four this morning, but did not start until - ten o’clock. Came up with some of the enemy about two P. M. Stopped - for dinner at four o’clock, then went on picket. - - _May 23._ We started this morning at six o’clock, and crossed the - North Anna river near Hanover Junction. Skirmishing began as soon - as we crossed, at three P. M.; fighting began about an hour before - sunset. Smart fight. - - _May 24._ Threw up some works and laid behind them until five P. M. - Packed up and moved to the right, then front, and threw up some works. - - _May 25._ Started this morning at half past four, and advanced about - two miles, then skirmishing began. Threw up some works. - - _May 26._ Laid behind earthworks until dark, then started, and - marched until eleven P. M., when we stopped for rations. Atwood - wounded today. Two years ago we left Fort Warren for the front. - - _May 27._ Marched all night until half past six this morning, then - stopped for breakfast near Reed’s Church. Stopped there two hours, - then marched until half past five P. M. Marched for twenty-two hours. - - _May 28._ Started this morning at half past five. Crossed the Pamunky - river, and went about a mile; stopped for breakfast, and then threw - up some works. Received letters from home. - - _May 29._ Advanced two miles, rested two or three hours, then - advanced another mile, when skirmishing began. Threw up some works, - and stopped all night. - - _May 30._ Packed up and started at seven this morning; skirmishing - began as soon as we started. Advanced two miles, fighting all the - way. Our regiment charged the enemy, with a loss of thirty men. - - _May 31._ Regiment relieved, and sent to the rear for a brief rest. - Received letters from the dear ones at home. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -COLD HARBOR. - - Ah me! I see it all again, - The frenzied battle’s formless form, - The reeling field, alive with men, - The thunderous flashes through the storm! - - The rifle’s crack, the hiss, the thud; - The sizz of the on-hurtling shell; - The dying cry; the trickling blood-- - The sights, the sounds we knew too well. - - _Rev. Minot J Savage._ - - -On the 3rd of June, before daylight, we were called up to do our part -in the battle of Cold Harbor. The troops that had relieved us at the -front the day before had been driven from their works, and our division -was called upon to re-take them. - -It was the same along the whole line. We were to charge across an open -field, under a terrible fire from the enemy, strongly entrenched -behind earthworks. Between our line of works and that of the enemy, the -ground was covered with pine trees, felled and fastened across each -other, and in addition, they had posted a battery in a position that -could sweep the entire unsheltered field. We heard afterwards that Lee -had been two weeks getting ready for us. - -It was about half past four on that bright June morning, that we -started on that memorable charge. Never shall I forget the storm of -bullets, grape and canister that was rained upon us. My comrades fell -on my right and left till I thought there would be none left to tell -the tale. Half way across, my shoe became untied, and I knew that I -would lose it unless I tied it up again, so down on one knee I went, -and tied my shoe. - -My comrades saw me drop, and I heard a shout, “Mosby’s hit!” I was up -in an instant, and on with the rest. On we went until we reached the -works, from which we drove the enemy, but they only fell back to their -own line of works, about two hundred yards away. We remained in the -recaptured works, and kept up a constant exchange of fire all day long; -on neither side could a man show his head without being shot at, but -we hindered them as much as we could from using their battery upon us. - -I remember one poor fellow of my company, who had somehow gone to a -part of our line where the enemy had a raking fire right among us. I -noticed him lying there as though asleep, but I well knew that no one -living could sleep in that place, and concluded that he must be dead. I -offered to help his brother bring him in, but he demurred, fearing that -he might share the same fate. We did not know what moment we might have -to leave, and did not want to leave a dead comrade unburied. - -At last four of us started after the body, and succeeded, under a -terrific shower of bullets that drove us back more than once, in -getting him onto a blanket, and each one holding a corner, we made -quick time into the rifle pits. We rolled the poor fellow in the -blanket, and buried him in one of the rifle pits; many a poor fellow -was buried in that way. - -There was a peach orchard between the lines, and when the battle ended -at dark, there was not much left of it but the trunks of the trees. -All day I kept pegging away. When my gun got too foul from constant -firing, I poured in a little water, washed it out, snapped a cap or -two, and I was ready for action again. I was not sorry however, when -nightfall put an end to the conflict, and I could drop down and rest. - -Another charge was ordered before night, all along the line, but the -order was countermanded, thus saving many precious lives. The loss of -our army that day was over thirteen thousand men, our regimental loss -being ten killed, and twenty-one wounded. - -The next morning at daybreak I heard the orderly call my name, and -reported to him immediately, and received the order with others, - - “On the skirmish line!” - -While I stood waiting a few moments for the skirmishers to get -together, I noticed a Johnny Reb walking over to our line; I thought he -wanted to come in, so I shouted to him to come on in; he stopped and -looked at me a moment as though surprised, then turned on his heel, and -walked back from whence he came, taking no notice of my invitation to -come in, and threat to shoot him if he didn’t. I would not have shot -the brave fellow anyway, and I watched him walk deliberately back until -he reached the works, when he leaped over them and ran for the woods -like a deer. We concluded that he was a straggler who had been asleep -somewhere, and did not know of the changed conditions, and thought -his side still held the advanced line; at any rate, he found out the -difference before it was too late. - -Only a few moments elapsed before we were ready for the start, and -away we went, expecting every minute the rebels would rise above their -works, and put an end to us all. But all was quiet in front, so we kept -on until we stood upon their works, and found that during the night the -enemy had left for parts unknown. Upon a cracker box cover they had -left the loving message, - - “Come on, you damned Yanks to Richmond, but you will find it a rough - road to travel, with a Hill, and two Longstreets to go over before - you get there!” - -You can imagine how surprised we were to find the works abandoned that -our leaders had thought it impossible to capture by assault, and how -thankful we were that we had not made the charge that the enemy had -evidently expected, and so had prudently withdrawn, under cover of -darkness. They had succeeded in removing their battery that had so -raked us all day, but the heap of dead horses, a dozen or more, that -lay near the position they had occupied, showed that they had made -several attempts before they accomplished their purpose. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE NORFOLK RAILROAD. - - What wonder if the mouth is grim, - That said so many swift “Goodbyes?” - Life’s common words are idle breath, - Beside those earnest battle cries. - What wonder if the gaze is dim, - And yonder strangely lingers yet? - The eye that has looked straight at death, - His image may not soon forget! - - _Unknown._ - - -On the 12th of June, General Grant changed his plan of operations, and -started us off for the James river. Our corps crossed the Chickahominy -river at Long Bridge, marched southward to the James river, and on the -16th of June, the Army of the Potomac was on the right bank of the -James, preparing for a fresh start in another direction. As we went -up in front of Petersburg on the 18th of June, we were double quicked -across an open field, and made a dash on the Norfolk railroad, where we -made a stand. - -It was in this charge that our beloved colonel, George L. Prescott, -fell mortally wounded, while leading his men. He died the next day, and -the whole brigade mourned his loss; he was a brave soldier, and a good -man; always kind to his men, he treated them like brothers. - -Many a time have I known him to let a sick man have his blanket, and -then bunk in with a private who was lucky enough to have such an -article. More than once has he slept with me, rolled up in the same -blanket, and I always felt that in him I had a true friend. By his -kind and generous words and deeds he had endeared himself to the whole -brigade, and today many an old veteran reveres his memory, even as I do. - -His body was brought home, and buried with his kindred in Sleepy Hollow -cemetery, at Concord, Mass. I have visited his grave since the war, and -as I stood in the pleasant spot where he sleeps so peacefully, I could -but recall the memories of that terrible scene, when he laid his life -on the altar of his country. - -We had hot work all that day; again we charged the enemy, and drove -them into their last line of works. This enabled us to establish our -line on the crest of the hill. Near this place the mine was made that -was exploded on the 30th of July, a little over a month later. - -It was in this charge that a minie ball grazed my check, which soon -swelled so that my comrades hardly recognized me. For a week or more, -my jaw was rather stiff and sore, so that I could not eat hard bread; -this made it rather inconvenient, as I was blessed with a good appetite -and could not get much else but the old reliable “Hard tack” to eat, -but I was not disabled, and did my duty as usual. - -It was about noon, during a lull in the fight, that we saw a large -turkey strut proudly into the centre of a deep ravine, that lay between -us and the enemy’s lines. Instantly every musket in our company was -aimed at that poor turkey gobbler. When the smoke cleared away, we saw -him still undisturbed in his foraging; we stood astonished until one -of us happened to remember that our guns were sighted for 200 yards -distance. He hastily lowered the sight, and spang went the deadly -messenger into the heart of that devoted bird. When the fight was over, -we picked up the fowl, and cooked him for our supper. - -That night we spent in throwing up earthworks with our bayonets and tin -plates, and by morning we had some works from which the enemy could -not drive us, though they made several attempts. Our works were never -advanced beyond this line until Petersburg was taken. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -EXTRACTS FROM MY DIARY. - - Such is the price with which we bought - A country! And our sons here see - How faithfully the fathers wrought, - For manhood, peace, and liberty. - - And you, ye sons, as here you tread, - And on our graves your tribute lay, - That ye be worthy of such dead, - Forget not till the latest day. - - _M. J. Savage._ - - - _June 1, 1864._ Sunset. Another battle has begun, and brave men are - now falling for their country and their homes. Ah, many a heart will - mourn when they hear of this hour’s history, but may the thought - cheer them, that their dear ones fell like heroes, as they are, in - the holiest cause for which man ever fought. - - _June 2._ Five P. M. Again has the battle begun, and again we hear - the hum of lead and iron, like hail in a storm. Oh, how terrible is - the conflict of arms among men of one nation! - - _June 3._ The battle began early this morning, and now many of my - dear comrades are cold in death. Many others are suffering with pain - from wounds received while facing traitors to their country. - -At six o’clock this morning we charged across a field about a quarter -of a mile; fighting began, and we had it hot and heavy until dark. Our -loss was very heavy, and of my company, Warren P. Locke, and Makepeace -C. Young are killed, and Hazen, Kennison, Robinson, Melvin, Parsons, -Beals, Uffindale, and Fuller are wounded. Oh, may their names be ever -honored by those who love their country! - - _June 4._ Went out skirmishing; relieved at noon, and joined my - company. Started for some place, and went about one mile, then back - we went to the front, and staid all night. - - _June 5._ Laid behind our works until four P. M., then with two other - regiments, we went out on a reconnoissance; skirmishing began soon - after starting, and we fell back to our works, got our rations, and - fooled around all night. - - _June 13._ Started at eight o’clock last night, and marched until - half past four this morning, when we halted near the Chickahominy - river; laid down an hour, then up and going again. Stopped for - breakfast at seven o’clock. Crossed the Chickahominy, and went about - a mile, then halted until dark; then packed up and started for - Charles City courthouse. Stopped at midnight. - - _June 14._ Once more back on the James river. I little thought one - year ago that I should ever return here. But where are my companions - that were with me then? Some are lying beneath Virginia soil, others - are wounded in the hospitals, and others are at home with their - friends; but I am still in my country’s service, fighting for the - Nation that was given to us by our forefathers. - - _June 18._ This day will ever be fresh in my memory, for through the - mercy of God, my life was spared, when death certainly stared me in - the face. While men fell all around me, I was left unharmed. It was a - desperate attempt to carry the enemy’s works; we charged three times - and were repulsed each time, with terrible loss. Our Colonel fell, - fatally wounded, while leading his men in the charge. Major Edmunds - was wounded; William R. Wait was killed, and Wheeler and many others - of my company were wounded. - - _June 19._ Col. Prescott died of his wounds today at 11 A. M. He was - a good and brave man and we deeply feel his loss. - - _July 30._ Before Petersburg. Battle opened all along the line before - sunrise this morning. About as heavy artillery firing as I ever - heard. There is hard fighting on the left and centre of our line. - - _August 18._ On guard last night; packed up at three this morning, - and moved to the left across the Weldon railroad, and tore up the - rails. Heavy fighting all day; was on the skirmish line; Melvin of my - company wounded; was relieved from the skirmish line at 10 o’clock - tonight. - - _August 21._ Sunday; on the Weldon railroad; just got my breakfast - down when the outposts of our line were driven in; we opened fire, - but were driven back to our works, then we advanced, skirmishing all - the way back to our old picket line. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -PETERSBURG. - - “And this is what it means, to earn - The title ‘Veteran’ on a coat; - To march through flood and field, or lie - Where rebel rifles sweep the moat; - To serve the guns in rifle pits; - To sleep beneath the silent sky; - To dream of home, and wake to war; - To see a comrade drop and die; - To hear and heed the fearful song - Which whistling minie bullets sing; - To faint and fall, and longing lie, - For one cool draught from rocky spring.” - - _Unknown._ - - -After our line of entrenchments was established, our brigade was -ordered to the rear, and we encamped along the Jerusalem plank road, -where we were held in reserve for special duty. Here we worked day and -night building a large earthen fort, which we named in honor of our -lamented Col. Prescott. Here Major Edmunds was appointed colonel, and -took command of the regiment. - -We remained in reserve about three weeks, during which time we were -called upon to re-enforce the Second and Sixth Corps, on two occasions. -On July 12th we were ordered into the trenches, where we lived in -bomb proofs for five weeks, one of the hardest experiences of my army -life. These bomb proofs were a sort of artificial cavern, which we had -to construct under cover of darkness, for the enemy was continually -sending over to our lines solid shot and hissing shells, and only in -our bomb proofs, (and not always there,) were we out of danger from -them. - -To build a bomb proof we dug a hole in the ground about four feet deep -if the ground was dry, but where our regiment was located it was so -springy that two feet brought us to water so most of ours were partly -above ground; after the hole is dug, the top was roofed over with logs, -and dirt thrown on top of them. A small space was left open towards -our rear for a door to go in and out of, which was sheltered by a log -canopy. Here we had to stay, and hot, uncomfortable, and unhealthy -places they proved to be, and it is no wonder that many of our men were -taken from them to the hospital, sick with malarial fever, from which -some of them never recovered. - -I remember one hot night, my chum and I pitched a tent two or three -steps in the rear of our bomb proof under a pine tree, and there we -went to sleep. Before morning, the active enemy in front began shelling -our line, and we were awakened by the falling of the branches upon our -tent, having been cut off by a passing shot. Soon another shot came and -struck the tree, and my bedfellow made one leap out of the tent into -the bomb proof. The next shot struck the tree still lower, and I too -forsook my bed for the safer, though uncomfortable hole in the ground. - -Sometimes, when the guns in front of us were silent, we would sit on -the bomb proofs in the evening, and watch the shells of the enemy, as -they came over on to some other part of our entrenchments. It was a -beautiful sight, far beyond any fireworks I have ever witnessed, if we -could only forget their deadly errand. - -On the 30th of July occurred the explosion of the Burnside mine, that -we had made by digging a passage to and under one of the rebel forts, -and laying powder enough to destroy it. The plan had been carefully -laid, and an attack contemplated simultaneous with the explosion, which -would carry their line. - -The blowing up of that mine was a horrible affair, and caused much -slaughter, but for some reason, the attack was not a success. The -artillery opened all along our line, on that eventful morning, as a -signal for the beginning of the fight. - -Near our bomb proof was a battery, which was so located that in firing, -it would rake the rebel picket line on our left. The Captain of the -battery knew that the first round would almost annihilate them, and -wanted to give them a chance for their lives, so he wrote a note, -telling them if they would leave their position and come over to us, -they would save their lives; he then called for a volunteer to carry -the note. Instantly a brave boy of our regiment stepped forward. He was -told that it was a dangerous mission, and that he was risking his life, -for he would certainly be shot at. His only reply was, - - “Give me the message, I will go.” - -Holding up the white paper, he deliberately walked across the open -space to the rebel picket line, handed one of them the note, saying, - - “Here you Johnnies, read that!” - -He came back at the same moderate pace and strangely enough, was not -shot at going or coming. All seemed astonished into silence at his -daring, but he was loudly cheered, when he reached our line in safety. - -The warning was in vain; the brave fellows would not desert their post, -neither would they retreat without orders. Again came the order to rake -their line; the order was obeyed, and two-thirds of the poor men were -swept into eternity. - -The captain of the battery was disgusted with such butchery. He could -have fired on an advancing foe without scruple, but to fire on a thin -picket line was too cold blooded for him, and he swore that he would -not fire another shot in that direction, and he kept his word. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -PEEBLE’S FARM. - - “Forward----charge! - Into the smoke and hurling death, - Trampling friend and crushing foe; - Through the cannons’ flaming breath, - Beneath the flag we rushing go.” - - _Unknown._ - - -On the 16th of August we were relieved from the trenches. On the 18th -we made an attack on the Weldon railroad, in order to cut off the -supplies of the rebel forces in front of Petersburg. In this action our -regiment lost thirteen men. The railroad was too strongly guarded for -our attempt to succeed. - -We were called upon frequently to repel attacks from the enemy, and -continually kept busy until the 1st of September, when we were again -ordered to the trenches for a few days. We were soon relieved however, -for our services were required in another direction. - -On the 30th of September the Fifth and Ninth corps made a charge on the -rebel Fort McRea. We formed our line in a piece of woods, bringing the -32nd Massachusetts directly in front of the fort, and the 4th Michigan -on our right. We had to cross an open field, and the enemy’s batteries -opened on us directly, but we went on steadily until we were in range -of the rebel rifles, then we made a dash, and soon reached the fort. - -Our colonel received a wound in the leg, and Col. Welch of the 4th -Michigan fell mortally wounded. The first to mount the parapet was an -officer of our regiment; he jumped the deep ditch in front of the fort, -and swinging his sword above his head, shouted to us to follow him; -he was followed by several officers, who jumped the ditch and rushed -into the fort. We soon followed them, though being encumbered with our -equipments, we could not as easily jump the ditch as the officers. I -jumped into the moat, and shouted to a Johnny Reb to help me up the -slope; he shook his head, so I brought my gun to my shoulder and -threatened to shoot him. He reached out his hand and helped me up the -bank. - -Corporal Lewis Chesbro of my company, instead of climbing the bank, ran -around to the rear of the fort, where he saw a rebel gunner sighting -a piece of artillery towards a portion of our division that had not -reached the works. Chesbro instantly shot the gunner, then tried in -vain to turn the piece around. Seeing me inside the fort, he called for -me to help him. Together we turned it partly round and sighted it at -another of the rebel pieces of artillery, with which they were trying -to escape. - -The shot killed the two lead horses; the driver jumped down and cut the -dead horses clear and managed to save the gun for us to face again the -same day. After we had taken the first line of works, the Ninth corps -passed to the front to take the second line. General Charles S. Griffin -our commander, told us that we had done our duty well, and had done -enough for one day, so we stacked arms and dropped down to rest. - -Just at dusk, an aide came riding swiftly to our line, with the -message that the left of the troops in front of us had broke, and our -assistance was wanted. The order came clear and sharp: - - “Fall in! Take arms! Left face! Forward double quick, march!” - -General Griffin took the lead, shouting, - - “Follow me!” - -Away we went to where the troops had broke, and oh, what confusion! -Shells bursting, men running here and there, every one for himself, and -above all the noise was heard the rebel yell, once heard, never to be -forgotten. - -Our brigade passed through the retreating men, and began firing, to -check if possible, the enemy’s advance. This we did, and drove them -back to their old position. - -Here I saw a sight which in all the confusion and excitement thrilled -me with admiration, something not often seen in action under any -circumstances. The 155th Pennsylvania regiment of our brigade was on -our right, firing by rank, and as cool as if on dress parade, and they -continued so to do until we retired, leaving the recovered position for -the Ninth corps to hold. Griffin’s “Fighting brigade” was composed of -seasoned veterans, and of them all, none were braver or bolder than the -155th Penn. volunteers. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -WELDON RAILROAD. - - The whizzing shell may burst in fire, - The shrieking bullets fly - The heavens and earth may mingle grief, - The gallant soldier die, - But while a haughty rebel stands, - No peace! For peace is war. - The land that is not worth our death, - Is not worth living for! - - _Unknown._ - - -In October 1864, the re-enlisted men of the Ninth, Eighteenth, and -Twenty-second Mass. Volunteers were transferred to our regiment, and -we once more showed full ranks on parade. By a re-organization of our -division, we were transferred to the Third brigade, now made up of -veteran regiments and called the “Veteran Brigade.” - -As the weather grew colder, we went into winter quarters on the -Jerusalem plank road, and built ourselves good log huts with chimneys, -and proceeded to make ourselves comfortable, hoping we might be allowed -to rest awhile. - -But it was not to be, for on the 6th of December we had to leave our -snug quarters and start off on the march, taking three days rations, -and forty rounds of ammunition. We marched but three miles that day, -and camped for the night by the roadside, not a very pleasant place on -a cold winter’s night. - -Next day, after marching twelve miles, we found ourselves on the bank -of the Nottoway river. We crossed it at midnight, and reached Sussex -courthouse about daylight; stopped for breakfast, and after a short -rest, resumed our march. At three o’clock in the afternoon we reached -the Weldon railroad, about five miles from Jarrett’s Station. - -Here we began tearing up the rails, and destroyed the road for about -fifteen miles. We burned the sleepers, heated the rails in the flame, -and twisted them all out of shape; some we wound around trees, and -rendered them all completely useless. It was a long, hard job, and the -second night found us bivouacked along the wrecked railroad. - -On the 10th we started on our return to the front of Petersburg. -Through snow and slush we marched twenty miles, stopping at night near -Sussex courthouse. On this return march we had to live on the country, -as we had taken but three days’ rations, and were gone six days. Soon -after starting we found three of our boys on the piazza of a house, -with their throats cut. Apple jack was plenty, and they had probably -drank too much and laid down, and were killed during their sleep. - -We were wild with rage, and the murderers would have fared hard, had -they fell into our hands. We buried our murdered comrades, and burned -the house. We received orders to burn all the houses along the route -except one, in which lived a well known Union man. Here I was left with -a file of men as a safe guard until all our forces had passed. When we -left, we received the heartfelt thanks of the women of the household. - -On the 12th we again went into camp on the Jerusalem plank road, half a -mile from our starting point. Here we again built our shanties, which -we were allowed to consider as our homes for some time. The rest was -very welcome, and it gave us time to write to our friends, and receive -letters from home. I will close this chapter with an extract from my -diary. - - _Dec. 18._ The captain left for home on furlough. All the members of - my company who did not re-enlist, were mustered out last month, and - are now at home. How I would have liked to have gone with them! But I - must wait, and hope there is a day coming when I too shall start for - home. - - _Dec. 25._ Christmas day. Letters and a diary from friends at home - are very welcome. I have been very fortunate in receiving letters - from home. The most cheering sound of all to us in camp is the bugle, - “Fall in for the mail!” We promptly answer the summons, and eagerly - listen as the orderly reads the names. Those who receive letters - wander off by themselves to read them, those who receive newspapers - share them with others, and still others gloomily stalk off, and - wonder why the home-folks could not send at least one letter to - cheer us on this dreary holiday. Ah, the time is never wasted, that - is spent in writing to the soldiers at the front, assuring us that - we are not forgotten in the homes to which we may never return. We - cannot get too many letters, to help us fight the battles that must - come before the war is over. - - _Dec. 31._ On guard in a snow storm. One year ago I was on picket - at Liberty, Va. What changes have taken place in one short year! Oh - before the close of the next year, may this war be over, and myself, - with all my brave comrades be at home with our friends. And now the - year is gone with all its sorrow and care, never to return; but the - memories connected with it can never die; they will ever bring to my - mind many sorrows, and but few joys. So many of my dear companions in - arms, who seemed like brothers, have been called to lay down their - lives, but I have been spared in life and limb through the year that - is past. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -HATCHER’S RUN. - - We know not what may be our lot, - When future days have crowned us; - There’s One above, whose arm of love, - We hope may e’er surround us. - - Goodbye! We go to meet the foe, - The flag we love floats o’er us; - Its stars are bright, we’ll win the fight, - While treason falls before us. - - _Lilly Lovette._ - - -New Years day 1865 found the 32nd Mass. living in their log huts on the -Jerusalem plank road, one mile in rear of our line of works in front of -Petersburg. Here we worked building and strengthening our works, taking -turns so that the work went steadily on night and day. Thus we lived -until late in the afternoon of Feb. 4th, when we received orders to -move next morning at daybreak. - -We imagined it was to be another railroad raid, and we left our huts -standing, expecting to return to them; but in this we were mistaken. We -started at daylight on the 5th, and marched all day, reaching Nottoway -courthouse about sunset. Here we camped, and pickets were sent out, -but were recalled at midnight, and we again took up our line of march, -arriving early in the morning at a stream called Hatcher’s run, at a -point where it crossed the Vaughn road, and where the Second corps had -fought the rebels the day before, while we were marching to re-enforce -them. - -We were ordered into some rifle pits on the opposite side of the -stream, out of which the enemy had been driven. I will try to describe -my own experience in the battle that took place on February 6th, called -by some historians the battle of Dabney’s Mills, but known to us by the -name of Hatcher’s Run. - -Our regiment was on the extreme right of the Fifth corps, connecting -with the Second corps. About two o’clock in the afternoon, Crawford’s -division advanced from our left across our front and engaged the -enemy. Two hours later the veteran brigade was called upon to fill a -gap in Crawford’s line. - -We were in the rear, listening to the roar of battle, and pitying our -comrades fighting so desperately in front of us, not knowing what -moment our turn would come. General Warren sent an aid to General -Griffin, our brigade commander, with orders to bring us to the front. - -The bugle blew the fall-in call, and away we went into the storm of -death. We marched left in front. When we reached the line engaged and -passed through, the order came, - - “File left! Right face!” - -Bringing us into line of battle. - - “Forward, double quick!” - -On we went, not firing a shot. As our ranks were thinned by the sharp -fire poured upon us, - - “Close to the right!” - -came the order, and we obeyed until we could go no farther, then came -our turn, and we settled down to business. - -The locality of the fight was in a grove of pines, where we could not -see what was going on around us, and unknown to us, a fresh body of -rebel troops drove back our main line of battle, and we were left -alone. Before we fell back we saw a Johnnie Reb give a signal that he -wanted to come into our lines; in he came, and informed us that, - - “You uns will have to get out of this right smart, for they are - putting the whole of Mahone’s division in front and on the flanks - of you uns!” And in a short time I thought the whole rebel army was - there! - -Our little brigade was pushed back, fighting all the way, with heavy -loss. Our regiment lost 74 men in killed, wounded, and missing. The -155th Pennsylvania was on our right, and that too lost heavily. Here -Major Shepard was taken prisoner; the major, orderly of my company and -myself were on the extreme right, and were so busily engaged that we -did not notice that the line was falling back, until it was quite a -distance from us. I informed the major, and when we three started to -run, the rebs were not fifty feet away. - -The major’s scabbard tripped him and he fell; I looked back over my -shoulder and saw a reb on each side of him, and knew he was a prisoner. -This lent wings to my feet, and I expected every moment to feel a hand -on my coat collar jerking me back, but I kept on, and the orderly and -I reached the edge of the woods to find an attempt was being made to -rally, in order to save an ammunition wagon from falling into the hands -of the enemy. - -But the attempt was a failure; it was nearly dark, and some of the new -troops in the second line of battle, seeing us emerge from the woods, -took us to be the Johnnies, and fired into us. At least half a dozen -were killed or wounded by this volley, and this completed the disaster, -for no troops, veteran or not, could be expected to rally when attacked -on all sides, so we kept on until we reached our line of works. - -Here we remained until the 11th, with the enemy’s artillery making it -very uncomfortable for us, then we moved to the rear about two miles, -and camped for the night. Next day our tents and knapsacks came from -our old camp, and we again began building our winter quarters. Here -on the 18th of February as I was building a chimney to my shanty, I -received a sergeant’s warrant dated the 4th, and on the 20th I acted as -sergeant of the guard for the first time. - -On the 22nd we received orders to be ready to move at a moment’s -notice, and that no more furloughs were to be given, and everything -looked as though another fight was at hand, but we remained here until -the opening of the final campaign of the war. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -ON FURLOUGH. - - Home from the battlefield - For a brief rest; - Oh, what emotion fills - The soldier’s breast. - - Leaving his northern home, - Where all is peace, - Back to the battle-plain - ’Till war shall cease. - - _L. M. J._ - - -About the 18th of February I sent in an application for a furlough; I -hardly expected to get it, as all furloughs had been refused, except in -some cases, where an exceptional reason was urged, or strong influence -brought to bear. I felt, after the hard experience of the past year, -and with the prospect of another campaign full as hard, that a brief -furlough was what I needed, so I could but try for one, which I did, -and on Sunday the 26th of the same month, received a furlough for -twenty days. - -We had been paid off the day previous, and it did not take me long -to prepare for the homeward trip. I said goodbye to my comrades and -left for City Point that afternoon. None of the precious time must be -wasted, so I made no stops on my journey home. - -I left City Point on the morning of the 27th, on the steamer Daniel -Webster, arriving at Fortress Munroe at four P. M., and an hour later -left for Baltimore, arriving there at seven o’clock next morning; -immediately left for New York, which place I reached at six o’clock -that evening and took the train for home; traveled all night, and -arrived at New Bedford on the morning of March 1st, where I was warmly -welcomed by my friends. - -Oh how pleasant seemed the dear old quiet city, after the terrible -experience of the year that is past! And how quickly passed the time -away! I paid a visit to my brother, now living in New Hampshire, and -had a very enjoyable time. I spent the remainder of my time at home -with my father, and among my friends, who could hardly do enough to -make the time pass happily away. - -Then too, I found that in the north, a soldier seemed to be considered -of some account, and often strangers as they passed me in the street, -had a pleasant word for the war-worn soldier in his faded suit of army -blue. - -All too soon the time arrived when I must bid my friends goodbye. On -the 16th of March I started for the front once more. I cannot dwell on -the parting with my poor old father who seemed to feel that he would -never see me again. But he was spared to welcome me home after the war -was over, for which I still feel very thankful. It would have been a -sad home-coming had he not been there to welcome me. - -On my arrival in Boston, as I had a few hours to wait, I went to the -State house to take a look at our old battle-flag. What memories were -awakened by that torn and smoky piece of silk, all that was left of -the starry flag that I had followed for two long years. I felt sad at -parting, “It might be for years, and it might be forever,” and it was -not a very cheerful journey back to the front. I reached my regiment -on the 19th of March, and received a warm welcome from the boys of my -company, and especially from my tentmate, Dwight Graves, who prepared a -good supper of fried hardtack and pork in honor of my arrival, and to -which he, at least, did ample justice. - -I presented him with a piece of frosted cake, sent him by a lady -friend, which he considered a rare treat, and persisted in calling -“Wedding cake!” It took me several days to settle down to army life, -and army diet, but the stern discipline and hard service soon brought -back my appetite, and my readiness to do whatever was required of me. - -About eight o’clock in the morning of the 25th, we were ordered to -fall in and move to the right, for the enemy had attacked us in that -quarter; then moved to the left and attacked them; hard fighting -continued all day, without food or rest. This fight was called the -battle of Fort Stedman. - -We returned to camp about midnight, where we remained until the 29th, -when we broke camp early in the morning, and marched until noon. We -stopped two hours for dinner and rest, then started again, and went -until five P. M. Here we had another encounter with the enemy, and -drove them some distance. We then moved to the front, and built works -until midnight, and laid behind them until morning, when we again moved -onward. I little thought as I slung my equipments and started on the -march, that this was to be my last day of active service. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -WOUNDED. - - Upon that southern battle-field, - One well remembered day, - I wore the loyal Union blue, - And he, the rebel gray; - All day in conflict fierce and wild, - Were mingled blue and gray, - And when night came, both he and I, - Among the wounded lay, - - _L. M. J._ - - -Our line of march led us in the direction of the Boydton plank road, -and on the morning of March 30th the 32nd was detailed for the skirmish -line. It was a rainy day, but we soldiers could not stop for the -weather. About two o’clock in the afternoon, we sighted the enemy’s -pickets, and then firing began in earnest. All went well with me -until about three o’clock, when I felt something strike my foot, not -realizing that it was a bullet until I saw the jagged holes where it -went in and out, breaking the bones as it went. - -I stood and considered a moment whether to go to the rear or not, and -finally decided to go back, get the surgeon to dress my wound, and then -return to my company. It was quite a distance back to the rear, and I -had to drop my gun and sit down to rest by the way. As I did so, I saw -my colonel, who stopped and asked me if I was much hurt. - - “Oh no,” I replied, “Only slight, I will soon be back.” - - “I am glad it is no worse,” he replied, and on he went. - -I found the surgeon, had my foot bound up, and started to go back to my -company. - - “Where are you going?” asked the surgeon. - - “Back to my company,” said I. - - “No you’re not! Get on to that stretcher!” was the order, and I was - obliged to obey, though I did not see the need of it; my foot did not - pain me, only felt numb, and I felt a little weak and tired, which - could hardly be wondered at. I was carried to the ambulance and - taken to the field hospital, where I sat and waited for my turn to - come. Meanwhile I saw such horrible wounds, that I can never forget - or describe. It was a hard trial, for I was waiting for my turn to be - operated upon, not knowing whether I would lose my foot or not. - -My turn came at last, and I was given chloroform, and knew nothing more -until I was being carried from the operating table to the hospital -tent, when the rain beating on my face brought back my scattered senses. - -Next morning the wounded were put on board box cars, and sent to City -Point, arriving there late in the afternoon. Here I thought my journey -was at an end, but I was mistaken once more. - -The next morning the surgeon made his rounds at eight o’clock, and all -the badly wounded were given a card, to show that they must be sent on -board the steamer which was to start for Washington in an hour. I was -pleased that I received no card, as it showed that I was not considered -a bad case. At quarter to nine, the assistant surgeon came in. - - “What sergeant, not on board yet?” Said he. - - “No, I’m not going,” I answered. - - “We’ll see about that!” he replied, and out he went. In a moment back - he came with two men, who bundled me onto a stretcher and carried me - on board the steamer just as she was to leave the dock. - -We arrived in Washington on the morning of April 2nd and I was carried -to Armory Square hospital, where I was bathed and put to bed. The lady -nurse, a Miss Dixon of Connecticut, came with an orange and a glass of -lemonade, but I could only shake my head in refusal, for I was in too -much pain to speak. My foot had at last come to its feeling, and for -the next twenty-four hours I suffered the most excruciating agony. I -was given morphine, but it seemed to have no effect for a while. - -The surgeons thought my foot would have to be taken off, but I begged -them not to cripple me for life and they postponed the operation for -a day. At their next visit, they decided the foot could be saved, and -I was very thankful. I suffered a great deal after that, but my foot -greatly improved, until finally on the 19th of April, I was allowed -to get up, and managed to hobble on crutches down to ward I, to visit -sergeant Buker. Was up a few hours, then went to bed very tired and -did not get up next day. - -After that I was up every day, and soon was able to get round very well -on crutches. I saw many sad sights during my stay in this hospital. -Many a poor fellow gave up the weary struggle for life and died; one or -two a day in my ward alone for some time. We were treated very kindly, -and received good care and nursing. - -Many citizens visited the hospitals, and showed much sympathy for -the sick and wounded veterans. There was an old colored woman who -came daily with a big basket of pies, cakes, biscuits, and other good -things, and her coming was always hailed with delight, for to those -who were able to eat what she brought she gave liberally, and to those -who could not, by order of the surgeons receive them, she gave kind -cheering words promising to bring them something they could eat the -next time she came. - -I do not remember her name, only that we all called her “Aunty,” and -that her mistress allowed her to use all the time and material she -desired to make these dainties for the sick men, who daily watched for -her coming, and enjoyed the good things she brought. I can testify -to the fact that she was a good cook, and I shall ever remember her -with gratitude. The lady nurses who cared so tenderly for the sick and -wounded soldiers, will ever be kindly remembered by me. - -Meanwhile stirring events were taking place. Lee’s surrender, which -ended the fighting, and the assassination of President Lincoln occurred -while I lay helpless in the hospital. How I longed to be up and about, -to help finish the work in which I had been so long engaged. - -After the surrender of Lee, and the succeeding events, the army was -massed around Washington, my regiment with the rest, and my tentmate -Graves, and several other comrades came to see me, and it was from them -that I learned what took place after I was wounded. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -CLOSING SCENES. - - They yield, they turn, they fly the field, - We smite them as they run; - Their arms, their colors are our spoil, - The furious fight is done! - Across the plain we follow far, - And backward push the fray; - Cheer! Cheer! The grand old army - At last has won the day! - - _Stedman._ - - -I can give the further movements of my regiment after I was wounded, -only from what I learned later from my comrades, for to my great -regret, I was not with them to the end. The Fifth corps kept on in -spite of the enemy’s artillery, until they reached around the extreme -right of the confederate line of works in front of Petersburg. Next -day they were relieved by the Second corps, and moved off again to -the left, a little to the west of the Boydton road. Here they were -attacked, and driven back, but again advanced and drove the rebels back. - -Four companies of our regiment were in the line of skirmishers, and -seized the opportunity to get in the rear of the rebel skirmishers, who -were so surprised that they hastily retreated leaving their dinner and -stacked arms, all of which were confiscated by the boys of the 32nd. We -were now on the extreme left of our army and towards night our brigade -was sent out to find, and if possible to re-enforce General Sheridan. -We had all we could attend to in driving the enemy out of our way, and -it was morning before we reached Sheridan. - -That day, April 1st, was fought the battle of Five Forks by the Fifth -corps and the cavalry, all under the command of the dashing and -dauntless Phil Sheridan. It was a complete victory for our side, and we -captured five thousand prisoners. - -Next day, by order of General Sheridan, General Warren was relieved -of the command of the Fifth corps, and our brigade commander, -General Griffin took his place. The colonel of our regiment, James -A. Cunningham was placed in command of a brigade of skirmishers, and -Ambrose Bancroft, captain of our company, (B,) was placed in command of -the 32nd, which was included in Cunningham’s brigade. - -Next day we were deployed to the west, and reaching the South Side -railroad, captured a train of sick and wounded soldiers, took many -other prisoners, and a great quantity of stores and supplies. Here -we learned that General Lee was leaving Petersburg, and retreating -southward, and General Sheridan hastened with his cavalry and the Fifth -corps to cut off his retreat. - -On the 4th of April we seized the only railroad by which Lee could -escape, and on Sunday, the 9th, he made a final attempt to cut his way -through our cavalry’s lines. Our brigade had marched all day and half -the night, and enjoyed about two hours rest, when we were called upon -to re-enforce the cavalry. - -Away we went, the 32nd leading the column, the men gay and bright, and -their guns glistening in the sunshine. At the sight of our coming the -enemy retreated; they had no desire to encounter the “Fighting Fifth” -that day. Soon we received the order “Forward.” We advanced under a -sharp fire from their artillery, and their front line fell back from -our attack. Just then General Lee sent one of his staff with a flag of -truce, and all hostilities ceased. - -We soon heard that General Grant and General Lee were holding a -conference, and at four P. M. the general orders announced that Lee had -surrendered. How profound was our emotion when we realized that the war -was at an end! - -The following day the two armies were mingled together like old -friends. The brave confederates were entirely destitute of rations, -and we shared ours with the half starved men, who had fought so long -and so desperately for a cause that was lost. The next day was the -formal surrender of arms. Our brigade received the surrender, and the -32nd was on the right of the line. Drawn up in line of battle, guns at -shoulder, loaded and capped, eyes front, no cheering, no jeering, only -a sympathetic silence, while the gallant but defeated foe advanced in -front the length of our line, then faced us, stacked arms, laid colors -and equipments on stack, then marched away to make room for another -line, until all had given up their arms. It was a thrilling sight, -never to be forgotten by those who witnessed it. - -After the surrender the regiment was kept busy in various ways, but -at last started for Washington in time to take part in the grand -review, which occurred on the 23rd and 24th of May, 1865. I could -not march with my comrades, but witnessed the parade from a stand -reserved for disabled veterans. In those two days, 150 000 men marched -up Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol, by the White House, out to -Georgetown, and across the Potomac river into Virginia once more. - -What a sight it was! I cannot describe my feelings as I saw those -columns of veterans march by, knowing so well what they had endured, -and what they had accomplished. I was proud to call them comrades. -Nor did I forget the many thousands of brave men who died that their -country might live. I thought sadly of my companions in arms, whose -faces I missed when my regiment passed by; they will never be forgotten -until I too have joined the grand army of the dead. - -[Illustration] - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -MUSTERED OUT. - - They are coming from the wars, - They are bringing home their scars, - They are bringing back the old flag too in glory; - They have battled long and well, - And let after ages tell, - How they won the proudest name in song or story. - - _Eugene H. Munday._ - - -I remained in Armory Square hospital until the 26th of May, when I was -transferred to a place called White Hall, on the Delaware river, about -eighteen miles above Philadelphia. It was formally a seminary, but -had been taken for hospital use. At the time I wished it had always -remained what it was built for, as it was the most lonesome and dreary -place I ever saw. The nearest place was a village called Bristol, two -miles away, and we went there when we could, and those who were able -traveled the country for miles around, just to pass the time away. It -seemed very hard, now that the war was over, and our services no longer -needed, that we could not return to our homes. - -On the 7th of June they began mustering out men of the different -states, and fifty to a hundred men left the hospital for home every -day. Day after day passed, and there still remained all those of my -regiment, six or seven, with no sign of being mustered out. - -On the 3rd day of July we heard of our regiment passing through -Philadelphia on its way home, and then we could content ourselves no -longer. We wanted to be with them when they entered old Massachusetts -again, and to be with our comrades once more before the regiment was -disbanded, and those who had been our companions so long were scattered -far and wide. - -We went to the surgeon in charge, and asked him why we were not -discharged. - - “It takes a long while to get your descriptive lists from the front, - and I intend to have you veterans discharged for wounds received in - action, and you would get a hundred dollars extra,” was his reply. - -But that was no inducement to me to stay there any longer, and I asked -him if I could not be sent to my regiment, and he gave his consent, so -on the 6th of July, in company with one or two others of my regiment, I -bade goodbye to my hospital life, and started for Massachusetts. - -Arriving in Boston on the evening of the 7th, we remained there that -night and the next morning took the steamer for Galloupe’s Island, -where our regiment was quartered. - -Here we remained until the thirteenth, when the regiment was disbanded, -and the boys left for their homes. The 32nd was no more, but their -deeds will never die. - -I went back to Boston to wait for my discharge, made a brief visit -home to spend Sunday and returned to Boston, where on the 18th of July -1865, I received my discharge, and was a free man once more, having -served Uncle Sam for three years, eight months and sixteen days. I was -with my company from the time I enlisted until I was wounded, with the -exception of two furloughs. My wound was healed, though I had to use a -cane for some time longer. - -When I enlisted, my mind was made up to do my duty, whatever the -consequences, and I trust it will not seem like boasting when I say -that I did so every time. When traitors tried to destroy the best -government that ever existed, and dishonor their country’s flag, I felt -if was my duty to enlist and do what I could for my native land, and I -have never been sorry that I did so. - -My health was always good, and I was fortunate in battle, never being -laid off duty until I was wounded, just before the last battle in which -my regiment participated. In thirty-eight battles, I shared the dangers -with my comrades of company B. But where are the 101 men of my company -who left Concord for Fort Warren on that cold morning of December 3rd, -1861? I called the roll of company B in 1865, when there were but eight -men left of the original company. - -Ah, the memories that arise of the brave boys who shared with me the -hardships and dangers of those long years of warfare! Brothers could -not be dearer than those who have shared their last hardtack with -me, helped me off the field when wounded, cheered me on the long and -tiresome march when I was about ready to give up and drop by the -wayside. I think I used to dread the long marches more than I did the -battles, and welcome the sight of a brush with the enemy that would -stop the march for a while. - -We had each to carry a musket, 40 to 80 rounds of ammunition, haversack -with four to six days rations, knapsack, blanket, shelter tent, -together with our canteen and other small articles that we could not do -without, and to carry this on the march from ten to twenty hours at a -time with only a few moments now and then to rest, often seemed more of -a trial to me than the hardest fought battle I was ever in. - -But the hardest trial of all was to have my comrades shot down on my -right and on my left, and have to rush on with the rest in the charge, -or in battle, leaving them behind to suffer and die. - -No words can do justice to that experience, or the feeling of the -battle-worn soldier, when he starts out after the battle is over to -hunt up his comrades that have not answered the rollcall, will never -answer it again, and he digs a hole in the ground with his bayonet and -wrapping a blanket around his dead comrade’s body, lays him to rest in -an unknown grave forevermore. - -And now my story is told; it is a plain, true tale of my experience -in the War of the Rebellion, and may help the future generations to -understand just what their fathers suffered, that their native land -might remain forever, an undivided nation. - -[Illustration] - - - - -TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES: - - - Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_. - - Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. - - Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized. - - Archaic or variant spelling has been retained. - - The Table of Contents appears at the end of the original book. 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James—A Project Gutenberg eBook - </title> - <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover" /> - <style> /* <![CDATA[ */ - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - } - -.tdr {text-align: right;} - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; - text-indent: 0; -} - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%; -} - -.x-ebookmaker .blockquot { - margin-left: 7.5%; - margin-right: 7.5%; -} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.ph1 {text-align: center; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;} - -div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; page-break-after: always;} -div.titlepage p {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 2em;} - -.xlarge {font-size: 150%;} -.large {font-size: 125%;} - -.indentright {margin-right: 2em;} -.indentleft {margin-left: 2em;} - -.caption {font-weight: bold; text-align: center;} - -.x-ebookmaker .hide {display: none; visibility: hidden;} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - -.poetry-container {text-align: center;} -.poetry {display: inline-block; text-align: left;} -.poetry .verse {text-indent: -2.5em; padding-left: 3em;} -.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} -.poetry .indent {text-indent: 1.5em;} -.poetry .indent2 {text-indent: 2.5em;} -.poetry .indent3 {text-indent: 3.5em;} -.poetry .indent5 {text-indent: 5em;} -.poetry .indent11 {text-indent: 10em;} -.poetry .verseright { text-align: right;} -@media print { .poetry {display: block;} } -.x-ebookmaker .poetry {display: block;} - -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%; - padding: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - /* ]]> */ </style> -</head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Memories of the Civil War, by Henry B. James</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Memories of the Civil War</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Henry B. James</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: August 10, 2022 [eBook #68723]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David E. Brown and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMORIES OF THE CIVIL WAR ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter hide"><img src="images/coversmall.jpg" width="450" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i002.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="caption"><i>Fraternally Yours,<br /> -Henry B. James.</i></p> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/ititle.jpg" alt="" /></div> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="titlepage"> -<h1><span class="indentright">MEMORIES OF</span><br /> - -<span class="indentleft">THE CIVIL WAR.</span></h1> - -<p>BY<br /> - -<span class="xlarge"><span class="smcap">Henry B. James</span>.</span><br /> - -<img src="images/ititlestar.jpg" alt="" />Co. B, 32nd Mass. Volunteers.<img src="images/ititlestar.jpg" alt="" /></p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/ititleline.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“To you my comrades whether far or near,</div> -<div class="verse">I send this message, let our past revive;</div> -<div class="verse">Come, sound reveille to our hearts once more.”</div> -</div></div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/ititleline.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p>NEW BEDFORD, MASS.<br /> -FRANKLIN E. JAMES.<br /> -<span class="large">1898</span></p> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<p class="center"> -<span class="large">To my Boys,</span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Who delighted in their childhood<br /> -to hear their father tell stories of<br /> -the war, and at whose desire these<br /> -memories have been recalled, this<br /> -book is</i><br /> -<b>—<i>DEDICATED.</i>—</b></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table> - -<tr><td class="tdr"><small>CHAP.</small></td><td class="tdr" colspan="2"><small>PAGE.</small></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">I</td><td>   ENLISTMENT</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1"> 1</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">II</td><td>   TO THE SEAT OF WAR</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6"> 6</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">III</td><td>   ON THE MARCH</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10"> 10</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">IV</td><td>   ANTIETAM</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14"> 14</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">V</td><td>   UNDER ARREST</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17"> 17</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">VI</td><td>   IN CAMP</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21"> 21</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">VII</td><td>   FREDERICKSBURG</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25"> 25</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">VIII</td><td>   CHANCELLORSVILLE</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29"> 29</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">IX</td><td>   BRANDY STATION & ALDIE</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33"> 33</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">X</td><td>   GETTYSBURG</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38"> 38</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XI</td><td>   MINE RUN</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44"> 44</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XII</td><td>   A LETTER FROM THE FRONT</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48"> 48</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XIII</td><td>   RE-ENLISTED</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_52"> 52</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XIV</td><td>   AT HOME AGAIN</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_55"> 55</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XV</td><td>   IN THE WILDERNESS</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_59"> 59</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XVI</td><td>   LAUREL HILL</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_63"> 63</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XVII</td><td>   WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_69"> 69</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XVIII</td><td>   LEAVES FROM MY DIARY</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_73"> 73</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XIX</td><td>   COLD HARBOR</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_79"> 79</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XX</td><td>   NORFOLK RAILROAD</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_85"> 85</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXI</td><td>   EXTRACTS FROM MY DIARY    </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_88"> 88</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXII</td><td>   PETERSBURG</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_92"> 92</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXIII</td><td>   PEEBLE’S FARM</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_97"> 97</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXIV</td><td>   WELDON RAILROAD</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_101"> 101</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXV</td><td>   HATCHER’S RUN</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_106"> 106</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXVI</td><td>   ON FURLOUGH</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_112"> 112</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXVII</td><td>   WOUNDED</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_117"> 117</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXVIII</td><td>   CLOSING SCENES</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_123"> 123</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXIX</td><td>   MUSTERED OUT</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_128"> 128</a></td></tr> - -</table> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i147.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">PREFACE</h2> -</div> - -<p>I have written this account of my experience -in the service of my country from memory, -aided by old diaries, letters, etc., and have endeavored -to be as accurate as possible, in regard -to dates and events of historical importance, but -if mistakes occur, it cannot be wondered at, after -such a lapse of time. Some of my diaries were -lost upon the battlefield, and of those that remain, -many of the entries were in pencil and are -almost effaced.</p> - -<p>I had no intention when I began writing -of making a long story, but as I went on, memory -brought back many a stirring scene, many a -weary march, many a tender thought of comrades -who shared them all with me, and so I have written -them down as they came to me.</p> - -<p>My thanks are due my wife for so carefully -editing, and my son for printing my attempt -to keep in a permanent form, my recollections of -the War of the Rebellion.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i116.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[1]</span> -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter I.</span><br /> - -ENLISTMENT.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">To Arms! To Arms! Our country calls for aid,</div> -<div class="verse">Of faithful sons an offering must be made.</div> -<div class="verse">From every hamlet in the loyal North,</div> -<div class="verse">Her sturdy yeomen in their strength go forth;</div> -<div class="verse">Mechanics, merchants, all professions too,</div> -<div class="verse">Give up the arts of peace, another to pursue.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Edwin Emery.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>I have often been asked to narrate my experience -in the War of the Rebellion, and have -as often refused, but now after the lapse of thirty -three years since the close of that fearful -struggle between brother men, I feel that perhaps -it would be well, for the satisfaction of those who -so earnestly desire it, to “Fight my battles over -again.”</p> - -<p>Mine was not an exceptional experience, -only that of many a boy of ’61, but it may<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[2]</span> -partly answer the question so often asked: “What -did the privates do?”</p> - -<p>I have often wondered how it happened -that I, born of quaker stock on my mother’s side -(she was descended from the Kemptons, who -were among the first settlers of our quaker city -of New Bedford,) should have had such a natural -leaning towards scenes of adventure and conflict. -It may well have been that I inherited it from -the paternal side of the house, for my father’s -father, John James, was taken prisoner on board -his ship during the War of 1812, and thrown into -an English prison, and I have often, during -my childhood, listened to his tales of warfare and -bloodshed, and longed to be a man that I might -fight and avenge the wrongs inflicted on my devoted -country in its earlier days; and how I -wished, as I read of the War of the Revolution, -that I might have lived in those stirring days, and -done my part in creating the American Nation.</p> - -<p>Certainly it did not seem possible that -occasion would ever arise when I should be one -of the defenders of that great nation.</p> - -<p>The attack on Fort Sumter, the shot -that so stirred the loyal hearts of the men of the -North, awakened in me an ardent desire to enlist<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span> -and help avenge the insult to our country’s flag, -but my father was so opposed to the idea that I -reluctantly yielded to his authority until a few -months later, during a visit to my brother in -Woburn, Mass., I enlisted November 2nd 1861, -just past my twentieth birthday, in Co. B, 1st -Battalion, afterwards the 32nd Mass. Infantry. -The company was raised by George L. Prescott, -of Concord, Mass.</p> - -<p>We were mustered into the United States -service on November 27th, and on December 3rd -were sent to Fort Warren, Boston harbor, to -guard prisoners of war, among them being the -confederate generals Buckner and Tilghman, -Commodore Barron, Colonel Pegram, the confederate -commissioners Mason and Slidell, the -mayor and chief of police of Baltimore, and -many others.</p> - -<p>I remember an incident that may be of -interest to which I was an eye-witness: -General Buckner was walking on the parapet, -under guard, when a foreign man of war was being -saluted in accordance with military usage; -a large 32 lb. gun was belching forth half minute -salutes; as he drew near it, wrapped in deep -thought, not seeming to notice what was taking<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span> -place the order came to fire just as he was abreast -of the gun; he realized his danger and jumped forward -just in time, for the next instant the gun was -discharged, and the prisoner must have felt that -it was indeed a narrow escape.</p> - -<p>Many other interesting incidents connected -with these celebrated prisoners occur to me, -but they would make my story too long.</p> - -<p>We were drilled in the art of war during -all that winter, and under the strictest military -discipline, the commander of the fort being that -brave old martinet of the regular army, Colonel -Justin E. Dimmock. My brother George also -enlisted in the same company as myself and was -with me at Fort Warren, but the hardships and -exposures of that long cold winter and an attack -of typhoid fever undermined his health to such -an extent that he was discharged a short time -before we left Fort Warren for the seat of war -in the following May.</p> - -<p>The hard and laborious life of the army -seemed to agree with me, and from the day of my -enlistment until the time I was wounded, more -than three years later, my health was perfect, -which was something to be thankful for, in the -army.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span>I did not regret leaving my brother behind -me for I felt that one son was enough for -my father to spare for his country’s service; besides -my brother had a wife and child, while I -was young, with no mother to mourn for me, -should I fall, and I felt that I could be spared -better than those who had home ties, and that I -could face hardships and dangers better than -those who had families depending upon them. -In short it seemed my duty and pleasure to go to -the war.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i013.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter II.</span><br /> - -TO THE SEAT OF WAR.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">They turned from home, from wife and child,</div> -<div class="indent">And all that life held sweet,</div> -<div class="verse">Into the hell of battle, calm</div> -<div class="indent">They walked with steady feet,</div> -<div class="verse">Resolved for wounds and pain and death;</div> -<div class="indent">In sacrifice complete.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Unknown.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>On the 25th of May we left Fort Warren -for the seat of war. Arriving at Washington we -went into camp Alexander. June 30th our battalion, -now composed of six companies, was ordered -to join the army on the peninsula. Embarking -on the transport Hero we arrived at -Fortress Munroe July 2nd.</p> - -<p>We continued on up the James river, -landing at what was formerly President Harrison’s -plantation, on July 4th 1862. Now began<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span> -our soldier life in earnest, for fighting was then -going on; mud was knee deep and all was confusion. -We were assigned to the brigade of Gen. -Charles Griffin, division of Gen. Morell, in Fitz -John Porter’s command, afterwards the Fifth -Army Corps.</p> - -<p>We were drawn up in line and given 80 -rounds of ammunition. Just then an officer rode -up covered with mud, and said: “Well boys, I -will give you a chance at the rebs; keep cool and -fire low!” Off he went, and I was informed it -was Gen. George B. McClellan.</p> - -<p>We moved through a piece of woods, and -were opened upon by a battery. It was getting to -be pretty warm, when the order came “Forward to -charge the battery,” but before we could move, the -order was countermanded, and we retreated; this -was the end of the Seven Days Fight.</p> - -<p>We camped upon the banks of the river -and staid there six weeks, every day sickness and -death reducing our ranks, for it was a very unhealthy -place. In fact it was the worst place -that could be imagined for a camp, marshy, wet -ground, dust and mud alternating; what wonder -is it that our men sickened and died? Here on -August 9th Lieut. Nathaniel French Jr., one of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span> -the most promising officers in our regiment died -of malarial fever.</p> - -<p>Through it all my health remained perfect, -and I was always ready for duty. Many -of our regiment were here detailed to act as -guards over the quartermaster’s stores on the river -bank.</p> - -<p>Soon after our arrival at Harrison’s Landing, -President Lincoln visited and reviewed our -army. Our division stood in line from four -o’clock in the afternoon until after nine in the -evening, and then a party rode by in the moonlight, -one of whom was said to be the President -of the United States; as he was the only one who -wore a stove-pipe hat, we concluded that it must -be a fact, that we had been duly reviewed, and -gladly broke ranks and prepared our suppers.</p> - -<p>On the night of August 1st the enemy -ran six pieces of artillery down on the opposite -side of the James river, and about midnight -opened upon our camp, and cold iron rained upon -us, ending our slumbers for that night. We had -two tents for the officers, and five for the men, -and solid shot went through them all, but we escaped -serious injury, which seemed rather remarkable. -We were more than eager to leave<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span> -this sickly camp and life of inaction, but here we -had to stay and wait for marching orders.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i017.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter III.</span><br /> - -ON THE MARCH.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And we marched away to join the fray,</div> -<div class="indent">Where the work of death was done,</div> -<div class="verse">And soon we stood where the battle clouds</div> -<div class="indent">Hid the face of the mid-day sun.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">’Mid the battle’s din our ranks grew thin,</div> -<div class="indent">And we dug our comrades’ graves,</div> -<div class="verse">By brook and rill, by vale and hill,</div> -<div class="indent">And laid away our braves.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Benj. Russell Jr.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>Marching orders came on August 10th, -and we gladly took up our line of march, passing -through Williamsburg, Yorktown and Big Bethel -to Newport News, where we boarded steamer -Belvidere for Acquia Creek, thence by rail to -Stafford Courthouse, near Fredericksburg. We -were still kept on the move, and on August 27th -we marched out on the Gainesville road, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span> -formed in line of battle; here we had quite a -sharp brush with the enemy. We were endeavoring -to head him off in his march northward, -but were too late, and had to chase him as rapidly -as possible.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i019.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">March 6, 1865.</p> - -<p>I shall never forget the long and weary -march of the next day, which happened to be my -twenty-first birthday. All that hot, dusty day -was spent in a forced march, and we suffered -greatly for water, of which there was none to be -had in that dreary country. Along in the afternoon -I came to a puddle of water covered with -green slime, in which partly lay a dead mule, who -had probably died while trying to slake his -thirst. I did not take warning by him, but -brushed aside the green scum and took a drink; -it was wet and that was all that could be said of -it.</p> - -<p>I dragged myself along until within an -hour of sunset, and then I dropped by the roadside -as hundreds had done before me. Our surgeon -came along, and kindly urged me to keep -on, saying we were to camp in a piece of woods -about a mile further on; but I was too far gone -to stir then. I rested an hour or so, and then -limped into camp; too weary to get anything to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span> -eat or drink, I took off my equipments and without -even unrolling my blanket, dropped upon the -ground, and with my knapsack for a pillow, slept -all night the dreamless sleep of a tired soldier.</p> - -<p>When the boys reached camp, their first -thought was to find water; there was but one well -in the vicinity, and that was found under guard -reserved for the headquarters mess. The indignant -rank and file drove off the guard and helped -themselves to the water.</p> - -<p>Some of the boys, not knowing of the -well, went into the swamp and dipped up the -stagnant water there. No wonder there was a -large amount of sickness after that time. It did -not make me sick, but I felt rather lame when I -awoke in the morning.</p> - -<p>Next day, August 29th, we arrived on the -old battle ground of Bull Run, in time to take -part in the second battle of Bull Run. Again we -had to fall back, and again we took up the line -of march.</p> - -<p>The next day we moved at 3 o’clock A. M. -and camped at 11 P. M., after a march of twenty -eight miles. At Chantilla we met the enemy on -September 1st, but after a short engagement again -kept on, marching through Georgetown into<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span> -the state of Maryland. It was hot weather, -and many of the men fell exhausted by the way; -but we must not pause, for the enemy was still -pressing northward and we must get between -him and our own loved homes.</p> - -<p>When we reached the South Mountain -battle ground, that fierce conflict was over and -they were burying the dead. I saw the body of -General Reno who was killed in that battle. We -had won a victory, but the loss was very heavy, -and we had lost the gallant Reno, a serious blow -for our cause. The idol of his men, they greatly -mourned his loss.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“There was one poor fellow spoke up clear,</div> -<div class="indent">How he suffered before he died!</div> -<div class="verse">I am dying boys, but I feel no fear,</div> -<div class="indent">For I’ve fought by Reno’s side.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p> </p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i023.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter IV.</span><br /> - -ANTIETAM.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">One summer morning a daring band</div> -<div class="verse">Of rebels rode into Maryland.</div> -<div class="verse">Over the prosperous, peaceful farms,</div> -<div class="verse">Sending terror and strange alarms,</div> -<div class="verse">The clatter of hoofs, and the clang of arms.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Fresh from the South, where the hungry pine,</div> -<div class="verse">They ate like Pharaoh’s starving kine;</div> -<div class="verse">They swept the land like devouring surge,</div> -<div class="verse">And left their path to its furthest verge,</div> -<div class="verse">Bare as the track of the locust scourge.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Unknown.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>Harper’s Ferry had fallen, and Lee was -gathering his army on the west bank of Antietam -Creek in Maryland. When we reached the east -side of the creek, we caught up to the main army -under General McClellan on the 16th of September, -just at sunset. We found the rebels<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span> -to be well posted behind the top of the ridge on -the other side of the stream.</p> - -<p>The two armies now stood face to face, -for McClellan’s army was camped on the east -side of the hills on the west branch of the Antietam. -Our division was soon among them, and -busy getting our supper, while we could see the -smoke from the campfires of the opposing forces, -where they too were preparing their evening -meal.</p> - -<p>What a beautiful sight it was after nightfall! -The thousands of glowing campfires upon -both hillsides made a picture upon my memory -that time will never efface. After our weary -march it seemed good to be here in camp, even -though I knew a battle was to be expected the -next day. I remember how peaceful and quiet -everything seemed, and the cheerfulness of the -men around me, showed how they enjoyed the -welcome rest, and how little they thought of the -conflict before them.</p> - -<p>The 17th of September dawned fair and -pleasant, but what a storm of death took place -that day! The battle began at dawn and lasted -until dark. The loss of life was terrible; the loss -to the Union army alone was more than fifteen<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span> -thousand men. We held the field, but on that -narrow strip of ground between the Potomac river -and Antietam Creek lay many thousands of -brave men, while their comrades were so worn -out with their terrible exertions that they could -hardly find strength to care for the wounded or -bury the dead.</p> - -<p>Our regiment being on the reserve, supporting -a battery, our loss was not heavy. On -the 18th our corps relieved the ninth (Burnside’s) -corps at the lower bridge. On the 19th we expected -another battle, but the enemy had retreated -during the night. We pursued them through -Sharpsburg, capturing many prisoners and several -pieces of artillery. We went into camp and excepting -a two days raid to Leestown, remained -quiet until October 30th, when we started for -Harper’s Ferry and crossed the river into Virginia -once more.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i026.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter V.</span><br /> - -UNDER ARREST.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Although the years have long gone by,</div> -<div class="indent">And I ought to wear a wig,</div> -<div class="verse">I often give a smile or sigh,</div> -<div class="indent">To the memory of that pig!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And how we carried him that day,</div> -<div class="indent">Upon that weary tramp,</div> -<div class="verse">And thought that we would have a feast,</div> -<div class="indent">When once we got to camp.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">But when at last we stopped to rest,</div> -<div class="indent">And cooked that little beast,</div> -<div class="verse">We never even got a bite,</div> -<div class="indent">The general had the feast!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>L. M. James.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>My company was detailed to guard the -ammunition train on its way back into Virginia. -Before starting on the march, we had general -orders read to us, forbidding all foraging in -Maryland. On the first day’s march towards<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span> -Harper’s Ferry, several of the boys, myself included, -noticed a number of small pigs in a field -near the road.</p> - -<p>As we had been on very short rations for -about a week, it seemed to us a good chance to -have a feast when we went into camp, so over -the fence after the pigs we went. As I raised -my gun to fire at a pig, I saw General Griffin, -(who commanded our brigade,) and his staff, passing -along the road on the further side of the -wagons.</p> - -<p>I waited until I thought he was beyond -the sound of my rifle and then fired. The bullet -passed through the pig, struck a stone, glanced, -and went down the road, passing within a foot -of the general’s head, for he had stopped for a -few moments, instead of riding on as I had supposed.</p> - -<p>After I had shot the pig, one of the boys -ran up and was using the butt of his gun to finish -him and stop his squealing, when suddenly we -were surrounded by the staff of Gen. Griffin! I -made a break for the road, but found it was of -no use, for the general himself stood by the fence, -so back I went and with the rest of the boys was -placed under arrest. Orders were given to march<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span> -us to camp without rest, and carry the pig along, -which we took turns in doing. It was a long -pull, and when I could march no longer, down I -sat. The guard repeated the order. “I am going -to rest,” I said. “Don’t let the general see -you,” said the guard.</p> - -<p>I did not rest long, but traveled all day -without anything to eat, for we had left our haversacks -and overcoats in the teams, which were -now a long distance ahead.</p> - -<p>At night we went into camp, then had to -dress the pig, and it was cooked for the supper -of the general and his staff, and we poor fellows -got nothing. We pitched the general’s tent and -were then turned over to the provost guard. -About eight o’clock I went under guard to the -general’s tent to do something he wanted done. -“Guard, to your quarters,” said the general, “This -man will not run away!” “No, general, I will -not,” said I, and I quickly performed the duty -required of me and went back to the provost -guard.</p> - -<p>At ten o’clock we were all sent under -guard to our regimental headquarters. Our colonel -had just rolled himself up in his blanket for -the night and did not care to be disturbed. “Do<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span> -you know where your company is?” he demanded:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Yes sir” we answered, without any regard -for facts.</p> - -<p>“Go to it,” he ordered, and we gladly started, -free men once more. There were one hundred -thousand men in the camp, and to find one small -company in the middle of the night was no easy -task, but about daylight we found the teams and -our haversacks, got something to eat, and started -off on the march again. So ended the only time -in my life that I was a prisoner, or under arrest.</p> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i030.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter VI.</span><br /> - -IN CAMP.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Comrades known in marches many,</div> -<div class="verse">Comrades tried in dangers many,</div> -<div class="verse">Comrades bound by memories many,</div> -<div class="indent2">Brothers ever let us be!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Wounds or sickness may divide us,</div> -<div class="verse">Marching orders may divide us,</div> -<div class="verse">But whatever fate betide us,</div> -<div class="indent2">Brothers ever let us be!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>An old army song.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>The Army of the Potomac, on November -10th, 1862, was massed near Warrington Virginia, -where General McClellan was relieved from -command of the army. I shall never forget the -grief that was manifested by the soldiers on the -removal of this popular commander. Ever mindful -of the welfare and comfort of his men, he -had won a warm place in their hearts, and enjoyed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span> -the respect and esteem that was never accorded -any other commander.</p> - -<p>The following verses were sung in camp -and on the march long after he left us:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The order came, the die was cast,</div> -<div class="verse">McClellan was removed at last,</div> -<div class="verse">While far and near o’er hill and dale,</div> -<div class="verse">In thrilling notes the accents fell—</div> -<div class="indent3">“Come back to us McClellan!”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The bold, the brave, the fearless men,</div> -<div class="verse">When he had passed beyond their ken,</div> -<div class="verse">Bowed down their heads their tears to hide,</div> -<div class="verse">While still within their hearts they cried—</div> -<div class="indent3">“Come back to us McClellan!”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">His chieftains came to say farewell,</div> -<div class="verse">And in the evening camp light fell,</div> -<div class="verse">The tears they strove in vain to hide,</div> -<div class="verse">While from their sorrow’d hearts they cried—</div> -<div class="indent3">“Come back to us McClellan!”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Go to the warriors on the field,</div> -<div class="verse">Charging upon the rebel steel,</div> -<div class="verse">And while they deal the fatal blow,</div> -<div class="verse">Hark to the cry, now high, now low—</div> -<div class="indent3">“Come back to us McClellan!”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Go to the soldier sorely tried,</div> -<div class="verse">Go to the sick one’s lone bedside,</div> -<div class="verse">Stand by his cot, ere the soldier dies,</div> -<div class="verse">And listen to his feeble cries—</div> -<div class="indent3">“Come back to us McClellan!”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Go to the tented camping ground,</div> -<div class="verse">Where dirt and dust and mud abound,</div> -<div class="verse">And from the restless, slumbering ones,</div> -<div class="verse">In murmuring words the entreaty comes—</div> -<div class="indent3">“Come back to us McClellan!”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Jonas A. Bigelow, U. S. A.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span>He was succeeded by General Burnside, -and after a week of rest, we started for Falmouth -Virginia, and on the 22nd went into camp at -Stoneman’s Switch. Here we remained most of -the time all winter, although we expected every -day to be ordered off on the march again for the -unknown “Somewhere.”</p> - -<p>I well remember the hungry Thanksgiving -day spent here. We were a long ways from -our base of supplies at Acquia Creek, and all -that we received was brought in wagons for several -miles over hard and rough roads from Belle -Plain.</p> - -<p>For a week we lived on hardtack, and -the morning of Thanksgiving day, we received -the last of the supplies in our regiment, half a -cracker for each man. This was all we had until -afternoon; our officers were out all the morning -hunting in every direction for food, and at last -succeeded in borrowing twenty boxes of hard bread, -which was all that the officers and men -had that day.</p> - -<p>How we thought of home that day and -the good dinners that we had enjoyed on former -festival days! How little our friends at home -would have enjoyed their feast, could they have<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span> -known that we were starving! In the course of -the day I happened to see, near the tent where -the officers bought their supplies, (for they did -not draw rations like the rank and file,) a few -beans that had been trodden down into the mud. -I carefully picked them out, and perhaps got half -a pint altogether, which I washed and stewed, -and with my tentmate, made out our Thanksgiving -dinner.</p> - -<p>This was not the only time I have gone -hungry; many a time have I suffered from hunger -from cold, and from heat, but I shall ever remember -that particular time, for it seemed to -make me still more hungry as I thought of former -Thanksgiving feasts, and the food I had -wasted. But such are the fortunes of war, and -we bore it as we did all other discomforts, as -part of the price that must be paid, that our flag -might again wave over an undivided country.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i034.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter VII.</span><br /> - -FREDERICKSBURG.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Of all the terrible sights of war,</div> -<div class="verse">The worst and most fearful sight,</div> -<div class="verse">Is the stubborn struggle of gallant men</div> -<div class="verse">In brave but unequal fight!</div> -<div class="verse">The useless charge and the shattered ranks,</div> -<div class="verse">And the slaughter and the flight!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Edward Willett.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>Here we remained for some weeks, building -ourselves log shanties, chopping wood, standing -guard, being drilled, inspected, reviewed, and -now and then going over towards the river and -watching the confederates making their works -good and strong, against the time when we were -ready to attack them. While we were making -ready, they were building and strengthening<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span> -works, that would be beyond the power of mortal -man to carry by assault, and yet that was -what we were called upon to do, when at last -General Burnside had got his army ready for active -service. He had entirely re-organized the -Army of the Potomac, which now numbered -one hundred and twenty thousand men, divided -into three grand divisions, each division consisting -of two corps. Everything possible was done -to strengthen our forces, and put us in good condition -for active service; all this was not completed -until the 11th of September.</p> - -<p>The town of Fredericksburg is on the -south side of the Rappahannock river, nearly opposite -Falmouth. Back of the town is the range -of hills called Marye’s Heights, where Lee’s army -was strongly entrenched, when Gen. Burnside -had got ready for business.</p> - -<p>General Lee, with his three hundred cannon, -covered the town and river, and his position -was one of the strongest, yet Burnside persisted -in his plan of attack, for on the morning of the -11th of December, at daybreak, the bugle sounded -“Forward!”</p> - -<p>It was a still, cold morning, and we started -off in heavy marching order, our regiment<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span> -leading, as it was our turn that day. We were -in good spirits, although we knew that we had -started out on a desperate attempt, and were enroute -for Fredericksburg, three miles away. We -marched to a point near the river and remained -until the next day, when we crossed the river on -pontoon bridges under a heavy fire from the enemy, -with terrible loss of life.</p> - -<p>On the 13th the bloody battle of Fredericksburg -was begun, one of the most disastrous -of the war. It was a useless, ill-judged endeavor -to rout Lee’s army from his impregnable position. -In this battle more than thirteen thousand men -were lost to the Union army, while the confederates -lost less than half that number. My regiment -lost thirty live men, killed and wounded. -Defeated and disheartened, on the morning of the -16th, our army re-crossed the river and returned -to our old camp.</p> - -<p>On the 21st of January, 1863, we started -on the “Mud march,” about four o’clock in the -morning. A bitter cold wind was blowing -fiercely, and the air was full of sleet and rain. -We marched all day and when we stopped for -the night, made fires and sat around them all -night to keep warm. The next day was warm<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span> -as summer, but rainy; the mud grew deeper, as -we struggled along, sinking in and being pulled -out, taking us all day to go three miles. The -whole country was under water, and you could -not step without sinking above your shoes in -mud. When we stopped for the night we could -only lay down in the mud, or sit by the fires we -managed, with much difficulty, to make.</p> - -<p>The next day the water dried up a little, -so we pulled down the fences and used the rails -to corduroy the road. We returned to Stoneman’s -Switch, and re-constructed our shanties as -well as we could, though we sadly missed the -comforts we had destroyed before starting out, -lest, in our absence, they might fall into the -hands of the Johnnies.</p> - -<p>We remained in camp until spring, and -before that time arrived. Gen. Burnside was relieved, -and General Hooker took his place. We -gladly heard the order read that relieved him and -appointed “Fighting Joe” as his successor.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i038.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter VIII.</span><br /> - -CHANCELLORSVILLE.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ah I see you once more in your camp by the way;</div> -<div class="verse">Yes, again do I hear your guns in the fray!</div> -<div class="verse">In those tangled old woods you stood there in line,</div> -<div class="verse">While the foe was advancing! Ah boys, it was fine!</div> -<div class="verse">I remember it still, how they swept o’er the field</div> -<div class="verse">With their tiger like yell. They thought we would yield.</div> -<div class="verse">You stood like a rock, as all will agree—</div> -<div class="verse">My friends and my comrades of company B.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>M. B. Duffie.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>On April 27th 1863, we again started on -our tour through Virginia. We crossed the Rappahannock -at Kelley’s Ford, marched to the Rapidan -river, and went into camp on the south side. -A brief rest, and again on the march, arriving at -Chancellorsville, where we waged battle with the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span> -enemy from April 30th to May 5th. Here, on -the 2nd of May, occurred the famous charge of -the eighth Pennsylvania cavalry, numbering but -three hundred men under Major Keenan, on -Stonewall Jackson’s leading division, keeping -them back for a short time, giving our generals -time to place their guns in position, thus saving -our army from utter defeat. The tragic story is -told by the poet Lathrop far better than I can -tell it.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Cavalry, charge!” not a man of them shrank,</div> -<div class="verse">Their sharp full cheer, from rank to rank,</div> -<div class="verse">Rose joyously with a willing breath,</div> -<div class="verse">Then forward they sprang, and spurred and clashed,</div> -<div class="verse">Shouted the officers, crimson sashed;</div> -<div class="verse">Rode well the men, each brave as his fellow,</div> -<div class="verse">In their faded coats of the blue and yellow:</div> -<div class="verse">And above in the air, with an instinct true,</div> -<div class="verse">Like a bird of war, their pennon flew.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">With clank of scabbards and thunder of steeds,</div> -<div class="verse">And blades that shine like sunlit reeds,</div> -<div class="verse">And strong brown faces bravely pale,</div> -<div class="verse">For fear their proud attempt shall fail,</div> -<div class="verse">Three hundred Pennsylvanians close,</div> -<div class="verse">On twice ten thousand gallant foes!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Line after line the troopers came,</div> -<div class="verse">To the edge of the wood that was ringed with flame;</div> -<div class="verse">Rode in and sabred, and shot, and fell;</div> -<div class="verse">Nor one came back, of his wounds to tell.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Line after line, ay, whole platoons,</div> -<div class="verse">Struck dead in their saddles, of brave dragoons,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span> -<div class="verse">By the maddened horses were onward borne,</div> -<div class="verse">And into the vortex flung, trampled and torn;</div> -<div class="verse">As Keenan fought with his men, side by side,</div> -<div class="verse">So they rode, till there were no more to ride.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">But over them lying there, shattered and mute,</div> -<div class="verse">What deep echo rolls? ’Tis a death salute.</div> -<div class="verse">From the cannon in place! For heroes, you braved</div> -<div class="verse">Your fate not in vain, the army was saved!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">They have ceased. But their glory shall never cease,</div> -<div class="verse">Nor their light be quenched in the light of peace.</div> -<div class="verse">The rush of their charge is resounding still,</div> -<div class="verse">That saved the army at Chancellorsville!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>George Parsons Lathrop.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>We were defeated, and obliged to retreat, -our brigade being detailed to cover the retreat of -our army back over the river. We formed a line -of battle, and as each division passed, we fell -back a little nearer the river, still keeping our -line of battle. Finally we were within half a -mile of the river, where the last of our army were -rapidly crossing on pontoon bridges. General -Griffin, our brigade commander, had crossed the -river on some duty assigned him, when he was -informed that a large force of the enemy was -rapidly approaching, and his brigade would inevitably -be taken prisoners.</p> - -<p>“If they are, I will be taken with them!” -exclaimed our brave commander, and spurring -his horse, he rapidly crossed on the pontoons, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span> -soon reached us, and marched us quickly to the -river, just as the confederates approached, intent -on gobbling us up. We cut the fastenings of -the pontoons, and the bridge swung off down the -stream just in time, and we were all safely landed -on the other shore, happy to know that we -had escaped the horrors of a rebel prison, or death -at the hands of the merciless foe.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i042.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter IX.</span><br /> - -BRANDY STATION AND ALDIE.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh, tell me not their lives are lost,</div> -<div class="indent">Who to the death-shots yield,</div> -<div class="verse">But rather, write beneath their names,</div> -<div class="indent">“Promoted on the field!”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Unknown.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>After the battle of Chancellorsville, the -thirty-second Massachusetts was detailed for -guard duty on the railroad to Acquia Creek. We -remained here but a short time however, for -northward moved the enemy, and we on after -them; at Brandy station on the 9th of June, we -caught up with them, and had a sharp engagement, -but failed to stop the march into Pennsylvania.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span> -Crossing the river towards Culpepper -Courthouse, past Morrisville, on to Manassas, -camping on the old battle ground on the night of -the 16th.</p> - -<p>We had a tough march the next day, travelling -more than twenty miles; no water was to -be had, and we suffered greatly with the heat -and dust. Our regiment started in the morning -with two hundred and thirty men, and camped -that night with one hundred and seven, of which -number I was one, and this was doing better than -any other regiment in our division. Hundreds -of men dropped by the roadside, fainting and -dying from exhaustion; four died of sunstroke. -We heard indications of battle all day from the -direction of Aldie, and I suppose this forced -march was thought necessary, but I can truly say -that I much preferred all the horrors of the battlefield -to these terrible long marches, when it -seemed impossible to keep up. To drop out was -to lose sight of your regiment, and perhaps die -uncared for, or be gobbled up by guerrillas, who -were plentiful all through that God forsaken -country.</p> - -<p>To be captured by guerrillas was sure -death or imprisonment, which to me seemed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span> -worse than death on the field. It was during -this march that I acquired the nickname of -“Mosby,” after the noted guerilla Colonel Mosby, -who was then making his dashing raids through -that region, causing his very name to be a terror -to all the inhabitants thereof.</p> - -<p>I had picked up from the road where it -had been dropped, among other impedimenta by -the rebels we were pursuing, a gray cardigan -jacket, which, being much better than the one I -had worn so long, I had put on, and thrown away -the old one. I wore it into the battle of -Gettysburg a few days later, and had several -narrow escapes from being shot for a rebel by -our own men, on account of its color. As it was -all I had, I had to wear it, for we could draw no -clothing on the march.</p> - -<p>Some little time after the Gettysburg -fight, I was on guard at the colonel’s tent, and -he noticed my gray jacket, and enquired why I -wore it, and I told him it was all I had.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“I’ll see that you have another, my boy,” said -the colonel, and soon after, my captain provided -me with a new blouse, which I gladly donned, -discarding the gray one, which had but one fault -and that was its color. I could not discard the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span> -nickname however, by which I am best remembered -by some of my old comrades, who will -never forget how I fought the Johnny rebs at -Gettysburg, with a confederate’s jacket on.</p> -</div> - -<p>At Aldie occurred the great cavalry fight -under Generals Pleasanton, Gregg and Kilpatrick. -What a splendid sight it was! An event -even in our eventful life to see those brave men -move in battle line, with sabres drawn, steady as -though on dress parade! Through the enemy’s -line they went, dealing death right and left. Not -all of them came back, but those who did, came -with victory perched upon their banners.</p> - -<p>Then on we went, across the state of -Maryland, encamping at midnight July 1st at -Hanover, Pennsylvania, after a forced march of -sixteen hours. By this time we were about worn -out with so much marching and fighting, but -there was no rest for us yet; for we had hardly -dropped down for the night, when an aid arrived -with orders to march directly to the aid of the -First corps, which was fighting the whole rebel -army at Gettysburg. So again we took up our -weary line of march, pressing forward as fast as -possible to the aid of our comrades. As we -drew near Gettysburg, word passed down the line<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span> -that General McClellan was again in command -of the army.</p> - -<p>How we shouted! How we cheered, and -we moved on with quickened step, believing that -our beloved general would lead us on to battle, -and to victory! It was a false report, perhaps -sent down the line to cheer our hearts and quicken -our lagging feet. It served the purpose, but -it was a sad disappointment, when we learned the -truth.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i047.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter X.</span><br /> - -GETTYSBURG.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">God send us peace! And where for aye the loved and lost recline,</div> -<div class="verse">Let fall, O South, your leaves of palm, O North, your sprigs of pine!</div> -<div class="verse">But when with every ripened year, we keep the harvest home,</div> -<div class="verse">And to the dear Thanksgiving feast our sons and daughters come,</div> -<div class="verse">When children’s children throng the board in the old homestead spread,</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And the bent soldier of these wars is seated at the head,</div> -<div class="verse">Long, long the lads shall listen to hear the graybeard tell,</div> -<div class="verse">Of those who fought at Gettysburg, and stood their ground so well;</div> -<div class="verse">“’Twas for the Union and the flag!” the veteran shall say,</div> -<div class="verse">“Our grand old army held the ridge, and won that glorious day!”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Edmund Clarence Stedman.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>We arrived on the field of Gettysburg at -nine o’clock A. M., July 2nd, and without rest -were ordered into the front line of battle. Our<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span> -brigade consisted of the 9th and 32nd Massachusetts, -4th Michigan, and 62nd Pennsylvania. We -had hardly got into line, when the enemy advanced -directly upon us, and for an hour we had -it hot and heavy.</p> - -<p>Here our regimental loss was heavy, but -we finally repulsed them, and soon after changed -position to a piece of woods bordering on the -wheatfield. Here a line was engaged in the -wheatfield, and the ground was covered with the -wounded and dead. We advanced and relieved -them, when the enemy charged us with such -overwhelming fury that we were obliged to fall -back.</p> - -<p>Here Colonel Jeffers of the 4th Michigan -and a color sergeant of the same regiment were -killed, trying to save their flag, but it was captured, -and a part of the regiment were taken -prisoners.</p> - -<p>We could not stand the terrible storm of -leaden hail, and were retreating when our brigade -commander halted us and ordered us to face the -charging enemy. It was a fatal act for many -of the Thirty-second! We fought our way back -inch by inch, union and confederate men inextricably -mingled; so we fought until we gained the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span> -shelter of the woods. I had lost my regiment, -but saw the Pennsylvania Bucktails fixing bayonets -for another charge, so I stepped into their -ranks to charge with them, when I saw my regimental -colors, with four of the color guard near -by, so joined them and waited for the boys to -rally under the old flag, when we again advanced -into the bloody fray.</p> - -<p>I look back with pride upon the valor -shown that day by my brave comrades; at Little -Roundtop, the Wheatfield, in the Loop, many a -brave boy of the 32nd gave up his life, in that -terrible struggle. Our regiment carried into the -fight 227 men, and we lost 81 killed and wounded. -My tentmate, Dwight D. Graves, went -down severely wounded in the foot, and another -comrade, Calvin P. Lawrence, was left on the -field with a broken leg when we fell back. As -the rebs charged over him, one of them turned to -bayonet him, but his lieutenant prevented him, -and asked the wounded man,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Where’s your men now?”</p> - -<p>“You just keep on, you’ll find them!” was the -reply, as the men swept over him. Soon they -rushed back in full retreat, and our brave comrade -shouted after them, “I say, leftenant, I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span> -guess you found them.” We kept the field, and -all that night I spent looking over the battle -ground for wounded comrades, giving to one a -drink of water from my canteen, placing a knapsack -under the head of another, covering another -from the chilly air with a blanket picked up on -the field, and doing what I could to relieve their -suffering.</p> -</div> - -<p>Morning came, and our brigade remained -near Little Round Top, receiving our full share -of the storm of iron hail, throughout the artillery -duel of the third day. Then came Pickett’s desperate -charge, the final effort of the enemy, who -never got further north than here. Then came -the retreat of the enemy, and our pursuit of them -back into Virginia.</p> - -<p>During the battle, my cousin, James A. -Shepard, of the 18th Massachusetts received his -death wound, while going to a spring to fill several -canteens for his comrades. I saw him the -day before the battle bright and cheerful. I -heard he was wounded, but did not learn of his -death until some days after, when a letter from -home gave me the following account of his death -and burial.</p> - -<p>He was shot in the shoulder, severing an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span> -artery, and died in a Philadelphia hospital a few -days after the battle, but lived to see his widowed -mother, who was telegraphed for, at his request.</p> - -<p>When she arrived at the hospital, she -stood a moment at the door of the ward where -her boy lay on his deathbed, and where the long -rows of beds and their occupants all looked alike -to her; she heard his voice at the further end of -the room, saying “Oh mother, mother! here I am -come quick!” and soon the heartbroken mother -knelt by his bedside, while he, happy in her presence, -talked of the battle and tried to comfort -her.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“I know I’ve got to die,” he said, “But never -mind, mother dear, it is in a glorious cause, and -we whipped the rebels good!” Poor boy, he was -only twenty, yet was willing to die for his country!</p> -</div> - -<p>As he grew weaker, he talked of the dear -ones at home, and wished he could have bade -them goodbye.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Kiss them for me, mother,” he said, “And -take me home, and lay me beside my father, and -put some flowers on my grave from the dear old -home garden, that I have so longed to see!”</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span>His mother remained with him until he -died, and through untold difficulties, she brought -his body home, being obliged to smuggle it part -of the way, and now, in the family lot, he lies beside -his father and mother. Two of his brothers -also lie buried there, Charles, who served in the -Massachusetts heavy artillery, and George, who -was badly wounded in the head while serving in -the navy; he never fully recovered, and died soon -after the war ended.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i053.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XI.</span><br /> - -MINE RUN.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We wait for the bugle, the night winds are cold,</div> -<div class="verse">The limbs of the soldiers feel jaded and old.</div> -<div class="verse">The field of our bivouac is windy and bare,</div> -<div class="verse">There is lead in our joints, there is frost in our hair,</div> -<div class="verse">The future is veiled, and its fortune unknown,</div> -<div class="verse">As we lie with hushed breath till the bugle is blown.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Thomas B. Higginson.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>We crossed the river near Berlin, keeping -east of the Blue Ridge. At Manassas Gap on -July 23rd, we saw some pretty fighting by the -Third Corps, and on the 8th of August, we went -into camp at Beverly Ford, and remained five -weeks, enjoying our well earned rest. Here I -saw five deserters shot. Sept. 15th we moved to -Culpepper, where I saw a bounty jumper drummed -out of camp, branded with the letter D. Here<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span> -we received 180 recruits, and between October -10th and 29th, we were marching back and forth, -to one point and then another, as though our -generals thought we needed exercise.</p> - -<p>November 29th, 1863 found us in line of -battle at Mine Run. For three days and nights -we faced the enemy, and awaited the signal to -open the battle. I shall never forget one night, -the coldest I ever saw in Virginia. Mine Run -was a little stream of water made formidable by -the rebels, whose works were back of it. The -stream was filled with thorny bushes and brush, -now frozen in; when across that, there was a -strong abattis made of sharpened timber, that -must be removed before we could charge the enemy, -strongly entrenched behind earthworks. -Not much charging could be done in that situation, -and we old soldiers knew the hopelessness -of such an attempt.</p> - -<p>We knew that the order had been given -to charge on the enemy’s works at daybreak. -We felt rather gloomy, for we knew that death -was certain, if we made that desperate attempt. -For my part, I had faced many dangers, had been -under fire many times, but had never felt, as I -did then, that death stared me in the face. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span> -horrors of that bitter cold night can never be -told. All night long we had to keep in motion -to avoid freezing to death, for no fire could we -have, lest we be discovered by the enemy; more -than one poor fellow was frozen to death in the -rifle pits.</p> - -<p>Morning came at last, but we heard no -order to charge. All honor to General Meade, -who has been censured for his failure to charge -across Mine Run. With all his bravery, he was -too humane to order such a useless sacrifice of -life, though he knew he incurred censure and -probably disgrace, in ordering a retreat instead. -Silently we retreated out of our dangerous situation, -and made our way towards Stephensburg. -Hungry and cold as we were, we hurried along, -halting now and then just long enough to build -a little fire and boil some coffee, the soldier’s -best friend.</p> - -<p>Towards night it grew warmer, and when -the order came to halt for the night on an open -plain, we were too tired to do anything but drop -in our tracks, rolled up in our rubber blankets. -When we awoke in the morning, we found that -several inches of snow had fallen during the -night, and covered that vast body of sleeping<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span> -men as with a white and fleecy blanket. We -soon had fires and a warm breakfast. By ten -o’clock the snow had melted, and we took up our -march with renewed courage.</p> - -<p>Our army crossed to the north side of the -Rappahannock river, and two days after found -us encamped at Liberty, near Bealton Station, on -the Orange and Alexandria railroad, and here we -had a brief respite from our toils and dangers.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i057.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XII.</span><br /> - -A LETTER FROM THE FRONT.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Halt! Who goes there?” My challenge cry,</div> -<div class="indent">It rings along the watchful line,</div> -<div class="verse">“Relief!” I hear a voice reply;</div> -<div class="indent">“Advance and give the countersign!”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Unknown.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p class="right">Camp at Liberty Va., Dec.—1863.</p> - -<p>You ask me about our daily life, and now, -while “All is quiet upon the Potomac,” I will -try to give you some idea of company B’s life in -camp. Reveille is sounded at sunrise; our company -falls into line, and the first sergeant calls -the roll.</p> - -<p>Each man then cooks his own breakfast, -except when two or three tentmates agree to take<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span> -turns. In my case, my tentmate does the cooking, -and I get the wood and water. Our rations -when in camp are generally hardtack, pork, salt, -sugar, coffee, beans, potatoes, fresh meat, etc., -but we do not draw all of these things at once; -some days we will draw hardtack and pork, sugar -and coffee; on other days, fresh meat, and potatoes.</p> - -<p>In drawing rations for the regiment, the -quartermaster draws up a requisition for as many -rations as there are men in the regiment; they -are sent to regimental headquarters, and divided -among the companies. The first sergeant of -each company receives it, and divides it among -the men.</p> - -<p>One day’s rations consists of ten hardtack, -half a pound of salt pork, a few spoonfuls of -coffee, and the same of sugar. In drawing -fresh meat, it is cut up into pieces, the orderly -calls the roll, beginning one day at A, and the -next at Z, and as each man’s name is called, he -steps up, takes his choice of the meat, and the -last is “Hobson’s choice.”</p> - -<p>After breakfast, surgeon’s call is sounded, -and if sick or unfit for duty, the boys report to -him; he gives them pills or quinine, and reports<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span> -them either fit for duty, or sick in quarters. -His word is law, and if he understands his calling, -he seldom makes mistakes; but I have known -many instances where men have been reported -for duty, who were not fit to be out of their -bed.</p> - -<p>Next, the orderly makes the detail for -camp guard, police, picket, etc. At 8 o’clock -A. M., camp guard is placed on duty around the -camp, and remains so for twenty-four hours, two -hours on post, and four off. Those detailed for -police duty, are placed under a non-commissioned -officer, and set to cleaning up camp.</p> - -<p>The pickets fall in, and after all the details -from the various companies get together, -they are marched to the front, and are posted so -that the whole front is guarded, relieving those -that have been on duty. They remain on duty -for twenty-four hours, two hours on post, and -four off, except when very near the enemy, in an -exposed position, then they sometimes remain for -several days.</p> - -<p>After the pickets go on duty, we who are -not detailed for duty, have about two hours to -ourselves, in which to wash and mend our clothes, -clean our rifles and equipments, etc. At 10.30<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span> -o’clock we go on company drill, which lasts an -hour, after which, we get our dinner.</p> - -<p>After dinner we have battalion drill, brigade -drill, or something else to keep us busy, and -out of mischief.</p> - -<p>Dress parade comes at sunset, tattoo at 9 -o’clock, taps at 9.30; all lights must then be out, -and the army is at rest.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i061.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XIII.</span><br /> - -RE-ENLISTED.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Two years have passed; those gallant men</div> -<div class="verse">Have kept the oath that they made then.</div> -<div class="verse">On many a field their valor’s shone,</div> -<div class="verse">On many a field their bones are strewn;</div> -<div class="verse">They’ve bravely fought and still shall fight,</div> -<div class="verse">For Union, and the cause of right!</div> -<div class="verse">Till rebel hosts shall yield the way,</div> -<div class="verse">To Union arms, and Union sway.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>J. B. C.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The die is cast! Come life or death,</div> -<div class="indent">My Country! I will faithful be,</div> -<div class="verse">Until o’er all thy wide domain,</div> -<div class="indent">Shall wave the banner of the free.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>L. M. J.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>It was at Liberty that most of the members -of the 32nd Massachusetts re-enlisted for -three years more. I was not the first to re-enlist; -I knew now what a soldier’s life really was. -I realized that my father knew what he was talking -about, when he told me that it was no holiday<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span> -picnic, and that the men of the South were as -brave as those of the North, and that it would -take years instead of months to conquer them, -as so many thought when the war began. I had -endured two years of hardships and dangers, and -longed for a peaceful life with those I loved at -home. I knew my dear old father would be -grieved, were I to again enlist.</p> - -<p>I fought it all out alone on picket, that -cold long night, went back to camp, and with -fingers almost too stiff with cold to hold the pen, -signed my name to the paper that bound me to -the service of my country for “Three years more, -or until the close of the war.”</p> - -<p>Yes, I had made up my mind, that come -what would, I would see it out! My country -needed me; dire disaster had overtaken it, dark -and gloomy was the situation, and now more than -ever, were needed strong and willing hands to defend -it; and so I would do my duty, and leave -the rest to God.</p> - -<p>And now, looking back over the long years -since that day, I can truly say, I have never -regretted my decision. The terrible year that -followed would have been included in my first -term of enlistment of three years, and so I did not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span> -serve quite a year longer than I would have done, -if I had not re-enlisted. Many a poor fellow -who felt that three years was enough, and that -he could not endure such a life any longer than -that, and consequently did not re-enlist, lost his -life in the battle summer that followed. But -none could foresee the future, and the close of -the war looked to us in the field, as a long way -ahead.</p> - -<p>So many of the regiment re-enlisted that -we were given 30 days furlough, and allowed to -go home as a regiment. We had previously had -re-enforcements from time to time, so that there -were 340 who re-enlisted, and started for home, -arriving in Fall River by the New York boat, on -January 17th, 1864.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i064.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XIV.</span><br /> - -AT HOME AGAIN.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">From every height our banners bright, their flashing folds display!</div> -<div class="verse">The trumpet’s tongue is jubilant with stirring notes today.</div> -<div class="verse">The cannon and the merry bells join with our vast array,</div> -<div class="indent11">And sound a welcome home!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ye have come from the battlefields of glory and of blood,</div> -<div class="verse">Where like a rock ye firmly met rebellion’s rushing flood,</div> -<div class="verse">Where o’er the traitors’ reeling ranks triumphantly ye stood,</div> -<div class="indent11">To find a welcome home.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>James B. Congdon.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>As the day of our arrival was the Sabbath, -which we dimly remembered was kept sacred at -the North, the commanding officer telegraphed -to Governor Andrew to know if it would do to -take his men through Boston on the Sabbath -day. He quickly received the answer, “Come -right along!” So he issued orders to the men to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span> -be as orderly as possible, and not shock the pious -people of the Puritan state, and we took the -train to Boston.</p> - -<p>How astonished the war-worn soldiers -were at their reception! Ours was the first Massachusetts -regiment returning with the proud title -of “Veteran,” and the people had turned out -<i>en masse</i> to do us honor. We marched through -crowded streets to the State House, where we received -a welcome from the Governor, and a salute -was fired in our honor, on the Common; -then to Faneuil Hall, where a most sumptuous -dinner was prepared for us, of which we were -invited to partake, by the Mayor of Boston.</p> - -<p>After dinner, Governor Andrew made an -address that will, I think, ever be remembered -by the members of the old 32nd. I cannot remember -all he said, but some of his eloquent -words still linger in my memory:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>I cannot, soldiers of the Union Army, by words, in a fitting -measure, repeat your praise. This battle-flag, riddled with -shot and torn with shell, is more eloquent than human voice, more -pathetic than song. This flag tells what you have done, it reveals -what you have borne, and it shall be preserved as long as a thread -remains, a memorial of your valor and patriotism.</p> - -<p>I give you praise from a grateful heart, in behalf of a -grateful people, for all you have suffered, and all you have accomplished; -and while I welcome you to your homes, where the war-worn -soldier may rest a brief while, I do not forget your comrades<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span> -in arms who have fallen, fighting for that flag, defending the rights -and honor of our common country. The humblest soldiers who have -given their lives away, will be remembered as long as our country -shall preserve its history.</p> -</div> - -<p>As the people gazed on the torn and -blackened remnant of the beautiful silk flag we -had borne away with us two years before, it -seemed to tell more eloquently than words could -do, of battles won and lost. And now, after the -lapse of thirty-four years, it still, with other battle -flags, is preserved in a glass case in the State -House at Boston. If you should look for it -there, it might be difficult to find it among the -many handsome banners hanging there, for it -is a mere strip of silk that seems to be just -hanging by a few threads to the staff, a black -and ragged remnant of the beautiful silk flag we -took with us to the front; but we old soldiers are -far more proud of it than we were in the days -when it was first presented to us, before it had -been consecrated by the blood of the brave boys -who bore it through the storm of battle, and gave -their lives, rather than the flag should be lost to -the regiment. We had a new flag to take back -with us, and that also bears the marks of shot and -shell, and is sacredly preserved.</p> - -<p>After the dinner was over, we were dismissed,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span> -and I made quick time to New Bedford, -where I received a warm welcome from my father, -who was overjoyed to see me.</p> - -<p>The first night at home, I went to bed in -my old room, but could not sleep, the feather -bed was too soft for me; at last I got up, rolled -myself in a blanket, and laid down on the floor, -where I slept like a top. The feather bed was -removed next day, and I slept very comfortably -after that on the straw mattress.</p> - -<p>How the happy days flew by, when friends -vied with each other in making my furlough -pleasant for me, and doing their best to spoil my -appetite for army rations, with their cakes, pies, -and all sorts of good things!</p> - -<p>But all too soon we had to say goodbye. -On February 17th we once more started for the -South, arriving at camp Liberty two days later, -warmly welcomed by the comrades we had left -there, and proud of the title of “Veteran,” with -all that it implied.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i068.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XV.</span><br /> - -IN THE WILDERNESS.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">In that valley down there, where the wild ivies creep,</div> -<div class="verse">The night birds stand sentry o’er comrades asleep,</div> -<div class="verse">Their graves are now sunken, the headboards decayed,</div> -<div class="verse">And the trenches are crumbled, where fought our brigade.</div> -<div class="verse">Through rifts in the forest, if your vision is keen,</div> -<div class="verse">The breastworks we builded, can dimly be seen.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>M. B. Duffie.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>General Grant now took command of the -army, and on April 30th 1864, we broke camp -at Liberty, and began the hardest, most bloody -campaign of the war. Our division gathered -near Rappahannock Station; crossed the river for -the fifteenth time, and marched to Brandy Station, -marching almost constantly. We crossed -the Rapidan at Germania Ford, marched all the -next day, camping at night in the Wilderness, -very near the enemy. May 5th we threw up<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span> -earthworks, but at noon advanced, leaving our -works to other troops. We were soon heavily -engaged, and so began Bloody May.</p> - -<p>From this time forward, day and night, -marching, fighting, digging earthworks, there -was no rest for us. From losses in battle, and -from sickness, our regiment again dwindled down -to a company in numbers.</p> - -<p>On May 8th we supported the 5th Massachusetts -battery, with some pretty smart fighting. -On the 9th we again went to the front, -and threw up works, behind which we kept pretty -close most of the day. Sharpshooters were -plenty in the rebel lines, not far from us. One -of my company, George Erskine, who was near -me in the works, sat on a cracker box, and turned -his head to speak to me, thereby exposing himself -a little, and as I was looking at him, I saw a -bullet strike the side of his head, go through it, -and strike the ground. He gave one sigh, and -fell dead at my feet. It was the work of a rebel -sharpshooter.</p> - -<p>A little later in the day, the orderly sergeant -asked—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Who will go out on the skirmish line?”</p> -</div> - -<p>The skirmish line was about a third of a mile in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span> -front of us, and to reach it, one had to run the -gauntlet, for the enemy had a fair view of the -whole field, and they improved it, you may be -sure.</p> - -<p>Several comrades volunteered, and went -under a sharp fire. I felt a little ashamed of -myself for not going too, so I said to my chum,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“If he calls for more, I am going!”</p> - -<p>“I go if you do,” said dear old Dwight, and -soon the word came again,</p> - -<p>“Who will volunteer?”</p> - -<p>“I will go for one!” Said I, and Dwight said -the same.</p> -</div> - -<p>Over the works we went, the minie balls -singing and zipping at us as we made our best -time over that open field. We reached the line -all right, and settled down to business.</p> - -<p>After a time I found my ammunition was -getting low, and by the time it was all gone, it -was growing dark, so that we could move round -with less danger, for we could not show ourselves -without drawing the fire of the sharpshooters, so -at dark I went round among the dead, and took -all the ammunition I could find, and began again -where I left off. We remained within two hundred -yards of the enemy’s works all night. During<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span> -the night, our officers sent us plenty of ammunition, -and informed us that we were to charge -at noon next day, and that we were to fall into -line as they advanced, but for some reason, the -expected charge was delayed.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i072.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XVI.</span><br /> - -LAUREL HILL.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Through a vista bright of the years long fled,</div> -<div class="verse">By the flag-decked graves of our comrades dead,</div> -<div class="verse">By the tints of summer, and the winter’s white,</div> -<div class="verse">By the sheen of noon, and the shades of night,</div> -<div class="verse">There hangs a scene of the olden days,</div> -<div class="verse">With a warp of blue, and a woof of gray.</div> -<div class="verse">I will cut the web from out the loom,</div> -<div class="verse">And place it today ’mid the May-day bloom.</div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i063.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<div class="indent">Three times amid the brake they form,</div> -<div class="indent">Three times upon the guns they storm,</div> -<div class="indent">Three times the army holds its breath,</div> -<div class="indent">To see those charges grand of death.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>S. D. Richardson.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>For two or three days we remained on the -skirmish line, digging rifle pits to protect ourselves -from the fire of the enemy. These were -holes in the ground deep enough for one or more -men to stand in, and if we showed our heads we -were pretty sure to draw their attention, so we<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span> -kept out of sight as much as possible. But our -greatest peril was from our own line, a quarter -of a mile in the rear of us, for there were several -pieces of artillery continually sending shells and -solid shot over our heads into the enemy’s lines, -and some of them were too near us for comfort and -safety, for we were on slightly rising ground in -front of them, and the gunners, to do more execution, -depressed their pieces so much that every now -and then a shot or shell would skim by, or over -us, as we hugged the ground.</p> - -<p>We would watch for the flash of the guns, -and drop to the ground, so the shot generally -went over us. In the rifle pit with me were two -of my comrades, one of whom had taken off his -haversack, and laid it near by. A shot from our -line struck that haversack, and sent it flying in -every direction.</p> - -<p>Comrade Flint was fairly peppered with -pieces of tin plate, cup, knife, fork and spoon, -which wounded him severely in several places. -He stood the pain as long as he could, and finally -said he was going back to the lines; we advised -him to wait until dark, but the pain was so great -that he could not, and he started on the run across -the open field, back to our main line. Instantly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span> -he was a target for the rebel sharpshooters. -We watched him anxiously, and once saw -him go down, but he was up and off in a moment, -and reached our lines, where he went into -the hospital.</p> - -<p>He received a wound in the leg, from -which he never fully recovered. The other -wounds healed after a while, but left indelible -scars.</p> - -<p>Soon after, the firing ceased, and we felt -better, when we were no longer in danger from -our own artillery.</p> - -<p>At last, on the morning of the 12th came -the order to attack, and our gallant little brigade -commanded by Colonel Prescott, dashed across -the field as far as the foot of Laurel Hill. How -our brave boys charged those works under that -heavy shower of grape and canister, none who -survived will ever forget!</p> - -<p>But we could not take the works, and had -to fall back, under a galling fire from their whole -line. Oh! What a shower of death came down -upon us! Before we got our colors back to our -old position, the 32nd had lost five color bearers, -and one hundred and three, out of one hundred -and ninety men, killed or wounded. A number<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span> -of the boys of our company lay killed or wounded -upon the field we had charged over, and the -constant firing along the whole line of the enemy’s -works, made it dangerous business going -out to bring them in; but several of us determined -to do so, in spite of the risk we incurred.</p> - -<p>Before leaving home we had made a solemn -promise to each other, that no man should -be left unburied or uncared for on the field; that -we would risk life and limbs that our wounded -should be cared for, and our dead comrades tenderly -laid in the bosom of mother earth. We -usually waited until night before going out after -our fallen comrades, but we could see the poor -fellows lying there under the scorching sun, and -felt that some of them would not hold out until -night.</p> - -<p>Taking a blanket for a stretcher, four of -us started out on the run, drawing upon us a -deadly fire from the enemy. One of our party -fell, wounded in the leg, but the rest managed to -take him along in our hasty retreat. Again and -again we made the attempt, succeeding in getting -most of our wounded under cover.</p> - -<p>Night came, and we started out to bury -our dead. Many a poor fellow lying upon his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span> -face, did I turn over in my search for my comrades -that night. Suddenly I came upon one of -my company, still living, but mortally wounded. -He had been shot through the spine, and could -not be moved, so I made him as comfortable as -possible by putting a blanket under his head, and -giving him some water. His sufferings were terrible, -but soon over; he knew his time had come, -and gave me messages for his folks and friends -at home.</p> - -<p>I promised him that I would write and -let them know how, and when he died, and that -I would see that he was buried. I remained with -him until death released him from his agony, -then closed his eyes, and covered him with his -blanket.</p> - -<p>Sadly I left him, and moved on to where -I could hear a well known voice calling for help. -It was another of my company badly wounded, -but able to be moved, so I hastily rolled him into -a blanket, and we soon had him within our -line.</p> - -<p>Busy all night, when daylight came, we -had buried our dead, and gathered in our wounded, -thus fulfilling the compact that was never -broken when it was possible for us to keep it.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span> -What a comfort it was to us, that solemn promise, -for, far worse than death, was the thought -of lying exposed and unburied on the battlefield. -That night was a sad one, never to be forgotten -by me, when we rolled our comrades up in their -blankets, and laid them in graves that will forever -remain unknown.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i078.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XVII.</span><br /> - -THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Yes, it all appears to my mind like a dream,</div> -<div class="verse">How we filed out of camp, and forded that stream.</div> -<div class="verse">Through the storm we have struggled, by day and by night;</div> -<div class="verse">For our flag and our country, we wrought with our might.</div> -<div class="verse">On that dangerous post, through the dews and the damp,</div> -<div class="verse">We have guarded from ill, our slumbering camp.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>M. B. D.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>From the 12th to the 23rd, our regiment -was constantly under fire from the enemy in -front of us, at Spotsylvania Courthouse, and -vicinity, continually changing our location, throwing -up earthworks each night after a weary day’s -march, before we could roll ourselves in our -blankets, and take our short night’s rest.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the 23rd, we took up -our line of march towards the North Anna river,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span> -crossing it at Jericho Ford, our brigade advancing -at once in line of battle into a piece of -woods, where we had a skirmish with the enemy, -who fell back, and we proceeded to fell trees, and -build a line of works.</p> - -<p>Before we had finished them, the enemy -in force, under General Hill, attacked us, and -endeavored to drive us out of our works and into -the river. The assault fell mainly upon our division. -Our regiment was on the left of the -line of battle, and we did our best to give them -a warm reception. For the first time since the -campaign began, we fought in our works. It -was a short, sharp fight, and the enemy was repulsed.</p> - -<p>We remained in our works until morning, -when we moved on towards Hanover Junction, -but on May 26th we received orders to retire, -which we did during the night, and once more -crossed the North Anna river at Quarles Ford, -and marched almost constantly for twenty-four -hours towards the Pamunky river.</p> - -<p>We next met the enemy near Mechanicsville, -on the morning of the 30th of May. Little -did we think then, that in the future years, that -day would be set apart for honoring the memory<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span> -of the fallen sons of the nation, our brigade advanced -in line of battle through Tolopotomy -Swamp, driving the confederate skirmishers until -we came to open fields near Shady Grove Church, -where we found the enemy in force behind earthworks.</p> - -<p>We could not take them, so kept back as -much as we could, out of range, yet our loss during -the day was twenty-two, killed or wounded. -I shall never forget our march through Tolopotomy -woods, keeping in line, over briars and fallen -trees and stumps. Our shoes were worn out -with twenty five days of constant marching and -fighting, and we were about as bad off ourselves. -But we got there all the same, and staid there -until midnight, when we were relieved by a part -of the Ninth Corps, and went into camp, where -we remained on the reserve for two or three -days.</p> - -<p>We took this time to do a little much -needed washing, for we had no change of clothing, -being in very light marching order. During -our long marches, often, when we came to a -stream, have I taken off my shirt, given it a hasty -wash, wrung it out, put it on again, and gone -on my way rejoicing.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span>Perhaps the simple record kept in my -diary during that “Bloody May,” as it has been -so often called, will give some idea of the life we -led when we were constantly confronting the enemy, -with, as we might well say, a musket in one -hand, and a shovel in the other; we could not -stop to rest without first shoveling up earthworks -to protect us from the fire of the ever active enemy.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i082.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XVIII.</span><br /> - -LEAVES FROM MY DIARY.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">That starry banner blazed afar,</div> -<div class="indent">The ensign of the free;</div> -<div class="verse">The beacon light of millions past,</div> -<div class="indent">And millions yet to be.</div> -<div class="verse">Thy father loved its shining folds,</div> -<div class="indent">He followed where they waved,</div> -<div class="verse">Thro’ tangled wood, or frowning height,</div> -<div class="indent">As battle’s storm he braved.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Mrs. Ralston.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><i>May 1, 1864.</i> Was relieved from picket last -night, broke camp, went within one mile of Rappahannock -Station. To-day crossed the Rappahannock -river, and marched to Brandy Station. -Corporal Tuttle left for home.</p> - -<p><i>May 2.</i> In camp near Brandy Station; sent<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span> -letters home. Several of the boys left us, having -exchanged into the navy.</p> - -<p><i>May 3.</i> Broke camp at one o’clock P. M. -Camped near Culpepper.</p> - -<p><i>May 4.</i> Broke camp last night at eleven o’clock; -marched through Stephensburg, crossed -the Rapidan at Germania Ford at eight A. M.; -camped at one P. M., after marching fourteen -hours.</p> - -<p><i>May 5.</i> In the Wilderness. Left camp, advanced -half a mile, and threw up breastworks; -skirmishing began, and we advanced into the -fight, which was very hot work. Fell back to -our works at night.</p> - -<p><i>May 6.</i> Left our line at three A. M. and -went to the front; heavy skirmishing from daylight -till dark. There has been some hard fighting -on our left. At dark we went to the rear, -then back to the front, where we stayed until -midnight, then returned to our works.</p> - -<p><i>May 7.</i> Was awakened about sunrise by -heavy firing all along the line. Our brigade -made a charge over the works; some fighting all -day.</p> - -<p><i>May 8.</i> Sunday. We moved to the right at -ten P. M. last night. Came up with the enemy<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span> -at eight this morning; heavy fighting. We are -driving the enemy. Our regiment supported the -Fifth Mass. battery. Our brigade charged the -rebs works, with a loss of three hundred men. -Fighting near Spotsylvania Courthouse.</p> - -<p><i>May 9.</i> Started at ten o’clock last night, and -went to the front. This morning threw up some -works, and laid in them all day. No fighting in -front of us, only skirmishing until sunset, then -we had some hard fighting. Volunteered, and -went out skirmishing. Erskine, of my company -killed today. We were attacked twice, but the -enemy was repulsed.</p> - -<p><i>May 10.</i> Our regiment supported the First -New York battery today. Fighting began at -half past eleven, and lasted until night. John -Tidd and E. B. Hewes of my company wounded. -Received a week’s mail; no letters for me.</p> - -<p><i>May 11.</i> Still supporting the First New -York battery. Sent a letter home written on -paper picked up on the battlefield.</p> - -<p><i>May 12.</i> Went out skirmishing at three o’clock -this morning. Flint of my company, badly -wounded. Later charged the enemy’s works. -Wellington and Dowd of my company killed.</p> - -<p><i>May 13.</i> Was relieved from skirmish line,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span> -and went to the regiment, then we started for -somewhere; stopped in the woods. Lost my -knapsack and everything I had.</p> - -<p><i>May 14.</i> Up in front; staid here all day, but -not much fighting. Within a mile of Spotsylvania.</p> - -<p><i>May 15.</i> In front; no fighting. Formed in -line of battle in advance of our works, expecting -to charge the enemy’s works, but did not, for -some reason to me unknown.</p> - -<p><i>May 16.</i> Laid in line of battle all day and -night; no fighting. On guard.</p> - -<p><i>May 17.</i> Laid in line of battle until dark, and -then advanced, and worked all night throwing up -works.</p> - -<p><i>May 18.</i> Shelling began early this morning. -Laid behind works all day and night. Received -seven letters from home, the first I have had -since we broke camp at Liberty, and they are -very welcome.</p> - -<p><i>May 19.</i> Laid behind our works until about -sunset, then fighting began on our right. Packed -up and moved to the right. Commenced a -letter to father.</p> - -<p><i>May 20.</i> Laid in line of battle behind our -works. Sent letter to father.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span><i>May 21.</i> Laid behind our works until one -P. M. Packed up and moved to the left; camped -at eight o’clock P. M. Received letters from -home.</p> - -<p><i>May 22.</i> Broke camp at four this morning, -but did not start until ten o’clock. Came up -with some of the enemy about two P. M. Stopped -for dinner at four o’clock, then went on -picket.</p> - -<p><i>May 23.</i> We started this morning at six -o’clock, and crossed the North Anna river near -Hanover Junction. Skirmishing began as soon -as we crossed, at three P. M.; fighting began -about an hour before sunset. Smart fight.</p> - -<p><i>May 24.</i> Threw up some works and laid behind -them until five P. M. Packed up and -moved to the right, then front, and threw up -some works.</p> - -<p><i>May 25.</i> Started this morning at half past -four, and advanced about two miles, then skirmishing -began. Threw up some works.</p> - -<p><i>May 26.</i> Laid behind earthworks until dark, -then started, and marched until eleven P. M., -when we stopped for rations. Atwood wounded -today. Two years ago we left Fort Warren for -the front.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span><i>May 27.</i> Marched all night until half past -six this morning, then stopped for breakfast near -Reed’s Church. Stopped there two hours, then -marched until half past five P. M. Marched for -twenty-two hours.</p> - -<p><i>May 28.</i> Started this morning at half past -five. Crossed the Pamunky river, and went about -a mile; stopped for breakfast, and then -threw up some works. Received letters from -home.</p> - -<p><i>May 29.</i> Advanced two miles, rested two or -three hours, then advanced another mile, when -skirmishing began. Threw up some works, and -stopped all night.</p> - -<p><i>May 30.</i> Packed up and started at seven this -morning; skirmishing began as soon as we started. -Advanced two miles, fighting all the way. -Our regiment charged the enemy, with a loss of -thirty men.</p> - -<p><i>May 31.</i> Regiment relieved, and sent to the -rear for a brief rest. Received letters from the -dear ones at home.</p> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i088.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XIX.</span><br /> - -COLD HARBOR.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ah me! I see it all again,</div> -<div class="indent">The frenzied battle’s formless form,</div> -<div class="verse">The reeling field, alive with men,</div> -<div class="indent">The thunderous flashes through the storm!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The rifle’s crack, the hiss, the thud;</div> -<div class="indent">The sizz of the on-hurtling shell;</div> -<div class="verse">The dying cry; the trickling blood—</div> -<div class="indent">The sights, the sounds we knew too well.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Rev. Minot J Savage.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>On the 3rd of June, before daylight, we -were called up to do our part in the battle of -Cold Harbor. The troops that had relieved us -at the front the day before had been driven from -their works, and our division was called upon to -re-take them.</p> - -<p>It was the same along the whole line. We -were to charge across an open field, under a terrible<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span> -fire from the enemy, strongly entrenched -behind earthworks. Between our line of works -and that of the enemy, the ground was covered -with pine trees, felled and fastened across each -other, and in addition, they had posted a battery -in a position that could sweep the entire unsheltered -field. We heard afterwards that Lee had -been two weeks getting ready for us.</p> - -<p>It was about half past four on that bright -June morning, that we started on that memorable -charge. Never shall I forget the storm of -bullets, grape and canister that was rained upon -us. My comrades fell on my right and left till I -thought there would be none left to tell the tale. -Half way across, my shoe became untied, and I -knew that I would lose it unless I tied it up again, -so down on one knee I went, and tied my -shoe.</p> - -<p>My comrades saw me drop, and I heard -a shout, “Mosby’s hit!” I was up in an instant, -and on with the rest. On we went until we -reached the works, from which we drove the enemy, -but they only fell back to their own line of -works, about two hundred yards away. We remained -in the recaptured works, and kept up a -constant exchange of fire all day long; on neither<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span> -side could a man show his head without being -shot at, but we hindered them as much as we -could from using their battery upon us.</p> - -<p>I remember one poor fellow of my company, -who had somehow gone to a part of our -line where the enemy had a raking fire right among -us. I noticed him lying there as though -asleep, but I well knew that no one living could -sleep in that place, and concluded that he must -be dead. I offered to help his brother bring him -in, but he demurred, fearing that he might share -the same fate. We did not know what moment -we might have to leave, and did not want to leave -a dead comrade unburied.</p> - -<p>At last four of us started after the body, -and succeeded, under a terrific shower of bullets -that drove us back more than once, in getting -him onto a blanket, and each one holding a corner, -we made quick time into the rifle pits. We -rolled the poor fellow in the blanket, and buried -him in one of the rifle pits; many a poor fellow -was buried in that way.</p> - -<p>There was a peach orchard between the -lines, and when the battle ended at dark, there -was not much left of it but the trunks of the -trees. All day I kept pegging away. When<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span> -my gun got too foul from constant firing, I poured -in a little water, washed it out, snapped a cap -or two, and I was ready for action again. I was -not sorry however, when nightfall put an end to -the conflict, and I could drop down and rest.</p> - -<p>Another charge was ordered before night, -all along the line, but the order was countermanded, -thus saving many precious lives. The -loss of our army that day was over thirteen -thousand men, our regimental loss being ten -killed, and twenty-one wounded.</p> - -<p>The next morning at daybreak I heard -the orderly call my name, and reported to him -immediately, and received the order with others,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“On the skirmish line!”</p> -</div> - -<p>While I stood waiting a few moments for the -skirmishers to get together, I noticed a Johnny -Reb walking over to our line; I thought he wanted -to come in, so I shouted to him to come on -in; he stopped and looked at me a moment as -though surprised, then turned on his heel, and -walked back from whence he came, taking no -notice of my invitation to come in, and threat to -shoot him if he didn’t. I would not have shot -the brave fellow anyway, and I watched him -walk deliberately back until he reached the works,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span> -when he leaped over them and ran for the woods -like a deer. We concluded that he was a straggler -who had been asleep somewhere, and did -not know of the changed conditions, and thought -his side still held the advanced line; at any rate, -he found out the difference before it was too -late.</p> - -<p>Only a few moments elapsed before we -were ready for the start, and away we went, expecting -every minute the rebels would rise above -their works, and put an end to us all. But all -was quiet in front, so we kept on until we stood -upon their works, and found that during the -night the enemy had left for parts unknown. -Upon a cracker box cover they had left the loving -message,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Come on, you damned Yanks to Richmond, -but you will find it a rough road to travel, with -a Hill, and two Longstreets to go over before -you get there!”</p> -</div> - -<p>You can imagine how surprised we were -to find the works abandoned that our leaders had -thought it impossible to capture by assault, and -how thankful we were that we had not made the -charge that the enemy had evidently expected, -and so had prudently withdrawn, under cover of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span> -darkness. They had succeeded in removing their -battery that had so raked us all day, but the heap -of dead horses, a dozen or more, that lay near the -position they had occupied, showed that they had -made several attempts before they accomplished -their purpose.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i094.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span> -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XX.</span><br /> - -THE NORFOLK RAILROAD.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">What wonder if the mouth is grim,</div> -<div class="indent">That said so many swift “Goodbyes?”</div> -<div class="verse">Life’s common words are idle breath,</div> -<div class="indent">Beside those earnest battle cries.</div> -<div class="verse">What wonder if the gaze is dim,</div> -<div class="indent">And yonder strangely lingers yet?</div> -<div class="verse">The eye that has looked straight at death,</div> -<div class="indent">His image may not soon forget!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Unknown.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>On the 12th of June, General Grant -changed his plan of operations, and started us off -for the James river. Our corps crossed the -Chickahominy river at Long Bridge, marched -southward to the James river, and on the 16th of -June, the Army of the Potomac was on the -right bank of the James, preparing for a fresh -start in another direction. As we went up in -front of Petersburg on the 18th of June, we -were double quicked across an open field, and -made a dash on the Norfolk railroad, where we -made a stand.</p> - -<p>It was in this charge that our beloved -colonel, George L. Prescott, fell mortally wounded, -while leading his men. He died the next -day, and the whole brigade mourned his loss; he -was a brave soldier, and a good man; always -kind to his men, he treated them like brothers.</p> - -<p>Many a time have I known him to let a -sick man have his blanket, and then bunk in -with a private who was lucky enough to have -such an article. More than once has he slept -with me, rolled up in the same blanket, and I always -felt that in him I had a true friend. By -his kind and generous words and deeds he had -endeared himself to the whole brigade, and today -many an old veteran reveres his memory, even as -I do.</p> - -<p>His body was brought home, and buried -with his kindred in Sleepy Hollow cemetery, at -Concord, Mass. I have visited his grave since -the war, and as I stood in the pleasant spot where -he sleeps so peacefully, I could but recall the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span> -memories of that terrible scene, when he laid his -life on the altar of his country.</p> - -<p>We had hot work all that day; again we -charged the enemy, and drove them into their -last line of works. This enabled us to establish -our line on the crest of the hill. Near this place -the mine was made that was exploded on the -30th of July, a little over a month later.</p> - -<p>It was in this charge that a minie ball -grazed my check, which soon swelled so that my -comrades hardly recognized me. For a week or -more, my jaw was rather stiff and sore, so that I -could not eat hard bread; this made it rather inconvenient, -as I was blessed with a good appetite -and could not get much else but the old reliable -“Hard tack” to eat, but I was not disabled, and -did my duty as usual.</p> - -<p>It was about noon, during a lull in the -fight, that we saw a large turkey strut proudly -into the centre of a deep ravine, that lay between -us and the enemy’s lines. Instantly every musket -in our company was aimed at that poor turkey -gobbler. When the smoke cleared away, -we saw him still undisturbed in his foraging; we -stood astonished until one of us happened to remember -that our guns were sighted for 200 yards<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span> -distance. He hastily lowered the sight, and -spang went the deadly messenger into the heart -of that devoted bird. When the fight was over, -we picked up the fowl, and cooked him for our -supper.</p> - -<p>That night we spent in throwing up earthworks -with our bayonets and tin plates, and by -morning we had some works from which the enemy -could not drive us, though they made -several attempts. Our works were never advanced -beyond this line until Petersburg was -taken.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i098.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXI.</span><br /> - -EXTRACTS FROM MY DIARY.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Such is the price with which we bought</div> -<div class="indent">A country! And our sons here see</div> -<div class="verse">How faithfully the fathers wrought,</div> -<div class="indent">For manhood, peace, and liberty.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">And you, ye sons, as here you tread,</div> -<div class="indent">And on our graves your tribute lay,</div> -<div class="verse">That ye be worthy of such dead,</div> -<div class="indent">Forget not till the latest day.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>M. J. Savage.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><i>June 1, 1864.</i> Sunset. Another battle has -begun, and brave men are now falling for their -country and their homes. Ah, many a heart -will mourn when they hear of this hour’s history, -but may the thought cheer them, that their dear -ones fell like heroes, as they are, in the holiest -cause for which man ever fought.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span><i>June 2.</i> Five P. M. Again has the battle -begun, and again we hear the hum of lead and -iron, like hail in a storm. Oh, how terrible is -the conflict of arms among men of one nation!</p> - -<p><i>June 3.</i> The battle began early this morning, -and now many of my dear comrades are cold in -death. Many others are suffering with pain -from wounds received while facing traitors to -their country.</p> -</div> - -<p>At six o’clock this morning we charged -across a field about a quarter of a mile; fighting -began, and we had it hot and heavy until dark. -Our loss was very heavy, and of my company, -Warren P. Locke, and Makepeace C. Young are -killed, and Hazen, Kennison, Robinson, Melvin, -Parsons, Beals, Uffindale, and Fuller are wounded. -Oh, may their names be ever honored by -those who love their country!</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><i>June 4.</i> Went out skirmishing; relieved at -noon, and joined my company. Started for -some place, and went about one mile, then back -we went to the front, and staid all night.</p> - -<p><i>June 5.</i> Laid behind our works until four P. -M., then with two other regiments, we went out -on a reconnoissance; skirmishing began soon after -starting, and we fell back to our works, got our<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span> -rations, and fooled around all night.</p> - -<p><i>June 13.</i> Started at eight o’clock last night, -and marched until half past four this morning, -when we halted near the Chickahominy river; -laid down an hour, then up and going again. -Stopped for breakfast at seven o’clock. Crossed -the Chickahominy, and went about a mile, then -halted until dark; then packed up and started for -Charles City courthouse. Stopped at midnight.</p> - -<p><i>June 14.</i> Once more back on the James river. -I little thought one year ago that I should -ever return here. But where are my companions -that were with me then? Some are lying beneath -Virginia soil, others are wounded in the -hospitals, and others are at home with their -friends; but I am still in my country’s service, -fighting for the Nation that was given to us by -our forefathers.</p> - -<p><i>June 18.</i> This day will ever be fresh in my -memory, for through the mercy of God, my life -was spared, when death certainly stared me in -the face. While men fell all around me, I was -left unharmed. It was a desperate attempt to -carry the enemy’s works; we charged three times -and were repulsed each time, with terrible loss. -Our Colonel fell, fatally wounded, while leading<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span> -his men in the charge. Major Edmunds was -wounded; William R. Wait was killed, and -Wheeler and many others of my company were -wounded.</p> - -<p><i>June 19.</i> Col. Prescott died of his wounds today -at 11 A. M. He was a good and brave man -and we deeply feel his loss.</p> - -<p><i>July 30.</i> Before Petersburg. Battle opened -all along the line before sunrise this morning. -About as heavy artillery firing as I ever heard. -There is hard fighting on the left and centre of -our line.</p> - -<p><i>August 18.</i> On guard last night; packed up -at three this morning, and moved to the left -across the Weldon railroad, and tore up the rails. -Heavy fighting all day; was on the skirmish line; -Melvin of my company wounded; was relieved -from the skirmish line at 10 o’clock tonight.</p> - -<p><i>August 21.</i> Sunday; on the Weldon railroad; -just got my breakfast down when the outposts of -our line were driven in; we opened fire, but were -driven back to our works, then we advanced, -skirmishing all the way back to our old picket -line.</p> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i102.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXII.</span><br /> - -PETERSBURG.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“And this is what it means, to earn</div> -<div class="indent">The title ‘Veteran’ on a coat;</div> -<div class="verse">To march through flood and field, or lie</div> -<div class="indent">Where rebel rifles sweep the moat;</div> -<div class="verse">To serve the guns in rifle pits;</div> -<div class="indent">To sleep beneath the silent sky;</div> -<div class="verse">To dream of home, and wake to war;</div> -<div class="indent">To see a comrade drop and die;</div> -<div class="verse">To hear and heed the fearful song</div> -<div class="indent">Which whistling minie bullets sing;</div> -<div class="verse">To faint and fall, and longing lie,</div> -<div class="indent">For one cool draught from rocky spring.”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Unknown.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>After our line of entrenchments was established, -our brigade was ordered to the rear, -and we encamped along the Jerusalem plank -road, where we were held in reserve for special -duty. Here we worked day and night building<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span> -a large earthen fort, which we named in honor -of our lamented Col. Prescott. Here Major -Edmunds was appointed colonel, and took command -of the regiment.</p> - -<p>We remained in reserve about three weeks, -during which time we were called upon to re-enforce -the Second and Sixth Corps, on two occasions. -On July 12th we were ordered into the -trenches, where we lived in bomb proofs for five -weeks, one of the hardest experiences of my -army life. These bomb proofs were a sort of -artificial cavern, which we had to construct under -cover of darkness, for the enemy was continually -sending over to our lines solid shot and hissing -shells, and only in our bomb proofs, (and not always -there,) were we out of danger from them.</p> - -<p>To build a bomb proof we dug a hole in -the ground about four feet deep if the ground -was dry, but where our regiment was located it -was so springy that two feet brought us to water -so most of ours were partly above ground; after -the hole is dug, the top was roofed over with logs, -and dirt thrown on top of them. A small space -was left open towards our rear for a door to go -in and out of, which was sheltered by a log canopy. -Here we had to stay, and hot, uncomfortable,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span> -and unhealthy places they proved to be, -and it is no wonder that many of our men were -taken from them to the hospital, sick with malarial -fever, from which some of them never recovered.</p> - -<p>I remember one hot night, my chum and -I pitched a tent two or three steps in the rear of -our bomb proof under a pine tree, and there we -went to sleep. Before morning, the active enemy -in front began shelling our line, and we were -awakened by the falling of the branches upon -our tent, having been cut off by a passing shot. -Soon another shot came and struck the tree, and -my bedfellow made one leap out of the tent into -the bomb proof. The next shot struck the tree -still lower, and I too forsook my bed for the -safer, though uncomfortable hole in the ground.</p> - -<p>Sometimes, when the guns in front of us -were silent, we would sit on the bomb proofs in -the evening, and watch the shells of the enemy, -as they came over on to some other part of our -entrenchments. It was a beautiful sight, far beyond -any fireworks I have ever witnessed, if we -could only forget their deadly errand.</p> - -<p>On the 30th of July occurred the explosion -of the Burnside mine, that we had made by<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span> -digging a passage to and under one of the rebel -forts, and laying powder enough to destroy it. -The plan had been carefully laid, and an attack -contemplated simultaneous with the explosion, -which would carry their line.</p> - -<p>The blowing up of that mine was a horrible -affair, and caused much slaughter, but for -some reason, the attack was not a success. The -artillery opened all along our line, on that eventful -morning, as a signal for the beginning of the -fight.</p> - -<p>Near our bomb proof was a battery, -which was so located that in firing, it would rake -the rebel picket line on our left. The Captain -of the battery knew that the first round would -almost annihilate them, and wanted to give them -a chance for their lives, so he wrote a note, telling -them if they would leave their position and -come over to us, they would save their lives; he -then called for a volunteer to carry the note. -Instantly a brave boy of our regiment stepped -forward. He was told that it was a dangerous -mission, and that he was risking his life, for he -would certainly be shot at. His only reply was,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Give me the message, I will go.”</p> -</div> - -<p>Holding up the white paper, he deliberately<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span> -walked across the open space to the rebel picket -line, handed one of them the note, saying,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Here you Johnnies, read that!”</p> -</div> - -<p>He came back at the same moderate pace -and strangely enough, was not shot at going -or coming. All seemed astonished into silence -at his daring, but he was loudly cheered, when he -reached our line in safety.</p> - -<p>The warning was in vain; the brave fellows -would not desert their post, neither would -they retreat without orders. Again came the -order to rake their line; the order was obeyed, -and two-thirds of the poor men were swept into -eternity.</p> - -<p>The captain of the battery was disgusted -with such butchery. He could have fired on an -advancing foe without scruple, but to fire on a -thin picket line was too cold blooded for him, -and he swore that he would not fire another shot -in that direction, and he kept his word.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i107.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXIII.</span><br /> - -PEEBLE’S FARM.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="indent5">“Forward——charge!</div> -<div class="verse">Into the smoke and hurling death,</div> -<div class="indent">Trampling friend and crushing foe;</div> -<div class="verse">Through the cannons’ flaming breath,</div> -<div class="indent">Beneath the flag we rushing go.”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Unknown.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>On the 16th of August we were relieved -from the trenches. On the 18th we made an attack -on the Weldon railroad, in order to cut off -the supplies of the rebel forces in front of Petersburg. -In this action our regiment lost thirteen -men. The railroad was too strongly guarded for -our attempt to succeed.</p> - -<p>We were called upon frequently to repel -attacks from the enemy, and continually kept -busy until the 1st of September, when we were<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span> -again ordered to the trenches for a few days. -We were soon relieved however, for our services -were required in another direction.</p> - -<p>On the 30th of September the Fifth and -Ninth corps made a charge on the rebel Fort -McRea. We formed our line in a piece of -woods, bringing the 32nd Massachusetts directly -in front of the fort, and the 4th Michigan on our -right. We had to cross an open field, and the -enemy’s batteries opened on us directly, but we -went on steadily until we were in range of the -rebel rifles, then we made a dash, and soon reached -the fort.</p> - -<p>Our colonel received a wound in the leg, -and Col. Welch of the 4th Michigan fell mortally -wounded. The first to mount the parapet was -an officer of our regiment; he jumped the deep -ditch in front of the fort, and swinging his sword -above his head, shouted to us to follow him; he -was followed by several officers, who jumped the -ditch and rushed into the fort. We soon followed -them, though being encumbered with our -equipments, we could not as easily jump the -ditch as the officers. I jumped into the moat, -and shouted to a Johnny Reb to help me up the -slope; he shook his head, so I brought my gun to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span> -my shoulder and threatened to shoot him. He -reached out his hand and helped me up the -bank.</p> - -<p>Corporal Lewis Chesbro of my company, -instead of climbing the bank, ran around to the -rear of the fort, where he saw a rebel gunner -sighting a piece of artillery towards a portion of -our division that had not reached the works. -Chesbro instantly shot the gunner, then tried in -vain to turn the piece around. Seeing me inside -the fort, he called for me to help him. Together -we turned it partly round and sighted it at another -of the rebel pieces of artillery, with which -they were trying to escape.</p> - -<p>The shot killed the two lead horses; the -driver jumped down and cut the dead horses clear -and managed to save the gun for us to face again -the same day. After we had taken the first line -of works, the Ninth corps passed to the front to -take the second line. General Charles S. Griffin -our commander, told us that we had done our -duty well, and had done enough for one day, so -we stacked arms and dropped down to rest.</p> - -<p>Just at dusk, an aide came riding swiftly -to our line, with the message that the left of the -troops in front of us had broke, and our assistance<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span> -was wanted. The order came clear and -sharp:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Fall in! Take arms! Left face! Forward -double quick, march!”</p> -</div> - -<p>General Griffin took the lead, shouting,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Follow me!”</p> -</div> - -<p>Away we went to where the troops had broke, -and oh, what confusion! Shells bursting, men -running here and there, every one for himself, -and above all the noise was heard the rebel yell, -once heard, never to be forgotten.</p> - -<p>Our brigade passed through the retreating -men, and began firing, to check if possible, the -enemy’s advance. This we did, and drove them -back to their old position.</p> - -<p>Here I saw a sight which in all the confusion -and excitement thrilled me with admiration, -something not often seen in action under any -circumstances. The 155th Pennsylvania regiment -of our brigade was on our right, firing by -rank, and as cool as if on dress parade, and they -continued so to do until we retired, leaving the -recovered position for the Ninth corps to hold. -Griffin’s “Fighting brigade” was composed of -seasoned veterans, and of them all, none were -braver or bolder than the 155th Penn. volunteers.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXIV.</span><br /> - -WELDON RAILROAD.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">The whizzing shell may burst in fire,</div> -<div class="indent">The shrieking bullets fly</div> -<div class="verse">The heavens and earth may mingle grief,</div> -<div class="indent">The gallant soldier die,</div> -<div class="verse">But while a haughty rebel stands,</div> -<div class="indent">No peace! For peace is war.</div> -<div class="verse">The land that is not worth our death,</div> -<div class="indent">Is not worth living for!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Unknown.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>In October 1864, the re-enlisted men of -the Ninth, Eighteenth, and Twenty-second Mass. -Volunteers were transferred to our regiment, -and we once more showed full ranks on parade. -By a re-organization of our division, we were -transferred to the Third brigade, now made up -of veteran regiments and called the “Veteran -Brigade.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span>As the weather grew colder, we went into -winter quarters on the Jerusalem plank road, -and built ourselves good log huts with chimneys, -and proceeded to make ourselves comfortable, -hoping we might be allowed to rest awhile.</p> - -<p>But it was not to be, for on the 6th of -December we had to leave our snug quarters and -start off on the march, taking three days rations, -and forty rounds of ammunition. We marched -but three miles that day, and camped for the -night by the roadside, not a very pleasant place -on a cold winter’s night.</p> - -<p>Next day, after marching twelve miles, -we found ourselves on the bank of the Nottoway -river. We crossed it at midnight, and reached -Sussex courthouse about daylight; stopped for -breakfast, and after a short rest, resumed our -march. At three o’clock in the afternoon we -reached the Weldon railroad, about five miles -from Jarrett’s Station.</p> - -<p>Here we began tearing up the rails, and -destroyed the road for about fifteen miles. We -burned the sleepers, heated the rails in the flame, -and twisted them all out of shape; some we wound -around trees, and rendered them all completely -useless. It was a long, hard job, and the second<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span> -night found us bivouacked along the wrecked -railroad.</p> - -<p>On the 10th we started on our return to -the front of Petersburg. Through snow and -slush we marched twenty miles, stopping at night -near Sussex courthouse. On this return march -we had to live on the country, as we had taken -but three days’ rations, and were gone six days. -Soon after starting we found three of our boys -on the piazza of a house, with their throats cut. -Apple jack was plenty, and they had probably -drank too much and laid down, and were killed -during their sleep.</p> - -<p>We were wild with rage, and the murderers -would have fared hard, had they fell into our -hands. We buried our murdered comrades, and -burned the house. We received orders to burn -all the houses along the route except one, in -which lived a well known Union man. Here I -was left with a file of men as a safe guard until -all our forces had passed. When we left, we received -the heartfelt thanks of the women of the -household.</p> - -<p>On the 12th we again went into camp on -the Jerusalem plank road, half a mile from our -starting point. Here we again built our shanties,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span> -which we were allowed to consider as our homes -for some time. The rest was very welcome, and -it gave us time to write to our friends, and receive -letters from home. I will close this chapter -with an extract from my diary.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><i>Dec. 18.</i> The captain left for home on furlough. -All the members of my company who -did not re-enlist, were mustered out last month, -and are now at home. How I would have liked -to have gone with them! But I must wait, and -hope there is a day coming when I too shall -start for home.</p> - -<p><i>Dec. 25.</i> Christmas day. Letters and a diary -from friends at home are very welcome. I have -been very fortunate in receiving letters from -home. The most cheering sound of all to us in -camp is the bugle, “Fall in for the mail!” We -promptly answer the summons, and eagerly listen -as the orderly reads the names. Those who receive -letters wander off by themselves to read them, -those who receive newspapers share them with -others, and still others gloomily stalk off, and -wonder why the home-folks could not send at -least one letter to cheer us on this dreary holiday. -Ah, the time is never wasted, that is spent in -writing to the soldiers at the front, assuring us<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span> -that we are not forgotten in the homes to which -we may never return. We cannot get too -many letters, to help us fight the battles that -must come before the war is over.</p> - -<p><i>Dec. 31.</i> On guard in a snow storm. One -year ago I was on picket at Liberty, Va. What -changes have taken place in one short year! Oh -before the close of the next year, may this war -be over, and myself, with all my brave comrades -be at home with our friends. And now the year -is gone with all its sorrow and care, never to return; -but the memories connected with it can -never die; they will ever bring to my mind many -sorrows, and but few joys. So many of my dear -companions in arms, who seemed like brothers, -have been called to lay down their lives, but I -have been spared in life and limb through the -year that is past.</p> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i116.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXV.</span><br /> - -HATCHER’S RUN.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">We know not what may be our lot,</div> -<div class="indent">When future days have crowned us;</div> -<div class="verse">There’s One above, whose arm of love,</div> -<div class="indent">We hope may e’er surround us.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Goodbye! We go to meet the foe,</div> -<div class="indent">The flag we love floats o’er us;</div> -<div class="verse">Its stars are bright, we’ll win the fight,</div> -<div class="indent">While treason falls before us.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Lilly Lovette.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>New Years day 1865 found the 32nd -Mass. living in their log huts on the Jerusalem -plank road, one mile in rear of our line of works -in front of Petersburg. Here we worked building -and strengthening our works, taking turns so -that the work went steadily on night and day. -Thus we lived until late in the afternoon of Feb.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span> -4th, when we received orders to move next -morning at daybreak.</p> - -<p>We imagined it was to be another railroad -raid, and we left our huts standing, expecting to -return to them; but in this we were mistaken. -We started at daylight on the 5th, and marched -all day, reaching Nottoway courthouse about sunset. -Here we camped, and pickets were sent out, -but were recalled at midnight, and we again took -up our line of march, arriving early in the morning -at a stream called Hatcher’s run, at a point -where it crossed the Vaughn road, and where -the Second corps had fought the rebels the day -before, while we were marching to re-enforce -them.</p> - -<p>We were ordered into some rifle pits on -the opposite side of the stream, out of which the -enemy had been driven. I will try to describe -my own experience in the battle that took place -on February 6th, called by some historians the -battle of Dabney’s Mills, but known to us by the -name of Hatcher’s Run.</p> - -<p>Our regiment was on the extreme right of -the Fifth corps, connecting with the Second -corps. About two o’clock in the afternoon, -Crawford’s division advanced from our left across<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span> -our front and engaged the enemy. Two hours -later the veteran brigade was called upon to fill -a gap in Crawford’s line.</p> - -<p>We were in the rear, listening to the roar -of battle, and pitying our comrades fighting so -desperately in front of us, not knowing what moment -our turn would come. General Warren -sent an aid to General Griffin, our brigade commander, -with orders to bring us to the front.</p> - -<p>The bugle blew the fall-in call, and away -we went into the storm of death. We marched -left in front. When we reached the line engaged -and passed through, the order came,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“File left! Right face!”</p> -</div> - -<p>Bringing us into line of battle.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Forward, double quick!”</p> -</div> - -<p>On we went, not firing a shot. As our ranks -were thinned by the sharp fire poured upon us,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Close to the right!”</p> -</div> - -<p>came the order, and we obeyed until we could go -no farther, then came our turn, and we settled -down to business.</p> - -<p>The locality of the fight was in a grove of -pines, where we could not see what was going on -around us, and unknown to us, a fresh body of -rebel troops drove back our main line of battle,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span> -and we were left alone. Before we fell back we -saw a Johnnie Reb give a signal that he wanted -to come into our lines; in he came, and informed -us that,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“You uns will have to get out of this right -smart, for they are putting the whole of Mahone’s -division in front and on the flanks of you uns!” -And in a short time I thought the whole rebel -army was there!</p> -</div> - -<p>Our little brigade was pushed back, fighting -all the way, with heavy loss. Our regiment -lost 74 men in killed, wounded, and missing. -The 155th Pennsylvania was on our right, and -that too lost heavily. Here Major Shepard was -taken prisoner; the major, orderly of my company -and myself were on the extreme right, and were -so busily engaged that we did not notice that the -line was falling back, until it was quite a distance -from us. I informed the major, and when we -three started to run, the rebs were not fifty feet -away.</p> - -<p>The major’s scabbard tripped him and he -fell; I looked back over my shoulder and saw a -reb on each side of him, and knew he was a prisoner. -This lent wings to my feet, and I expected -every moment to feel a hand on my coat collar<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span> -jerking me back, but I kept on, and the orderly -and I reached the edge of the woods to find an -attempt was being made to rally, in order to save -an ammunition wagon from falling into the -hands of the enemy.</p> - -<p>But the attempt was a failure; it was -nearly dark, and some of the new troops in the -second line of battle, seeing us emerge from the -woods, took us to be the Johnnies, and fired into -us. At least half a dozen were killed or wounded -by this volley, and this completed the disaster, -for no troops, veteran or not, could be expected -to rally when attacked on all sides, so we kept on -until we reached our line of works.</p> - -<p>Here we remained until the 11th, with -the enemy’s artillery making it very uncomfortable -for us, then we moved to the rear about two -miles, and camped for the night. Next day our -tents and knapsacks came from our old camp, -and we again began building our winter quarters. -Here on the 18th of February as I was building -a chimney to my shanty, I received a sergeant’s -warrant dated the 4th, and on the 20th I acted -as sergeant of the guard for the first time.</p> - -<p>On the 22nd we received orders to be -ready to move at a moment’s notice, and that no<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span> -more furloughs were to be given, and everything -looked as though another fight was at hand, but -we remained here until the opening of the final -campaign of the war.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i017.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXVI.</span><br /> - -ON FURLOUGH.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Home from the battlefield</div> -<div class="indent">For a brief rest;</div> -<div class="verse">Oh, what emotion fills</div> -<div class="indent">The soldier’s breast.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Leaving his northern home,</div> -<div class="indent">Where all is peace,</div> -<div class="verse">Back to the battle-plain</div> -<div class="indent">’Till war shall cease.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>L. M. J.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>About the 18th of February I sent in an -application for a furlough; I hardly expected to -get it, as all furloughs had been refused, except -in some cases, where an exceptional reason was -urged, or strong influence brought to bear. I -felt, after the hard experience of the past year, -and with the prospect of another campaign full<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span> -as hard, that a brief furlough was what I needed, -so I could but try for one, which I did, and on -Sunday the 26th of the same month, received a -furlough for twenty days.</p> - -<p>We had been paid off the day previous, -and it did not take me long to prepare for the -homeward trip. I said goodbye to my comrades -and left for City Point that afternoon. None of -the precious time must be wasted, so I made no -stops on my journey home.</p> - -<p>I left City Point on the morning of the -27th, on the steamer Daniel Webster, arriving at -Fortress Munroe at four P. M., and an hour later -left for Baltimore, arriving there at seven o’clock -next morning; immediately left for New York, -which place I reached at six o’clock that evening -and took the train for home; traveled all night, -and arrived at New Bedford on the morning of -March 1st, where I was warmly welcomed by my -friends.</p> - -<p>Oh how pleasant seemed the dear old -quiet city, after the terrible experience of the -year that is past! And how quickly passed the -time away! I paid a visit to my brother, now -living in New Hampshire, and had a very enjoyable -time. I spent the remainder of my time<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span> -at home with my father, and among my friends, -who could hardly do enough to make the time -pass happily away.</p> - -<p>Then too, I found that in the north, a soldier -seemed to be considered of some account, -and often strangers as they passed me in the -street, had a pleasant word for the war-worn soldier -in his faded suit of army blue.</p> - -<p>All too soon the time arrived when I -must bid my friends goodbye. On the 16th of -March I started for the front once more. I cannot -dwell on the parting with my poor old father -who seemed to feel that he would never see me -again. But he was spared to welcome me home -after the war was over, for which I still feel very -thankful. It would have been a sad home-coming -had he not been there to welcome me.</p> - -<p>On my arrival in Boston, as I had a few -hours to wait, I went to the State house to take -a look at our old battle-flag. What memories -were awakened by that torn and smoky piece of -silk, all that was left of the starry flag that I had -followed for two long years. I felt sad at parting, -“It might be for years, and it might be forever,” -and it was not a very cheerful journey back -to the front. I reached my regiment on the 19th<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span> -of March, and received a warm welcome from -the boys of my company, and especially from my -tentmate, Dwight Graves, who prepared a good -supper of fried hardtack and pork in honor of -my arrival, and to which he, at least, did ample -justice.</p> - -<p>I presented him with a piece of frosted -cake, sent him by a lady friend, which he considered -a rare treat, and persisted in calling -“Wedding cake!” It took me several days to -settle down to army life, and army diet, but the -stern discipline and hard service soon brought -back my appetite, and my readiness to do whatever -was required of me.</p> - -<p>About eight o’clock in the morning of the -25th, we were ordered to fall in and move to the -right, for the enemy had attacked us in that -quarter; then moved to the left and attacked -them; hard fighting continued all day, without -food or rest. This fight was called the battle of -Fort Stedman.</p> - -<p>We returned to camp about midnight, -where we remained until the 29th, when we -broke camp early in the morning, and marched -until noon. We stopped two hours for dinner -and rest, then started again, and went until five<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span> -P. M. Here we had another encounter with the -enemy, and drove them some distance. We then -moved to the front, and built works until midnight, -and laid behind them until morning, when -we again moved onward. I little thought as I -slung my equipments and started on the march, -that this was to be my last day of active service.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i127.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXVII.</span><br /> - -WOUNDED.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Upon that southern battle-field,</div> -<div class="indent">One well remembered day,</div> -<div class="verse">I wore the loyal Union blue,</div> -<div class="indent">And he, the rebel gray;</div> -<div class="verse">All day in conflict fierce and wild,</div> -<div class="indent">Were mingled blue and gray,</div> -<div class="verse">And when night came, both he and I,</div> -<div class="indent">Among the wounded lay,</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>L. M. J.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>Our line of march led us in the direction -of the Boydton plank road, and on the morning -of March 30th the 32nd was detailed for the skirmish -line. It was a rainy day, but we soldiers -could not stop for the weather. About two -o’clock in the afternoon, we sighted the enemy’s -pickets, and then firing began in earnest. All<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span> -went well with me until about three o’clock, when -I felt something strike my foot, not realizing -that it was a bullet until I saw the jagged holes -where it went in and out, breaking the bones as -it went.</p> - -<p>I stood and considered a moment whether -to go to the rear or not, and finally decided to go -back, get the surgeon to dress my wound, and -then return to my company. It was quite a distance -back to the rear, and I had to drop my gun -and sit down to rest by the way. As I did so, I -saw my colonel, who stopped and asked me if I -was much hurt.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Oh no,” I replied, “Only slight, I will soon -be back.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad it is no worse,” he replied, and on -he went.</p> -</div> - -<p>I found the surgeon, had my foot bound -up, and started to go back to my company.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Where are you going?” asked the surgeon.</p> - -<p>“Back to my company,” said I.</p> - -<p>“No you’re not! Get on to that stretcher!” -was the order, and I was obliged to obey, though -I did not see the need of it; my foot did not pain -me, only felt numb, and I felt a little weak and -tired, which could hardly be wondered at. I was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span> -carried to the ambulance and taken to the field -hospital, where I sat and waited for my turn to -come. Meanwhile I saw such horrible wounds, -that I can never forget or describe. It was a -hard trial, for I was waiting for my turn to be -operated upon, not knowing whether I would lose -my foot or not.</p> -</div> - -<p>My turn came at last, and I was given -chloroform, and knew nothing more until I was -being carried from the operating table to the -hospital tent, when the rain beating on my face -brought back my scattered senses.</p> - -<p>Next morning the wounded were put on -board box cars, and sent to City Point, arriving -there late in the afternoon. Here I thought my -journey was at an end, but I was mistaken once -more.</p> - -<p>The next morning the surgeon made his -rounds at eight o’clock, and all the badly wounded -were given a card, to show that they must be -sent on board the steamer which was to start for -Washington in an hour. I was pleased that I -received no card, as it showed that I was not -considered a bad case. At quarter to nine, the -assistant surgeon came in.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“What sergeant, not on board yet?” Said he.</p> -</div> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span>“No, I’m not going,” I answered.</p> - -<p>“We’ll see about that!” he replied, and out he -went. In a moment back he came with two men, -who bundled me onto a stretcher and carried me -on board the steamer just as she was to leave the -dock.</p> -</div> - -<p>We arrived in Washington on the morning -of April 2nd and I was carried to Armory -Square hospital, where I was bathed and put to -bed. The lady nurse, a Miss Dixon of Connecticut, -came with an orange and a glass of lemonade, -but I could only shake my head in refusal, -for I was in too much pain to speak. My foot -had at last come to its feeling, and for the next -twenty-four hours I suffered the most excruciating -agony. I was given morphine, but it seemed -to have no effect for a while.</p> - -<p>The surgeons thought my foot would have -to be taken off, but I begged them not to cripple -me for life and they postponed the operation for -a day. At their next visit, they decided the foot -could be saved, and I was very thankful. I suffered -a great deal after that, but my foot greatly -improved, until finally on the 19th of April, I -was allowed to get up, and managed to hobble on -crutches down to ward I, to visit sergeant Buker.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span> -Was up a few hours, then went to bed very tired -and did not get up next day.</p> - -<p>After that I was up every day, and soon -was able to get round very well on crutches. I -saw many sad sights during my stay in this hospital. -Many a poor fellow gave up the weary -struggle for life and died; one or two a day in my -ward alone for some time. We were treated very -kindly, and received good care and nursing.</p> - -<p>Many citizens visited the hospitals, and -showed much sympathy for the sick and wounded -veterans. There was an old colored woman who -came daily with a big basket of pies, cakes, biscuits, -and other good things, and her coming was -always hailed with delight, for to those who were -able to eat what she brought she gave liberally, -and to those who could not, by order of the surgeons -receive them, she gave kind cheering words -promising to bring them something they could -eat the next time she came.</p> - -<p>I do not remember her name, only that -we all called her “Aunty,” and that her mistress -allowed her to use all the time and material she -desired to make these dainties for the sick men, -who daily watched for her coming, and enjoyed -the good things she brought. I can testify to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span> -the fact that she was a good cook, and I shall -ever remember her with gratitude. The lady -nurses who cared so tenderly for the sick and -wounded soldiers, will ever be kindly remembered -by me.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile stirring events were taking -place. Lee’s surrender, which ended the fighting, -and the assassination of President Lincoln -occurred while I lay helpless in the hospital. -How I longed to be up and about, to help finish -the work in which I had been so long engaged.</p> - -<p>After the surrender of Lee, and the succeeding -events, the army was massed around -Washington, my regiment with the rest, and my -tentmate Graves, and several other comrades -came to see me, and it was from them that I -learned what took place after I was wounded.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i133.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXVIII.</span><br /> - -CLOSING SCENES.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">They yield, they turn, they fly the field,</div> -<div class="indent">We smite them as they run;</div> -<div class="verse">Their arms, their colors are our spoil,</div> -<div class="indent">The furious fight is done!</div> -<div class="verse">Across the plain we follow far,</div> -<div class="indent">And backward push the fray;</div> -<div class="verse">Cheer! Cheer! The grand old army</div> -<div class="indent">At last has won the day!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Stedman.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>I can give the further movements of my -regiment after I was wounded, only from what -I learned later from my comrades, for to my -great regret, I was not with them to the end. -The Fifth corps kept on in spite of the enemy’s -artillery, until they reached around the extreme -right of the confederate line of works in front of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span> -Petersburg. Next day they were relieved by the -Second corps, and moved off again to the left, a -little to the west of the Boydton road. Here they -were attacked, and driven back, but again advanced -and drove the rebels back.</p> - -<p>Four companies of our regiment were in -the line of skirmishers, and seized the opportunity -to get in the rear of the rebel skirmishers, -who were so surprised that they hastily retreated -leaving their dinner and stacked arms, all of -which were confiscated by the boys of the 32nd. -We were now on the extreme left of our army -and towards night our brigade was sent out to -find, and if possible to re-enforce General Sheridan. -We had all we could attend to in driving -the enemy out of our way, and it was morning -before we reached Sheridan.</p> - -<p>That day, April 1st, was fought the battle -of Five Forks by the Fifth corps and the cavalry, -all under the command of the dashing and dauntless -Phil Sheridan. It was a complete victory -for our side, and we captured five thousand prisoners.</p> - -<p>Next day, by order of General Sheridan, -General Warren was relieved of the command of -the Fifth corps, and our brigade commander,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span> -General Griffin took his place. The colonel of -our regiment, James A. Cunningham was placed -in command of a brigade of skirmishers, and -Ambrose Bancroft, captain of our company, (B,) -was placed in command of the 32nd, which was -included in Cunningham’s brigade.</p> - -<p>Next day we were deployed to the west, -and reaching the South Side railroad, captured a -train of sick and wounded soldiers, took many -other prisoners, and a great quantity of stores -and supplies. Here we learned that General Lee -was leaving Petersburg, and retreating southward, -and General Sheridan hastened with his cavalry -and the Fifth corps to cut off his retreat.</p> - -<p>On the 4th of April we seized the only -railroad by which Lee could escape, and on Sunday, -the 9th, he made a final attempt to cut his -way through our cavalry’s lines. Our brigade -had marched all day and half the night, and enjoyed -about two hours rest, when we were called -upon to re-enforce the cavalry.</p> - -<p>Away we went, the 32nd leading the -column, the men gay and bright, and their guns -glistening in the sunshine. At the sight of our -coming the enemy retreated; they had no desire -to encounter the “Fighting Fifth” that day.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span> -Soon we received the order “Forward.” We advanced -under a sharp fire from their artillery, -and their front line fell back from our attack. -Just then General Lee sent one of his staff with -a flag of truce, and all hostilities ceased.</p> - -<p>We soon heard that General Grant and -General Lee were holding a conference, and at -four P. M. the general orders announced that -Lee had surrendered. How profound was our -emotion when we realized that the war was at an -end!</p> - -<p>The following day the two armies were -mingled together like old friends. The brave -confederates were entirely destitute of rations, -and we shared ours with the half starved men, -who had fought so long and so desperately for a -cause that was lost. The next day was the formal -surrender of arms. Our brigade received -the surrender, and the 32nd was on the right of -the line. Drawn up in line of battle, guns at -shoulder, loaded and capped, eyes front, no cheering, -no jeering, only a sympathetic silence, while -the gallant but defeated foe advanced in front -the length of our line, then faced us, stacked -arms, laid colors and equipments on stack, then -marched away to make room for another line,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span> -until all had given up their arms. It was a -thrilling sight, never to be forgotten by those -who witnessed it.</p> - -<p>After the surrender the regiment was -kept busy in various ways, but at last started for -Washington in time to take part in the grand -review, which occurred on the 23rd and 24th of -May, 1865. I could not march with my comrades, -but witnessed the parade from a stand reserved -for disabled veterans. In those two days, -150 000 men marched up Pennsylvania Avenue -from the Capitol, by the White House, out to -Georgetown, and across the Potomac river into -Virginia once more.</p> - -<p>What a sight it was! I cannot describe -my feelings as I saw those columns of veterans -march by, knowing so well what they had endured, -and what they had accomplished. I was -proud to call them comrades. Nor did I forget -the many thousands of brave men who died that -their country might live. I thought sadly of my -companions in arms, whose faces I missed when -my regiment passed by; they will never be forgotten -until I too have joined the grand army of -the dead.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i138.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="smcap">Chapter XXIX.</span><br /> - -MUSTERED OUT.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> - -<div class="indent5">They are coming from the wars,</div> -<div class="indent5">They are bringing home their scars,</div> -<div class="verse">They are bringing back the old flag too in glory;</div> -<div class="indent5">They have battled long and well,</div> -<div class="indent5">And let after ages tell,</div> -<div class="verse">How they won the proudest name in song or story.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Eugene H. Munday.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>I remained in Armory Square hospital until -the 26th of May, when I was transferred to a -place called White Hall, on the Delaware river, -about eighteen miles above Philadelphia. It was -formally a seminary, but had been taken for -hospital use. At the time I wished it had always -remained what it was built for, as it was the -most lonesome and dreary place I ever saw. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[129]</span> -nearest place was a village called Bristol, two -miles away, and we went there when we could, -and those who were able traveled the country for -miles around, just to pass the time away. It -seemed very hard, now that the war was over, -and our services no longer needed, that we could -not return to our homes.</p> - -<p>On the 7th of June they began mustering -out men of the different states, and fifty to a -hundred men left the hospital for home every -day. Day after day passed, and there still remained -all those of my regiment, six or seven, -with no sign of being mustered out.</p> - -<p>On the 3rd day of July we heard of our -regiment passing through Philadelphia on its way -home, and then we could content ourselves no -longer. We wanted to be with them when they -entered old Massachusetts again, and to be with -our comrades once more before the regiment was -disbanded, and those who had been our companions -so long were scattered far and wide.</p> - -<p>We went to the surgeon in charge, and -asked him why we were not discharged.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“It takes a long while to get your descriptive -lists from the front, and I intend to have you -veterans discharged for wounds received in action,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[130]</span> -and you would get a hundred dollars extra,” -was his reply.</p> -</div> - -<p>But that was no inducement to me to stay -there any longer, and I asked him if I could not -be sent to my regiment, and he gave his consent, -so on the 6th of July, in company with one -or two others of my regiment, I bade goodbye -to my hospital life, and started for Massachusetts.</p> - -<p>Arriving in Boston on the evening of -the 7th, we remained there that night and the -next morning took the steamer for Galloupe’s -Island, where our regiment was quartered.</p> - -<p>Here we remained until the thirteenth, -when the regiment was disbanded, and the boys -left for their homes. The 32nd was no more, -but their deeds will never die.</p> - -<p>I went back to Boston to wait for my discharge, -made a brief visit home to spend Sunday -and returned to Boston, where on the 18th of -July 1865, I received my discharge, and was -a free man once more, having served Uncle -Sam for three years, eight months and sixteen -days. I was with my company from the -time I enlisted until I was wounded, with the exception -of two furloughs. My wound was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[131]</span> -healed, though I had to use a cane for some -time longer.</p> - -<p>When I enlisted, my mind was made up -to do my duty, whatever the consequences, and I -trust it will not seem like boasting when I say -that I did so every time. When traitors tried to -destroy the best government that ever existed, -and dishonor their country’s flag, I felt if was -my duty to enlist and do what I could for my -native land, and I have never been sorry that I -did so.</p> - -<p>My health was always good, and I was -fortunate in battle, never being laid off duty until -I was wounded, just before the last battle in -which my regiment participated. In thirty-eight -battles, I shared the dangers with my comrades -of company B. But where are the 101 men of -my company who left Concord for Fort Warren -on that cold morning of December 3rd, 1861? -I called the roll of company B in 1865, when -there were but eight men left of the original -company.</p> - -<p>Ah, the memories that arise of the brave -boys who shared with me the hardships and dangers -of those long years of warfare! Brothers -could not be dearer than those who have shared<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[132]</span> -their last hardtack with me, helped me off the -field when wounded, cheered me on the long and -tiresome march when I was about ready to give -up and drop by the wayside. I think I used to -dread the long marches more than I did the battles, -and welcome the sight of a brush with the -enemy that would stop the march for a while.</p> - -<p>We had each to carry a musket, 40 to 80 -rounds of ammunition, haversack with four to six -days rations, knapsack, blanket, shelter tent, together -with our canteen and other small articles -that we could not do without, and to carry this -on the march from ten to twenty hours at a time -with only a few moments now and then to rest, -often seemed more of a trial to me than the hardest -fought battle I was ever in.</p> - -<p>But the hardest trial of all was to have -my comrades shot down on my right and on my -left, and have to rush on with the rest in the -charge, or in battle, leaving them behind to suffer -and die.</p> - -<p>No words can do justice to that experience, -or the feeling of the battle-worn soldier, -when he starts out after the battle is over to hunt -up his comrades that have not answered the rollcall, -will never answer it again, and he digs a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[133]</span> -hole in the ground with his bayonet and wrapping -a blanket around his dead comrade’s body, -lays him to rest in an unknown grave forevermore.</p> - -<p>And now my story is told; it is a plain, -true tale of my experience in the War of the -Rebellion, and may help the future generations -to understand just what their fathers suffered, -that their native land might remain forever, an -undivided nation.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i144.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i149.jpg" alt="" /></div> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="ph1">TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:</p> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.</p> - -<p>Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.</p> - -<p>The Table of Contents appears at the end of the original book. 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