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Mm DAR Y
OF
RAMBLES WITH THE
ZOTH MASS, VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
WITH
BURNSIDE'S COAST DIVISION;
48TH ARMY CORPS,
AND
ARMY OF THE JAMES.
BY De tis: DAY:
CopyricHTeED, 1883,
By D..L. Day.
KING & BILLINGS, PRINTERS,
GAZETTE OFFICE,
MILFORD, . » MASS.
1884.
pe xe
wr we
INTRODUCTION.
While in the army, I kept a diary of my wanderings, obser-
vations and adventures. It was kept in the form of letters sent
home, and with notes and memoranda in pocket diaries. It was
simply incident and anecdote of what came under my observation,
and with what I had to do; and from those letters and memoran-
da, I have compiled this book.
Thad two objects in view in compiling it. The first was,
I desired to show to my posterity the heroism, sacrifices, priva-
tions and hardships of their illustrious ancestor; to transmit to
them a country and a name, and the government of our fathers
unimpaired. The other was, that getting a little past the age for
labor, and as people have fussy notions in regard to foraging,
something had to be done to recruit my commissariat, hence I
write a book; and to all the old comrades, and to all purchasers of
this book, who thereby help to smooth the cares and wrinkles of
my declining years, this little volume is respectfully dedicated
By the Author,
D.L, Day,
Milford, Mass., February, 1884.
9
oO
CHAPTER. I.
Mitrorp, Mass., Sept. 6; 1861.
THE BEGINNING.
Pursuant to a call from President Lincoln for more troops in
suppression of the oreat rebellion, a regiment is now being re
cruited in the city of Worcester for that service, and a company
is being recruited here for that regiment. Believine that it is too
soon to divide the estate, and that too many*different administra-
tions running at the same time might run amuck, and believing I
should never feel quite satisfied with myself if I do not go, and
believing with President Jackson, that the Union must and shall
be preserved, I have this day enlisted in the company now being
raised here. It would be useless for me to claim that I have en-
listed from purely patriotic motives, as no one would believe it;
and surely none would believe that I would enlist for the plain
thirteen dollars a month. So I may as well call it that I have en-
listed partly from a love of adventure; for the other part, peopl
are at liberty to draw their own inferences. :
The formation of this company was suggested by Mr. George
Draper, a patriotic and public spi
rited citizen of the town, who
has given liberally of his means for its success; his son also enlist-
ing in the company. It has a so received the aid and patronage
of several other patriotic citizens of the town.
Serr. 24,
Captain Clark has received orders to report with
his company at Worcester, tomorrow. The thine seems to be
becOming a realit
SEPT. 20. Under escort of the Milford Brass Band, we
marched through afew of the principal streets to the depot.
Here a large coneourse of citizens had collected to give us their
best wishes, and see us off. We now began to realize some of
the discomforts of a soldier’s life. There not being passenger
commodate us, we were crowded into two box
freight cais for South Framingham, where we changed to passen-
s for Worcester. Arriving there, we marched to the city
vars enough t
rer ¢
hall, where we took dinner. From there we marched to the aeri
;
This
camp is named Camp Lincoln, in honor of Ex-Governor Lincoln
of Worcester.
Seer. 26. Being the first company on the eround, and not
having tents, we bivouacked last night in Agricultural Hall. Sleep
ing on a hard pine board was new business to most of us, and
Morpheus was courted in vain. i
cultural erounds west of the city, where we are to encalmy).
ie boys, however, made ¢
of the night, and more unearthly noises and sounds never
|
6 My Diary.
my ears. I think the rebels would never need hear the sound of
our guns to frighten them, if they could hear sounds like those.
Several other companies arrived on the ground this morning, and
this afternoon all hands are busy pitching tents.
Sepr. 27. Ten companies are now on the ground. Colonel
Upton made usa visit today. He is to be our com mander. I
have known the colonel for several years past at our militia mus-
ters. He commanded the old 9th regiment, one which stood sec-
ond to none in the state. I regard the colonel asa very fine man,
and an able military commander. Under his command I have no
fears but that our regiment will make a record that not only them-
selves, but the state will be proud of.
Ocr. 7. We were today mustered into the service of the
United States, by Captain John M. Goodhue, U.S. A. The com-
pany is designated as Company B, and the regiment as the 25th
Massachusetts volunteers. I suppose we are now stuck for three
years unless sooner shot.
COL. UPTON TAKES COMMAND.
Ocr. 8. Col. Upton assumed command of the regiment to-
day, and will at once set about perfecting the organization and
discipline. ‘The officers are:
FIELD AND STAFF.
%
Colonel, " ; : : Edwin Upton, Fitchburg.
Lieutenant Colonel, * Augustus B. R. Sprague, Worcester.
Major, soa aes . Matthew J. Me Cafferty, Worcester.
Adjutant, ¢ a . Elijah A. Harkness, Worcester.
Quartermaster, ; ‘ William O. Brown, Fitchburg.
Surgeon, . : . -J. Marcus Rice, M. D., Worcester.
Company A. Captain, Josiah Picket, Worcester. 1st Lieutenant, Frank
E. Goodwin, Worcester. 2d Lieutenant, Merritt B. Bessey, Worcester.
Company B. Captain, Willard Clark, Milford. 1st Lieutenant, William
Emery, Milford. 2d Lieutenant, William F. Draper, Milford.
Company C. Captain, Cornelius G. Atwood, Boston, Ist Lieutenant,
James Tucker, Boston. 2d Lieutenant, Merrick F. Prouty, Spencer.
Company D. Captain, Albert F. Foster, Worcester. 1st Lieutenant~
George S. Campbell, Worcester. 2d Lieutenant, George H. Spaulding,
Worcester.
Company E. Captain, Thomas O'Neill, Worcester. 1st Lieutenant,
William Daly, Worcester. 2d Lieutenant, Henry McConville, Worces-
ter.
Company F. Captain, Charles H. Foss, Fitchburg. 1st Lieutenant, Levi
Lawrence, Fitchburg. 2d Lieutenant, J. Henry Richardson, Fitchburg.
Company G. Captain, Louis Wagely, Worcester. 1st Lieutenant, Henry
M. Rickster, Worcester. 2d Lieutenant, Frederic M. Weigand, Worces-
ter.
Company H. Captain, Orson Moulton, Worcester. Ist Lieutenant,
David M. Woodward, Worcester. 2d Lieutenant, Nathaniel H. Foster,
North Brookfield.
Compeany I. Captain, Varanus P. Parkhurst, Templeton. 1st Lieutenant,
James B. Smith, Royalston; 2d Lieutenant, Amos Buffom, Templeton.
Company K. Captain, J. Waldo Denny, Worcester. 1st Lieutenant,
Samuel Harrington, Paxton. 2d Lieutenant, James M. Drennan, Wor-
cester.
My Diary. 7
Most of these officers and many of the enlisted men have
done military duty either in the state militia, or as three-months
men around Washington. So we are not an entirely green
crowd. The officers are a fine looking body of young men, and I
think, with a little flattery and catering to their vanity, we shall
get along nicely with them. ‘
Ocr. 12. The boys are settling down to the routine of mili-
tary duty, and getting accustomed to camp life. They take
kindly to discipline, and seem anxious to learn the drill.
PRESENTATIONS.
Presentations are the order of the day. The adjutant has had
a horse presented him by his firemen friends. A great, stout,
clumsy, good-natured horses I should think he was better adapt-
ed for hauling a fire engine than for a parade horse, but perhaps
will answer the purpose well enough.
The major’s friends have also presented him with a horse.
A good kind of horse enough. Nothing very stylish or dashy
about him for a‘war charger, but perhaps he can smell the battle
as far as any horse. The major, in a clever little speech, assured
his friends that they would never hear of the nag’s striking his
best gait to the rear. The major being aman of immense rotund-
ity, 1 imagine that the horse .after carrying him a couple of
hours, would feel willing to give boot to go into the ranks rather
than remain on the staff.
The Worcester ladies, with commendable patriotism, have
presented us with a splendid silk banner (the national colors),
and have enjoined us to carry it with us in our wanderings, and
return it again to them without dishonor. And we have sworn
by a thousand stout hearts and bright bayonets, that that banner
shall float above the battlements of secession anl be again re-
turned to them, crowned with the laurel wréaths of victory.
And when amid the flame and thunder of the battle, we look on
its bright folds, remembering its fair donors, rush to victory and
glory. SPECULATIONS.
Our time is being occupied with drills and receiving company,
with which we are: highly favored and are always glad to see,
The boys are having leave of absence, and are visiting their homes
preparatory for their departure south. Many are the speculations
among the boys as to our destination, but no one seems to know
anything about it. I tell them I think we shall go to Dixie.
SELECTING A CHAPLAIN.
After hearing several candidates for the office of chaplain,
‘they have finally settled on Rev. Horace James, pastor of the old
South church, Worcester. I think they have shown good jude-
ment in selecting achaplain of the orthodox faith, as no one
visiting our camp for an hour could doubt their belief in the ex-
SS
a
8 My Drary.
istence of the burning lake by the way they consign each other
to that locality. ‘
_ THE LADIES.
The pretty girls, God bless their souls, are always first and
foremost in every good work, and they are now in session at
Agricultural Hall, busily at work for the soldiers. They are
making repairs and alterations in our uniforms, sewing on chev-
rons and doing whatever small jobs of neadlework we may desire.
They have also furnished us with needles, thread, wax, buttons,
pincushions, pins and other small articles which we may need.
For all of which they will please accept the warmest emotions of
grateful hearts.
WE LEAVE WORCESTER.
‘Ocr. 31. It seems that at last we have been ordered from
these cold, frosty climes, to a warmer and more genial one—the
Sunny South. After partaking of a collation furnished by the
ladies at the hall, at 5 p.m. we broke camp, and taking all our
worldly effects upon our backs, preceded by our band, marched
through Highland and Main streets to the eqmmon, where we
took ears for New York. At the common we were met by a
large concourse of citizens, friends and relatives of the\regiment,
who took us by the hand, giving us words of encouragement and
a hearty God bless you.
Here were leave takings that required some nerve to suppress
the rising tear. Probably some of us have seen our friends for
the last time on earth, and bade them the last good-bye. But we
will go forward to duty, trusting in God, and hoping for the best.
WE ARRIVE AT NEW YORK.
Nov.1. We left Worcester about 5 o’clock last evening.
Arriving at Norwich, we went aboard the large and splendid
steamer Connecticut, the regiment numbering one thousand and
thirty, with all our horses, wagons and camp equipage. The
staunch steamer bore us rapidly across the sound, landing us in
New York about 9 o’clock this morning.
After disembarking and forming the regiment, we marched
‘amid a perfect storm of applause and the New Yorker’s peculiar
“hi! hi!” to the City Hall park. A guard was then posted and
the regiment dismissed until drum call. A committee of. gentle-
men waited on the colonel, inviting him, his officers and the band,
to a dinner at the Astor House. After they had gone, we fellows,
by invitation, marched into the park barracks, to regale ourselves
- effective), if was an easy matter
- at the same time, that sole
P
My Diary. 9
he turkey. Feeling inclined to take a stroll
city (the guards not being very
to break the bounds, and we had
things our own way until about 4 o’clock, when the regiment was
> .
again formed.
name, if we missed the
and see the sights of the big
MARCHING DOWN BROADWAY.
aait, in column of platoons, we
With an easy, swinging ito
‘ very soul of soldiery, and
marched down Broadway, looking the : 7
were greeted with a perfect ovation all alone the route, until we
reached the Jersey City ferry, when we crossed. to Jersey City,
and took cars for Philadelphia.
A STREAK OF LUCK.
} }
While waiting in the cars at Jersey ‘ ‘ity, the depot and plat-
forms were crowded with people, all anxious to see and talk w ith
us. Happening to have a seat next er
engaged me in conversation, He asked all manner of questions
about the regiment, and among others, if we were W ell prov ided
for, meaning, I supposed, with clothing, blankets, rations, ete. I
said we seemed to be well prov ided \ ith everything, except per.
haps the sinews of war; in that direction I thought we were rather
weak. On hearing that. he drew froim the depths of his panta-
loons pocket, a couple of halt dollars and tenderé d_me, which I
accepted with many thanks, and best wishes tor his health and
That was true patriotism 5 eood fellow! long may
to the window, a gentleman
happiness.
you wave.
4 BREAKFAST IN PHILADELPHIA.
Nov. 2. Arrived in Philadelphia at 1 a. m,; were met at the
depot bv a committee of the citizens, and escorted to the old coop-
; where we took breakfast. Our reception here was
in striking contrast with that in New York, yesterday. Instead
of dark, gloomy, dirty barracks, with. dirty, insolent attendants,
we were taken to a large, clean, well-lighted hall, where we.were
met. by a corps of neat, well-dressed and courteous attendants,
both Indies and gentlemen, who seemed to vie with each other
in their attentions to our wants. | he tables were neatly spread,
~and contained even more than reasonably hungry men could de-
sire. We had boiled corned beef, tongue, ham, brown and white
bread, butter, pies, cake, fruit, tea, coffee, milk, ete. Not satistied
with our eating all we wanted, they emptied our haversacks, and
filled them with ham, tongue, bread, cake and apples, rema
.
er-shop saloon,
tack through Philadelphia.
liers couldn't carry salt mule and hard-
Breakfast over, we then had music by our band, and some
short remarks by gentlemen present, after which three cheers
: were proposed for the Philadelphians, | which were § iven ms ith a
. = will. The regiment now re-formed for a march ross the « ity,
to take the ears for Baltimore. As our band struck un the music,
waking the echoes of the carly morning the windows on eth
I didn’t hanker for any, and beat a hasty retreat. “Tf that soup
didn’t smell to heaven, it must have attained a high altitude
above the city. Fortunate New Yorkers, that dwell in basements.
I suppose the evening papers will have it that the 25th Massa-
iment dined at the Astor House. So we shall get the 4
er
chusetis reg
: ‘ on mutton soup. And in all fairness, | must say that a worse
_ Soup or dirtier surroundings never came under my observation.
a OS SUS
ol ———————
a a th name a ARUN
10 My Diary.
side flew up, and out peered hundreds of heads, in their scantily
arranged toilets, and with wild hurrahs and waving handkerchiefs,
cheered us on our way. At 4a. m., we were aboard the ears and
moving towards Baltimore.
I was informed that all troops passing through Philadelphia
were received and fed in this same generous manner, It makes
no difference when troops arrive, whether day or night, they are
ready for them. They seem to find out, either by telegraph or
some other way, just. when a regiment will arrive. I must needs
say that these Philadelphians area generous, whole souled people.
They are worth fighting for, in fact they are the very ace of
hearts; may prosperity attend them.
ARRIVAL AT BALTIMORE.
Noy. 3. We reached Havre de Grace about noon.
to supply it with wood. I think we shall make a comfortable
day of it, if Tom does his duty. Things certainly begin to look
like leaving; the harbor is full of vessels, transports, gunboats
Appearances indicate that somebody will hear
before very long.
Jan. 1, 1862. The new yea
and supply ships.
it thunder somewhere along the southern coast
issued to break camp and go ;
Jan. 5. Orders have been
boys are now
aboard the transports tomorrow morning. The
ef
ORDERS TO LEAVE. a
My Diary. 17
i
breaking the frozen or
drone, Tas cine tae around the tent pins, packing their
inna a haat ig fexe ing ready for a start. We have hee Vi ie pee
g¢ it seems almost like leaving home to break repeal.
: ak up and
untried scenes. go out on
CHAPTER II.
Jan. 6. Revei
JAN. 6. teveille beat at 6 0’ i i
ata o’clock this morning: ]
. | i ing, : ‘ a
turned out in the midst of a driving s r st bestia yo
prospect of getting away. I ea t ne rhc Ratan aet oP
a g g@ away. cannot say [ was very ; i
spirit as there was work in it ine ites we Ga
i : oh was work in it and thines beean to look lik i .
/V. L . > 2 : . : a ip Bi Moby aps
oe n hour or so sufficed to pick up our traps and lc 1 bin
y} val © VO 1 } ; ; ve
amp equipage on the wagons, drink a cap of hot ria aachd e.
clare ourselves ready to march. TI p sire ahiainde Baeakhy a
ie ahaa bakwews h. 1e Companies were formed i
oe ompany streets, the rolls called, and we marched Sis he
arade or ’ oe he as wrapete Tie
i h ; Seley and formed the regimental line. © L Untc a ded
e shou ce Bae 4 } es . oo
tings d like to fire a few rounds asa parting salute A A at
A s, and gave the order to load. The firin: patel toe siaenica
* ar > as, . . . i. e P ng ’ as I re 4
rata companies right wheel! forward Ag BE eth pape
urned our backs ° hid clic
Ma , ur backs on our old home. Passine th ul of he 2
Massachusetts. we halte et a iersturren ce de ii
cag oe we halted, and, wheeline into line hes rt ia
. sii ; sity gm: net a onore -)
~ ute of a ane rounds,- which was responded ' ae
a 5 | IAPS , ¢
y cheers. W ethen marched to the Naval es
SET Geyshavagitens Gch ther * Naval academy, where
all the By Wren tae field and staff, their horses, band
re 2 ‘ee 1 a . ‘ , x :
mn camp equipage, went aboard the ste: a Som oe
[wo companies, D and H, went aboard tl “bua Se dish
: gompa : aboard the g@unboat Zouave. :
York at. I aboard the schooner Skirmisher, All al te | nae
ers é ‘ . 4 AUOE * Ww
Pork steamed out into the harbor a short distane EH
till further orders. mses ali
and we
AN INCIDENT.
A little inci
d neident here occurred si i
. de ed showine the goo ature of
cay pton. While waiting for the bageage to be * 2 ee "
ee sade tha 3 agegag » vot aboard, :
mall party of us thought we would go up to the acad T ae
and see the 4th Rhod hie academy grounds
sii thode Island boys who had just arrived We
« vay spe ae M4 \ 4 P: ; 5 “ :
we not een there fifteen minutes before we saw the boat leavi
hve wharf, and the way we put for it was a caution t rr ale Py
ittle th Ee Me SUR, Oa: chs.
lights being down along shore rfiade navigution in these waters
rather dangerous, and they thought they had better anchor. I
went forward to take in the situation. The wind was blowing
fresh from the southeast, with heavy swells running. As they
weighed anchor, the boat rose and fell with the swells. I rather
enjoyed this and thought it very nice. After a few moments I
began to experience a peculiar sensation around the waistbands,
and it occurred to me that I had better go and lie down, After :
half hour I was all right again, and went on deck. Mr. Mulligan
said, “We are going to have a great storm and Hatteras is a bad
place to be caught ina storm.” But by way of encouragement
he tells us we are safer with him aboard the New York than we
should be at home in bed.
THE STORM AT HATTERAS INLET.
At 1 p. m., we dropped anchor in front of the battery at Hat-
teras inlet, in the midst of a terrific southeast storm. Our fleet
My Diary. 21
comprising nearly 100 sail are making the inlet as fast as pos si-
ble; but it is ferred that some of them will not be able to get in
and will either be lost or have to put back. This is indeed the
grandest, wildest scene I eyer behéld! As far as the eye can
reach, the water is rolling, foaming and dashing over the shoals,
throwing its white spray far into the air, as though the sea and
sky met. This is no time for man to war against man. The
forces of Heaven are loose and in all their fury, the wind howls,
the sea rages, the eternal is here in all his majesty. As one looks
out on the grand yet terrible scene, he can but exclaim, “Great
and marvelous are thy works, Lord, God Almighty !”’
A WRECK.
A large steamer, attempting to run in this afternoon, run on
the shoals and will probably prove a wreck. As she came in
sight and attempted the passage of the inlet, we watched her
with breathless anxiety, until she seemed to have passed her
greatest danger and all were hopefully looking for her safe arrival,
when suddenly she struck the shoal and turned broadside toward
us, the sea breaking over her. A shitdder ran through the crowd
and disappointment was on every countenance, Tues were im-
mediately dispatched to her assistance, but returned unable to
render her any. Capt. Clark thinks if she does not break up dur-
ing the night, and the wind lulls, that perhaps in the miatainiy she
can be got off, or at least those on board of her can. It is not
known whether she contains troops or stores. If she. should eo
to pieces during the night, God help those on board of her, as
there is no one here that can.
Jan. 14. This morning presents a scene of terror and wild-
est grandeur. The wrecked steamer has not broken up, but has
settled down in the sand, the sea breaking over her, and her rio-
ging is full of men. Boats that have been sent to her assistance
are returning, having been unable to render any. We learn from
the returning boats that she is the City of New York, loaded
with stores. Another tug, with Gen. Burnside and a crew of
picked men, has just gone to their assistance, and it is hoped
will be able to take them off. The general is not one to see his
men perish, and make no effort to rescue them, I reckon our
friends at home; when they hear of the loss of this beat, will con-
found it with our own, and will experience the greatest anxiety
until they get our letters, or get righted through the papers. The
tug returned this afternoon, bringing off the officers and crew of
the wrecked steamer, who re port that she is breaking np, and will
$00on go to pieces.
AT THE MERCY OF THE WIND AND WAVES.
The wind is still blowing a gale. Many of our boats and
vessels which have arrived are parting their cables and dragging
their anchors, are being driven ashore, or sinking or fouling with
2ach other. The saloon and upper works of our boat are stove in
22 My Diary.
from gunboats and schooners fouling with us. One of our an-
chor cables has parted, and the engine is slowly working, helping
the other one. Many of our vessels are still outside, and fears
are 5 a tincd that some of them will be lost.
Capt. Clark says no boat can get in here today without the
most skilful pilot, and then at great risk of being lost. The gun-
boat Zouave, with companies D and H of owir regiment aboard, is
in a sinking condition. Tugs are alongside of her, and the boys
are scr: itching for their lives to get aboard of them. This is the
kind of soldiering that makes the boys think of home and of
their mothers. I cannot help laughing just alittle when a boat or
schooner fouls with us, and the timbers and planks begin to erack,
to see the boys come out of their bunks, their eyes sticking out
of their heads, and rush up stairs to see what the matter is.
Well, it is not strange that these young boys should feel a little
nervous, as it takes a man of pretty strong nerve to keep his fears
ilown. Weare here and have got to m: ake the best of it. If we’
are to be lost, all our fears will avail us nothing; we must take
thinzs coolly, trusting in Providence, Mr. Mulligan and the good
old steamer for safety.
Jan. 15. Rough weather still continues, and we are out of
rations, subsisting entirely on hardtack and a short ration of that.
Unless it ealms down so a tug can get alongside, we shall be en-
tirely out in a day or two more. Three more boats dr: ageed their
anchors and went ashore this morning, and other boats, with their
flags union down, are calling for help. In fact, things are begin-
ning to look gloomy, but amidst all the txouble and discourage-
ments, Gen. Burnside is everywhere to be seen, flying about
among the boats and vessels, encouraging his men and’ looking as
cheerful as though everything was going to suit him. Todays
rebel boat came down the sound to take a look at us. One of our
boats went out to meet her, but the rebel, not caring for an inter--
view, hauled off. The colonel, surgeon and one other man of the
9th New Jerse sy regiment were drowned today, by the upsetting
of a small boat they were in. And so we go, trouble and dangers
by sea, and I suppose there will be more by land, if we ever get
there.
MORE BOATS ASHORE AND SINKING.
Jan. 16. Three more boats ashore and leaking, one of them
is the U. S. mail-boat Suwanee, from Fortress Monroe for Hilton
Head. She ran in here this morning to leave mails and dispatch-
es for this fleet, inte1 iding to sail this afternoon, but owing to the
high winds aud heavy sea, she parted her cable and drifted on an
anchor fluke, breaking a hole in her bottom and sunk. She lies
on the sand, with her deck about four feet out of water. It is
said she can be pumped out and raised when it Salen of i fae
time, however, there seems to be a very dim prospect. We have
just heard from the old steamer Pocahontas. She went ashore
2
vo
My Diary.
below Hatteras light. She had our team horses aboard, and
nearly all of them were lost. The men who were aboard of her
got ashore and are.now coming down the island. The schooner °
on which thesignal corps were aboard has not been seen or heard
from and there is much anxiety for her s: ifety. We have ke spt
alive on hardtack thus far, but on account of the storm no tug
has been able to get alongside with rations, and we going it with
half a ration of hardtack and coffee once a day. Five
apiece are freely offered for hardtack, with no takers.
we
cents
THE STORM OVER.
Jan. 17. The great storm has at last subsided and the sun
once more shines out. All the bands are out playing, everything
Is putting on a more cheerful appearance, and we can now look
around and see the result of the storm. Boats and vessels are
ashore all around us, ina partially wrecked or damaged condition.
The upper works of our boat are little better than a wreck, from
the bowsprits of schooners and catheads of other eraft that have
fouled with us. Our accommodations are rather limited as is also
the fare, but by practicing forbearance and creat good nature,
the harmony is as perfect as could be e xpec ‘ted. A tug is along-
side with rations, so at last the long fast is broken. I think the
boys will not be over nice about their dinners when they ect
them. I have sometimes thought I could relish a dinner’ from
that soup I saw at the park barracks. Our diner today was
served about 2 p.m.; bill of fare, pea soup and coffee. I have
always persuaded nivel? that I didn’t like pea sonp and wouldn’t
eat it, but today I changed my mind and thought I never ate
igyiRing that tasted quite so good as peasoup. I yoted it a
great luxury.
HATTERAS ISLAND AND INLET.
Jan. 19. Witnessing boat collisions and wrecks is ge ‘tting
old, and the boys are amusing themselves by writing Tetters,
making up their diaries, playing cards, reading old m: igazines and
newspapers which they have read half a dozen times before;
antl some of them are actually reading their Bibles. Of all the
lonely, God-forsaken looking places I ever saw this Hatteras
island takes the premium: It is simply a sand-bar rising a little
above the water, and the shoals extend nearly 100 miles out to
sea. The water is never still and fair weather is never known;
storms and sea gulls are the only productions. Sometimes there
is a break in the clouds, when the sun can get a shine through for
a few moments, but this very rarely happens. The island extends
from Cape Henry, Virginia, to G ape. Lookout, North Carolina,
with occasional holes washed through it, which are called inlets.
It is from one-half to two miles §wide, and the only things which
make any attempt to grow, are a few shrub pines and fishermen.
I don’t think there is a bird or any kind of animal, unless it is a
dog, on the island, not even a grasshopper, as oné would have
24 My Diary.
to prospect the whole island to find a blade of grass, and in the
event of his finding one would sing himself to death. The inlet,
is very narrow, not over half a mile in width, and the channel i is
still narrower, consequently it makes an indifferent harbor. Still
itis better than none, or. as the sailors Say, any port in a storm.
But as bad as it looks and bad as it is, it is, after all, a very
important point, perh: Ips as important in a military point of view
as any on the coast. It is the key or gate-way to nearly all of
eastern North Carolina, and places. us directly in the rear of
Norfolk, Va. This island is not without its history, if we may
believe all the fearful and marvelous stories that have been
Written of it, of its being the habitation of wreckers and bueéa-
neers in ye good old colony times.
THEATRICALS.
The boys are up to all sorts of inventions to kill time. In
the amusement line the officers have started an exhibition or
theatre up in the saloon. It is a clever device to brexk the dull
qnonotony; to cheer up the loneliness and homesickness which
seem to prevail. The exercises consist of recitations, dialogues,
singing and music, and make a very good evening’s entertuinment.
A limited number from each company are nightly admitted, and
I can see no reason why it will not prove a success, as there seems
lack of talent, music or patronage. For a comic per-
formance, one should be down in the after-cabin of an evening,
especially about the time the officer of the day, who is a lieuten-
ant, comes around to silence the noise and order the lights out.
This aiter-cabin is a sort of independent community, having its
own by-laws, and throwing off pretty much all restraint and
doing about as it pleases. The officer of the day is pretty sure
to keep out of the cabin during the day, but comes to the head of
the stairs in the evening, and gives his orders. Very little
attention will be given them, until fnally he will venture down
stairs, when he will be greeted by an hundred voices with,
“Officer of the day! turn out the guard!” And a hundred more
will respond, “Never mind the guard!” and this will be kept’ up
until they finally drive him out. Sometimes, after the officer of
the day has failed to restore order, the colonel will come to the
stairs and s: ay, “Boys, it is getting late; time to be quiet.” That
is the highest known: authority, and order will come out of con-
fusion immediately. Without any disparagement to the lieuten-
ants, the, boys have a great respect for Col. Uptou; he has only
to speak and his wishes are cheerfully and_ instantly complied
with.
to be no
A QUIET DAY.
Jan. 21. The weather still continues in an unsettled state.
Althou; oh not so rough as it was, it is still too rough to attempt
to do much. , All the vessels of our fleet are now ‘here, except
those that were lost and the schooner with the signal corps.
My Diary. 25
Nothing has been heard from her, and we are beginning to think
that she too may be lost. Albert Tucker of company B died this
morning, and his body was taken ashore and buried on the beach
this afternoon. It is asad sight to see men die and be buried
here on this low, lonely sand-bar.
; He lies on the beach, the cold waters beside,
And lonely and sad was the death that he died,
No mother mourns o’er him, no fond fair one weeps
Where far from the land of his fathers he sleeps.
But.the mad swelling waves and the wild birds career
O’er the wet si indy grave of the young yolunteer.
HUNTING A CHANNEL.
Jan. 22. The light-draught boats are engaged in finding
and making a channel across the bar, or swash as it is called, of
sufficient depth of water to enable the large steamers to cross
into the sound. One great trouble about that is if they find one
today it will all be filled up tomorrow, We shall have to wait
till calmer weather before we Gan cross.
RATIONS.
A schooner came aloneside today and left us rations of
steamed pork, hardtack and condensed sea water. This was a
very timely arrival as we have been very short of water for two
or three days and pretty much everythin; g else. Rattlesnake
pork will t: iste pretty good again after a ‘few d: ivs’ fast. Condensed
sea water is rather a disagreeable beverage, but still is a little
ahead of no water at all. I think, however, it might be made
palatab te by adding about nine parts whiske y to one of water.
This water and pork is all manufactured here on the spot. They
have a sort of rende ring establishment where they make it, but I
cannot believe that the pork would take a premium in any fair in
the country unless it was for meanness.
A RIPPLE OF EXCITEMENT.
Another rebel steamer came down -the sound to-day to take a
look at us and see how we are getting along. One of our boats
gave chase and I reckon got a shot at her, as we heard re ports of
artillery. Those fellows are just smart enough to keep out of our
way, I hope they will always be so, I have no great desire to shoot
the cusses, but still if the *y get in my way, and I think they ought
+
to be shot, I suppose I shall do it.
The theatre up in the saloon is a great success, They have
just got out a new play, a kind of burlesque, entitled the Rasper
Brothers, and large posters are sent over the boat announcing the
unprecedented success of the Rasper Brothers; playing nightly
to crowded houses and hundreds turned away; none should fail
of witnessing this highly moral drama.
OLD DAN.
Old Dan is having a terrible fit of the blues.
derstand why we were sent to this God-forsaken place.
He cannot un-
I tell him
aes ue
ee .
ae Sa ee
26 My Diary.
that God has not forsaken it but has sent us here to save it; and
Dan, with a big oath, swore that it was not worth saving. I said
to him: “You are seeing it at its worst. This is a famous water-
ing-place; a great summer resort.” He thinks it might do first-
rate for a watering place; but cannot conceive of anyone who
would want to resort here. He thinks the greatest mistake he
‘has made in this whole business was in not running away as I
advised him to, while at Annapolis,
ANOTHER STORM. ,
Jan. 23. Another great storm. The wind is blowing a gale
and the sea is dashing, foaming and threatening everything with
destruction. The camps on shore are flooded, the soldiers driven
into the fort or up the island; more vessels ashore and the fleet
going to the devil. A great many of the men are beginning to
despond, and in fact the success of the expedition begins to look
gloomy enough. Nothing but hardship and disaster has attended
us since we left Fortress Monroe, and God only knows when it
will end. Almost any other man but Gen. Burnside would be
ready to give it up as a failure; but he is everywhere to be seen,
looking cheerful and confident, and encouraging his men. He is
a man of indomitable energy, perseverance and courage. He
knows no such word as fail, and is bound to overcome all obstacles
and dangers. 4
If the general, by the blessing of God, gets the expedition out
of this scrape, and is successful where he strikes, it will give him
great prestige, and he will be thought competent for any com-
mand, Our engine is slowly working, helping the anchor cable,
and Mr. Mulligan says if the other boats will stick to their
mudhooks and keep clear of us we shall ride it out all safe. I
really hope they will for I am tired of these cathead drills. I
have always had rather of a desire for a sea voyage, but I am
willing to confess that that wish is fully gratified. This being
“rocked in the cradle of the deep” sounds all very pretty in song
and romance, but the romance is played out with me, and I think
the person who wrote the song,
“A Life on the Ocean Wave,”’’
must have been a proper subject for a lunatic asylum.
Jan. 24. . The storm has subsided somewhat, but is still rough
enough for all practical purposes. Mr. Mulligan says fair weather
has been known here, and taking that as a precedent, we may
naturally conclude it perhaps may be again. This is certainly
the longest storm I ever remember of, and never read of but one
that exceeded it. That was the one Old Noah got caught out in,
but he had the advantage of us, as his was the only craft afloat,
and had plenty of sea room; besides his style of navigation was
ahead of ours, as he let her drift around where she pleased and
trusted to luck for a landing. That kind of navigation might
have answered for those times, but would never do for Hatteras.
~~
My Diary. 27
And now another trouble has happened, the theatre has collapsed,
and I am ata loss to understand the reason for it. It certainly
could not have been from any lack of talent, music or patronage-
It seemed to be perfect in all its appointments, and I can
account for its sudden closing in no other way than that there
must have teen some little indiscretion on the part of the
manag. ment; but perhaps Rasper Brothers may have had somé-
thing to do about it. I am sorry it has closed, as I could spend
an evening up there very pleasantly. But in the loss of the
theatre we must console ourselyes with the thought that the
drama has always had its difficulties. .
r
THE STORM OVER.
Jan. 25. The storm is at last over, for to-day at least. It has
cleared off warm and pleasant, and is the first bright day since
we came here. Business is brisk to-day; all is bustle and hurry.
There is quite a change of scene, the boats’ decks are covered
with soldiers, shouting and cheering each other; the bands are
all out playing, and altogether it is quite a contrast to the miserable
life we have been living. Our attention is taken up watching the
operations going on in the harbor, among the shipping. Steamers
are being towed across the swash into the sound, and steamers
and tues are at work straining every nerve to pull off the boats
that are ashore. It makes fun. for the boys watching them pull.
Five or six steamers and tugs are at work trying to pull off the
Eastern Queen, cn which are the 4th Rhode Island boys, and
when they all pull together it seems as though they would
pull her in two. Sometimes she seems to start a little, and then
stick again; the boats will give a steady pull for an hour before
she will start again. Occasionally a big cable will break, and it is
fun to watch the agility of the boys, dodging the recoil of the
cable ends.
The big steamer Northerner attempted to cross the sound at
flood tide this morning, and stuck in the middle. She carries the
21st Massachusetts, and I think they will have to be taken off
before she can get across. A number of boats and tugs are at
work, trying to pull her across. If the Northerner sticks, going
across at high water, how we are to cross is a problem yet to be
solved, as the New York draws six inches more water than the
Northerner.
SICK HORSES.
The horses do not appear to stand hardships and privations
as well as the men. On short feed, condensed sea water, with no
exercise, they grow sick and debilitated. A schooner is lying but
a short distance from us, with a deck-load of horses, belonging to
a Rhode Island battery, and they are jumping them overboard,
and swimming them ashore. It is curious to observe the horses
as they are led up to the gangway; to see them brace themselves
back and shudder to take the fearful leap. But a little encourage-
esnneNNSNs se ERe
ae
Pact ginal incr
Rene tm 2
x
¥
28 My Diary.
ment from half a dozen men in their rear pushing them, over they
go, and as they come up out of the water, they shake their heads ‘
and snort, and put for the nearest land, where they are rubbed
dry, blanketed and led off up the island.
ACROSS THE SWASH.
The Northerner has crossed into the sound, and anchored’
As she got off and moved into the sound, cheer after_cheer wen *
up from all the fleet, the bands playing and all having a bie tim®
generally.
JAN. 26. Quite a number of boats have been hauled off, and
are now lying in the sound, They are still at work on the
Eastern Queen, which seems to be as firmly imbedded in the sand
as were her timbers in the soil in’ which they grew. The
steamer Louisiana, with the 6th New Hampshire aboard, lies high ¥
and dry on the shoal, and it will be a job to get her off, but I
reckon she will have to come, or come to pieces... When half a
dozen big steamers get hold they make a pretty strong team, and
something has got to come or break. I learn she is hogeed, what- _ ~
ever that is. I shouldn’t be surprised if she was, if she has been
well supplied with this gull bait they. call pork.
We had religious services this morning and afternoon, the
first we have had_ since leaving Annapolis. We had excellent
singing, and the chaplain’s remarks were well timed and to the
point. He recounted the dangers and troubles, which under the.’
blessing of God, we have been brought through, and spoke words
of cheer and comfogt for the future.
THE CURLEW.
Jan. 27. Preparations are goint on this morning to get the
New York across the bar. We were transferred to the steam
ferry-boat Curlew, and are now anchored in the sound. The New
York is to be lightened of everything on board, and it is thought,
with a full sea and some help, she may be able to cross. We ATes
in the most disagree ible and uncomfortable quarters we have yet E
been in. Every change seems to bring some new hardship, and
with a few more changes for the worse we shall be able to learn
how great are our powers of endurance. Weare packed in here 4
as thick as bees with scarcely standing room, and the old. eraft is 4
open at both ends, admitting the cold winds and rains, besides
being as wet and dirty as a stable. If it should rain hard enough
to drive us in from the ends of the boat and from off the deck, a
part of us would have to lie down in our bunks to give standing
room for the rest. I should think ‘the water casks were a ceme-
tery for dead rats by the way the water tastes; condensed sea
water is aluxury to it, and byway of encouragement we are told
that we are to have some tomorrow. There are, however, a few
casks of good water aboard, but we are not allowed any of it. “I a
reckon the boys will manage to get some of it. If they don’t, it ;
will be an exception to their general smartness. The officers and
‘
My Dtary. 29
crew of the old hulk are cross and crabbed, and unless they alter
their tactics, I fear they will get enough of us before we have
been here many days.
A STRANGER.
Jan. 28. Work is still going on, getting the boats off and
getting them across the bar. The Eastern Queen is afloat and
will be with us today. The little steamer Pilot Boy, with Gen-
erals Burnside and Foster aboard, is flying around among the
vessels of the fleet, giving orders to the boat commanders and
commanders of troops. The sutler came aboard today ; he is
quite a stranger and the boys gathered around him, asking him a
thousand questions. He brought with him a small stock of fruit
and other notions which went off like hot cakes at any price
which he chose to ask. Some of the boys thought the prices
pretty high, but they should consider that it is with great diffi-
culty and expense that things are got here at all. They have the
advantage, however, in not being obliged to buy, if they think
the charges too much. The Eastern Queen is coming across the
swash, the bands are all playing and cheers are going out from all
the fleet.
THE SIGNAL CORPS ARRIVES.
Jan. 29. The long lost signal corps arrived today. We
gave them a great ovation; flags and streamers flying, bands
playing and cheering from all the boats. They have had ahard
time of it, having been fourteen days on the passage from Fort-
ress Monroe. They ran out to sea in the first great storm, and
the succession of storms has prevented them from getting in.
They were well nigh famished when they arrived.
GOOD WATER.
We are today luxuriating on good water, the first we have
had for many days. Some of the boys last night got in the rear
of the forbidden water casks, and by a vigorous use ofa jack-
Knife, succeeded in tapping a cask. Any quantity of canteens
(miné among the rest), were filled with the contraband water, and
if the thing is kept still today there will be & big haul tonight,
Our fare is pretty short, and of a kind never dreamed of in the
cabin of a first-class ocean steamer. Still it answers to keep us
breathing, and perhaps that is as much as we can expect while on
this excursion. We are thriving ona half ration of steamed
pork and hardtack, with condensed sea water. The half ration
of pork is a bountiful supply; it is so strong end oily a very little
answers the purpose, and hardtack is the chief dependence. But
for water, we shall do well enough so long as we ean steal it.
Coffee is entirely out of the question, for on this craft there is no
chance foy the cooks to make it in great quantities, although they
do manage to make a small amount for the officers. None of us
are allowed down in the fireroom, so that shuts us off from mak-
ing coffee or scouse.
.
j
i
-
PRN A GAN
ace de Sl HEN
steel acter
See tite 4
B80 My Diary.
I suggested to a few of the faithful the plan of getting down
on the bottom of the boat, under the boilers, and kindling a fire
there and making some. They seemed to think that it would be
rather a desper: ite undert: iking, besides they would smoke them-
selves out before they had h: lf ace omplished their purpose.
Jan. 30. Our canteens are again filled with the contraband
water, so we shall be all right today as far as that is concerned.
Some of the boys made a raid last night on the sutler’s stuff and
appropriated to themselves pretty much what he had. I cannot
approve of that, as the sutler is at a good deal of trouble and ex-
pense to get a few notions for us and probably sells them as cheap
as he can afford. The boys ought not to steal from him, at’ this
time especially, as there are those who would be glad to buy. A
schooner came down today to take a look at us, one of our boats
gave chase, but a good breeze blowing, the schooner had the ad-
vantage and got away. This afternoon a small boat was seen
coming down flying a white fl: ag. The boat contained one darkey
who had risked ‘the perils of the sound to escape from the land of
Jeff, the house of bondage.
A DISCOVERY.
A great discovery has just been made and isn’t there larks
now, though. The skip per is foaming with rage. An account of
stock has been taken, and a cask or two of water is missing. On
inspection it was found tapped at the wrong end. A yery mys-
terious circumstance, but such things are liable to happen. A
strong guard has been placed over the other casks.
Jan. 31. This morning a small schooner was seen coming
down the sound. A boat went out and met her; she contained
seven darkies Mies said they stole the schooner and left Ee her from
Roanoke island. They were put aboard the steamer 8. R. Spaul-
ding, and the little schooner hitched astern. The y can probably
give some valuable information in regard to affairs on the island.
The New York is stuck on the swash, and several boats and tugs
are trying to pull her across; she will probably get off tomorrow.
They willthen all be across, except the Louisiana, which will be
here in a day ortwo. We gota big mail today; any quantity of
letters and newspapers, and the boys are cheered up wonderfully
to hear from home.
A RAIN STORM.
Frs. 1. A very heavy rain set in last night and continued
until 9 o’clock this morning. The old Curlew looks as though
she had been down cruising for mermaids and came back disap-
pointed. She is all afloat, fore, aft and amidships; the rain drove
in at the ends, the deck leaked and altogetlier we had a pretty
rough night of it. I cannot say how the others slept, but my
sleep was anything but balmy. I did not, in fact, dream of dwel-
jing in marble halls.
The New York has crossed the bar and we are again aboard
My Driary. 31
of her; thank our lucky stars. Good-bye, old Curlew! and may
you find a sweet and lasting repose at the bottom of the sound
before you are many di Lys older. Our bill of fare this week con-
sisted of steamed pork k and hardtack of a poor quality, and short
supply at that. Since they caught us stealing water, the fluid has
been the meanest kind of condensed sea w: iter, the poorest we
have yet had.
Fes. 2. A high wind prevailed this morning and the sea was
somewhat rough ; the boat had considerable motion, but the boys
had their sea legs on, so it caused them very little trouble.
HIGH LIVING.
Our company cooks, with commendable enterprise and ins
dustry and with an eye to our present well being, furnished us
with baked beans and hot coffee for breakfast. This was a great
treat, and every man had all he wanted; a vote of thanks was
given the cooks. For dinne® boiled beef was served, the first
we have had since leaving Fortress Monroe.
I hope this kind of fare will hold out, but fear we shall have
a relapse of the worst kind. The chaplain held services. in the
saloon this morning and afternoon. The boys spent most of the
day writing letters, reading newspapers and making up their
diaries. ;
A GALA DAY.
Frs. 3. ~The winds have ceased, and the sea is as calm as an
honest man’s conscience. Companies are parading the: decks of
the steamers, a dozen bands are out playing, eve rybody is feeling
good, and altoge ther, we are having quite an enlivening scene.
Business is. brisk today; all the boats are in the sound, and
schooners are alongside of them, supplying them with coal, water
and rations, preparatory to a trip up the sound. Everything now
seems to be nearly ready, and I expect that some fine morning we
will make a call on our southern friends. No doubt they will be
delighted to see us, and as they say,to welcome us with bloody
hands to hospitable graves ; but perhaps it has never occurred to
them that in a reception of that kind, they, perchance, may fill
some of the aforesaid graves. [had much rather they would
welcome us to a good dinner of fishballs than cannon balls: but I
suppose they ‘will have their own choice of reception and we must
reciprocate ‘the best we can.
Merchandise brings a right smart price in this market, and a
man needs a heavy purse to purchase very extensively. I paid $1
for the same quantity of tobacco I bought at home for forty
cents.
THE EXPEDITION MOVES.
Furr. 5. The clink of the windlass is heard on all the boats,
hoisting up their anchors, so here we go for a trip up the sound,
probably for Roanoke island. This island holds the Albemarle
sound and all that part of North Carolina lying on it, and also
eee
or ene ta nimac.am naman sen amen ne cmc Torte
a2 My Drary.
Southeast Virginia. It is quite an important point, and we learn
is strongly fortified. Our fleet consists of about seventy sail of
all kinds and makes an imposing appearance. The gunboats,
under command of Commodore Goldsborough, také the advance,
the transports and other craft following. After a few hours. sail,
the low, pine-covered shore of the old North state presented itself
to view. We were in sight of the shore all day and not a house
was to be seen or any visible signs of life, excepting huge columns
of smoke rising above the tree-tops. These were probably signal
fires, as they could be seen along the shore as far as the eye could.
reach. We sailed today to within ten miles of the light-house at
the western end of the Pamlico sound, the entrance to Croatan
sound, in which is situated the coveted © island. Here we
dropped anchor for the night, the gunboats forming a_ picket
guard, and extending themselves nearly to the light-house. The
island can be seen through a glass, and tomorrow I expect we
shall get a nearer view. °
Fr. 6. Hoisted anchor and steamed to within a short dis-
tance of the light house, and in full view of the island. Here we
again dropped anchor and the day was spent in prospecting by
the gunboats. They went up near the island, and after a tew
hours returned, reporting three forts and a number of armed
boats and schooners. The thing is being managed pretty cau-
tiously, and I expect when the show comes off, it will be ahead
of anything we ever saw, not excepting Barnum’s. For one, I
am not over anxious to see a fight, and especially to be a partici-
pant, but we have been afloat so long and fared so hard I wish to
get ashore, no matter under what circumstances. One would
have supposed, to have heard the boys talk last night, that we
were all Napoleons. They talked of booming guns, the rattle of
infantry, of splendid bayonet charges, brilliant victories, and
deeds of courage, daring and heroism. On.the principle, I suppose
of those who know nothing fear nothing, but then it isa good plan
not to get our tails down until we are obliged to. I even got my
courage screwed up so I could repeat the words of some great
military hero or other!
‘Then welcome war, our arms to brace,
The standards planted face to face;
Tho’ death’s pale horse leads on the chase,
We'll follow there.”
Ammunition was dealt out today, and our cartridge boxes
now contain forty rounds of the death-dealing missiles. The boys
seem to be in great spirits and the bands are discoursing national
music.
THE BOMBARDMENT.
Fes. 7. A thick fog prevailed this morning and continued
until about 9 o’clock, when it lifted and the gunboats got under
way. Slowly they steamed towards the island and took their
positions before the forts, but at a sufficient distance not to incur
y i)
My Diary. 33
much damage from them. We were all eagerly watching the
movements of the boats, when at about 10 o’clock, we saw a
white cloud rise from one of the boats, and the next moment a
huge column of dirt and sand rose from the enemy’s works,
showing the effect of the shot. The fort replied from all its uns,
but their shots fell short as the boats lay beyond their range.
The bombardment now commenced in earnest, the boats sailing
in a circle, and delivering their fire as they passed the fort.
Their firing was not rapid, but well directed: The fort’s guns
blazed away as rapidly as possible, doing some damage to the
boats. At noon the transports commenced the passage of the
narrow channel into Croatan sound. From here we had a much
nearer and better view of the bombardment. The boats were
sailing much nearer the fort and_ firing more rapidly. They had
driven the men from the guns on the fort, and their fire was
feebly replied to. At this time the shells from the boats had set
the barracks and other buildings near the fort on fire. Great
clouds of smoke and flame rose from the burning buildings, and
the boats belched forth their fire more furiously than ever, the
shots tearing up the parapet of the fort or burying themselves in
the mound of sand covering the magazine. It was truly a grand
and fearful exhibition! Thousands looked on with breathless
suspense, expecting every moment to see the
i , magazine blow up
or the rebels strike their colors.
_ _The enemy’s gunboats, which had been idle spectators be-
hind the blockade, now came to the rescue; but a few well di-
rected shots from 100-pounder rifles sent. them reeling back to
their places. From this time the boats had things their own way
the fort oce sionally firing a shot as much as to say, we never ear.
render. During the bombardment a small sloop or yacht attract-
ed a good deal of attention. She carried one 100-pounder oun,
She lay low in the water, below the range of the enemy’s euns,
and was skilfully handled. She sailed in the circle, running close
up to the fort and delivering her fire with telling effect. With
every shot she fired she was cheered by the fleet; all the bands
playing.
THE LANDING,
_ About 2 p. m., preparations were made to land the troops.
The little steamer Pilot Boy, with Gen. Foster aboard, and about
half a mile of barges in tow, was seen approaching our boat. I
was standing near Col. Upton, at the gangway forward the wheel-
house, as the Pilot Boy ran alongside, and heard Gen. Foster tell
the colonel to order his men to load with ball cartridge, take three
days’ rations and come aboard his boat and the barges as soon as
possible. This loading with ball cartridge was a new order to
me; it implied that our holiday soldiering was over. A peculiar
feeling such as I had never before experienced came over me; I
2
o
| |
34 My Diary.
felt it to the very taps of my broyans, and thought I would rather
be excused. I turned around and without saying a word to any-
one went down stairs. Drawing Spittire from its hiding. place, I
dropped in the little messenger that if needs be perhaps might
carry mourning and sorrow to some southern hearthstone. In
quick time we left the New York and were going towards the
shore, followed by other boats containing the balance of our bri-
gade. The intention was to land about four miles above the fort,
in a little nook ealled Ashby bay, near Ashby house; but as we
neared the bay, a line of bayonets seen above the bushes,
going double quick in that direction, changed the general’s mind,
and we turned our course towards a marsh a mile or more nearer
the fort. As we ran alongside the marsh where we were to land,
Captain Pickett of conipany A made a leap for the land, going
hali way to his neck in mud and water. He was the first manon
the island. At. this time the line of bayonets above the bushes
was seen coming back. The little gunboat Delaware now came
up and commenced shelling the bushes and woods to cover our
landing. In a few minutes we were all on the marsh and wading
through the mud and water for the hard land, a distance of some
forty rods. On reaching this we soon came out to a small clear-
ing, on which was a house, barn and out-buildings, the oceu-
pants of which had suddenly taken their leave. Here we found
things as the occupants had left them, the cat quietly sitting in
the corner and the tea-kettle singing over the fire.
Adjutant Harkness and Lieutenant Richter of company G
climbed to the top of the house and nailed thereon a small flag in
honor, I suppose, of our landing and notice of our intention of
staying. Company A, Capt. Pickett, and company K, Capt. Den-
ny, were sent out’on a reconnoissance. They soon returned, re-
porting no enemy near.
5 p.m. Foster’s brigade had all landed, and by dark nearly
the whole division were ashore. Now commenced the work of
Se
carrying rails and planks to build a road across the marsh to get |
the howitzers of the marine artillery ashore. Soon after dark,
Gen. Foster, with the 21st Massachusetts and a section of the ma-
rine artillery, hauling their howitzers, went past us into the woods
to establish his picket line. After a while the general returned, -
and said we might build fires and make ourselves comfortable.
Fires were kindled and we began to look around for places to
sleep, but a rain setting in, put an end to that. In the rain we
stood around the camp-tires through the long night, while an ocea-
sional shot out in the woods served to keep up a little excitement
and prevent us from getting sleepy.
BATTLE OF ROANOKE ISLAND.
Fes. 8. At daylight, the order to fallin was heard on all
sides. Putting on my equipments and taking Spitfire and a big
‘hides as well. The officers rendered good service in cutting away
My Diary. |} 35
Sweet potato, which I had with much labor succeeded in baking,
T took my place in my company. The brigade all ready, Gen.
Foster gave the order to march. He, with Col. Upton, took his
place at the right of our regiment, marching by the flank into
the woods. We soon came out to the pickets and the road that
runs through the island. Here we filed to the left, marching up
the road. Company A, Capt. Pickett, was thrown out as skir-
mishers. They soon fell in with the enemy’s pickets and drove
them in. The column moved up the road to within a short dis-
tance of the clearing, in front of the rebel works. On the right
of the road the ground was hard and free from brush, but on the left
Was an almost impenetrable swamp, covered with a dense growth
of tangle-brush and horse briars. The right wing of the regiment
filed to the right, while the left plunged into the swamp, and with
swords and jack-knives, succeeded in cutting a path until they had
penetrated the swamp far enough to form our line. The regiment
Was now nearly all in the swamp, the right resting just across the
road. The howitzer battery had taken position in the road, in
front of our right wing. The 23d and 27th Massachusetts formed
on our right, while the 10th Connecticut was held in reserve.
We were now in line in the swamp, and facing to the front, com-
menced firing. The battery had already opened the ball, and
were receiving the attention of the enemy in front.
We could see nothing to shoot at, but taking our range by
the smoke of the enemy’s guns we blazed away. We fired high,
low and obliquely, thinking if we covered a wide range of ground,
we might possibly lame somebody, and it seemed our shots must
have proved troublesome, for they turned their attention to us,
pouring musketry and canister shot without stint into the swamp.
We were up to our knees in mud and water, so their shot passed
over us without doing much damage. We were now ordered to
cease firing and advance, but how to advance was the question.
We could stand on a bog and cut away the briars in front of us
and jump to another one; where they were not too large we
could crawl through them, tearing not only our clothes but our
the briars with their swords. In this way we could advance :
few steps at a time and then fire a few rounds; the enemy all this
time showing us marked attention.
Capt. Foster of company D was the first man I saw hit. T
Was watching him as he stood on a bog, cutting away the briars
with his sword, and thinking of him as colonel of the old 8th
regiment Massachusetts volunteer militia, in which I used to mus-
ter. The shot struck him near the eye. He whirled ,round on
the bog, and would have fallen had not three of his men caught
him and led him to the rear.
I was rather amused at the major’s plan of rifle practice; he
was practicing with a large revolver, shooting into the air at an
elevation of about 80 degrees. Some one asked him what he was
i
]
a RE RE RR A
SERIO
Sa
36 My Diary.
trying to act out. “Why,” replied the major, “you see my shots
attain their summit directly over the enemy, and if one of those
shot in falling should hita man on top of his head,his goose is
cooked just as effectually as though he had been hit with a cannon
ball.”
By cutting and crowding ourselves through the briars, we ad-
vanced to within about 300 yards of the enemy. Our ammuni-
tion being now exhausted and having been in the swamp about
three hours we were ordered out. The 21st Massachusetts took
our places and the 51st New York and 51st Pennsylvania regi-
ments forced their way through to the left front; the three regi-
ments succeeded in getting out on the enemy’s right flank. See-
ing that all was now lost, the rebels took to their heels for the
head of the island, followed by Reno’s and Foster’s brigades. At
the head of the island, near the enemy’s camp, was Gen. Burn-
side with the 24th Massachusetts @egiment, to whom Col. Shaw,
in command of the Confederate forces, surrendered. By this,
about 3000 prisoners, with their arms, ammunition and stores, fell
into our hands. But the greatest prize of all, old ex-Governor
Wise, slipped through our fingers. Perhaps, having some premo-
nitions of the fate which awaited his command, he wisely took
himself off the island last night, leaving his command with Col.
Shaw, of the 8th North Carolina regiment. The old governor
probably acted on the principle of the militia captain who was
about leading his company into, action. He made them a little
speech, telling them to be brave and valiant, not to run, until
actually forced to. “But,” he said, “in case that should happen,
and I being a little lame, T think I ‘had better start now:”
THOUGHTS.
During the action I had seen quite a number hit and led back
to the rear, but I had little time to think much about it. After
the chase commenced and we marched through the little redoubt
and over the ground held by the enemy, and I began to see the
mangled forms of dead and dying men, I was filled with an ine
describable horror and wanted to go right home. I now began
to realize what we had been doing, and thought that, if in this
age of the world, with all our bo: asted civilization and edueation,
men could not settle their differences short of cutting each other’s
throats, we were not very far removed from barbarism. But I
suppose so long as the nature of man is ambitious and_ selfish he
will try to obtain by force what he cannot attain by other means.
It was about night when we reached the Confederate camp, found
the business had'all been done, and Gen. Burnside was master of
the situation. We now appropriated to our own use the log bar-
racks of the enemy, leaving them to secure lodgings as best they
could, as we had done the night before, with only this: difference ;
they had a large body -guard over them, to see that they were
orderly and kept the peace.
.
‘results of yesterday’s work.
My Diary. 37
AFTER THE BATTLE.
Fes. 9. A hard looking lot this morning, and no doubt feel-
ing as hard as we looked. Tired, hungry, ragged, covered with
mud, and sore from our flesh being torn and scratched with the
tangle-brush and briars through which we forced ourselves yester-
day. After a good ration of whiskey and a breakfast of fried
bacon, with hot coffee, we began to limber up and feel a
little more natural. We can now look over the field and see the
Our regiment lost six killed and 47
wounded, some of ‘them probably fatally. Our whole loss was 42
killed and 209 wounded. The enemy’s loss is not known, but is
probably less than ours. Today the gunboats are after the Con-
federate flotilla and no doubt will give them a taste of what h: ap-
pened yesterday. It will prob: ibly be reported at he: idquarters in
Richmond that their n: wy in these waters has become ; thing of
the past. Our march up from the battle-ground, yesterday after-
noon, was rather an interesting one, if men nearly dying from
exhaustion can be said to get interested. The trees for a mile in
front of our line are marked and scarred by our shot, showing
the terrible effectiveness of our rifles. The road was strewn with
guns, knapsacks, equipments, blankets and everything that im-
peded their retreat or which they thought they ‘had no further
use for. Passing a little brown house by the wayside I noticed
quite a crowd of “surgeons and officers sti mding around. Crowd-
ing my way up to the little open window, I saw the pale, quiver-
ing form of a young man lying on a cot, with a slight covering
over him, apparently ina dying condition. I inquired if any one
knew who he was, and was told it was Capt. O. Jennings Wise,
son of ex-Governor Wise. He had received a mortal wound and
could not possibly survive many minutes. He was editor of one
of the Richmond papers and captain of the Richmond Light In-
fantry Blues, the crack company of that city. He was a brave
young fellow, and his was the last company to leave the redoubt,
and then only when he fell mortally wounded.
THE PRISONERS.
Fes. 10.
The prisoners are a motley looking set, all clothed
(1 can hardly say uniformed) in a dirty looking homespun gray
cloth. I should think ev ery man’s suit was cut from a design of
his own. Some wore what was probably meant for a frock coat,
others wore jackets or roundabouts; some of the coats were long
skirted, others short; some tight fitting, others loose; and no two
men were dressed alike. Their head covering was in unison with
the rest of their rig; of all kinds, from stovepipe hats to coon-
skin caps; with everything for blankets, from old bedquilts, cotton
bagging, strips of carpet to Buffalo robes. The Wi Si legion are
a more soldierly looking set; they wear gray cloth caps of the
same pattern, and long sheep’s gray overcoats with capes. Most
TR ten
38 . My Diary.
of the officers are smart, good looking young men, wearing well-
fitting gray uniforms, not unlike those of our own officers. ~
It is not dress altogether that makes the man or the soldier.
I find among these chaps some pretty good fellows. I came
across one young man from Richmond; he was smart ‘appearing
and very loquacious. In some talk I had with him he said; “This
has turned out not asI w ished, but not different from what I
expected when we saw the force you had. In fact we had no
business st: wing here after seeing your strength. We have met
the enemy and we are theirs. I ace ept the situation and am glad
it is no worse. I am Secesh clear through, and after I am ex-
changed, shall be at you again. We are now enemies, but in
peace friends, and when this little dispute is settled, if any of you
fellows ever come to Richmond, hunt me up. If alive, you will
be welcome as long as you Showed to stay, and when you leay e, if
you don’t say you have had as right smart a time as you ever had,
call me a liar and I will call you gentlemen.” The fellow gave
me his card and said his father owned a plantation just out of the
city.
I met one fellow, a long, lank, lean, long-haired, sullen, ca-
daverous looking chap, and asked’ him what he was doing here.
“Well,” he said, “not much; but you ’uns was right smart to get
through that swamp. We thought the devil couldn’t get through
it.” “So you think what the devil can’t do, Yankees can’t, do
you? You mustn’t take the devil for your guage in estimating
Yankees: if you do you will always get “bebt. W e can give him
points, and beat him ever y time.” He looked a little incredulous,
but did not seem inclined to go into any argument about it.
These fellows threw aw: ay a good many pistols and knives
which they carried, many of which our boys have found. The
knives are large, coarse, ugly looking things, forged at some country
blacksmith shop, by a bungling workman, out of old r: asps, seythe-
points and anything cont: ning steel. I asked one fellow what ‘they
carried those knives for, what use they put them to? “Oh!
he said, “them’s Yankee slayers.” “Y ankee slayers? And have
you slain many Yankees with them?” oW al, no, but we thought
they mought come h: indy in close action.” “And did you think
you would ever get near enough to the Yankees to use them ?”
“Wal, we didn’t know but we mought.” “W ell, sir, those knives
are ind heay y to carry, anl you don’ t need to carry them, for
long before you would ever get near enough to the Y ankeea to
use them the’ plac es that now know you ‘would know you no
more forever.
The boys are mixing in among the prisoners, talking over the
fight, trading jack- knives, buttons and such small notions as they
happen to have, and getting acquainted with each other. The -
weather is warm ‘and pleasant, like May. The robins and other
birds are singing as in summer. The robins seem like old friends
and neighbors and I cannot help thinking that perhaps some of
My Diary. 39
them had their nests last summer in the trees:and bushes which
grow in our own door, Yards and gardens at home.
Our gunboats hive wiped trom the face of the earth that
part of the Confederate navy which prowled around these waters.
They chased them up the Pasquotunk river to Elizabeth City, °
where, after less than an hour’s engagement, the enemy set their
boats on fire and fled. :
SETTLING PROPERTY TITLES.
Frs. 12. The Confederate officers have been paroled and
sent to Elizabeth City, up the Pasquotunk river. The 25th had
the distinguished Aonor of escorting them and carrying a part of
their baggage to the wharf where they took the boat. I reckon
it must have been rather pleasing to those ofticers to see Yankee
soldiers taking their luggage for them, but this disgrace must
have been a thoughtless mistake on the part of the colonel or
whoever ordered it. Those officers had with them their colored
servants, but. after they were all captured, officers and servants
were a good deal mixed as to’who they belonged to. When the
officers were about leaving, Gen. Barnside settled the question.
He told the darkies they could decide for themselves; they could
go with their masters or stop here, just as they liked. A few of
them. went with their masters, the rest staid back to take their
chances with the Yankees.
PAROLING THE PRISONERS.
Fes. 18. The prisoners are all paroled, and were sent off to-
day. Parolin® the prisoners was rather interesting to the lookers
on. They were required to affix their autographs to the parole,
and it was curious to observe that a large majority of them wrote
it the same way, simply making the letter X. Capt. Messenger,
the provost mi arshal, was master of ceremonies. He is a ve ry ec-
centric man, and many of the prisoners scarcely knew whether to
be pleased or frightened at the curious que stions he asked and re-
marks he made to them.
HISTORY.
Fes. 23. The boys are amusing themselves making pipes
from briar roots and fixing long stems of cane to them. Some of
them are carved very handsomely and show much artistic skill.
Washington’s birthday was celebrated by salutes from the forts
and a holiday in the camp. There is some very interesting histo-
ry connec ‘ted with this island, but not having books to refer to, I
can give but a very indifferent account of it. Sometime in the
latter part of the 16th century, Sir Walter Raleigh, an English
nobleman, sent out an American exploring expedition, They vis-
ited the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds, discovering this island.
After trading with the Indians, and learning what they could of
the country, they returned to England. They gave such glowing
accounts of the country and what they had seen that Raleigh, the
next year, sent outa colony under one Lane. They occupied this
40 My Diary.
is!and, but after about a year, during which time they suffered
many hardships, returned to En iland, A year or two later, an-
other expedition was sent out. They also settled here, but after
a while the leader of it returned to Engl: and for supplies. After
an absence of a year or two, he again returned here, but
on landing, not a trace of it could be found, and it was
nevcr after heard from. ie want you,”
, < eA Te ean ee Sy
a 4 z _
NG
=
_— My Diary. 51
Re hospitalities right royally, and I think we must have sampled his
a best bottle. He told me it was six years old, and from a silver
. goblet, I sipped the best native wine I ever tasted ; it was rich,
; i mellow and fruity. He said it was made from a choice variety
a. of grape called the Scuppernong. It was really a splendid native
m: wine, as so it appeared to me. After some more small talk, I
; bade my new found friend good day, and took my leave.
DARKIES,
SS Marcu 25. There are swarms of negroes here. They
E are of all sexes, ages, sizes and conditions. They sit along
Ds y :
: _ the streets and fences, staring and grinning at every thing they
; see, laughing and chattering together like so many black-birds.
They have very exaggerated notions of freedom, thinking it
“means freedom from work and a lieense to do about as they
please. There is no use trying to get them to work, for if they
7 a can get their hoe-cake and bacon, it is all they want, and they
sc are contented and’ happy. When a’‘party of themis wanted to
a unload a vessel or do any job of work, the commissary or quar-
ee termaster requests the colonel to send along the men. The col-
; eo _ onel orders one of the companies to go out and pick them up
and report with them where they are wanted. A patrol is de-
tailed and put in charge of a non-commissioned. ofticer who starts
ce; out to pick up his party. On seeing a good, stout looking fel-
_ low, the officer halts his squad, and calling the darky’s attention,
ee SAYS, “Come here, boy "Phe unsuspecting darky comes grin-
} ~— hing: along up and asks, “Wat ’er want ’er me?” “Fall in here, I
} “Wat I don’ ’er want me?” “Well, I want you to
do something ; fall in here,’ “O, lor’ a gorra, boss, i’se so busy to-
“day i’se couldn’t go nohow, i’se go tomorrer suah.’ “Never
mind that, fall in here,” and the darky falls in, his eyes rolling
around and his thick lips sticking out, feeling about as mad as he
well can, doubtless thinking that freedom is no: great thing after
all.
In that way the whole party is picked up ina few minutes
and marched off to where they are wanted. They are set to
Bye work, and at night will all promise to be on hand the next morn-
a ing, “suah.” The next morning perhaps a few of them will put
ah in an appearance, but the most of them will keep away, and
; another patrol will be sent out to pick up another lot. But I
think, after a little while, they will learn that freedom means
something besides idleness and they will feel a willingness to
work. They have a curious, custom of carrying everything on
their heads, toting they call it. and will tote large or small
bundles along the street or through a crowd as unconcernedly
and safely as though it were a basket slung on their arm.
They will tote a brimming pitcher or tumbler of water without
spilling scarcely a drop. These darkies area curious institu-
tion.
ee ae
52 My Diary.
WE LOSE OUR MAJOR.
Aprit 1. I learn that Major McCafferty has resigned and is
going to leave us. I am sorry to learn that his ambition for fame
is so soon gratified. I think a good deal of the major and shall
miss him very much. He isa man of great good nature anda
good deal of a humorist, and at times he makes considerable
sport for the boys. The major’s resignation creates a vacancy
which, according to military rules will be filled by the ranking
captain which is Capt. Pickett of company A. This will change
the formation of the line, bringing company B on the left, and
ranking second in the line. So, step by step, we ascend the lad-
der of fame.
LIVING HIGH.
We are now living in clover, having little else to do but to
keep ourselves, clothes, : arms and equipments clean and in good or-
der. We do alittle guard duty and the rest of the time is spent in
reading, writing, card- playing and walking about town, seeing
the fun and enjoying ourselves. Our rations are of good quality
and variety. We now have our fresh beef three times a week,
with all the soft bread we want. With our government. rations,
and what we can buy, such as oysters, fresh fish, chickens, eggs,
sweet potatoes, etc., we are running at a high rate of speed. We
often contrast this with our life at “the inlet.
ANOTHER CHANGE IN THE LINE.
Apri 14. And now another change has occurred, Capt.
Clark of company B has resigned. If this thing becuiiey chron- °
ic, I am not quite sure but I shall resign and go ‘home, and then,
perhaps, I shall be given a sutler’s or horse doctor’s commission
and be sent back. Capt. Clark’s resignation promotes First
Lieut. Emery to captain, Second Lieut. Dri aper to first lientenant,
and first Sergeant John G. McCarter to second rales
This again changes the formation of the line, and company B
finds itself tenth inrank. This leaves the c cappain’ s chances for
straddling a horse in the rather dim distance, but then fame,
like other doubtful things, is “mighty onsartin.” ,
BEAUTIFUL SPRING,
The vernal season is now upon us and nature is arraying her-
self in her most beautiful robes. The trees are in leafage, while
the yards and gardens attract the eye with their almost
endless variety of plants and flowers. Roses are in great variety
many of them remarkable for their size and beauty, changing
their hues two and three times a day. Beautiful flowering vines
clamber the verandas and porticos of the houses, sending out
their sweet perfume, while the air is filled with the song of birds
wor bling forth their happiness. This is really a charming little
, but I reckon from neglect and hard usage from the soldiers,
it eet soon lose its beauty. The migri atory” birds, such as the
_ whatever he is doing and listens with delight to his soft warble
My Diary. 53 i
robin and thrush, took their leave about the middle of March.
Among the birds of song that remain the mocking bird must be
ranked as king. He is a noble fellow, not remarkably handsome, i
of a dove color, with a white spot under his wings. He is a noisy, a |
loud-voiced fellow, an early riser, commencing ‘his song with the :
first gray streaks of dawn, and he keeps up an incessant flow un- | an
til about 8 o’clock, when he seeks the shade for rest and quiet. ii}
. The trees are full of them, and sometimes by the noise they make |
|
i
one would think the trees were full of all kinds of birds. “When
he comes down to his fine work, one unconsciously lays aside
and the low trembling cadence of his sweet trills.
I GET ARRESTED.
Aprit 20. Not caring to trouble the captain all the time aia |
for passes I have got in the habit of going about town on my Hi i
sagacity, and I hav e not yet discov ered but it answers the pur- i
pose as well as a pass, but I was brought up a day or two ago,
when I ran against Charley of company D, who was standing
sentinel on the corner of Broad and Middle streets. I was walk- %
ing leisurely along, when coming to Charley’s post, he halted me
and demanded my pass. I said I had not ‘got any. He replied
if that was the case it was his duty to march me to the provost’s
office. Rather than have any trouble with him, and to have it
military in form, I handed him an old pass I happened to have in q
my pocket. He looked at it and tearing it up, took the position
of a soldier, saying. ‘You non-coms are getting too big for your
clothes, you are putting on altogether too many airs, but I will
let you know that you can’t put them on over me.” I said,
“Perhaps there is a shadow of truth in what you say. It is pos- ; |
|
|
|
}
sible that they May be somewhat afHlicted with inflation, but piv
know I am one of the meek and lowly kind.’ “You? You are
the worst pill in the box, you never have a pass, but are all over
town, in the back rooms of all the sutler’s stores and taking more
liberties and putting on more style than half the commissioned
officers.” “Now, Charley, that is asad state of affairs indeed ;
but you are the first one that has found any fault with it, but if
you desire the honor of escorting me to the provost’s office you
can have the job. After you get me there, Old Dan will give
you the biggest setting up you have had recently.”
He marched me over, and as we entered, Old Dan looked up
and, addressing my escort, asked, “What are you here for?
What do you want?” “I found this man running at large with-
out a pass, and thought it was my duty to bring him here.”
“Without a pass? Was he making any disturbance?’ “No
sir.” And so you arrest one of your own regiment because
he happens to be without a pass and then come here to interrupt
me. If you come here again on such an errand I will put you in
the guard house. Go to your post.” . |
RT Nl et A Seong aie ate—estneesenerspneeememneasean
deta cae
Se a be ee
Ca 2S Bice WE ter bce RSs HL Tt
a a Si * Ea
54 : My Drary.
After my escort had gone out with a flea in his ear, Capt.
Dan removed his spectacles, and wiping his eyes, which a go
deal resembled gashes cut in ripe tomatoes, pointed to the table,
saying, “I reckon there is something left in the bottle, help your-
self”’ I did as the captain requested. After chatting a little
with him, a couple of ofticers came in, and I touched my cap, bade,
the captain good-day and made my escape.
POOR WHITE TRASH.
Among the white people about here, are very few who would
be ranked among the first or even second class. Nearly all of
them are what is called the poor white trash or clay-eaters. Tam
told they actually do eat clay, a habit they contract like any other
bad habit. Now I cannot vouch for the truth of this, never hav-
Ing seen them eating it, but some of them look as though that was
about all they had to eat. They are an utterly ignorant set, ,
scarcely able to make themselves intelligible, and in many ways
they are below the negroes in intelligence and manner of living,
but perhaps they are not wholly to blame for it, the same princi-
ple that will oppress a black man, will a white one. They are en-
tirely cut off from the means of acquiring land or an education,
even though they wished to. Public schools are unknown here
and Jand can only be purchased by the plantation. That leaves
them in rather a bad fix; poor, shiftless and ignorant. Their
highest ambition is to hunt, fish, drink whiskey and toady to their
masters. You speak to one of them and he will look at you in a
listless sort of way as though unable or undecided whether to an-
swer or not. Ask one of them the distance across the river, and
he will either say he don’t know, or “it is right smart.” Ask one
of them the distance to any place or house out in the country, and
he will tell you it is “a right smart step,” or “you go up “yer a
right smart step, and you will come to a creek,” nd from there
it will be so many looks and a screech; meaning from the creek
that number of angles in the road and as far beyond as the voice
will reach. They do not seem to have any intelligent idea about
anything, and in talking with the cusses, one “searcely knows
whether to pity them or be amused.
SNUFF DIPPING.
_ The women here have a filthy habit of snuff chewing or dip-
ping as they call it, and I am told it is practiced more or less by
all classes of women. The manner of doing it is simple enough;
they take a small stick or twig about two inches long, of a certain
kind of bush, and chew one end of it until it becomes like a brush.
This they dip into the snuff and then put it in their mouths. Af-
ter chewing a while they remove the stick and expectorate about
a gill, and repeat the operation. Many of the women among the
clay-eaters chew plug tobacco and can squirt the juice through
their teeth as far and as straight as the most accomplished chewer
among the lords of creation.
My Diary. 55
GROWING TIRED.
Aprit 25. We have now been several weeks in the city and
the boys are beginning to tire of it. This every-day, humdrum
life is getting irksome, and the boys are anxious for a change.
Frequent changes and excitement are what kéeps up the: soldier’s
spirits. In the dull routine and idleness of camp, they grow un-
easy, homesick and despondent.
FORT MACON.
May 1. Martial law not being a very favorable institution
for pleasure parties, | presume the usual May day festival is dis-
pensed with here as I have not seen any parties out or demonstra-
tions of any kind going on. I should think a May party here
might be very successful as the woods abound with wild flowers
in great variety and beauty.
Fort Macon surrendered to Gen. Burnside last Friday even-
ing, after a bombardment of eleven hours. The general succeed-
ed in getting his siege guns in battery behind some sand ridges
about half a mile in rear of the fort, unobserved by the garrison,
and the first notice they had of his presence was a shot from one
of the guns. After holding out for eleven hours and seeing they
could make no defense and that there was no chance for escape,
they hauled down their colors. By this surrender, 65 guns and
450 prisoners, with stores and ammunition, have fallen into our
hands. Their loss was eight killed and twenty wounded. Our
loss was one killed and five wounded.
, A good story is told in connection with the surrender of this
fort to the Confederates. After the war broke out and they were
seizing the forts, a strong force of Confederates, with a great
flourish of trumpets, presented themselves one morning at the sal-
lyport of the fort, demanding its immediate and unconditional
surrender. Now it happened that the only occupants of the fort
were an old ordnance sergeant and his wife who had_ been in
charge of the property for many years. The old sergeant came
to the gate, and looking over the crowd, said to the officer in
command that under the circumstances he thought the garrison
might as well surrender, but he would like the privilege of taking
the old flag and marching out with the honors of war. To this
the officer assented and the old sergeant hauled down the flag and
winding it around him, he and his wife marched out, greatly to
the surprise of the officer, who found that they two comprised the
whole garrison.
May 8. Our city life:is about over; we have orders to break
up housekeeping here tomorrow and go on a rusticating tour in
the country. Among the boys all is speculation as to where we
are going and what our errand is.
A TRIP INTO THE COUNTRY.
May 9. After nearly two months of scrubbing and cleaning,
With new caps and pants, the 25th regiment stands in column of
56 My Diary.
a
platoons on Pollock street, as tony a looking regiment as there is
mm the service. The colonel and staff with the band take the
—_ of the column, and amid the cheers of hundreds*of darkies,
ar sa pein ee Leaving the city we soon enter the
4 alt arching about three miles, come out to a cot-
ton plantation. Here we make a short halt and look over the
place. It looks rather run down, the house is old and out of re-
pair, the negro quarters are built of logs, and look as though they
were hardly habitable. But I presume everything on a planta-
tion has to correspond. The gentlemanly proprietor, whoever he
was, has left, taking with him the best of his servants, leavin
here a few old ones to shift for themselves. : .
: A tew miles further on, we came to another cotton planta-
tion. Phis presented a better appearance, a neat cottage house
painted white with green blinds, good barns and surroundings,
The negro quarters were comfortable looking houses, built “of
boards, with glass windows, and whitewashed. This gentleman
with his servants had also gone up the country. About two
miles further on, at a fork of the road, we found the 17th Massa-
chusetts, Col. Amory, doing picket duty. Here a road branched
to the right leading into the woods, which we took, following it
about four miles, coming out at a small clearing, where was a little
red house and log barn, with a few negro eabins, This is known
as the Red house, and we relieve the od Massachusetts, which is
doing picket duty. And this then is to be our home for a while.
It certainly is retired and rural, not another house within’ four
miles of ye The clearing is not over twelve or fifteen acres in
extent, with a small creek running through it. Woods to the
right of us, woods tothe left of us, woods to the front of us,
woods all around us. This surely must be the place for which
Cowper sighed, when he wrote,
“O! for a lodge in some vast wilderness.”
After getting a little rested from the long march, we pitched
our tents in a field a short distance from the house. The colonel
and his famiiy, with the band, pitched their camp in the large
shady yard next to the house. The.tents up, the picket guard is
detailed an] posted; a part of them along the road we came up
and connecting with the 17th Massachusetts, a part along the
road to the right, and connecting with the 27th Massachusetts
stationed at Bachellor’s creek, and the balance along the roads
and horse paths leading into Dixie. The tents up, the pickets
out, dress parade and supper over, I reckon the country must be
safe for one night at least, and I will improve it by trying to get
some sleep and rest, for it will be just my luck to be on the detail
tomorrow.
MR. BOGEY.
May 11. This place is what is called a turpentine plantation,
where they get the pitch from which turpentine is distilled. The
My Diary. 57
owner, Mr. Bogey, a harmless, inoffensive old gentleman, claims
to bea Union man, and I reckon he is, because he does not run
away or seem to be afraid of us. He tells me he owns 2000 acres
of land, nearly all turpentine forest, and has 10,000 trees running
pitch. He said the war had ruined him and thinks it has the
whole south. He said the rebels had taken all but one of his
horses and about everything else he had that they wanted. His
niggers had all left him and gone down town. He expected that
when we came, but cared very little about it, as he had only a few
and they were about as much trouble and expense to him as they
were worth. He said he was getting old, his business was all
broke up and by the time the war was over and things settled he
would be too old for anything. J asked him if all those pigs ran-
ning about in the woods were his. He reckoned they were. I
inquired if he knew how many he had. He couldn’t tell exactly,
but reckoned there was right smart. The thought occurred to
me that if that was as near as he could tell, if a few of them were
gobbled they would never be missed, provided the squeal could
be shut off quick enough. I learn that Gen. Burnside has given
Mr. Bogey a protection, whatever that is. That perhaps may do
well enongh for him, but I should not want to warrant it a sure
thing for all these pigs and sheep running about here.
CAMP BULLOCK.
Our camp is named Camp Bullock, in honor of Alex. Hi.
Bullock of Worcester, Mass. Today the boys are busy writing
letters home, and it troubles them to tell where to date their let-
ters from. They invent all sorts of names; some of them with a
- romantic turn of mind, date from Camp Rural, Woodlawn, For-
estdale, Riverdale, etc., but Mason, with a more practical turn of
mind, dates his from Hell Centre. The boys who were out in the
woods last night say it is great fun, although they were not dis-
turbed; there is just enough excitement and mosquitoes to keep
them from getting drowsy.
PICKET DUTY.
~
May 14. I was out in the woods yesterday and last night
on picket duty, and picket duty is simply lying around in the
brush watching the approach of outside parties. Parties ap-
proaching in the night time and failing to promptly respond to
the hail of the picket are given an instantaneous passport to a
land that is fairer than this. A picket is composed of three or
more men stationed at convenient distances from each other along
the roads, horse paths and anywhere an enemy might be sup-
posed tocome. One keeps watch while the others sleep, but
with the hooting of the owls, sand-fleas, woodticks, lizards and
mosquitoes, their repose is a good deal disturbed.
A SCOUTING PARTY.
Yesterday Col. Upton with a strong scouting party went out
58 My Diary.
to Tuscarora, a little hamlet about five miles distant, where is the
enemy’s outpost and where is kept a party of observation. On
the approach of the colonel and ‘his party they left, but before
doing so set fire to anew steam saw and grain mill which was
destroyed. Mr. Bogey was a good deal vexed at the destruction
of this mill. He said it was built only two years ago at a cost of
$5000 and was a great accommodation to the people here abouts,
and he, with other farmers, put in their money to help build it.
These people have a great notion of burning their property on
our approach. I really cannot understand’ it. They ought to
know that it is of no use to us, and in the end will be a sore loss
to them.
WE GO OUT MAKING CALLS.
May 16. For some time past the pickets of the 17th Massa-
chusetts have been a good deal troubled by being fired on in the
night. The enemy’s cavalry would come down, a few of them
dismount and creeping up would fire on them, They would
sometimes have cow bells with them, in order to divert attention
and get nearer. But the boys soon learned that dodge, and when
they heard a cow bell, would draw their straightest bead on it
and let fly. In this state of affairs it was thought best to make
those: fellows a-call, and if they wanted anything of us to give
them an opportunity to take’ it. So, yesterday morning, we
marched out to the Trent road, where we joined the 17th Massa-
chusetts, with five companies of the 3d New York cavalry and a
section of a battery, the whole under command of Col. Amory,
of the 17th. The cavalry taking the advance, we marched up
the road a couple of miles, coming to adeep gully or ravine;
crossing this, the advance cavalry guard soon came upoh the ene-
my’s pickets, driving them in ‘and beyond their station into a
swamp, where they formed an ambuscade, thinking there was
only a small cavalry force and that they might capture them. By
this time the infantry had come up to their rendezvous, which was
a large, nice house, with ample barn room for their horses.
Thinking this was too good accommodation for them and too near
our line, it was set on fire and burned. We now heard firing
ahead and hurried on. They had closed around the advance
cavalry guard, and commenced the fight. The other companies
being close by soon took a hand in it and were giving them about
all they wanted when the infantry came up. When they saw the
infantry and artillery they took to their heels towards Trenton, a
small village a few miles distant.
Col. Upton wanted to follow them up and give them some
more, but Col. Amory being in command, thought we had accom-
plished our purpose and had better return. In this skirmish the
enemy lost eight killed and two prisoners, one of them wounded.
Our cavalry had two wounded. The wotnded men were brought
out and loaded into an ambulance. When they brought out the
My Diary. 59
wounded rebel they put down the stretcher on which he was lying
near where I was standing. He was a smooth-faced, patton
boy, and was moaning piteously with pain from a bullet ab a oa
his head, and asking himself what his mother would say when hs
heard of it. His thoughts turned on his home and of his mot val
I pitied the boy, but could not help thinking, asa gavalry ares
told him, he should have thought of that before being caug
here. We arrived back in camp late in the afternoon, tired, hun-
gry and covered with mud. IT reckon they will not eee et
pickets any more at present in the way they have done. sve
ing up in the dark and firing on a lone picket is mean hai 90 .
ardly. If they want anything of us let them come in force an
get it; that is proper and honorable.
REASONING.
May 20. Lying around here in the woods, hearing no sound
but the moaning of ‘the wind through the tree tops, is rather dull,
business. There is nothing in it that inspires any lofty, i ig oe)
thought, and yet it inspires thought, and already one of Mr. oa
gey’s sheep has fallen a victim to thoughts inspired by the ae ;
ing of the wind through this dark forest shutting out the Mir os
reckon it will not be necessary to say anything to Mr. Bogey abou
it, as he is a loyal man, and, as the lawyers say, the presumption
is he would be more than glad to contribute a mutton in suppres-
sion of this unholy rebellion.
THE PINE FORESTS.
The woods here abound in timber of the finest description,
many of the trees attaining a height of more than 100 feet. It is
seldom one is seen of moré than two feet in diameter at its Mes
tapering but slightly and without limbs for a distance of from be
to 80 feet. I have seen some that would square fifteen inches,
feet from the stump. These are the turpentine trees, and ae
pitch, or turpentine as it is called, is obtained by cutting a ae
deep box at the base of the tree capable of holding two a age
quarts of the pitch. From each corner of the box ys hg is
stripped off, coming to a point about three feet abov et he Mari
This is done-when the tree is first-boxed. The next year about
three feet more of the bark is removed, coming to a point as be-
fore. This process goes on until the tree is. blazed fora distance
of 20 or more feet, and can be done on the east, south and w est
sides of the trees. ‘The tree will ran pitch quite a number of
years before it dies, and is then called lightwood, and is either
split wp into rails or converted into tar. The pitch that rene
the boxes is dipped out into barrels, and is called dip or Ma
turpentine, while that which adheres to tie tree is scraped oft by:
is calléd scrape, and is less valuable -than the dip. The pitch 4
barreled up and sold to the distillers. ‘Tar is obtained by cutting
the lightwood into lengths of about eight feet and split mae} Ny
tunnel-shaped hole is dug in the ground, with the center abou
60 . My Drary.
three feet deep, and from the center a drain runs to a barrel or
vat sunk low enough in the ground to receive the tar as it runs
from the kiln. The wood is packed in this hole with the ends to
the center, keeping the center lowest; when all the wood required
for the kiln is piled up, the sides and top are plastered over with
¢lay, and the fire kindled on top. The fire smouldering down
through the pile, tries out the tar, which settling to the bottom,
runs out into the vat, and is then barreled. A kiln will run from
ten to twenty barrels according to size.
THUNDER STORMS.
May 28. It has rained almost constantly for the past week
and when it rains here in Dixie it is no drizzle, but comes down a
perfect waterfall, sometimes for twelve hours together, accompa-
nied with lightning and thunder of the grandest description.
There is a grandeur in one of these storms at night, when in the
woods among the tall pines, far away from the camp on picket,
that no person can form much of an idea of unless they have
been there to witness it. On such a night the solitude is awfully
ampressive, the picket stands concealed behind a tree in the drench-
ing rain, solitary and alone, absorbed only in his own reflections
and looking out for the lurking foe. The vivid lightning with
almost continuous flashes illumines the grand old woods, while
peal after peal of deafening thunder breaks, rolls and rumbles
athwart the sky, sending back its echoes, as though an hundred
batteries filled the air. Although there is a grandeur beyond de-
scription on such anight, there are very few of the boys, how-
ever, who care enough about witnessing it to be very anxious
about going. But it has got to be done, and somebody has got it
to do, so after the detail is made, they go off cheerfully, consoling
themselves with the thought that they can have all the whiskey
they want when they get back the next morning. /
CHAPTER IV.
A CHANGE OF BASE.
June 1. And now something else has turned up, and here
we are encamped just outside the city and behind our batteries.
The order to move took us by surprise, as the first notice we had
was to pick up our traps and be ready to march in half an_ hour,
At the time appointed everything was packed and loaded on the
wagons and we were on the march. Dark found us here with our
tents up ready for housekeeping, and our coffee boiling for supper.
All this and a march of twelve miles in one afternoon. Two
companies, G and K, are left back for a few days, and are assisted _
by cavalry. All the advance regiments are drawn in behind the
My Diary. 62
forts and the whole division, with the exception of three regiments,
are now here. I have heard no reason why the division is con-
centrated, but perhaps the general expects company and intends
to be in readiness to give them a right royal reception. Our line
of defenses extends from the Neuse to the Trent rivers, a distance
of about one mile, and on the line are three forts mounting in all
32 guns. There are also eleven light batteries of six guns each,
with gunboats on the rivers that have an enfilading range in front
of the line. With 10,000 troops behind the works, with a wide
open field in front, it looks as though our position was a pretty
safe one, and if anybody comes here with any hostile intent, hell
will begin to fill ap pretty soon after they get within the range of
our guns. Our life up in the woods, on the whole was rather a
pleasant one; I reckon the boys rather enjoyed it and were in no
hurry about leaving. There was less restraint on them, they
could doa little more as they pleased and were free from the
drills, parades, red tape and formalities of the regular camp, with
just enough excitement about it to keep them from getting dreary
and homesick.
CAMP OLIVER.
June 6. We are now ina neatly arranged camp on some-
what elevated ground at the west side of the city, and abont a
quarter of a mile to the rear of Fort Totten, a large field fortifi-
cation mounting twenty heavy guns.
the left or rear of the column, and immediately faced about and
started on the double quick for the batteries. In the meantime,
while our troops were leaving the field, the enemy had been rein-
forced, and, secing the batteries alone, and perhaps thinking they
might be out of ammunition, thought it would be a nice little
trick to capture them. In going to the relief of the batteries we
had to run 2 gauntlet of shot and shell from a six-pounder battery
now got their range well down, the shot just skimming over us
one shell had burst in front of us, killing one man and Wonniane
: two others. They had a splendid range on me as lee in spe.
of my company. About once a minute a shot wohli:conis ti as
ly over me, striking the ground only a few feet in the cc Tae 4
what made it more provoking, they kept getting them lo uw oat
til I had flatted out as thin as a sheet of tissue ya vg Wes ald
stand this no longer, and told the boys in front of ae ti t rea
shot were coming dangerously close, and they had cae ake 5
break by crowding a little to the right and left. | mill inh *
about ten feet to the left and would liked to have a mG.
ten miles to the rear. That movement was barely Cater en
a shot ploughed a furrow through the space they had made ‘eas
that was their last shot, for after the charging column tal tur a
the guns-were turned on that battery, and annihilated it at tl raat
discharge, or at least, I supposed that was the case, ; sd re roa
nothing more from it. It was now after sunset ania an
more reigned in Warsaw.
W € waited awhile to see if they wanted anythine more of
us, and finding they did not, we again drew off the fi nia On
coming to the little creek, which we had crossed Aonk ie rin
hour before, we now found a roaring torrent siti biel ‘all,
with barrels, rails and pieces of timber borne on the surfs sg we :
switt current. We liad got to go through it, and the tae h ia.
a ing their rifles, cartridge boxes and blankets above thela. hia ‘
yaded in. The water was waist deep, and when my e ; ry
went in I waited onthe bank, thinkine I would step pa Syr ogres
those
heard
peace once
IRC eI FI NN Me
aeteahinalietitiaiesme einai aam endian tee uieie atiea ee
_as they passed by, but I made a wrong calculation of the bank
When I stepped in, I went in all over, and in trying sae
myself, I let ¢ aa int i men Soe bis
th » 1 let go my cartridge box, blanket and Spitfire, but caught \
last between my knees, and commenced ducking to niet ha
: oe major was standing on the bank, cautionine the bove to kee 4
. I \ 7 "a ye : 2
ee powder dry. When he happened to observe me are e
through my aquatie performances he yelled yociferously : “What
Abe cee eR
out in the woods, a little to the left and front of our batteries, rt im hell are ‘you doine there? Why don’ yaad
who were supporting their charging brigade. We went to Bel- “up out BA hia’ 4 on He T id ty dont you keep your powder ;
NES 4, Rady Le.v7 ‘rinson’s , santime ay * water ¢ ald no attenti ‘i a
ger’s support, and the 27th to Morrisson’s. In the meantime the reaching for Aeiare ana ates angen ve to him, but kept |
batteries had opened fire on the charging columns but without would nearly take n ff ’ k ‘ reached for it, the current a
Pay RE The ee ; ER ROR EF Rey arly take me off my feet. After I had sue nh
em. cr . 2 rape f s 4 : ‘ i ad s Leeda.
checking them When we came up they were coming across the ing it out, I'turned my attention to tl _ had succeeded in fish- |||
‘ailroad; but another discharge from the guns, and seeing their Tenie Shwe druid t oi a o the major, and answered his TE
support, the enemy thought they had taken too much of a job, without Spitfire ? The mre Trane os “fs Lee powder was good for We
and facing about they put for the woods. HS ho ety najor laughed and jumping on a o& wn en
That little ahaha: in the woods was wonderfully active ~ Mage was ferried across. I was a little the as in “off of The or’ Wi
bd deowtivncte idee Vg : horton set uae for I was thoroughly soaked, as were also al the 106 Pat:
shying their shot and shell thick and fast. F ortunately their guns Ex (he niohs twa ' fais) 0] 1 e also all my belongings.
. : . > as Trees ro i; 5 s a l'S 2
had a high elevation, and the shot went several feet above our hal Wey bopid bly N Me we cold and in our wet clothes we felt it Si
heads. Théy soon corrected that, however, and the shot began Le Meee h TRIBE +t i fv + aes pee us to the woods, which %
A ; ror five miles through, and on tl i é
SY, ¢ 1e other side was ty ;
to come lower. Capt. Belger ordered us to lie down, Lamalways
; A a our last night’s bivouac. The advance tr
quick to hear that order, and was the first man down. They had — ght’s bivouac. ‘The advanec troops had set the woods
on fire and when we wer it w: i j
vent through, it was a roaring mass of flame.
84 My Diary.
This served us a good turn, as it lighted up the road and kept us
warm. We reached our bivouaec late in the evening, wet, cold,
tired and hungry, but our day’s work was not yet done. If we
wanted fires and hot coffee, we must go half a mile for rails and
tote them in on our shouldérs. We brought in a good supply
and soon had our coffee boiling. Our wagons were bare of meat
and whiskey, and our supper consisted of coffee and hardtack.
Through the long, weary night, wet, cold and hungry, we
stood shivering over the fires. Gladly we hailed the first grey
streaks of dawn and took fresh courage, knowing we should soon
be on the road for home. At sunrise the whole army was in mo-
tion, on the road for Newbern, where we arrived a little after.
noon on Sunday, the 21st, nearly dying from hunger and exhaus-
tion.
When we started on this expedition it was thought the wag-
ons contained an ample supply of rations, but our march up the
country was so impeded by blockaded roads and so vigorously
contested that it was prolonged beyond what was anticipated ;
besides it was an awful poor section of country for pigs, chickens
and apple-jack. On this little excursion, Gen. Foster’s army has
been out ten. days, marching 150 miles, cutting out several miles
of blockaded roads, building one bridge, doing considerable skir-
mishing, whipping the enemy three times on their own ground,
besides other mischief, such as burning the railroad bridge at
Goldsboro, burning a train of cars and smashing up an engine at
‘Mount Olive station, some ten miles down the road from the bat-
tle ground, and also tearing up the track between the two points.
This last deviltry the 3d New York cavalry is accountable. for.
There was also burned a quantity of cotton, several houses, barns
and many thousands of dollars’ worth. of fencing and timber. A.
very clever little job for one trip, but the results would have been
greater had it been done two weeks sooner; it would then have
xreatly hindered the reinforcing of Gen. Lee at Fredericksburg. -
Towever, there can no blame be laid to Gen. Foster, as he started
on the execution of his orders as soon as the troops arrived.
MAJOR PICKETT.
Our little major since the two last tramps has become very
popular in his regiment, and I expect when the eagles light on |
his shoulders we shall feel pretty proud of him. He is a staving
good fellow, and in a fight is always on the lead, inspiring the —
men with courage by his coolness and daring, On the road he is_
equally good, letting the boys have it pretty much their own way,
never troubling himself about how they came by their chickens
and apple-jack, and is often seen trudging along on foot, letting
some sick or footsore soldiér ride his giraffe. :
My Diary.
CHAPTER V.
THE NEW YEAR,
JANUA RY 1, 1863. By the blessing of God we haye entered
the portals of another year. Who knows what storms within it
hide? Who can tell how many of us will enter on another year ?
but Jet us not despond; let us look with bright hopes to the rr
ture, going manfully forward, overcoming all obstacles in our
path. We know the hardships, privations and dangers through
which we have passed the last year, perils thy sea and perils by
land, meeting death in a thousand forms, but by an. unseen hand
have been brought safely through. It has now been fifteen months
since our regiment was oxganized, and we then thought that by
this time the trouble would be over and the rebellion would have
become a thing of the past. But not so; it seems to have taken
deeper root and there is no telling when it will end. It is true
our armies have met with many successes and have also met with
some reverses ; the army of the Potomac has met with nothine
but disaster from the first and will probably meet with nothing
else until let alone by the war office at’ Washineton. The enemy
has a number of cruisers afloat making hayoe with our merchant
marine, and every success of their army inspires them with Fresh
hope and courage. I am reminded of what my new-found friend
here in town told me a few days after we came here, that I would
if nothing happened to me, serve out my three years and could
then re-enlist. I thought then the man was crazy, now I am not
quite sure but he was the better prophet of the two
THE MAJOR’S EAGLES.
: Fern. 1, At last the major’s eagles, which have so long been
winging their flight this way, have alighted on his shoulders, and
e (Ss aS pert : ‘amy as a wilde: ae
ooks as pert and gamy as a wildcat. Bully boy! long may
- you wave! Promotions will now come alone right’ smart, and T
: g right smart, :
fave no doubt I have been thought of for some important posi-
tion, but I shall decline all promotions; I had rather be a door-
keeper at the guardhouse than to dwell in the tents of wicked-
. ness,
WE LEAVE FOR PLYMOUTH.
_Newsern, Wepnespay, Maron 18. After months of idle
ness in camp, at last comes,a change. At 4 o’clock p.m orders
came to break camp, pick up our traps and be ready to march i
half an hour. Dark found seven companies of as ‘on board the
steamer Escort, bound for Plymouth. Companies A, E gen il
were left to follow on another boat. The night being ake 1
stormy we waited till morning before leaving. ister e ye
ST cS RCS in.
=
ee.
ie TA a a A Ae OORT OW eR et ES RA a aN
86 My Diary.
Marcu 19. Heavy northeast storm blowing this morning.
Steamer starts down the river and enters the sound about 10
o’clock, wind increases, the sound grows rough, the boat rolls,
the boys grow sick, the water bre: iks on deck and m: iny of them
get wet ; altogether the passage is rather unpleasant. We arrive
at the north end of the sound, near the entrance to Croaton sound,
about 9 p. m., and anchor for the night.
Marcu 20. This morning finds the storm unabated. The
boat starts at daylight, passing Roanoke island, and enters the
Albemarle, arriving at Plymouth late in the afternoon, where we
make our quarters in a large warehouse on the wharf.
Marcu 22. The garrison here consists of companies G,
Capt. Swift, and H, Capt. Sanford, of the 27th Massachusetts ;
company D, Capt. Howard, of the 5th Massachusetts; company
C, Capt. Cliffton, of the 1st North Carolina Union volunteers,
and part of a company of North Carolina cavalry. Several gun-
boats lying in the river. The fellows here are telling us bear
stories about one rebel General Garnett (whoever he is) and his
brigade which is hovering around here.. I think he must be quite
a harmless character to let so small a garrison as this go undis-
turbed, but it is possible he has a wholesome fear of Capt. Flusser
and his gunboats. This town has undergone quite a change
since we were here last-fall. During the winter the enemy made
a dash in here, setting the town on fire, burning up the ‘central —
and business portion of it.. These people have singular ideas 5 :
they seem to think that by destroying their property, they are in
some way damaging us, but if we destroy any property it is ats
great piece of vandalism. I reckon they will sometime see their
mistake and repent of it in dust and ashes.
GEN. FOSTER ARRIVES.
Marcu 24. Gen. Foster arrived this morning and went to
work laying out a fort and other defences which we are to build.
That job done, he took companies F, land K of the 25th and
H of the 27th Massachusetts with a party of marines, and a
boat howitzer (on board his boat, the John Ferrin,) and left
on some sort of an excursion up the Chowan river. The gen-
eral is no idler, he is always on the move and seeing that
everybody else is. He is ubiquitous, turning up at-any time in-
all parts of his domain, and keeping everybody within fifty miles
on the qui vive.
( PITCHING CAMP.
Marcu 27. We have cleared off the debris from a portion
of the burnt district and pitched our camp there. The colonel
might take a little more pride in showing us up to the naval offi- —
cers at dress parade than he did when we were here last fall, but
he is in command of the post; Lieut. Col. Moulton is in command —
A\
My Drtary. 87
of the regiment and he will do the honors. The 46th Massachu-
setts has arrived and will pitch their camp ou the right of us, in
the burnt district.
WORK ON THE FORT,
Work commenced today on the defences. Capt. Foster of
Company D is to be superintendent and general boss. I was de-
tailed to take command of a workine party from my company.
Now this was all néw business to me. I knew nothine about
building forts, so I stood with my men and looked on. This was
not very hard work, but after a spell the captain’ said, “Bring
your men this way.” ~The order was promptly responded to, and
the boys set to work. I thou eht they worked well enough, al-
though I noticed that the bank in front of them did not rise very
fast, but I supposed that was owing to the hardness the soil.
After a while they complained of fecling ‘ad; I 1 them to
rest, and they squatted. After that they seemed to be tired pret-
ty much of the time. . The captain would come along : ask me
why my men were not working. I would answer hi iat they
were tired, and after resting would handle their spades right
smart. At night we had a bank thrown ahout a rod long and
nearly a foot high, but the boys worked well and I know they
will sleep well after it. ‘
Companies A, E and UT arrived yesterday, and also the com-
panies of the expedition who left with the general, exce pt com-
pany I, which remains at Edenton for afew days.
CHYRCH SERVICE.
Marcu 29. Church service today for the first, time in sey-
eral weeks; we occupied the Methodist church. Chaplain James
diseoursed on neutrality. He said there could be no such. thing
as neutrality ;a man must be one thing or the |
who do not deélare for the government, should be treated as its
enemies. The house was well filled with soldiers and the eal-
leries running around three sides of the house were filled with
darkies, who somewhat resembled an approaching thunder squall.
‘ther, and those
{
1
‘
PICKET DUTY.
Arrit 5. I fear I was not, appreciated on the fort, as I was
superseded after my first day’s effort and have since been as-
signed to other duty ; ; but I nobly served iIny country, and [ know
that history will do me justice. Yes sterday I was out ra the
country among the wild flowers. I went out with a picket guard,
about three miles in a southeaste tly direction, to what is anal
Mills cross-roads, relieving the old picket. After spre “ding our
blankets on the grass beside the fence, we entered y igorously on
our duty of waiting and watching for the rebel Gen. Garnett, and
listening to the sweet warbling of the singing birds. There is
88 ! My Diary.
nothing in picket. duty that stirs upa great amount of enthu-
siasm, but still it is ‘a eood steady business, with occasion: uly a
little r: ay of excitement, as when a d: arky comes along and one
has to examine his pass. :
About the middle of the afternoon, we heard the ap proach
of horses, and looking up the road, saw two ladies coming at a
swilt ¢ lop towards us. My first impulse was to charge cavalry,
but | refrained from doing so, as I saw they were not enemies.
As they came up, I recognized Mesdames Bartholomew and Cliff
ton. IT turned ‘out the guard and extended to them the customa-
ry civilities. They said they were out for an afternoon’s ride
and supposed it was as far as they could go in that direction. I
told them they might go farther if they wished, and T should be
pleased to furnish them an escort, only it would weaken my lines.
They laughed and thanked me for my gall: intry, but thought
they had better not venture farther, I inquired if there were
any news stirring in town, and they answered, “All quiet on the
Roanoke.” They then bade us good afternoon and started on
the retreat. There is no church service tod: iy; all hands are busy
at work on the fort, and things are beginning to look as though
war was liable to break out at almost any time.
NEWS FROM ALONG THE LINE.
Aprin 10.
continues, and
learn they
of being made prisoner. That may beg but I will bet ten to one
he holds the keys and will never take off his ¢: ap to any general
in the Confederate service.
Apri 16. Work goes bravely on at the fort; one gun
mounted today and if we ean have two or three d: 1yS more we
shall be ready to receive comp: ny.
well handled, and with the aid of
resistance.
a force, going overland to the relief of Gen. Foster, but when
about half w: vy there he got scared and turned back. Gen. Foster
will not compliment him very highly for that feat. I have heard
arumor that we have had an invitation to surrender; that a flag
of truce came to our lines and requested an interview with the
post commander. Col. Pickett went out. They said something
about his surrendering, when the colonel replied he had not been
in communication with his superior receutly and had received no
orders to surrender, and that under the circumstances he thought
it wouldn’t look hardly military to surrender without first bura-
ing a little powder over it. He then disinissed the flag. Bravo,
colonel, bravo!
Pamlico river
from there every day. We
The siege of Washington on the
heavy firing is heard
the boats ean make a stubborn
have got Gen. Foster shut up there and he is in danger
Our little foree here is being
We heard that Gen. Spinola left Newbern with quite.
My Diary. 89
EVACUATION.
Aprit 19. The steamer Thomas Collyer arrived last night,
bringing dispatches of some kind, but just what we were un: able
to find out. This morning, however, the mystery was cleared up.
The 12th New York battery was on the wharf, the 46th Massa-
chusetts and the other detached companies were bre aking e: amp,
preparatory to going aboard the boat. This meant evacuation
and going to the relief of Foster. The 25th of course is to be
the last to leave, and we cast the last sad, lingering look on Ply-
mouth. That is always our style; the first in and last out, and
never lost a battle. But just here, the uncertainty of all things
human is again illustrated. Just as the troops were aboard, the
old Massasoit comes puffing up the river, bringing the welcome
news that Foster has run the bloo *kade ana: the order of evacuation
is countermanded. Cheer after cheer rends_ the air, smiles licht
up every countepance and hope takes the place of despair. But
won't there be larks n¢ yw, though? If the ak is anybody hanging
around Washington who does not belong there, the +y had better
be getting away.
COLONEL SISSON,
It seems that after Aes tape Vs abortion and the troops’ return
to Newbern, the brave Col. Sisson of the 5th Rhode Island was
so disgusted with the whole thine that he proposed going with his
regiment alone to Foster’s relief. He and his regiment went aboard
the steamer Escort, and on the evening of the 13th, under cover
of a heavy fire from the gunboats on the batteries at Hill’s Point,
seven miles below W ashineton, he sue cessfully ran the block: ade,
arriving at Washington w ith his troops and supplies. ‘The next
evening, with Gen. Foster aboard, he again ran the guantlet,
landing the general safely in Newbern. But it is said the Escort
looked. like a pepper- -box irom the shot holes made in her while
running the gauntlet. On this perilous trip only one man (the
pilot) was killed. The little garrison at Washington held, out
bravely. It consisted of only eight companies of the 27th and
the 44th Massachusetts regiments, two companies of the Ist
North Carolina, one company of the 8d New York cavalry and
one New York battery, aided by two or three gunboats on the
river. Against this small force was opposed some 12,000 of the
enemy as near as we can learn. After Gen. Foster got away they
did not seem to care to wait for his return, but folded their tents
and silently stole away.
RE ICE
8 Re MEP
SE eA aT ESSA” dena ReN seer asmemtamasisemetn amma menme
| ARI
RE ear RE RT
ne
ALL QUIET ON THE ROANOKE.
Aprit 24,
The noise of the battle is over and we are no
longer harassed by war’s dread alarms, but can now sit down, eat
g
our fresh shad and herring and drink our peach and honey in
peace and quiet.
90 “My Diary.
A BROKER’S OFFICE. a
Our provost marshal, Major Bartholomew of the 27th Mas- ‘ me
sachusetts, has opened a broker’s office, where he is exchanging ao
salt and amnesty for allegiance oaths, and as this is the fishing a
season, he is driving aright smart business. The natives for e aS
miles around come in droves, take the oath, get their amnesty ;
papers and an order for salt, and after being cautioned not to be ie
found breaking their allegiance they go away happy. There are i
probably some honest men among them who would like to do me:
about right if they dared to, but the whole thing looks ludicrous, oe
for there is evidently not one ina hundred of them who would mee
ever think of taking the oath were it not for the hope of obtain- “
ing a little salt. ‘The boys call it the salt oath. . ars
A GOOD SENSIBLE TALK,
Aprin 28. I was out in the country yesterday, doing pickep =
duty, and fell in with an old gentleman with whom I had a good i
sensible talk. He was an intelligent, well appearing man, who SF be
said he was a farmer, or had been one until the breaking out of r.
the war. He owns a plantation just outside our lines, but is not (ae
permitted to go into town. He is“allowed to ptrchase in small 097 7
quantities such articles as he may need by sending in his negro a :
man or getting the boys to bring them out. He said at the com- ie
mencement of the secession movement, he and all this part of the
state, in fact nearly all of the state, was opposed to it, and in two
state conventions, to both of which he was a delegate, the ordi-
nance of secession was rejected, and not until after South Caroli-
na on one side and Virginia on the other had gone out was the
ordinance of secession passed.
He said: “Situated as we were we could not remain neutral,
and although opposed to it from the beginning and all the time
even aiter the war commenced and all our young men had gone
into the army, it was but natural that [ should sympathize with
my own people.”
“Certainly,” [ replied, “but have you any hopes of the ulti-
mate success of the Confederacy?” z
“None whatever, and I told our people so at our conventions.
We are aruined people and the best thing we can lo is to make
. . >
peace with the government on any terms we can,’
“Yes, but you know the terms are very simple, merely to lay oa
down your arms and return to your loyalty to the goyernment.” are
“Yes, I know it is simple enough now, but I reckon the gov- . =
ernment at Richmond is not wise enough to accept it, and the =~ on on
longer they keep up the war the worse we are off, and in the end aa 7,
we will have to accept such ternis as are dictated to us.”
A sensible old gentleman that, and I should have liked to -
go out to his place and sample his peach and honey, seupper-
nong and things. :
bus]
My Diary. 9k
‘
STOKES TAKES HIS LEAVE OF US.
An order was received here today from the war department
discharging Stokes from the service. When the order was read,
it took him by surprise as it was his first intimation of it. He
seemed disappointed and said he should like well enough to go
home a few days, but did not like the idea of going to stay and
>
thought he should be back with us again ina few weeks. He
left for home this afternoon. , I am sorry to lose Stokes and shall
miss him very much. He was my chief of staff and I placed
great reliance on him. He was one of our best boys, possessed
of excellent judgement, and was unsurpassed in the secret service.
I parted with him with many regrets and shall always retain
pleasant memories of our soldier life.
WE RETURN TO NEWBERN.
May 3. Attended church this morning. Steamer Thomas
Collyer arrived this afternoon with orders for the regiment to re-
port at Newbern. All was bustle and hurrah boys; down came
the tents and a general packing up followed. At: dark we were
aboard the boat, and, giving three cheers to Capt. Flusser and his
men, steamed down the river. We hada beautiful moonlight
night and a splendid sail down the Albemarle ; arriving at New-
bern in the afternoon of the 4th, we went into the Foster bar-
racks for the night.
ON THE OLD CAMP GROUND.
May 5. This morning we pitched our tents once more on
Camp Oliver. This seems like home again. We shall now. have
little else than guard duty to perform, keep ourselves slicked up
and do the town. — This is what we call being on waiting orders,
but as the colonel has not had a hack at us lately, I presume he
will want to practice, some new evolutions he has been studying
up out of the tactics. At any rate, we shall not long remain idle.
THE BOYS’ STORY.
May 25, For the past day or two I have been a good. deal
amused and interested in hearing the boys relate their adventures
at Dover and Gum swamps. Their stories conflict a little, but as
near as I can make it out I fix up a little story: To prepare it «
little, we hold an outpost and signal station some twelve miles up
the railroad, at Bachellor’s creek towards Kinston. This is gar-
risoned by the 58th Pennsylvania, Col. Jones. He is one of those
stirring, active, restless sort of men, always finding out every-
thing and getting interested in it. Well, he had discovered am
outpost of the enemy some ten or twelve miles in his front and
some six miles this side of Kinston, at a place called Gum swamp,
and garrisoned by a considerable force. Now it occurred to him
that it would be a capital joke to capture that post. So he comes
te
Ss
ace reaeenes
apne ne ee
EEL DINE Ce: ARE NE Me itm
Se
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AT ee SAS aa
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Sean ee
tgs i
92 My Drary.
down and shows his plans to the general, asking permission and
troops to carry them out. .He knew just who was there and how
many; he had been around that swamp half a dozen times and
knew all about it. That suited the general; he patted Jones on
the back, called him a good fellow and told him to sail in, and he
‘should have all the troops he wanted. +
On the afternoon of the 21st, the 25th, with two or three
other regiments, went aboard the cars for Bachellor’s creek. Not
feeling very well, I was excused from going. Arriving at the
creek, Col. Jones with his regiment heads the column, and leads
off into the woods. This was a night march, and just here I will
explain that always on the march, whether day or night, all the
officers that are mounted (and any of them can be who will take
the trouble to steal an old horse or mule), have a disagreeable
habit of riding up and down the column, opening it to the right
and left, and those that have the least business do the most riding.
The boys have become so accustomed to jumping out each side of
the road on hearing Right and Left, that this is about the first
thing they do on hearing almost any order.
THEY SEE A GHOST OR SOMETHING.
Sometime towards midnight the boys heard the ery, “Right
and Left, double quick!” They made a jump, and just then what
appeared to them like a streak of greased lightning went down ~
the line. They say it wasn’t a horse or man or anything they’
«ver saw, and they are so filled with the marvelous and supernat-
ural that some of them actually think they saw some sort of
phantom or ghost. What they saw was probably a frightened
deer or fox, but in the lone, dark woods, and near the witching
hour of midnight, with their nerves and imaginations strained to
their utmost tension, expecting that any moment, almost anything.
might happen, it is not surprising that they could see ghosts,
phantoms and witches. But it is laughable to hear them tell it.
A COUNCIL OF WAR.
Soon after midnight they reached Core creek. Here they
halted to rest and concert their plans. It was agreed that Jones,
with his regiment and the 27th Massachusetts should make a de-
tour around and gain the rear of the enemy, while the others were
engaging their attention in front. When they heard him thun-
dering in the rear, they were to charge in, and bag the whole
swag. The plan was successfully carried out, so far as the charg-
ing in was concerned, but as they charged in most of the enemy
charged out on either flank and escaped. They met with partial
success, however, as they captured 165 prisoners, one 12-pounder
gun, fifty horses and mules, and destroyed their camp and earth-
works. The conflict was not very severe, as they had only five or
six men slightly wounded. After having accomplished their ob-
P,
My Diary. 93
ject and sending off their trophies, instead of immediately start-
Ing on their return march, they lingered amid the scenes of their
triumphs until late in the afternoon, when the enemy in force,
swooped down upon them, cutting them off from the railroad
and with shot and shell greatly accelerated their retreat.
THE RETREAT.
Late in the evening they reached Core creek, and being a
little beyond pursuit, halted to rest. But instead of forcing the
march and reaching our lines the same night, they crouched down
and remained till morning. Then they discovered the enemy on
three sides of them, with an almost impenetrable swamp on the
other. This was Dover swamp, and as near asIecan judge was
similar to the one we went through on Roanoke island, only of
greater extent. There was only one choice, and that must be
quickly accepted. Into the swamp they plunged, with mud and
water to their knees, and thick tangle brush and briars higher
than their heads. They could go only in single file, and their
progress was slow and tedious. ‘Towards noon they were met by
another enemy; the water in their canteens had given out and
they began to experience an intolerable thirst. With a burning
sun above them and scarcely a breath of air, with all manner of
insects, reptiles and creeping things around them, their condition
was indeed pitiable, Still they pressed forward, some of them
filtering the slimy, muddy water through their caps or handker-
chiefs and drinking it, but it served better as an emetic than for
quenching thirst. About 2 p. m., they emerged from the swamp,
and nearly dying from exhaustion, reached our lines at Bachel-
lor’s creek. Here they had rest and refreshment, after which they
boarded the cars and arrived back to camp about night, tired,
ragged, covered with mud and completely played out. This was
their Gum swamp excursion as they tell it. After the boys had
left for home, the enemy still hovered around the vicinity of Col.
Jones’ camp, and in his impulsive way he went out to meet them,
and while skirmishing with them was shot dead. The enemy soon
afterwards retired. Col. Jones was a brave man but of rather
‘rash judgement.
HILL’S POINT.
Jury 3. Received orders for the right wing, consisting of
~companies K, I, F, C and B to break camp and be ready to march
at an hour’s notice. At noon the baggage was all on the wagons
and we awaited orders. At 1p. m., we were ordered into town,
and companies F, C and B went aboard the little steamer Mystic,
and companies K and [went aboard the Washington Irving,
~ bound for Washington on the Pamlico river.
Left Newbern at 4 p. m., and had a fine sail down the river
and through the sound, turning into the Pamlico about dark, and
running up to within a few miles of Washington, where we an-
ay
94 My Diary.
¢chored for the night. Early the next morning, we reached our
destination. Soon after we were ordered back down the river,
and companies K and [ landed at Rodman’s point, four miles be-
low town, while the Mystic kept op and landed F, C and B at
Hill’s Point, three miles lower down, relieving a New York bat-
tery company which was on duty there. ;
Our first’ business was to tote our baggage and camp equi-
page up the bluff, and under a broiling sun we worked hard, at
jeast I thought it was hard. I ¢: ried my knapsack up and was
so exhausted I thought I had better cele brate the rest of the day.
*I started out to explore the surroundings, and soon my eye rest-
ed ona board shanty at the foot of the bluff. T entered and
found a noble scion of African descent; he was running a restau-
rant, his whole stock consisting of vohti meal, with which he
made hoe cakes for the boys on the bluff. I inquired if he in-
tended remaining here or going with the company we had just re-
lieved. He said he should st: vy if he met with sufficient encour
agement from the boys. I gave him a great deal of encourage-
ment, telling him I thought he would have right smart of busi-
ness and would do well, that I would give him my patronage and
that he might commence now by making me one of his best hoe-
cakes for dinner. He said it would be ready in half an hour. | I
went out and worked hard during that time, watching the boys
get the freight up the bluff. I went for the cake and’ was shown
one about fifteen inches across and of goodsthickness., I began
mentally to size my pile, thinking I had been a little indisereet,
I inquired the price of that monstrosity, and was told it was ten
cents. I felt relieved and handing out the dime, took the cake
and went up the bluff. Here I met Spencer and asked him if he
had any meat. He replied, “just a little’’ I showed him the
hoe cake and said I thought we had better dine together; he
thought so, too. Getting a cup of water, we sat down on a log
and ate our Fourth of July dinner. The afternoon was used up
in pitching tents and mounting pic ‘ket guard. Thus was spent
the Fourth of July, 1863.
Sunpay, Jury 5. Like most other. Sabbaths in the army,
so was this; all day busy cleaning up the eamp ground, tearing
down the board shanties which former occupants had e rected and.
using the material for flooring in our tents. We had our Fourth
of July dinner today; bean soup, hoe cake and lemonade. Hill’s
Point is not a point in the river, as the stream here runs straight,
but is a bluff some 25 feet higher than the river and about 20
rods wide. It is the terminus of the table-land beyond, and is
formed by wide, deep ravines on either side which run back and
* soon ascend to the level of the table-land. Heretofore the enemy
had a habit of running batteries down here and intercepting the
boats coming up the river, forming a sort of blockade, causing
our gunboats - to waste right smart of ammunition, or necessitating
aN
‘feet higher than the other guns.
My Diary. 95
the marching of troops across the country from Newbern to
drive them out. During the siege last spring, they had a power-
ful battery here which caused Gen. Foster a heap of trouble.
Since then he has: occupied it himself. This is an intrenched
camp, sporting three brass six-pounder field pieces. When or by
whom these works were built is to me unknown, but they look
like the work of the enemy. They contain a great number of an-
gles; commencing on the edge of ‘the bluff next the river, th y
run seyeral rods along the edge of the ravines, then cross in front
of the camp, and from any part of the line can be got direct,
cross and enfilading fires. The three guns are in battery on the
flanks and center. Major Atwood is in command, and in his
absence, Capt. Foss of company F. Such is a description of our
present abiding place.
I GET PROMOTED.
Juny-7. Today a sergeant, corporal and eight privates from
each company have been detailed to m: mipulate the big guns. I
had the honor of being selected from my company, and was as-
signed the left gun, a most dangerous an { hazardous position. I
feel proud of my promotion and am sure I shall sustain the honor
of the artillery service. For a day or two we shall be under the
instructions oi a battery sergeant who will instruct us in loadings
and firings. We shall also have to inform ourselves from a small
book, giving instruction-in loading and_ firing, and in calculating
distances, elevations and depressions of the guns. My gun on
the left occupies a very commanding position, being some ten
From the top of the parapet to
the bottom of the ravine, it is some 30 or 40 feet, and a part of
the way nearly perpendicular, I have a range of the whole clear-
ing and covering both the other guns; because of its great nat-
ural strength and ‘commanding. position, I have dubbed it the
Malakoff. I being the senior sergeant, am styled on all hands,
by both officers and men, as the chief of artillery, a rank I accept
and have assumed all the privileges’which that rank implies.
The little steamer Undine plies between town and this port,
making her trips mornings and afternoons, giving us frequent
and easy transit to town. I intend giving my command two or
thtee passes a day, so they can v isit. te wa if they wish to. [Tam
going » to be liberal with them, and then if their professional ser-
vices should be required, I shall expect them to stand by those
guns and fight like bloodhounds till the last armed foe expires.
WHISKEY RATIONS.
Jury 10. This being an isolated post and several miles from
any commissery or sutler, the officers feared it would be terribly
infected with malaria; having regard for the health and w elfare
of the men, they prevailed on our assistant surgeon, Doctor
—
Biel, ete ae
Soe “=
Rie ise
as
fers
a
EAT SE ATT IRON A TSE EAPO NATAL SEAL APOE ge Ce ae
se ne ae EE ERE INNER
san LENGE ALE
96 My Diary.
Flagg, to order whiskey rations. Up went the order and down
came the whiskey, and now the order is to drink no more river
water, but take a little whiskey as-a preventive. This will prove
a terrible hardship to the boys, but the surgeon’s orders are im-
perative. The boys in camp get their whiskey at night, and the
pickets in the morning when they come in. After a barrel | of
whiskey has stood out all day in the sun and got about milk
warin, it is curious to observe the boys while drinking it. Some
of them with rather tender gullets will make up all manner of
contortions of face trying to swallow it, but will manage to get it
* down and then run about fifteen rods to catch their breath.
Commanders of companies deal out the whiskey to their men,
consequently I deal out to mine, and when I wish to reward any
of my braves for gallant and meritorious conduet, I manage to
slop a little extra into their cups. That keeps them vigilant and
interested and gallant. Meritorious condnct consists in bringing
‘ in watermelons, peaches and other subsistence, of which they
somehow become possessed, ,
‘
A CONFLICT OF AUTHORITY.
Juny 20. There is among army officers a constant jealousy
and strife for promotion and rank, watching and looking after
each other, fearful lest some one may be assuming some rank or
taking some privileges that do not belong to him. 1 have
been giving my men passes out of camp, and these passes have
been honored at headquarters. In consequence of that a spirit of
envy and jealousy entered the breasts of the infantry officers ; it
made them feel sore and uneasy, so they consulted together and
decided that that could no longer be allowed. They informed me
that I was exceeding my authority in passing men out of camp.
Being in a minority and not caring to exhibit any stubbornness
over so trifling a matter I magnanimously waived my authority
to issue the passes, but it was a big come down for the chief of
artillery. When I wish to leave I simply look in at headquarters
and say to the captain. “I propose going out.” If there is anything
in the pitcher he always says, “You had better come in, and take
something before going.” The captain is as generous as he is
brave, and brave men are always generous. Ath
A FIELD DAY.
Aveyst 1. We had been drilling and going through the
motions of artillery firing every day for a month, and a few days.
ago it was thought best to test our theory by a little practice.
Each gun was to fire eight rounds. The targets, about the size of
a large barn, were set up 600 yards in front of the guns.
At noon the pickets were called in from out the woods and
soon after the firing commenced. I ordered a blank to commence
with to see if the old gun would shoot. It spoke out splendidly ;
:
ve ‘
the inspecting officer; a very airy, pompous
‘did not fall in and inquired the reason.
. they were expecting to be inspected as
My Diary. 97
I was pleased with it; I then ordered a solid shot. Tt was fired
and went somewhere, I don’t know where: but it didn’t hit the
target. Calculating that a shell will travel a mile in seven sec-
onds and the target was about a third of a mile away, I thought
I would try one with the fuse at three seconds. It was fired and
burst at the muzzle of the gun. That was not satisfactory. I
then ordered another with the fuse at five seconds. This exploded
when about half way to the target. I began to think those. shell
were all intended for short range anyway, and ordered one at one
second. It was fired, aud heard it whizzing off through the
woods a mile away. I was disgusted with shell practice and
thought I would try canister. We fired one and I could see the
bushes cut away av about 200 yards. Those shots had been fired
at two degrees elevation. I ordered the corporal to sight the gun
at the tops of the trees out in the woods, and tried another can.
ister. This was better, the shot scattering about the target. We
had now only one more shot, I thought I would try a solid one,
and ordered the gun sighted at the top of the «: rget. This was
an excellent shot and I knew it must have gone very near the tar-
get as I saw the top of a tree shake out in the woods in a direct
line of the target.
On the whole, the firing was not entirely satisfactory, but the
gunnery was all that could be desired and I am inclined ‘to. think
the fault was in the ammunition. I think it must have been shop-
worn or second-hand. But perhaps I ought not to find too much
fault, as this was our first practice. Iam now impatient for an
attack, for I know we can hold this post against any force that
would be likely to be brought against it, and demonstrate to. the
country that we are heroes descended from heroes.
AN INSPECTION.
Aveusr 12. A few days ago orders came to get ready for
inspection the next afternoon. All was now hurry and bustle,
cleaning up camp, arms, equipments and clothing, and putting
Sabie. fs ps oie: : §
everything in order. The artillevists worked like beavers, clean.
ing up the gun carriages and limbers, using all the grease in’ the
kitchen to brighten them up. The old brass guns were polished
-up and shone like mirrors and we were congratulating ourselves
on being highly complimented.
At the appointed time, Lieut. Col. Moulton and Capt. Rawls-
ton of somebody’s staff put in an appearance. The captain was
i) young gentleman,
with a remarkable faculty of making his weak points conspicu-
ous. When the companies fell in, he noticed the artillery detail
Col. Moulton replied that
artillery, The captain
said he knew nothing about that, he was sent here to inspect. this
7
Pays ee AEM SB WET
: Lath Cnet area ms an ienaae mien seine
———SS
98 My Diary.
detachment as infantry and every man must fall in. Now that
was all right enough, only it placed me at a disadvantage, for E
had taken no thought or care of Spitfire since my promotion and
it was looking pretty bad. But I had no time to clean it
up, and T must say it was a sorry looking piece to take out for a
show. But as bad as it looked, | had the utmost confidence in
its shooting qualities, in fact F have never lost confidence in Spit-
fire but once, that was when I dropped it in the creek at Golds-
boxo.
We were marched out and paraded, and after the inspecting
officer had “sassed” Col. Moulton and nearly all ‘the other officers,
he commenced his job. He found right smart of fault, but didn’t
find a really good subject until he came to me. He looked me
over, and taking Spitfire gave it a very careful and thoreugh in-
spection. Handing it back he very gravely informed me that he
had inspected the whole army of the Potomac and had never be-
fore seen a rifle looking so bad as Spitfire, and. still further com-
plimenting me by saying IT was about the roughest looking ser-
geant he had ever seen. I nodded assent, venturing the remark
that I had been in the artillery detail while here and my rifle had
been somewhat neelected, but I had a gun on the Malakoff that
could knock the spots off the sun. He allowed that that was in-
solence and any more of it would subject me to arrest. Tmag-
ine the indignation of the chief of artillery on being threatened
with arrest by an infantry captain, My first impulse was to eall
my command, lash him to the muzzle of the gun on the Malakoff
and give him rapid transit over the tops of the pines, but better
thoughts soon’succeeded and I forgave him, thinking that perhaps
he was doing as well as he knew how. The inspection over, he
Aad not long to stay, as the boat was waiting for him. I noticed
the officers didn’t pet him very much and I don’t believe he got-
more than one drink.
MISS CARROLL,
Three or four miles out here, through the woods, lives a Mr.
Jarroll. "He has two sons in the 1st North Carolina union vol-
unteers, stationed up in Washington. He makes frequent visits
up there to see the boys and is often accompanied by his daugh-
ter, a rather good-looking young lady of about 20 years of age.
It sometimes happens that they get here early in the morning and
have to wait an hour or so for the boat, and will sometimes stop .
av hour on their return before going home. At these times they
are guests at headquarters and a few of us, without the fear of
the captain before our eyes, will happen in to have {chat with
the old gentleman and his daughter... She expressed a great fond-
ness for literature and claims to be “the only really literary young
lady in these yere parts.’” We occasionally fit. her out with such
story papers and magazines as we may have lying around, for
which she expresses great pleasure.
’
My Drary. 99
She one day inquired if we had read a certain piece of poet-
ry in one of the magazines we had given her. She was told re
had anc thought it very nice. We inquired if she re leased
with it. She replied she thought it was “Splendid! beadeift rp
We asked if she was fond of poctry. She said, she wile ex i a
ively fond of it and read a great deal; in a sly, blushing Mad iat
way, she hinted that she sometimes tried her hand at composing,
“Ah, indeed ; would you favor us with a few specimens some.
day when you come over? We should be pleased to look at thea?
She promised she would, and the next time she came she brought
a composition entitled “Lines to the Union Boys.’ They were
the merest doggerel, but we were loud in their praise and told
her that, by reading poetry and practising composing she would
excel ; that when the cruel war was over and we had retired to
the peaceful pursuits of life in our far northern homes, we hoped
to be reminded of her occasionally, by seeing some of her nti i
tions In print. She seemed a good deal pleased with such flatter-
Ing encomiums, but thought she would hardly attain to that dis-
tinction. Ithought so too. I askedifshe would allow me to take
a copy of the lines. during her absence up town, and she kind] /
consented. Below is the copy : :
I suppose you have herd of Swift creek
An the victory there was won
The yankee boys was wide awake
An they made them rebels run.
Cuorus—Farewell Father an Mother
An a true sweetheart
An. the girls we leave in pain
Oh dont forget those yankee bys they are coming back again.
An when the yankees did come in
ss : ;
The guerrillas took to flight
An tore down the bonna blue flag
An hoisted the stars an stripes.
When South Carolina did secede
An surely did go out
The yankee boys must have bin asleep
They had not whipt her back
I take my stand in Richmond
An Swift creek Il persue
Ido not care for Whitford*
Nor none of his cowardly crew
The gurrillas hates the Buffalowst
But they dont care for that
If they dont shut their muuths an let them alone
They will make them clere the track
There is good many men in this war
By the names of Hill
An if the yankees dus get them
They will jarn them how to drill
*Whitford was a Guerrilla captain.
tBuffaloes were North Carolina Union volunteers.
SS
a ee
Saaeanep aan ar
Hh
i
Hy
iii
ths
iia
Hy
{
Hh
re aay Semen
My Diary.
There is good many men here
By the name of Whitford two
An when the yankees does get them
They will put them rebels through
The secesh girls look mighty loansum
Walking the road in there homemade homespun
The Union girls dont look sad
Walking the road in there yankee plad
An when the war is ended
The guerrillas they will say
They rather fight the devil
Than the boys that gains the day
Hold your toungs you secesh ones
An see what will be don
The yankees boys are bound to go
The whole hog or none
The Union men looks mighty grand
With there cork heel boots an their gloves on their hands
The secesh men looks mighty mean
Going through the woods an never are seen. CHORUS, &¢.
Now whatever fault can be found with the above lines, there
can certainly no fault be found with their loyalty.
WAITING TO BE RELIEVED.
We keep a small camp guard during the night and this duty
is assigned to the artillery detail, each gun’s company taking its
turn, which brings us on every third night. There are only four
posts, the guns and magazine, and as they only go on at tattoo
and come off at reveille, the duty is not very arduous. The guard
is divided into two reliefs, one going on the first part of the night
and the other the latter part; the duty is simply to keep their
ears open for any disturbance among the pickets out in the woods
and alarm the camp. The reliefs sleep in their quarters and are
calle® when wanted. The sergeant or corporal on duty occupies
a small wall tent, in which a candle is kept burning through the
night. Having my choice of time and it not making any differ-
ence to the corporal, I take the latter part, as I. prefer sleeping
the first part. I have a splendid corporal, I think the best in the
service; we go along together, and agree first rate. He is will-
ing to do all the work and I am willing he should. He posts the
first relief and then keeps his eyes open until it is time to post
the second relief, when he posts them and then comes and calls
me, when I relieve him. My work is now all done; all I have to
do is to lie down and go to sleep or busy myself with my reading
or writing, and call off the relief at reveille. If I am too busy to
attend to that duty (which I generally am), they take the respon-
sibility of relieving themselves, which is a great help to me and
relieves me of a great burden of care.
One night while on this duty the officer of the day came in
My Drary. : 101
and inquired if I would like to take a stroll and make a round of
the pickets. I replied that I should. We started out making
the round and not being in a hurry didnot get back till daylight.
I laid down and went to sleep, feeling that everything was all
safe and quiet on the Pamlico. About 7 o’clock I was called up
and told I was wanted at the magazine. I went out and there
stood Charley, 2 Roman sentinel amid the wreck of worlds. I
admired his fidelity, but I really couldn’t commend his judgment
and no explanation or excuses of mine availed in the least? he
was going to be relieved officially, and after he had got*through
with me I don’t think there were many more cuss words left in
him. [ certainly felt relieved if he didn’t.
THE ROVER. :
Capt. Foss somewhere picked up an old boat and with Jed’s
assistance put it in good repair, rigged up a sail, rated it A 1, and
named it the Rover. The captain is skipper and Jed sailing
master. She isa long, clipper-built craft, with a large spread of
canvas and a carrying capacity of ten or twelve persons. With
a spanking breeze she walks up and down the river like a thing
of life and makes nothing of sailing right around the little steam-
er Undine. She makes frequent trips to Rodman’s and oceasion-
ally to town. The captain selects the party he wants to take out
and I am sometimes honored with an invitation. We usually
run alongside the gunboat that lays here and take aboard the
second assistant engineer, who is a genial, good-natured old fellow,
full of his fun and stories, and then put for Rodman’s. We stop
there an hour and start for home. On the return trip, the old
engineer’s inventive powers will be a good deal quickened and
he will suggest various alterations in the rig and sail of the craft,
which will improve her sailing qualities, all of which Jed readily
accepts and is going to forthwith adopt, but the next day the
improvements are all forgotten and never thought of again until
another return trip from Rodman’s. A few days ago a small par-
ty of us made a halt at Rodman’s and found Sergeant Martin in
command. He did the honors, showing us about the camp and
extending hospitalities in a manner that would have done credit
toa prince. To my notion Sergeant Martin has got the correct
idea of holding a command, not to go dry himself nor let his
friends.
BIG JIM.
Big Jim, as he is called, is a character; genial, charitable,
good-natured, humorous and generous to a fault. He is quite a
theatrical character and loves to deal in romance and tragedy,
and he caters to the mirthful and fun-loving among the boys.
He does not amount to much as a soldier, but that is more his
misfortiine than from any unwillingness. He is of enormous pro-
portions and very fat, tipping the scale at 250 pounds. He is
102 My Drary.
sorely troubled with chafing when drilling or on the march, and
for that reason is excused from pretty much all duty. He is’a
sort of independent corps, doing duty when he feels like it; he
will often go out in the woods and relieve a man on picket who
happens to be taken sick. He sometimes has a feeling come over
him that he would like to get away from the noise and bustle of
the camp, and be alone by himself. At such times he takes his
rifle and goes to the little point, some 100 rods down the river,
where there is a picket post. Here he will stay two or three days
at‘a time, caring for no company except at night, and amuses
himself with fishing, reading and writing. He has become so en-
amoured of this kind of life, that he has taken the contract to do
the picket duty at that post and has made it his permanent resi-
dence, coming up to camp only two or three timesa week to see
the boys and get his rations. He has opened a.trading post down
there, and trades with the natives who touch there as they come
in their boats from up the bay or cove which sets back from there.
He has built himself a log house, and a sign over the door reads
“Cash paid for coon skins,” of which and other peltries he has
collected quite a quantity, and intends sending them to Boston
markets.
FURLOUGH.
Sepr. 20. Our last furloughed men have returned, and I
have the promise of one next week, and am congratulating my-
self on the prospect of once more seeing home, I am_anticipa-
ting a great deal when I get home; among other things the
pleasure of once more sitting down to a clean, well-spread_ table,
with a good square dinner before me. In anticipation of such an
event, I send by this mail a small bill of fare of such dishes as I
think I shall relish, and have ordered them to be ready and smok-_
ing hot on my arrival:
toast—Sirloin of beef, spare rib of pork, breast of veal, turkey with
cranberry sauce, chicken.
Baked—Bluetish, oyster dressing. Chicken pie.
Boiled—Halibut. Fried—Pouts.
Chicken salad. Lobster salad.
Oysters—Stewed, fried, escalloped. Clam chowder.
‘7 dozen Providence river oysters on the half shell.
Mashed potatoes, boiled onions,beets, turnips, squash, sweet corn, string
beans, succotash, stewed tomatoes, tomatoes sliced with vinegar or sugar, ap-
ple dumplings with sugar sauce; mince, apple, berry, lemon, cream and
custard pie.
Also one moderately sized pumpkin pie, say about thirty-six inches across.
and not less than eight inches deep; that is as small a pumpkin pie as I
care to bother with.
Oranges, apples, pears, grapes, chestnuts, walnuts, cider.
N. B. No boiled salt pork, beef soup or rice and molasses. I don’t
hanker for that. .
With that bill of fare, and such other things as my folks will
naturally think of, I reckon I can make a tolerable dinner.
My Diary.
CHAPTER VI.
Newport News, Va., Dec. 1, 1863. On receipt of my fur-
longh, which came promptly to hand at the appointed time, I, in
company with eight others from the three companies, leit Hills
Point for Massachusetts. I had 25 days at home, a part of which
L used up on the lounge, with chills and fever, and listening to
the expressions of sy mpathy from callers. Ordinarily, when a
person is sick, it is pleasant to be surrounded by sympathizing
friends, but a person with chills and fever does not want sympa-
thy; that only makes him mad. What he wants is whiskey
and quinine, and the more whiskey the better. [was asked if the
disease ever terminated fatally. [replied that the most provok-
ing thing about it was, there was not the slightest dia wer of dying
from it. After recovering from the chills and fever, | enjoyed
the balance of my visit very much, and reported back in New
York the next morning after the expiration of my furlough.
Arriving in New Yark, I went directly to the New England
rooms on Broadway. These rooms are a kind of free hotel for
New England soldiers en route through New York, buat will ae-
commodate any others when they are not full. The rooms are
well fitted up and there is a spacious loft or hall which is used for
sleeping with 100 or more single cots, on each of which is a good
mattress, pillow, a pair of woolen blankets and white spread. In
this room a man is in attendance day and night to attend to the
wants of patrons, preserve order and look after things generally,
The dining hall will seat about 200 persons, and the tables are
well supplied with plain, substantial, wholesome food. Another
room is used for a sick room or hospital, and is filled up with a
few cots and lounges, and the tables are well supplied with books
and newspapers. This room is presided over by a kind-hearted,
sympathetic lady, who was formerly a hospital matron in MeClel-
Jan’s peninsular campaign. Besides, there is the office and bag-
gage room, where one’s knapsack or other baggage is put away
and checked. The owner takes his check and gives no further
thought or care of his baggage until wanted, In addition to
these, are all other necessary conveniences, | These rooms | were
fitted up and are supported by the patriotic generosity of New
Englanders, residents in New York, and many are the thanks and
blessings they receive from their beneficiaries. Here I found
Spencer and Lewis, who were furloughed with me, and who had
just arrived. The clerk told us we must report to a certain quar-
termaster up town for instructions. We reported ; he examined
our papers, endorsed on the backs “reported back all right and on
time,” and told us we must report at the transportation office
104 My Diary.
down near the battery park. We reported, and were informed
there was no transportation waiting, but we must report every
morning in order to avail ourselves of the first boat that left.
RECLINING ON OUR MILITARY.
There were 100 or more soldiers waiting transportation to
Newbern, besides hundreds of others for all parts of the army.
The officer in charge of the office would no more than get his
coat off and sleeves rolled up, ready for business in the morning,
when we would appear to him. He would get rid of us by a
wave of his hand and “No boat for Newbern.” This continued
for several mornings, until he became tired of seeing us and hung
a card on the door with “No boat for Newbern.”
One morning the card was off and all hands made a grand -
charge inside. He gave us the cheering information that Gen.
Foster had moved his old brigade from Newbern to Fortress
Monroe, and he would give transportation by way of Baltimore
to as many of us as belonged to that brigade. No one seemed to
: know just what to do, and no reply was made to the statement.
After waiting a few moments, he inquired what we were going
to do. As no one spoke, I ventured the remark that I had re-
. ceived no official information of the remBval of the brigade or of
my regiment and until further orders, I thought I @ad better stick
to the order in my furlough and report in North Carolina. That
seemed to clear away the cloud that hung over the boys, and we
were soon on the street again.
The next morning, however, the clouds thickened again.
The officer said he had reliable information that the 23d, 25th
and 27th Massachusetts and 9th New Jersey regiments, together
with the 8d New York cavalry, were at Fortress Monroe; he was
going to give orders for. rations and transportation by way of
_ Baltimore to all those belonging to those regiments, and we
could come in the afternoon and get them. TI inquired if he was’
authorized to order us to report at Fortress Monroe. That gave
him a sort of blind staggers. He said he was not really, but it
would be all right enough, especially if we were anxious to join
our regiments,
I replied, “We are anxious to join our regiments, but as ev-
erything in military has to run in its regular groove, and as one
order holds good until another is given, it would hardly look mili-
tary to be acting on our own judement and hearsay stories, and
going off across lots, reporting somewhere else than where our
orders say.”
“You seem to be right on your military. Do you always pay
; as.strict observance to orders ?”
“That is the way we have been edueated, sir.”
That question settled, we were soon on the pave again.
My Diary. 105
AN ENCOUNTER WITH A POLICEMAN.
During our long wait for transportation we had a fine chance
of doing the city, an opportunity of which we availed
ourselves in the most thorough manner. We visited all places of
interest and everywhere that there was anything to be seen or
heard. One day Spencer and I, after a long ramble over the city,
wandered into City Hall park, and feeling rather tired sat down
on the City Hall steps to rest and watch the passing throng. We
had not sat there many minutes when a policeman came along,
and pointing to us with his cane, said: “You can’t sit there,
passed along. We regarded that as a sort of camp Tumor ang
kept our sitting. “He presently returned, and oe up . bs re
a very imperious manner, said: “How many times do you Te ab
want to be told that you can’t sit there?” I looked at him, anc
with all the innocence and simplicity I could assume, I said : ‘toa
see, sir, that we do sit here.” That shot struck below the —
line, and he then said: “What I mean is, you are not allow e¢ to
sit there.” “Ah! in that case we will remove hence, as you will
observe by our raiment that we are preseryers, rather than
breakers, of law.”
A VISIT TO BARNUM’S.
The outside of Barnum’s Museum is always covered with
immense show bills and people haye become so accustomed to
them that they attract but little attention, unless it is some new
and curious thing he has got on exhibition. Noticing a picture
of an enormous sea lion and reading glowing descriptions of 00
in the newspapers, I remarked to Spencer: “We had_ better ta e
that in.’ Now Barnum’s is a good place to go, as it is a highly
moral show, and inexpensive—twenty-tive cents giving one the
whole range from basement to attic. Taking those things into
consideration he thought we had better go, so one ,evening we
As Re our quarters at the office for tickets we ‘were ad-
mitted to the great show. After strolling around awhile and
looking at some of the minor curiosities, we went down into the
basement where is located the aquarium. We soon found the
sea lion. He laid on a large platform with his head towards the
grating and about three feet from it. At the rear end of the
platform was a large tank of water where he could bathe. He
was a harmless looking lion enough and resembled a mule as much
as alion. He looked like pictures I have seen of the walrus, and
laid there, a huge jelly-looking mass apparently dead, but on close
“inspection respiration was observable. We tried to start him up,
but he seemed to prefer quiet, and no motion with our arms and
caps had the slightest effect on him. I had an uncontrollable de-
sire to see him go into the tank, and looked in yain all around the
106 My Diary.
place for something to stir him up with. Presently a gentleman
came along and stopped to look at him. He had an umbrella and
] asked him to stir the creature up and see him go into the water.
But he thought he had better not, saying it was probably against
the rules for visitors to disturb him. ’ I said that was probably the
case, but we had paid our money to come into the show and
wanted to see all the tricks, and if he would let me take the um-
brella I would stir him up and take the responsibility. But he
declined, and fnoved on. ?
A bright thought now struck me; I would fill his eye with
tobacco juice and see what effect that would have. I chewed up
a large piece of tobacco ; filling my mouth witly the juice and
getting a beautiful range on his left eye, let drive, covering it com-
pletely, and to my utter astonishment that creature never so much
as winked. I was dumbfounded at the result of my experiment,
as this was the first creature i had ever seen which had eyes that
a little tobacco juice in them would not make things lively for a
few minutes. I can account for my failure in no other way than
that, being a marine animal, there is probably some kind of film
or covering over the eye that protects it from foreign substances
while in the water. Spencer laughed at iny discomfiture, and
said perhaps we could find something else] would have better
luck experimenting with.
Strolling around up stairs we came to the mummy cabinet.
Now I like mummies and am always interested in them; they
have a habit of minding their own business the steadiest of any
class of people I ever'met with, besides they are always civil to
callers and are free from the disputes, quarrels, gossipping, slan-
ders and other vices with which our generation is afflicted, They
are a very ancient people, and in their time were doubtless an in-
telligent and highly respectable class of citizens, but they don’t
amount to much now ; they are too far behind the times and I
don’t think it would be of much use for them to try to catch up.
In this cabinet was quite a large collection and they looked black
and dirty as though they neglected their baths and_ toilets: they
all looked so much alike it was difficult to distinguish their sex.
I think if they could be taken out and washed and dressed up in
fashionable clothing they would make quite a respectable appear-
ance.
T looked around to find some biographies of these people but.
could not. I called the attention of an attendant and inquired of
him if there was any. He replied there was none that he knew
of. I then asked: “Is Mr. Barnum about the place? I should
like to see him.” He stated that Mr. Barnum was aw: yy and in-
quired my business with him. TI said [ wanted to suggest to Mr.
Barnum that if he would hang a biography on every one of these
mummies it would be the most taking thing he ever had, not ex-
cepting the What-is-it. This attendant somehow didn’t seem to
My Diary. 107
get interested in Barnum’s interests, and dodged off out of the
way. I pointed out the largest one to Spencer and said: “That
gentleman wis once a soldier and did provost duty in the city of
Thebes 3000 years ago.” He made no reply but. kept mgr tes Sy
it and presently I heard him muttering to himself: “Can that be
possible ? Brave old fossil ! Tae ; ja
We got up into the exhibition room, near the ¢ one 9 . t M
play; they were playing the ghost. I should think it might be &
good enough play, but the acting was not all that a agate ye
would accept, but then it was good enough for soldiers. and the
price. I thought the ghost illusion was very cleverly performed,
but Spencer saidit was tame compared with the Gum swamp
trick.
OFF FOR NEWBERN.
After waiting thirteen days a boat arrived and we were now
off. The boat leaves in the afternoon and allhands go down to
the transportation office to get our orders and say good bye to the
genial officer in command. I noticed that my draft for plane
was on the Park barracks. Now I had adim_ recollection and a
: 7 } vad ‘Te
sort of instinctive horror of those barracks, and it occurred to
me that I had seen down on the Battery park, near ~ lage?
small building where was kept first class ratious, which were dea F
out to officers, and other attaches of the army as department anc
sutler’s clerks and such like nobility, I suggested to Spencer
that we eo down there; we could fix up some kind of a story
‘haps succeed in getting our rations.
and perhaps succeed in getting 0 at
Sow Spencer is a conscientious young man and objects to
anything that does not dovetail in the exact line of right and
honor. He objected to going, saying we should have to tell some
extravaeant stories and then get nothing, and perhaps get ourselves
: ects 1 2 - ré airy stata »
into some trouble. I said we would make only a plain statement
of facts; that we are living in perilous times and that the end
acts 5 at ‘ 4
would justify the means. f a
We went down there and the only regalia the supervisor of
the place had on that denoted any rank in the army was a pair of
blue pants ; just what rank he held we were unable to determine
by those pants. We showed him our orders. He looked at them
and said: “What are you here for? Go up to the Park barracks
and said: ye
where your orders say. ; a a
“Yes, I know; but we have just come from there; they are
a? 4 « pe? Oe a eit ai
all full up there and are running short of rations ; they sent us
? .
down here.’ a ana
“Don’t believe a word of it; they have no business 7
f rations re ¢ have no business to send you here
short of Le Rk ugha a y
anyway, anc con t beney eC) . ; : Sk
: “You sir, have a perfect right to delieve just what you please,
aps for rations ; the boat leaves in : an hour
but here is an order for rations; the boat leaves in about an
108 My Diary.
and if we don’t have the rations we shall not goin her, and if we
don’t go it will be somebody’s fault.”
Thinking perhaps that tracing out faults might prove un-
pleasant, he pointed us to a tub of boiled corned beef and a bas-
ket of soft bread, telling us to take as little as would do us. To
allay any fears he might have on that score, we said we did not
care to burden ourselves with any superfluous freight. We not.
only took the meat and bread he told us to, but helped ourselves _
liberally to some boiled ham and raw onions that stood near by
against his most emphatic protest. So, with some lying on our
part and considerable swearing on his part, we succeeded in sup-
plying ourselves with first-class rations.
When we came out, Spencer said: “I was shocked to hear
you lie so.” :
“But I have not been lying.”’
“Well, then, I should like to know what you would eall it ?”
“What I said might possibly be twisted and contorted into
something that would give it the appearance ot lying, but I have
only made a few positive statements, and as I said before the end
justifies the means.” , .
That statement seemed to satisfy him, and a little while after
we were aboard the steamer Albany, bound for Newbern. Stand-
ing on the quarter-deck as we steamed down the harbor and
through the narrows, a
We watched the big city with curious eye,
*Till the last towering dome had gone out in the sky,
We arrived at Newbern after a four days’ passage and re-
ported to the provost marshal, Capt. Denny of our regiment, who
welcomed us back and gave us the liberty of the city. He in-
formed us the regiment was at Fortress Monroe, and if we had
only known it while in New York, we could have saved ourselves
the trouble of coming here and having to go back. We were
somewhat surprised at this intelligence, and disappointed at not
knowing it while there, and saving ourselves all this unnecessary
trouble and delay.. But, however, we must put up with it, and
take the next boat back which leaves for Fortress Monroe.
After a four days’ visit here we went aboard the little steamer
Vidette, bound for Fortress Monroe. We had aboard about 200
soldiers and about 100 Confederate prisoners. We left in the afe
ternoon and the next morning were at Hatteras inlet. The sea
was pretty rough, and in crossing the swash we fouled with a
schooner, carrying away her bowsprit and losing one of our an-
chors. The old captain, who. by the wily was a jolly old fellow,
said he never had so good luck before in getting through the in-
let ; he had only lost an anchor and taken off a schooner’s bow-
sprit. As we went past the battery, he yelled out to them to fish
up his anchor against he got back.
My Diary. 10%
The following morning we were at Fortress Monroe and aes
learned that our regiment was at Newport News, at ae hes 0
the James river. We re-shipped on another boat, and ack hour
after were receiving the ovations and congratulations of our com-
rades, after an absence of nearly, two months.
NEWPORT NEWS.
Dec. 10. Iam now on the sacred soil of old \ riesgo
my first care will be to seek an introduction to sire of the a. 7
V's. What this place derived its name from, or W has uereaney
at all, I have not been able to learn. It w 1 ea et parte ™
before its occupation by Federal troops, an per ie : hg wtke
as goo] as any to distinguish it by. Ou camp ie sec Mey
and only a few rods from us lie the wrecks of t yb a 9
berland and Congress, sunk by the rebel ram eer ‘a e bed
Cumberland lies in deep water out of sight, but the i . =idhean
Coneress is seen and often visited by the boys at on water.
Singe scupati f this place by Federal troops it has grown
Since the occupation o | y Fe Oops ! were
i shat they call down this way a town, containing quite a co
foot ie nh board store-houses, sutler’s shops, negro shanties
=o ee sheds. A boat rans from here ee a ae Peep
every day, and three times a week to pene 3% 1e distance
either place is about the same, some tw ely e oe SO
For the first time since the war began, the oyster a g A
being prosecuted, and Hampton Roads are alive é h bs do
achootiers. The oysters have ue a nase i — aes are e
ant ¢ Fo size and flavor. New } 8 was
ieee rene. Soy presi Washington, that was occupied by
Bedcral trocps and it was from oo that a part of old Ben’s fa-
ie B ‘| expe started.
Oya aegis Snare maiitae? department has gone all
bikin ‘Gan. Woke? has been ordered to spt ia a
Gen. Butler has superseded him to this es am ha
pleased with the change. Gen. Foster was wear ic Bernal
fine officer, and I would inigrehye od Asien - rg my
officer than with an amateur. ie first ye: : :
Batler aon psy uetese and most successful pinta we aoe
but since then he has kind 0° Ss to ofan th gon Pah a .
ilitary governor he is a nonesuch, ant at > has gi
Er tasee. capecialty in all the rebellious states, ‘ - Fre Rise Jo
and aman of great executive ability, and can no 00 yma . la :
but can see to it that they are observed, but as eee aia >
troops in the field, he is not just such a man as Is ae d pic ; nin -
He had a review of our brigade the other day, ane hay rv : hes
soldiering caused considerable fun among the }0YS W 10 vac nee
a > seeine Gen. Foster. He rode on to the field with a great
ak eal by staff enough for two major-generals. He looks
sammie hod ona Rove and wears a soft hat ; when he salutes
\
very awkw
110 My Diary.
the colors he lifts his hat by the crown clear off his head instead
of simply touching the rim. The ‘boys think he is hardly up to
their ideas of a general, but as they are not supposed to know
anything, they will have to admit that he és a great general. He
is full of orders and laws (regardless of army regulations) in. the
government of his department, and his recent order in relation to
darkies fills two columns of newspaper print, and is all the mest
fastidious lovers of darkies in all New England could desire.
Hunter and Fremont are the merest pigmies beside Ben in their
care of darkies.
Y RE-ENLISTING.
January 1, 1864. We have now entered on the last year of
our soldier service and are looking forward to the end, and may
it not only end our service as soldiers, but the war as well, when
both sides can meet between the lines, shake hands, smoke. the
pipe of peace and together sign a long and lasting truce, and all
say homeward bound. But I am sermonising, and however much
that happy end may be desired, the indications now are that it
will not be realized. For a month past our regiment has been a
good deal excited. About thirty days ago orders were received
from the war department at Washington, soliciting re-enlistments
from among the soldiers of the old regiments of 1861. Liberal
money inducements were offered, and in addition the present term
of service would end on re-enlistment ; the $100 bounty due at
the expiration of the three years term could. be drawn, together
with a thirty day’s furlough. Lieut. Woodworth of company H
was appointed recruiting officer, but up to the present time there
have been but few enlistments. We all understood the terms and
all thus far have been left free to act according to their own judg-
ment. The officers have not seemed to take much interest in it
and have not used their influence to get the boys to enlist but
have given advice when sought for. If aman re-enlists he has
some motive for it; if he does not he has his reasons, and both
may be equally patriotic. I shall not re-enlist, and my reasons
are, first, I have no desire to monopolize all the patriotism there
is, but am willing to give others a chance. My second reason is
that after I have served three years my duty to the country has
been performed and my next duty is at home with my family.
Jan. 14. Up to this date about 200 of our men have re-
enlisted, and today the first detachment left for home on their
thirty days’ furlough. They were accompanied by three of the
officers, one of whom was Lieut. McCarter of company B. I
hope they will have a good time and enjoy themselves. Orders
keep coming from headquarters at the fort to hurry up enlist-
ments and some of them are of a rather threatening character.
Jan. 17. The balance of the re-enlisted men left for home
today, several of the officers going with them. We have now
My Diary. 111
i i ist or go i axile. An order was
got our ultimatum, either enlist or go into exil
i ‘ough in
inti i at as stments seemed about throug
recelv ating that as enlistmen is
eens worn, -e useful at Yorktown than here,
this regiment, we would be more us¢ é reaqcse
and for us to be ready to march in heavy marching order at any
q ‘ yt
ime; snlistments still drag. to march and was going through tonight.
My. Diary. 113
“4 re ay re 3 at a “ gg ypre-
fort tells in thunder tones how well their degenerate sons ap}
ciate the legacy. ae AS OPC E
About dusk an orderly rode up, bringing an order i us t
roceed to Williamsburg, some fifteen miles further up the rey
tr ,, ‘We tried to get the captain to stop here till an aivers ant go
through the next day, but it was of no use; he had got his orders
“4 ( I could not see that it
was a military necessity to force the march, and after we a
one three or four miles my knapsack began to grow heavy anc
> nah tired. I halted by the roadside and said | was going to put
ii for the night and if any one would like to keep - iapdee
I should be pleased to have them. About twenty i pe tn AF
ro etepDe reed
standard. After the column had passed we st Bped fete aid
: ‘ ‘ 1 ry - 97a > op, » Vv .
low hedge of bushes into a small open space, tha o y ae
i 5 “j or fr WwW s. ere We & t
bushes which served as a she ti See we fe - “stile Bi kat
sf aid ourselves down to forge ‘
our blankets and laid ot ia ; ge "
the weight of our knapsacks. The stars looked down on us ind
the watchful eye of the Almighty was the only peptinet. Poe
When we awoke in the morning the rising sun’s bright ray
was peeping through the bushes. The fi re a we Nid so
aze was a lean, lank, sandy-complexionec ees = c Briss n
wis stood pecring over the bushes at us. ans ee ‘s egos’:
that greeted his ears was, “Ww oe are you ane mas wert ba base
He replied, “I seed you was < own guns 9 sa he Ae 1 "
come down and see if I could get some ‘baccer ne ; hag ae
aw : se out in the field some distance off, and asked hi
ert iaca there. He said he did. We pee eRe ig la
inguired about the roads and distance to W simon burg. Sas
uired if there were any bushwhackers ares nee ae Dye:
“There mought be once ina while one found. ; len _ p i
rocious look and said they had better not be foun P ua
ts aot wished to join the antedilnyian scree An Bay e oe
bones 8 ‘attered in every graveyard from here to ‘ e ek scala ine
old chap’s eyes stuck out and he began to edge of s link ng |
aps we had got on a thick coat of war paint. e made our
Oils dak ‘ted on our journey, and by exsy stages came up
soffee and startec ey Pay SOARES 1
ee the boys in the afternoon. Chey had pitched the camp and
, Tancock
‘it all fixe » and named Camp Hancock.
“il 1 leet pe saptain was 2s elad to see us as anyone, al
2 ; i j j 1 F 4 ‘Oo re « ‘vets « yt
he put on a stern look and inquired where we had been hae w Y
af ll out. We told him we were tired and lay down by n
64 45 ; a va wat 2 a
sitle of the road to rest and take a nap. He lectured o anf ae
‘mity of such proceedings, telling us we had cominittes avery
api ‘ “each of good order and. military despotism. We as-
sa he “all th % aptain said, but kept thinking all the time that
all the captain said, » ke ‘ ih
aga ane asts, did not belong anywhere and were
of i 1 5 we
as we ere as rt € :
und sr TO part icular command there W ouldn t muc h come of it.
€ c , ?
8
My Diary.
VISITORS.
Jan. 27. We had been here only two days when our com-
mon sense and judgment were still further imposed upon by three
of our former officers from the News, soliciting enlistments.
They probably thought that a fifty mile march and being ina
strange city had perhaps taken the stiffening out of us somewhat,
but-they were not long in finding out that that was a delusion.
Capt. Parkhurst langhed at them, telling them they had ome to
the. wrong market to peddle their wares; the boys crowded
around them, giving them scarcely breathing room, and jokingly
told them they had picked some chickens the night betore, but
had got no tar, but perhaps molasses would answer for a substi-
tute. Finding they had come on a fool’s errand, they then want-
ed Surgeon Hoyt to put as many of us on the sick list as possible,
thereby increasing the working force at the News. The. surgeon
told them that men who could make a fifty mile march, carrying
heavy knapsacks, were not supposed to be very serious:y indis-
posed. Finding the leopard hadn’t changed his spots, they left,
taking with them éwo captives.
A CHANGE OF COMMANDERS.
Jan. 29. Today we were paraded and invited to give our
attention to orders. Major Mulcay of the 139th New York vol-
unteers appeared on the ground, and read his orders relieving
Capt. Parkhurst of the command. He then assumed command,
and had a short drill and dress parade. Of course we put the
best side out, to give the major a favorable impression. He com-
plimented us for our good drill and neat appearance. Orders
were read for a long and rapid march; of course that is one of our
kind and we are expected to go on it. The major tells us we
shall stay here a few days and then be assigned to his regiment.
SPECULATIONS,
Fes. 1. Since being here we have had but little else to do
than make up our diaries, write letters and talk over the situation.
The last link is broken that bound us to our old regiment. Capt.
Parkhurst, Lieuts. Johnson and Saul and Doctor Hoyt left us
yesterday, and we are now thinking of applying for admission to
the orphans’ home. The boys are all at sea, without chart or
compass, and can form no idea of what kind of a landing they —
will make. The non-coms, of whom there are quite a number, —
are a good deal exercised over their fate, and are consulting to-
gether much of the time.‘ I'tell them there is no use trying to’
lift the veil, but to take things as they come and trust to. luck,
We can look forward to the end, which is only afew months
hence, and during that time we shall probably not be very much
worse off than we have been, and certainly can be no worse off
than the crowd we are in.
t é ° : d com rand
4 - t jnaer 0 né
\ hing Oo the p 1s (
their dress parade, ‘and
My Diary. 115
In a talk with Corporal Whipple and a few others, T said I
‘had no fears of our losing our rank, that is if Gen. Sherman is
good military authority, which I think he is. Sometime last eam.
mer there was some talk at the war department at W ashington
in regard to consolidating the old regiments. In a or nae
Gen. Sherman to the adjutant-general, he said it wouls ‘ s t i
worst thing for the army that could be done, for in gonna iceting
the old regiments, they would lose a large number of we oe
and efficient soldiers whose places could not easily be tt ¥ es
instance, two regiments are consolidated: in one, a sm fe) ic ae
from colonel to corporal in one of them are lost. ; 1ey ee
have to be mustered out and sent home, thereby losing . any eh .
of 150 well-trained men; and he advised instead of Renee H a ing
or forming new organizations, to recruit the old ones to pore Saeed
streneth. Now if what he said is law, then when Hs : ea A
tions are consolidated, or one of them is permanent ; Sone net ig
the other, then one of them loses its officers. hig sah bis
permanently assigned to some other regiment, anc buts nO V : x
as non-commissioned officers, then they can muster us out
. .
seat ae dress parades every night and keep hee e bein
thing about the coming march. W hatever Sue o mnsrayes, A:
are going, it is getting pretty well eas mys ae os
dress parade, orderlies are seen flying about rom camp t s P,
and citizens are standing around with their
mouths and ears open ontehing hg Mir where z cad pase
sommunic¢ations with the outside world (wile y ably
Pave, then ce ety tare wuts h, Rs age Mee
: ‘this thing is being managed by Gen, Di > Whital
ace enna and circumstance attending Seo pag
eood deal like him, then in my opinion, it will be another big
Bethel affair.
carrying their orders,
CAMP WEST.
Fer. 5.
Yesterday afternoon Camp Hancock became a
; of Major Muleay, we
ide ground of the 139th New York during
‘before it was dismissed, the major
ed us to Col. Roberts. The colonel
nted us for our soldierly bear-
arms, equipments aud uni-
marched on to the par:
marched us up and introduc
received us cordially, an‘ cUnS
i , : sarance of our
ew and the good appeara : tegen yaiterts
iss : We then listened to the reading of yp soy ae us
* i rle: rht now
i for r his command. A gleam of hgh
mporarily for duty to t : gleam of light ‘nox
eee on us. Col. Roberts again addressed us, saying we ie
ig pi 2 ra 4 " 7 2A ‘ 4 rout
here only during the absence of our own regime nt, os woul
h ld the same rank and perform the same duties we had done in
wn re eiment. He added: “Although among strangers, sie
ur own reg ; ¥ ugh among angers
not a single officer of your own, I know by your appearance anc
tree d ;
116 My Diary.
from what I have heard of you, that you will as willingly observe
your orders and perform your duties as cheerfully as you have
done heretofore.” Then addressing his own regiment, he said:
“Receive these men cordially, sharing with them your quarters
and blankets, and in all ways treating them as you would like to
be treated under similar circumstances.” We made the welkin
ring with cheers for Col. Roberts and his command, which were
responded to by the 189th. After this another order was read,
stating that the long expected march would commence tomorrow
morning, the 6th. Col. Roberts, after addressing a few remarks
to his ‘own regiment, turned to us and said: “To you of the 25th
Massachusetts, | have nothing to say. You know your duty and
‘I am satisfied you will perform it.”
We were then divided off into parties which would equalize
the companies of the regiment; the balance, about 25, were sent
to Fort Magruder, which is only a short distance away. A dozen
others and myself were assigned to company I, Capt. Phillips.
The boys were warmly welcomed, and all set about introducing
themselves to each other and getting acquainted. This camp is
constructed of small log houses, with board floors, and glass win-
dows. ‘The houses are furnished with stoves, chairs, stools, table
and sleeping bunks. The officers’ quarters are built of logs with
the bark lett on, and are large and roomy. Some of them are
two stories, others are neat little cottages built in Gothic style,
and all present a neat, attractive and artistic appearance. These
houses are all supplied and furnished with home comforts, some
of them containing cabinet organs. The ofticers have with them
their wives, sisters and other female relatives, who fancy the ro-
mance and rough experience of a soldiers’ camp. This is a
Brooklyn regiment; it has been out but little more thn a year
and has been stationed here all this time, so the men have had
the opportunity to fix up their camp to suit them. Their first
and only service was with Gen. Dix, when he went up the coun-
try towards Richmond in the fall of 1862. Since then they have
done picket duty around here, and some scouting up in the woods
beyond the town.
They seem to have a mortal horror of bushwhackers, and
say the woods above here are full of them, with some guerilla
bands. It would seem from what these fellows say that tie prin-
ciple business of these guerilla bands is to look out for prisoners
escaping trom Richmond, and in connection with bushwhackers,
to harass small parties of troops who are sent out to look after
them. The scouting parties which go out seem to think that the
proper way to deal with bushwhackers is to capture them, but
scarcely a party goes out without bringing back one or more of
their own number either dead or wounded. It is only two days
ago I saw a funeral from the camp of the New York First Mount-
ed Rifles of aman who had been killed up there. I tell the
oe
ow:
eee
es
Pi |
ape.
a eet Met
My Diary. 117
Brooklyn boys that the best use a bushwhacker can be put to is
} ' 7 } 1 %, ave whe
to make a target of him, and be sure to hit the bull’s eye when
you draw a bead on him; never make a prisoner of one. The
Brooklynites are asking our boys a thousand questions, and ihe
latter are*telling them blood and thunder stories till the former
have come to think we are the veritable heroes of Waterloo.
Our friends here seem to be anxious and troubled about the
morrow, wondering what kind of a scrape they are going to get
into and whether they will come out all right, and are probing to
the bottom the dark side of the matter. 1 try to cheer them up
by telling them that from what experience I have had in this
7 It has been too |
business [ am not anticipating much of a storm.
long underway and has been too well advertised ; we may have
a skirmish, nothing more. If the force around here is all that is
going, we shall have to look out and not get into much of a skir-
mish,
The mystery which 1
last cleared up, and Gen.
ias for so many days hung over us is at
Butler, after finding we were not to be
driven nor frightened, has in his order assigning us: temporarily
for duty, acknowledged he was exceeding his authority in threat-
ening us with permanent assignment and taking our warrants
from us. If it had been some other general who didn’t know
any better I should think he was relenting of his shabby treat-
ment of us, but Gen. Butler Anew better, and that makes his treat-
ment of us all the more reprehensible. I presume we shall have
to get ourselves and knapsacks back to the News the same way
we got here, although there are boats running round twice and
three times a week.
THE EXPEDITION.
Fes. 11. The morning of February 6th found us in line on
eround, New York and Massachusetts shoulder to
5 t ; poy
shoulder. Capt. Phillips, wanting a brave and valiant veteran on
the left of his company, assigned me to that post of honor. I
reckon the reason for it was that two of his sergeants were on the
sick list. While standing in line, waiting the order to march, a
scene is transpiring which to us of the 25th is altogether new and
strange. The ladies living here in camp are all out, and wetting
their handkerchiefs with their tears, are watching the preparations
to leave. They are struggling under a fearful burden of anxiety
which will not be removed until our return. Groups of men and
women are standing around, taking each other by the hand and
kissing their good-byes. Our Brooklyn friends are visibly af-
fected, while the 25th boys look on stoically. While men and
women with streaming eyes are bidding perhaps their last fare-
wells, these roughened, hardened sons of Mars look with
unpitying eye on this affecting scene and laugh. I confess I
shonld have taken a greater interest in the thing and my sympa-
the parade
U8 My Diary.
thies would have flowed more freely if I could have taken a hand
in the kissing.
We marched into town where the brigade line was formed,
consisting of the 139th and 118th New York, two regiments of
colored troops and one U. S. battery, (the 2d I think), The
mounted rifles were to follow later. This comprised the whole
force under command of+Brig. Gen. Wistar, whoever he is.
The line of march was taken up the country on thé road towards
Richmond. Arriving at the woods, about a mile from town,
the column was halted and a detail made to act as skirmishers.
The 139th being on the advance furnished the detail. In this de-
tail the 25th was largely represented, and was under command: of
Major Muleay. The major marched his command a few rods into
the woods, formed his skirmish line and ordered them forward,
the column following. I now began to hear plenty of talk about
bushwhackers and business for the boys ahead. Capt. Phillips
fell back to the rear of his company, marching by my side. I
thought this a good opportunity to scrape an acquaintance, and
commenced talking to him, but he did not seem to be in a mood
for conversation and said as little as possible. He commenced a
low, suppressed whistle of a single strain of Rally Round the
Flag. I tried all means I could think of to draw him. out, but
finding I could do nothing with him, 1 turned my attention to the
major and his skirmishers.” He was as busy with them and as
particular as if they were out for skirmish drill, and kept talking
to them all the time about preserving their distances and align-
ments. ;
After a time, the boys started up a rabbit, and half a dozen
of them gave chase, shouting and yelling till they were out of
sight in the woods, where they waited for the major to come up.
The major lectured them a little about charging without orders
and warning them of the great danger they were in from. bush-
whackers. All the thanks he got from those heartless fellows for
all his care and solicitude was: “Oh! damn the bushwhackers !”
and as soon as another rabbit or squirrel was started up, away
they would go again. Capt. Phillips, who meanwhile had kept
up his whistle, suppressed it long enough to say: “Your boys are
taking great risks in running off into the woods in that way;
some of them will get shot by bushwhackers.” I said I thought
our boys had very little fear of bushwhackers, and would sooner
have the fun of chasing them than rabbits, besides I thought there
yas little danger from bushwhackers, for when a force like this
was marching through they preferred keéping at a safe dis-
tance. : i
A little after noon the cavalry overtook us, and we halted to ‘
let them go past us. I was surprised to see such a force; there
was a whole brigade, numbering between 3000 and 4000, under
command of Col. Spear, who had been sent down from the army
of the Potomac, landing at Y
us. I could now begin to see t
raid on Richmond, of which
cavalry of course are
My Diary. 119
orktown, and had now overtaken
hroagh a glass darkly. This isthe
I had heard some hints before. The
the principal actors, and we are simply the
ti ‘column.
supporting colum ASE Pe
The cavalry pest us, we again started. '
omar a Ata is near the cavalry as. possible, but the
her retarded us. It wes finally thought
vance the skirmish line was
Tle gcncral hurried
us up, Wishing to keep §
major’s skirmish line rathe Bree
it wi aree cavalry force In ac
at with a large cavalry ince the rae, ie a
ee absolutely necessary, and it was withdraw 4 ne ale
ak ‘ idi f » after ] it began to t
forced till past the middle of the afternoon, when So bs eg an
on the Brooklyn boys, some of them mine out. or “4 ooh ack
4 ; i wri ( c LOL ) }
cach severe marching, and 1t took
ecustomed to such severt { 1d. Hh, tO tant yey
pia We made a halt of an hour for rest and wat ane of
everely. ‘ i peas ’ Sight
Setino, Col. Roberts made a short address. He ou;
oh Bidet th TOGO. re battle, and he hoped : xl believed
» eV a severe battle, a i ved
sass lh ota . fie and fiquit themselves like soldiers,
is i , ant and* em
his regiment would sta1 dfiquit ni ale ating ath
and if successful in our undertaking w¢ she ser ae . 1 cepa
td \ ‘ t “4 > 7 1 Sb
eive the plaudits of the country. In such a battle, the ae
y y ‘ le . “ 1 CE f ‘se ignd-
Bundaaaitly be some victims, but just who, we are of cats Sages
Heiney ie ; 1 ; Tei anehed, ant
t, but each one is hoping tt will not be bim. lenge ro
: : a] if > . 1e (
7a = the boys asked what pleased me. I mand if the pent: oh
" Pd at mc hs tas
ot look out he would have us all whipped before we “ie 1 ban
: . . EE 3 : a
P We pushed along till into the evening; the boy ,
iad en 1] I L 1 out and would make frequent halts
i retty well playec an :
getting Pp 7 j
of the general’s aids who seemed to take a
us along, and his interest from some
his canteen) scemed to increase, with the
@roping their weary way through
cive a whistle and they would
ld ride up ina great passion
In’t get along faster he
without any orders.
There was one ‘
great interest in getting
cause or other (probably
evening. The boys would be 7
‘the darkness, when some one woul
all squat in the road. 1 his aid ey wee
Oden dea ant oie yeah fone on the advance. The
epee ROK By Seamed would be: ‘Bring on your niggers!”
This offic a 2 “Gosee provoking habit which he came W ell nigh
: Ae ego ty for There were occasional mud holes in the road
edi the baie! some of them two or three rods a¢ a ep
ai woul flank these to keep their feet Saga ear gpe Seaey
sore, but this officer attemptea to drive t ‘ wa ish, " is git
ok up the time flanking them. At one oO . é B3 a as ghee
‘no to drive them through anyway 0! it woulc he t ber ot
a niet -as quietly going around, and halted to see uM
sa ceik ‘i nth 1. He was swearing at them, wheeling
he pea ep oid svaelie them, and making himself about
a ian oat iG "bs he could, Just then I heard the omimous
oee ot aa 1 ‘k «and heard some one ask him if he wes aware
ates an ee ved He seemed to catch on to the idea, and
those rifles were loaded. ‘
120 My Diary. .
got himself out of that as quickly as possible, and was seen nor:
heard from no more during the march. | Soldiers are human, with
feelings and passions like other men; they can and do stand a
great deal, but they cannot stand everything any more than a
stone drag.
The night wore on, the boys were well nigh exhausted and
made frequent halts. The colonel would sympathize with them,
and encourage them by saying he hoped the day’s march was
nearly over, telling them to ke ep up courage and afew miles
more the end would be reached. At one of these halts the major
showed some impatience, end riding up to the colonel said:
“Colonel, Ir sally do not understand the meaning of this ?”
“What’s the matter now, major?”
“Why, every few moments this entire regiment will simul
taneously sit down ?”
“Oh, well, major,” the colonel] replied, “the boys are tired ;
they have" come a long way and are pretty well played ont;
change places with some ‘of them, major, and you will under.
stand it better.”
That seemed to be satisfactory to the major and he rode
off, but it cheered the boys up wonderfully and ‘they made quite
a distance before halting again.
It is curious how sometimes the most trifling act or expres-
sion will raise up the almost exhausted energies of men and in-
spire hope when almost on the verge of despair. As an instance
of this, the boys while marching along had for some time pre-
served a dead silence; not a word had been spoken, and all
seemed to be absorbed in‘ their own reflections, when suddenly I
stumbled over a stump. Gathering myself up I exclaimed:
“There, I know just where that §fump is!’ The effect was like
magic; all within the sound of my voice broke out in a loud and
hearty laugh, and for a time forgot their fatigue and trudged
lightly along. ;
We reached the end of our day’s tramp at New Kent some
time after midnight, having made a march of thirty miles. Many
of the boys were so exhausted that they threw themselves down on
the ground and were soon fast asleep. I prepared some coffee,
and while it was boiling, washed myself up, and after drinking
my coffee, rolled up in my blanket and was soon asleep.
We slept about three hours when we were routed up, and a
little after daylight were again on the march. The boys were
pretty stiff and sore, but a mile or two took the kinks out of
their legs and limbered them up so they were about as good as
new. Nothing transpired Worthy of note during the forenoon’s
march, unless it was that Capt. Phillips kept up his suppressed
whistle of that same strain of Rally Round the Flag. I tried to
rally him and get him to talking, but it was of no use; he was en-
tirely absorbed in his own reflections, ruminating, as I thought,
My Diary. 121
over the probable chances of leaving a widow and orphan chil-
dren as a legacy to his country, sade Spore
Before noon we reached what is called the Baltimore oem
roads, about two miles from Bottom bridge which ores -
‘al cavalry ¢ @ back, anc
hi iny river ‘re we met the cavalry coming f
Chickahominy river. Here we n y co Diratadges
5 por re Jistar that on reaching the river
Col. Spear reported to Gen, Wistar teaching the river
found mT the bridges up and a considerable force of as gps
with infantry and artillery guarding the river. Wit \ ONT en
force and only one battery he thought it would be use ps : Ba
tempt to force the passage of the river, On fearing ‘ yates
relieved, for if we couldn’t cross the river to a t <) ce cael
ie 7 ili r ay . ) ASL
couldn’t cross it to us, and in all probability they had no
to do so. bbierne LE
Presently an alarm was raised that the enemy was coming uy
‘the White House road. The 139th was ordered down the road
T ‘ arter of a mile and formed a
to meet them. We went about a quarter ot ty mil eye pink ee
F rea 'g a * € é .
line of battle. A few cavalry went down the roa Li are 1
miles and when they returned reported a nie in sig bi
i 1 circu ’ i 20Te Te then went b:
hearing, a circumstance I did not regret. YV
ere dismisse r dinner.
and were dismissed for di se haart Fhe NEN LLB
This Baltimore is the junction of se veral roads ; the aol
came up from New Kent extends on to esi pa oa S
Thi $e, ‘ er runs
s City. ‘theast to White House, and anoth
to Charles City, one northe: ete tp
rer i Vorthumberland, where once lived ¢ e
north over into Nort nee Ait Day
who owned a little hatchet and couldn’t tell a ee It abi i 8
ived at that time for
r hi ‘ountry that he lived at tha
nate for him and the country dion foes
i i se time 2 chances are more than a thous
had lived in these times the « arr. han, & Shonen e
*t have told the truth. There ares ‘
one that he couldn’t he braet Bhs, ap iain
dozen farm houses scattered ay in sight, and also
i © » » y
wall they kept their vows, for I have never learned Saar 4
them ever applied for a divorce, although it is av eo i: pe
rosperous gales was something of a shrew. ne t . i i be
scary Lam indebted to one of my Brooklyn friends who hi
made a previous visit here.
Aer inte toe
122 My Diary.
After waiting here a couple of hours the column re-formed
and marched back over the road we came nearly to the woods,
where we halted to let the cavalry go past us. After passing us
they halted to feed their horses and themselves, and while wait-
ing for them an alarm was raised that the enemy were coming
through the woods on our flank. Down came the fences and a
regiment of darkies filed into the field, and deployed as skirmish-
ers. Every few moments they would look back to see. where
their support was, while their teeth and the whites of their eyes
resembled bunches of tallow candles hanging in a dark cecllar-way.
The alarm of course was a false one, but the colored troops fought
nobly.
We arrived back at New Kent about-night, and bivouacked
on a large field near the village. New Kent is the county seat,
and is not much unlike other country places they call towns in
Virginia. It contains a court house, jail, church, two or three
stores, tavern, a small collection of houses and the inevitable
blacksmith shop. There is no such thing in Virginia as a school-
house; they have no use for such things. All they want is law
and gospel, and I have not been able to find out that. these give
them a great degree of culture and refinement. More than 200
years ago the colonial Goy. Berkley said: “I thank God there are
no: public schools in Virginia, and J hope there will be none for
the next hundred years.” His hopes have been doubly realized,
which probably accounts for the present state of affairs in Vir-
ginia.
Getting into camp Wwe built fires, made coffee and began to
make ourselves comfortable. Some time in the evening the ma-
jor happened along where a few of us were standing around a
fire of burning rails. He began to upbraid us for burning the
rails, telling us if we wanted fires we must gor into the woods and
get ouriuel. I said to the major I thought it was all right to
burn the rails; as we were sort of guests on the gentleman’s
place, I presumed he would be entirely willing and glad to con-
tribute a few rails for our personal comfort during the night.
He went off muttering something about destruction of property
while the boys added more rails to the fire.
Next morning the march was resumed, Capt. Phillips came
out looking bright and pert as a wildcat, the low whistle was no
longer heard and he was as full of orders to his company as a ma-
jor-general. We arrived back on the afternoon of the Sth, and as
we sighted Camp West, the ladies were all out on the parade
ground, waving their handkerchiefs in greeting of our return. It
was like the old Roman armies returning from conquest, when
fair maidens, with white waving arms, would welcome their com
ing. Now another scene ensued; fair women and brave men
close in thé fond embraces of love and thanksgiving for. their
miraculous deliverance. I could but feel that the 25th boys were
. everything with them.
‘pointed outw
My Drary. 123
rather slighted in not receiving a share of the kisses, for who can
tell that but for them their friends might not now be dwellers in
the Hotel de Libby. On the whole we have had_ rather an in-
teresting excursion, having seen some forty odd isang ee nour
ty. It was very woody and I think the poorest have he
traveled in for chickens, applejack and peach and by A Bu
the chickens and applejack didn’t matter so much ag the orders ’
regard to foraging were very strict. These officers * een
here seem to think the proper way to conduct a war is;no :
hurt anyone or damage their property. The result was as aa d
different from what I expected, and reminds me otf the old coup-
let:
The king of France with 50,000 men marched up the hill
~~ And then marched down again.
> AS "
7e gone very near where cahontas be-
T reckon we must have gone very nea where Po veep Hh
friended Capt. Smith. The history of that little romance Is thi
, i vhile ascending the Chick: iny river, and
Smith was captured while ascending the Chickahomi "
taken higher up the river to Powhatan’s lodge, ae i
to be some twelve miles below where the city of Ric umon anak
stands. So I reckon we must have been in the vicimity oe
that occurred; I should like to have stayed there ales ot
days, or at least long enough to have selected vor ye ens pir
as being the place where that drama was enactec — 1 myo
gathered a few stones and sea some sort of rude monu
» memory of the young lady.
oc ita t Rabraaie regiment, Col. Roberts rigaee avn
for their cheerful obedience to orders, endurance and Boot = a
while on the march, and especially his new allies, nto itis 10
the long march neither faltered, complained or straggled.
ALONE AGAIN. °
‘ 1
Fes. 17. Our Brooklyn friends left us the £0¢h, oe
were ordered to report at Newport News, and we a re oer = .
to do guard duty. When they left they es ® se i sia
few days, but I reckon they have gone for govt 5 wd? ; ste cee
sent for their ladies and quartermaster, who have goniey ot rying
That leaves us alone again, and we are
doing the guard duty up town, which is the ee age handborere:
about one third of our men every day, and, t ine nee ag eo
every third day. All the camps about here are i ne oe ri
Magruder, a large tield fortification built by Gen. Magruder ito
B dof F Williamsburg. Since ¢ @ into Federal posses-
the defence of Williamsburg. Since coming Sa ineae: decane
sion, it has heen slightly altered and the guns, “ nigh i $4
ard, now point towards the town, about a mt € : is
tant. This was an obstacle which McC lellan had to rt -
his march on Richmond. About 50 rods from its bat isa 'y
now its rear, runs a wide and rather deep ravine across the coun-
124 My Diary.
try from the York to the James river, a distance of about three
miles. On this line Magruder built his forts, with rifle pits in
front on the edge of the ravine, for skirmishers and infantry. He
had got only Fort Magruder armed on McClellan’s arrival, but it
proved a formidable obstacle, as it commanded the road anda
wide piece of country. In front of this fort . was the hottest of
the battle, and not until Gen. Hancock with his corps had crossed
the ravine at Queen’s creek on the York river side and swooped
down on Magruder’s left, did he find it untenable. He then saw
the day was lost and beat a hasty retreat. A few of us, while
looking over the battle-ground a day or two ago, found the graves
of Milford boys, who were in the 40th New York regiment.
I reckon we must have given them quite a scare up in Rich-
mond the other day, for in the alarm and confusion which pre-
vailed, quite a number of prisoners escaped and are finding their
way in here. Yesterday the cavalry went out to assist any that
might be trying to get in. ‘
Frs. 19. We have again got somebody to look after us.
‘Two young lieutenants have been sent here from the 148th New
York at Yorktown to take command. They have taken the
¢olonel’s quarters and seem to have settled down fora good time
by themselves, at any rate they don’t trouble us any. They
‘come out in the morning, and look on at guard mounting, and
that is about all we see of them. I reckon they are pretty good
fellows, and when I get time shall try and cultivate their ac-
quaintance.
1
WILLIAMSBURG.
Fes. 22. Washington’s birthday. How well Virginians
have emulated his example and teachings is this day apparent.
God pity the Mother of. Presidents. This classic old town, next
to Jamestown, is the oldest in the state. It is full of historical
reminiscences and a great field for the antiquarian. Until near
the close of the 17th century this was simply a suburb of James-
town and was called the middle plantation. After the burning
of Jamestown by Bacon and the accession of William III. to the
throne, matters here began to assume a brighter aspect. Situated
midway between the York and James rivers, which are here four
miles apart, and enjoying the patronage of the king, the colonists
became ambitious and thought the town would extend each way
to the rivers and become the London of the New World.
For some time the founding of a college had been agitated
and after the accession of William the charter was granted, he
making large endowments of. land and money in furtherance of
the object. This was the second college in the British colonies,
and in honor of the king and queen was named William and
Mary. The great object of it was to educate in
succession of Church of England clergymen. After the erection
Virginia a
of the college the town was laid out and named Williamsburg in
honor of the king. Fragn this time, under the patronage of the
king and gentlemen of rank and wealth who came over and hee
up settlement, the town went ahead. A church, state-honse anc
other public buildings were erected. An immense te
built for the colonial governors and called the King James pa aice a
The town was the capital of the state or colony, and hee
the burgesses were wont to meet. It grew in Sn veane and
wealth, and up to the time of the breaking out of t Fs seve ae
was the most aristocratic and loyal town in all the pe 2 = ie
first thing that disturbed this truly loyal people was t 6 beet
in the house of burgesses on the stamp 2ct, about the ag 7 be
Patrick Henry, then a young man and just kismet parang
opposed the act and with all his powers of reasoning and ey
advocated resistance to it. In these debates he sone t nt oa
pleasure of some of the older members and especially ‘t ei
resident here. At this time Thomas Jefferson, a ig a he
college here, began to get interested in public ona ; ’ A —
looked in on the house of burgesses and listened to the « ~ ey
and a dozen years afterwards, in his declaration of indepen er
shone out the principles he there learned. Henry” re sero 2
member of the house of burgesses for several years, advoca ng
the cause of the colonies, and in the \ irginia cag sit i
choose delegates to attend a congress of the colonies to be bet ( Ne
at Philadelphia to draft a declaration, he foes a bel
his impassioned eloquence, closing with t 108¢ gy 49 Se
“J know not what others may think, but as for me, give me y
4 a6 yo?
‘ et pray that Governor Gage of, apron Mp
attempted to seize the stores at Concord, a similar om ms
took place here, under the direction of Lord eee ver co
nial governor. At midnight Capt. Collins of ine A sigs ogi
Magdalen, with a company of marines, ma oe op 0h
carried off twenty barrels of powder from she pu aie 7 8 =
This so incensed the people in the adjoining es agree is “4
rose in arms and demanded a return of the powde1 t ney hen ¢
march on the town. Dunmore, becoming age ak ; a oe
family aboard a ship at Jamestown, and some “ t oe ues ra
zens quieted the people by promising them the pow er moe se
returned or paid for. But those promises were not. ept, anc
atrick Henry. at the head of about 1500 militia moved on the
“ange wivtd as would have the powder or would make a
astial trout the public treasury. When within about fifteen
miles from here he was met by a courier who paid for the powder,
b ee JeCem
thus ending the expedition. Raat coe;
A year or two afterwards Henry was chosen governor of ae
colony, and on his coming heré brought with him quite a force o
railitin. On Henry’s approach Gov. Dunmore went aboard a
My Diary. 125
. line of duty and. loyalty to the government.
126 My Diary.
vessel and the fleet sailed down the river.
the last colonial governor and the last occupant of the palace,
Henry so hated everything that pertafned to kings or royalty
that he positively refused to oceupy the palace, and it was left to
go to decay and ruins. Nothing now remains of it save the
foundations and a few scattering bricks.
WILLIAM AND
MARY COLLEGE
Is now amass of ruins; a company of the 11th Pennsylva-
nia cavalry were the vandals. As this company were returning
from a scout they were fired on with one or two shots from out
the college as they were riding past. Instead of surrounding the
building and capturing the murderers, they set it on fire and
burned it to the ground. This college was located at the extreme
western end of the town, and was a fine brick building over 100
feet in length and three stories high, with two tower entrances
about 80 feet apart, in one of which was a fine bell. ‘In front is
a large park, coming to a point, forming the main entrance some
30 rods in front of the building. On each side of the gate are
Targe live oak trees. In this park are situated four large old
English style houses, two on each side and facing edch other.
They are about 40 feet square, two stories high, with a four-cor-
nered roof coming to a point at the top. These were the resi-
dences of the officers and tutors of the college.
The college stands facing down the main street, which is
quite a mile long; straight as a line and very wide, giving a fine
view fronf the college. This is the second or third timé that
this college has been burned, but this last time seems to have
been without cause or reason.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
An antiquated structure of gothic architecture, its brown spire
and slender turrets pointing to where man’s heart should oftener
turn, is situated near the center of the town. Itis built of
brick brought over from England; they are very different in
shape and color from those made in this country. There are no
services held here now, but that doesn’t matter much as it needs
something more than the grace of God to keep this people in the
Their great need
just at present is gunpowder.
acre, and is a cemetery where countless generations sleep forgot,
and where rests his head upon the lap of earth the youth to for-
tune and to fame unknown.
THE OLD STATE HOUSE.
Situated not far from the church, is a plain old brick build-
ing about 60 feet long and about 30 feet wide, built on a base-
Lord Dunmore was
‘
The churchyard contains over an -
4
it
s
My Diary. i 127
ment story. The entrance is from a portico reached by a yoo
flight of steps. Here in these classic halls have been digousaet
grave questions of state—the destinies of the colonies, and as ms
walks through them, he can easily imagine he hears the voice 0
Patrick Henry saying: “The next gale that sweeps from the
north will bring to your ears the clash of resounding arms.
THE INSANE ASYLUM
‘Ts a large, massive, prison-looking building, filled with “e ctr
tunate wards of the State of Virginia, but who are now the ‘wards
of the nation, and are being well and tenderly cared se On
pleasant days the mild and harmless patients have the li erty re
the yard, which is spacious, well laid out and set with trees, =
the entrance gates are small brick houses into which met Psa?
when so disposed. At the gates they will stand en ta - : oe
the passers-by, asking a thousand questions and al ‘manner ae
vors. Some of them are intelligent and will converse for ee
minutes in a rational manner, when they will switch off on t reir
crazy talk and lingo. This is said to be the oldest ico Agere
tion in the United States, having been founded previous 7 v
revolutionary war, but the present building would seem to be o
more recent construction.
KING JAMES’ PALACE.
I have not been able to get much history of this, vias s by
whom it was built, and the only tradition I have sor ; te s
gather is that it was a magnificent _and gorgeous os mga
where the colonial governors lived in great pomp an bec a
there is left of it now is a small piece of brick i : yout =
feet high on one of the south-west corners or ang oi a Lr si .
ated on the north-side of the town, and back some be 2 Bo s
from the main street on which it fronted. It is diffien tii ney
much of an idea of this building, as only the ts ghee ae ' ; t,
and a part of these are only dimly eraead > but ue eres ie oe
avery extensive affair. It was all of aa Baking Be ots ; re
deep, with two wings in the rear extending nent y A be
leaving an open court or garden. The foun oer hat - }
and ends show several angles, as though fashionec fa ~ wine .
the old English castles. The height of it can only be guessed,
but probably it was not less than three Stories: ad aca
The grounds and gardens which acct ‘ * eed
sive, and must have been tastefully lai out, , Brae * j dg by
tracing the old walls, and by the few remaining 8 a Se a
“bushes which survive. The grounds in pase extenied stray
street, making a lawn or park of some two me 2 ee ans res. i sine
has been a good deal curtailed, having been uilt Ove? on ci
sides, leaving a common or park on the street of about an acre,
a
, 129
128 My Drary EF ee:
called the Palace Green. Why such an establishment as this was , ae A FRIGHTENED DARKY.
built in this wilderness is only a matter of conjecture. It cer- i ae .
: : J : nga a : aye EY “ts rust, imposed on me, and I nat-
fi tainly was far beyond the needs of the colonial governors, and te I now had a very important peti : a explore had baal
i} was probably built with an eye to its being a convenient refuge urally felt a sort of womanly i erg 0 2 Tock three Bt the
Hi for royalty in case of adverse’ fortunes at home. Why it should By realm. Soon after daylight i k “0 ‘ "of the house and effected
hs d A a ‘ = y ate i » back s » a § ‘
i have been left to decay and ruin is more than we at this day can Se boys and went around to the yack sic ats not the first explorers
é 5 5 ° ‘ ; : A 4, . . CTS ee % re were § } .
mY! understand. After the loyalists had left on the breaking out of ae an entrance, but it was evident fe yi if heavy furniture until we
ti the war, there probably was no one who cared enough about it to " nad We found nothing but a few articles « ay)
+ d 5
f
look after it, and the colonists so hated everything that pertained
to royalty that it was left to the bats and owls, and in time went
to ruin. Patrick Henry refused to occupy it while governor, and
his successors followed his example. Egad! but what good cheer
and right royal times must have been had here in those good old
colony times, but the old palace to ruins has gone, leaving no
memories or associations clustering around it save that it was the
king’s palace.
GUARD DUTY.
Fes. 27. Our guard duty is just outside the town. There
are three stations: one on the south side next the asylum, one at
the college on the west side, and one on the north side on the
Palace Green. This last station is the one I usually take charge
of. At each station the guard is divided into three reliefs, and
the duty is simply to keep a lookout for the approach of the ene-
my and turn out the guard in honor of the officer of the day and
to Col. West, the post commander. Our quarters at this station
are in a small house which was formerly negroes’ quarters. In
the yard stands a large, unoccupied house owned by a Mr. Saun-
ders, now a resident of New York. He is said to be a loval man
and a lawyer by profession. When McClellan passed through
here, Mr. Saunders availed himself of the opportunity, and taking
E » veranda, re
went into the southwest corner room next to the ver + : if i
was arich find, a large library. This rt wt a rte aah
] s i Sy 4 » 1e ce a
all sides were books from the floor to 2g
square, and on all sides we 1 th a # oe
rt 2 was history, biography, travels, fiction, ek pape Pacatlurs
miscellaneous works, magazines of all kinds, pub ck perc! 2
F subj a large f a) tte
reports on all manner of subjects, and a large quantity
and private papers. Lae A
We tartied here over an hour, and on sccm at “er
vera >of his ugliest looks «
darky on the veranda. He put on one of his ug
said: nee
“Wot doin’ in dar? Mus keep out dar!
“What’s that to you, you black cuss ? ‘ Ea
“You fine out, you go in dar. Colonel West tole n
es ;
i ty an’ i vot I sees goin’ on roun
out for dis yer property an’ tole him w : :
y re ” ah
} y revel » ape 7
«And do you tell Colonel West what you see done here ?
“O, yas sah, yas sah, Ize tole him ebery ting Ize sees.
; a ‘ ive » ¥
“Look here, boy, do you want to live to be old’
" 39
“QO, yas sah, yas sah. ay os
«Wil then, if you are cherishing any such desire, you must
‘ 7 io it 2 ayer . iY
be a little careful what you say to West, for if he hie parsg
i ee ies f “y re will take you out here into
us with any stories from you, we w » " =
woods and leave you for the buzzards to eat.
bre pt
as ss. Ize neber ses nosin’ bout de sogers,
“QO, lorra golly mity, boss, Ize neber s¢ ray
his family, went to New York. When I first. took command of citizens roun yere Ise looks arter, fore de Lord,
this station several mornings igo, the instructions given me were
to keep a sharp lookout for the approach of the enemy. I had
not been engaged in this business a great while, when the ap-
proach of Col. West was announced. I turned out. the guard
with a great dash, extending all the honors due his exalted rank,
He inquired my instructions. I informed ,him of those I had re-
ceived. He then inquired if I had not received instructions in >
regard to this house in the yard. IsaidI had not. “Then I
will give you some; I shall expect you to look after this house
and see that no one goes in there or in any way disturbs anything
around it, and shall hold you responsible for its safe keeping while
you are on duty.” I promised to faithfully attend to that impor-
tant duty. He then dismissed the guard and rode over to call on.
a lady triend of his. ’
it’s on’y dese yere . hess
8 ‘ si t de sogers.
ss, Ise done sa nosin bout de so; ident ;
_ ‘wThat’s right, boy; you stick to that and keep it right on
i 10 Wes ss you want buzzards to your
your mind when you see West, unless y
al.” yt i pen a ae
sane darky came down from boiling heat to zero in a enone
i ve have he: othing from him he proba-
: space of time, and as we have he Ps nothing
bly keeps the buzzards on his mind.
. SALUTING THE POST COMMANDER.
: wee:
i i as war suns and spring-liike.
A few mornings ago it was warm, sunshiny : i m aie
1 ard. and Iwas in command of the whole
ange ns eh e n. On the way I saw Col. West
rching through town. yi gar 1.
sae gaa oat the order: “Shoulder arms; élose up!” Just
i) nas pti eg ai se on the right side of the street. On
i were passing a house on t ght s I ee 5:
ete d re several ladies taking their morning airing.
the veranda were several li f
9
|
i
it
;
niin atome
130 ; My Diary.
gave the order: “Eyes right!” West heard the order, and caught
the idea; Inughing, he touched his cap as he rode past us.
I reckon he was pleased with my style of soldiering as he
called on me at the station a few hours aiterwards. I turned out
the guard and extended the customary honors. After looking us
over he said:
“Sergeant, suppose you should see a force of the enemy file
ont of the woods over yonder, what would you do?”
“Well, sir, that would depend altogether on the size of the
force.”
“Well, say one or two regiments of infantry.”
“In that ease I should deploy my men among the, buildings
here, and skirmish with them until reinforcements arrived.’’
“Very well. Suppose a brigade of cavalry should dash out,
what then ?”
“In that case we-would empty our rifles on them onee or
twice, and cut and run like hell for Fort Magruder.’
“You'll do, dismiss your guard ;’ and wheeling his horse he
rode off laughing.
SECESH LADIES.
Fes. 29. Most of the residents in town are women and
small children, and a few old men. Of course the colored people
are with us always. All the men being away makes society for
the ladies a little one-sided. At the evacuation most of the
women remained here to take care of their property, and there
are very few empty houses. These ladies pretend to have a great
contempt for Yankees, but still they don’t appear to have quite
enough to prevent their talking or ‘chatting with us. On sunny
days they may be seen at the windows or on the verandas, and a
passing soldier who touches his cap in a respectful manner will
perhaps get an invitation to call. If he conducts himself with
propriety and is agreeable, they will ask him to be seated or per-
haps ask him into the house, and on leaving, if he happens to
suit them, they will invite him to call again, but some of them
are not always so agreeable that a second call is desirable. These
ladies pride themselves on being the regular F. F. V’s, and have
a great pride of birth and ancestry ; they will sit by the hour and_
talk and boast of it. They claim to be’ the real thoroughbreds
and can trace their lineage in a direct line right straight back to
William and Mary. ct
One day, while a party of them were talking that kind of
nonsense and making right smart of fun of the mixed Yankee ©
race, I said: “So far as anything that I know to the contrary that
may all be as you say, but if appearances go for anything one
would naturally conclude that some of the colored people about —
here might boast that some of William’s and Mary’s blood coursed |
That seemed to bring a sort of coldness —
through their veins.”
Fi
A
My Diary. 131
over the meetin’, and I began to suspect that I had seriously of-
fended, but they saon rallied and the conversation drifted imto
other and more agreeable channels. ;
Some of the ladies are very agreeable conversationalists when
they converse on something besides politics and secession, but
what they say does not disturb me. I rather enjoy 1t, and have
the fun of laughing at them. One day, in company with a party
of them, they were having right smart of Tun, langhmg and sa
ing sport of the Yankees. I kept my end up as well as 4 Cer
- against such odds until they tired of it, when they swite 1e¢ 0
into secession and the war. Ona table lay a small (¢ onfederate
flag which one of them took up, and flaunting it around asked me
how I liked the looks of it, remarking that it would finally tri-
umph. I said that was no novelty to me, I had pe eg pote :
helping capture quite a number of those things, r rat ¢ on nag
represent anything, ladies; if you take any pleasure 1 keeping
that little flac to look at occasionally as a curiosity, I presume
there is no one who has the slightest objection, but be sure of
thing, you will never again see it floating in the breeze in this
4 ”
pt, “One replied: “You seem to feel pretty secure in your i
ing here, but it would not take a large force of our. troops to set
you Yankees scampering towards Fortress Monroe. :
*. «7 know, but whatever foree it might take, your people don t
care to pay the cost of retaking it. Your people have re many
other jobs on hand at present, and a good prospect of hav ing
more to take much trouble about this place, besides it is of no use
* ‘ , 9?
‘to them anyway and but very little use'to us.
Some of the women here seem to think it a mark of loyalty
to their cause to exhibit all the contempt they can towards the
Yankees. I fell in with a party of that kind one afternoon outin
the churchyard. I sometimes go In there and spend an pone
looking around and scraping the moss off those ancient pees to
find names and dates, and I have found some that date back into
the 17th century. In this yard are some 20 or 30 mounds beneath
which sleep the Confederate dead, killed in bait er car ie
brought from other fields; at any rate they aah rere Fg hs
mounds are kept covered with flowers and evergreens. ; oe day
while looking around there a party of women entere¢ » bringing
wreaths of evergreen and commenced decorating soe aa) es. I
approached to within a respectful distance and Ww ate ee t ai nm r-
form their sad rites of love and affection. When t ey 1d -
ished one of them, pointing at me, sand ee ig Sis
language: “But for you, you vile, miserable ankees, these brave
men would now be adorning their homes.
Not knowing exactly whether they would or not, or just how
-much of an adornment they would have been, I deemed the most
i srazed Wom: -as dignified silence.
fitting reply to that ¢ azed woman was dignified G
»
132 My Drary.
CHAPTER VII.
RETURN TO NEWPORT NEWS.
Maren 2. The 11th Connecticut regiment arrived here to-
day, and we are ordered back to the News where we rejoin a part,
of our old regiment which has just returned from kotus This is
good news to our boys who have been impatiently awaiting their
return. So far as Iam concerned I shall leave “here with som
regrets. We have been here several weeks and have got Good e
the officers and the place. The duty is light and somebody has
got to stay here; as we have only a few months longer to ae
we might as well be here as anywhere; but the orders are to 0
and orders must be obeyed. I will call on our officers and is Se
more about it. I am well pleased with these youne fellows
They seem to know their business and have a remarkable facult :
a attending to it vet letting other people attend to theirs, "Their
vusIness appears to be in their quarters, amusing themselves wi
their reading, writing and si ar They ara ast et al Ge
with exclusiveness and are not disposed to recline én den
ty. The boys have a standing invitation to call on the
during office hours, and almost every evening some of them are
in there. I called on them and inquired if they were going
through to the News with us or stop with their regiment at
Yorktown. ‘They said it was not supposed that we knew enough
to go from here to Newport News alone, and their orders were to
march us down there, but they should try to get transportation
from Yorktown. I said I thought that would be the most difficult
job they had undertaken recently, that we could get transporta
tion from here just as well as from Yorktown. But the fides was
for us to march, as marching 50 or 100 miles a week, carryine
heavy knapsacks, was a tine thing for soldiers. It took ‘the kinks
out of their legs and prevented them from becoming round.
shouldered. I inquired if they, thought of making the journey
on brook water? One of them partly closed his left aa ane
replied, “Not muchly.” I. then said I should like an order on the ;
commissary for a few much-needed supplies.
forthcoming, for which I made my be
good evening took my leave, ;
their digni-
m any time
st bow, and bidding them
A REUNION.
_ Marcu 7. Left Camp West on the 3d, arriving at Yorktown
in the afternoon. Here our officers tried to get ‘trand ortation
but were ordered to move on. Went on about six les below
Yorktown, and on coming to an old church in the woods halted
for the night. This was a_ brick building with nothing but the
The order was vi
tinued through last night with great severity, and as our camp Is
“and had hitched ov their‘whole team of horses some 80 in num-
‘yailroad; the camp ground lies between the station and the
> $8 reckon if he ¢ see this camp he would not feel
Mass., but I reckon if he could i
My Drary. 133
bare walls and roof, the floors, windows and finish having been
removed. We gathered what wood we could find and kindled a
fire inside; the night was cold and wood scarce, so that we passed
a very uncomfortable night, not sleeping a wink. We took an
early start in the morning, reaching the News about the middle
of the afternoon, where we rejoined about 200 of the boys who
first went home. We were glad to once more see each other,
and the greetings were cordial among both officers and men. We
introduced our new officers to our old ones, and when our new
officers were about leaving us, as a slight expression of our re-
gard for them, we shook hands with them and gave them three
rousing cheers.
SNOW STORM. ‘
Marcu 23. A snow storm commenced yesterday and con-
only a temporary affair it afforded but slight protection; when I
awoke this morning I found myself under a blanket of snow
about a foot thick; there was quite a depth of snow and it was
badly drifted. Before noon it cleared up and the sun shone out
warm. Now commenced snow-ball battles, in which all hands
engaged and seemed to take great delight. /This afternoon a
sleighing party drove into camp pnd made the rounds of the
officers’ quarters. This was a battery company, which out of
some timbers and boards had improvised a sled about 30 feet long,
ber. The battery boys were riding the horses, while the sled
wis covered with officers, both military and naval. Making the
rounds of the camps and being entertained at the officers’ quar-
ters, they had a high old time. It didn’t matter much about the
sleighing, whether good or bad, as they had team and whiskey
enough to make good sleighing anywhere.
THE FAMILY TOGETHER AGAIN,
Broke camp and went over to Portsmouth,
Regiment arrived in the afternoon, bringing
some 250 recruits. We are once more together and the regiment
now numbers about 900 men. Towards night we were ordered
out to Getty’s Station, about four miles west of Portsmouth.
Marca 26.
opposite Norfolk.
GETTY’S STATION.
ig] } : ay ‘ Dive sh ot
Aprit 3. This is a station on the Seaboard and Roanoke
Nansemond river. The camp is named Camp Wellington in
honor of a gentleman of that name in the city of Worcester,
It isthe worst ground we have ever
very highly honored.
Se I have slept out in
camped on, being little else than a mud hole.
nip My Diary.
the woods ever since we came here, but we are getting it drained
and the tents stockaded, but by the time we get it habitable we
shall have to leave it.
GUERRILLA HUNTING.
Aprit 18. The country above here and that part of it ly-
ing between the Suffolk and James rivers is a good deal infected
with guerrilla bands. It was thought best to send out in differ-
ent directions three or four regiments to stir them up. In ae-
cordance with that arrangement we left our mud hole early in
the morning of the 13th going aboard a big double-ender steam-
er at Portsmouth. In company with a small cunboat we steamed
up the James river some 20 miles, when turning to the left we
entered a small creek; following this a few miles we came to a
village called Smithfield.
We landed here about noon and marched up into the street.
The village seemed to be deserted, scarcely any one in) sight.
We had not been here many minutes before Col. Pickett was
met by a good-looking elderly gentleman, who seemed to be con-
siderably agitated about something. He wished the colonel to
send a guard to his house, as he feared the negroes would take
too many liberties with him during our stay. The colonel in-
quired if there were many Confederates about here, The old
gentleman replied that he had seen none recently, and just then
the report of rifles was heard up the creek. Af this the colonel
in a very abrupt and ungentlemanly manner, said: “D—n you
and your house! Forward, march!” The old gentleman turned
away sorrowfully, and started for home. This man’s name was
Atkinson and he was formerly a member of Congress.
A little farther up the street we made another halt to fix on
some plan of action. While waiting here I went into a house.
There was no one at home, but from some books and papers lying
around, I learned that its occupant was a namesake of mine, a
Mr. Day, a lawyer by profession. I was disappointed in not find-
ing the ’squire at home. Mrs. Day had just finished ironing and
her clothes lay on a table nice and clean. I noticed among them
some towels, and being short of these, I borrowed a pair. I left
my card expressing regrets at the ’squire’s absence and said if he
would send me his address, I should like to correspond with him.
Just out the village the roads forked. We halted a minute
to determine which one to take, and while waiting a darky came
along driving a pair of bulls hitched to a cart. Not being accus-
tomed to seeing so grand a display, the animals became frightened
and balked. The darky standing in the cart applied the whip —
and yelled at them. They began to bellow, and sticking~ their
tails straight up in the air, went bellowing down the road at a
gait which would have shamed a locomotive. We went out on
the Suffolk road about five miles, where we met some scouts who
-eeeded up the river, §
My Diary.
ahead of us. We then returned to
were joined by the 9th New Jersey,
234 Massachusetts had had a brush
had driven them towards shwgges.
ad of us when we met the
y tY ; who were ahead of us W
those were the troops who w
i joats we saw a
i ; ‘down to the boats we s
Tha ‘ vorning on going ( ! ee ae
ne ao on the deck of the gunboat, and
rer 8 thing boat, a
qo spread over some g 0: SAO 2 pert Se
Te i that it covered the body of a lieutenant bn m sitanaagtt
sare P : ’ Re a an iar
xh shot while going ina boat up the i ree me sR gdit igh
hot we heard. We arrived back to Camp elling
shots W ard.
afternoon.
A TRIP THROUGH THE CHESAPEAKE
suid there was a regiment
Smithfield and soon aiter we
who informed us that the
with a party of guerrillas and
AND ALBEMARLE CANAL.
f (e OFe leath of
The surrender of Plymouth, N. C., and de
t -o island. lest the dreaded
Flusser caused consternation at irgnriohy inlans 85" we were Or-
sse HAUS : op n the 22
' ake them a visit. : Fae
amarle should ma ( Ug tape gate hoard a large
a it ) the succor of that island. Embarking on
dered t« :
aby t “ THOoOO and pro-
( ) i ortsmo ith in he viternoon )
d ubl en le boat, we ] I yrtsmot t t ; ‘
ns ; : gFomMe Pp s he Ge Spo havy yard, where
and sunken hulks of the Di Bs vessels
he surrender of Norfolk and the navy
i Fe: ke » the river till
vard at the beginning of the war. We “git earl Rs alae
to gis night, when we entered the canal. ie bos
ia for t » progress was slow.
t ide for the canal and our progre : Ph se
oe ‘dnight we came tv a station, having made | ;
‘ ely "e :
eae pane ae There we found our Brooklyn friends
few miles of our sgurneg: They were right glad to'see us and
; ine picket duty. " ght gle Frey
cognates Sie - questions about their old home, which
kept us busy answering questions 200) Scien eae Ps
they See pegenie 4 een = oe W. ] 1d not gone far when
> , journey e hac 2 ‘
a -e resumed our journey. ar whe'
’s stop we resume 4 } ian 05 Bee
= ‘A chee fouled with a stump, so that = gree bere
; i ‘ b as
a Deol back off. This caused a delay of a sis ie: Be
é af a . ‘ Y Ke (a2
ahead 1 ut floats by the light of a lantern Is as gs Rees
oO aly A Ss 4 me a a
at rther on a similar accident happened. ee oe
Raat t Peak cutting out the stump which was 0 . eat ao
ry j swear 7 LS « a
went t¢ - with a large amount of swearing, un i A:
ed lear, ‘port wheel had now acquired a provoking
heey ar Sore » stumps and snags along the bank,
habit of fouling witha _ S ye we rua we oonie out te
. ae » afternoo - a =
, ot until late in the 4 a Poi iting
abe, sound, bay, or av any rate a large write bei ;
Heh ies. ig rain entered the canal.
ines vd, and just before night agai enter ih, naam
rea Waxiow + the eastern edge of the grea i vs
Beanie 3 1a legend of the phantom or witch of the
T have sometime ; ead a
‘the colonel strained his eyes peering
nothing and hearing no return fire, he naturally
the boys were drawing on their imaginations,
to cease firing. But in such a racke
ders, especially if they didn’t
stopped, he was giving his orders in y«
was rare sport to see the firing go on :
ing to stop it.
About morning we entered the
Currituck sound and sailing
at old Fort Huger. The garrison consisted of only the 99th New
York, who felt a little nervous about being
into the swamp, but seeing
concluded that
and gave the order
tit was. difficult to hear or.
care to, and before he got them
‘ry emphatic language. It
ind to hear the colonel try-
North river, coming out into
around the head of the island, landed
mile march before us, with the dust in the a feat Bora
inches deep. This was no march but a aCe, sem pie tr aries
ing to run past each other and get the advance 0 8 ee
oh 9s from the dust. The colonel let them hav e it t ve ( i
Mig ind they made the dust fly right smart. a . Bede, ine ge
tance in less than an hour Ree a pas fle A hee ae Pati #
ike walking dirt heaps. A guard was placed alc g ie bank
‘hp ‘atin prevent an washing in it for fear 7% ai Se
bar. There didn’t appear to be anything as mee -
got here and we are now in camp on the bluff jus
ing T “ODN Ss 1 DE
pag hee brigade now consists of the 9th ie ee Ae ee “4
25th and 27th Papeete ma ty Agee nea it tien
cman, ¢ is k mas the Is gade, 2 vis) hain
Be ae of Gen. William F. a bt Sina,
oe ; “Baldy.” Our knapsacks have been sent bac to * : y
oo. 1 a ie now in light marching order, haying only the
ms aya hi a on and our blankets. Our camp equipage p0b-
ee, ta Hii ) kettles for each company, and shelter tents.
Apt ance so Shkaty pieces of cotton cloth, about six feet long
|
| ” . I
a! ‘ ‘ . +; ‘blante Ordinarily they are
Sioa , : 2 carries with his blanket. h k
andi Ww a. ne which he carries wi
On landing Wwe | with o
ah Ee svery man is supplied
caught ‘here alone in by four wide, made to button together, and every 1 PI
case the Albemarle should make them a visit. oe | aes but in case of a storm three of them are but-
learned the scare was all over. The ram left Plymouth, intend- ar oe used as blankets, be Pia ape the roof and the other the end,
ing to come here, but on getting out into the sound the old ferry- Teens toned nipple atl Bawrpee netioh partly shelters three men.
boats which had been lying in wait went for her and came well oy aga which makes > rates sed to roughing it think it all well enough,
nigh sinking her; at any rate they disabled her so much she put pia We fellows de eye ta Gflpems tit Wilk bome pretty hard on them.
back to Plymouth. Finding we were not needed here, after a ate but I feel sorry for ae not used to and besides it sort of re-
few hours’ rest we re-embarked and started back, if It is something they are ;
The next day as we came out into the wide shee
duces them to the ranks.
See ee * Yorktown is hardly as much today as it was the day of Corn-
“Where away?” “Five
cry was raised: “Sail ho! Sail ho!”
. ~ » ee, Bhs) is’ surrender, and I don’t think there has been anal ete
points off the port bow.” And sure enough, a little to the left / ‘i / wallis’ surrender, sed since. There is the old church and about
and nearly across. this lake, sound or whatever it is, lay a small ; : an ounce of app ie ‘old houses; the most pretentious of which
steamer, which proved to be the little mail-boat Gazelle, which hy? : a dozen weather- recente
lay there stranded. We hauled up and inquired if they wished eae was Cornwallis ag oat all hee infantry, artillery and cavalry,
any assistance. They replied they should be all right as soon as Meta’ sae , The 1&th corps bse reviewed them. The review came oft E
the sand washed from under them, but in the meantime would BAe a and yesterday met eprete and was quite an imposing affair.
like a guard aboard. About a dozen men fiom Company A were : (coe the plain below eh en little dodge on the enemy last night.
put aboard and we went on, arriving back to camp late last even- We came a had igh es all routed up and every man given @
‘Ing. ; About midigigh? i bei After standing there about half an hour
: YORKTOWN. a ‘inn obhcades scoped ei further developments, we a rg ps
ty ding our pork and awé © ee Yow that was taking a
Y May 3. On the 27th of April we broke camp at Getty’s sta- “at we might go back to bed again. Now that
tion, arriving here about dark, and marched up the Williamsburg
road about two miles where we bivouacked. On this trip we ‘A
were furnished transportation. On the morning of the 29th we ioe,
were ordered into camp alout three miles higher up the road. . ea
We had not much more than got up there when an order came ees
i ivalrous foe, thus to conceal
re of a brave and chivalrous foe, cea
an advantage of a brave | we reier: ener, Xo: aaa
aay kind and quantity of our rations. They are age ay yee
; “ that an have nothing to eat and are keeping up e
Ing that : hed
that we shall soon surrender.
138 My Diary.
WE LEAVE YORKTOWN.
May 8. On the afternoon of the 4th we went aboard the
boats and dropped anchor at Fortress Monroe at dusk. The next
morning we started up the James river. The river was alive with
boats, schooners, tugs, gunboats, monitors and everything that
could float, fll loaded to their fullest capacity with troops, horses,
artillery and all the paraphernalia of war. We passed Jamestown
ih the afternoon. Nothing now remains to mark the spot where
the first settlement in Virginia was made, but a pile of bricks
which composed a part of one of the buildings. We reached
City Point just before night. Gen. Heckman’s brigade landed on
the Bermuda Hundred side and bivouacked a short distance from
the landing, all the other troops remaining aboard the boats. The
gunboats and monitors commenced fishing for torpedoes and
working their way up the James and Appomatox rivers.
The next morning, the 6th, the troops commenced to land
and Heckman’s brigade was ordered to advance. We marched
up the country six or seven miles, getting on to high ground and
what is called Cobb’s Hill. From here the spires of the churches
in Petersburg can be seen, while in front of us isa kind of
valley. At this point the Appomatax river turns in a southwest-
erly direction. On the banks between us and Petersburg was a
battery. This is called a good position and here we halted.
We sat here under a burning sun, watching the long lines of
troops come up and ‘file off to the right into the woods towards
the James river until past the middle of the afternoon, at which
time the whole of the 18th and 10th corps, comprising the army
of the James, under Gen. B. F. Butler, had arrived.
HECKMAN’S BRIGADE LEADS OFF THE DANCE.
About 4 p.m., Gen. Heckman is ordered to make arecon-
noisance towards the Petersburg and Richmond railroad. Wes
moved down the valley in a southwesterly direction, and when
about three miles out the 27th Massachusetts were advanced ag
skirmishers. A mile or two farther on we began to hear seatter-
ing shots, indicating that our skirmishers had found game. We
hurried on and found the enemy ina shallow cut, on a branch
railroad running from Port Walthal to the Petersburg and Rich-
mond road. A sharp skirmish ensued, lasting till near dark, when
Heckman withdrew, having accomplished his purpose of finding
the enemy. In this skirmish the 25th lost four killed and several
wounded.
The next morning, the 7th, we moved on them in force, Gen.
Brooks’ division moving directly on the Petersburg and Rich-
mond railroad. Heckman’s brigade, with a section of a battery,
were ordered to occupy the ground of the night before. The
would cheer them lustily every time t
My Dtary. 139
enemy were in strong force and opened on us sine nee
Heckman paid no attention to that, but moved ue 7 ey 3 “Hs
line on the field in columns by division, and ordere Se Mbea
down. The 25th were partially covered bya slight ro : a rate
in our front, while the 27th Massachusetts on our wait : ere peat.
exposed to the enemy’s fire and were suffering psaley cn fi Sriram
man saw the situation and ordered Col. Lee to mov a sha
to the rear of us. He then ordered forward his oe i —
them in battery in our front and set them to wot si or! 7
the rail fences and dust fly right smart. ener’ a Me = sep
been fired a loud explosion was heard, followed by * ryt ropa
smoke, dust and debris in the enemys line. 7 me ° 4 wg. at
sons had blown up, and our boys rose up and peer tm, ng wn
Our guns continued shelling them, but got ry bo v seat oe
ammunition was probably exhausted and their guns perhaps
P . . 4
ei was no infantry firing on either side, oe nen
ing our line and yaa Saheyel “eye ae shai i
‘ “iilroad. Brooks was at them and a fig! ailroa
Se te We were masters of the situation oh ar hilba
able to protect his flank. About noon the gig Bonne & the "
into position and commenced throwing chun s of Maal sid den
s. This caused considerable sport among’ the boys a id they
ee i hey fired, but a few shots
; Ihave. often read
r » ouns a quietus on that sport. el (
from our guns, put a q EE ee ast
and heard of that kind of practice, but never
now. ne eRe i
In the afternoon a battery of four cee a Pees bg
kh iti ‘ar fF or some 2 rods in
lrov aking positions on a roll of ground so 1
drove up, taking posit D ou oak ae
our ae and commenced firing. I § first ate oe ee a
oth in f r us, ¢ TAS § » surprised at it
ing snemy front of us, and was a httle s
shelling the enemy In fror es sorpaeee, BLT
as all was quiet on both sides. But I soon noticed mee we ot
i eintselon YF imery $ vent up there. ere
T got permission from Capt. snr me he up GaGa a
a i icer, ? varly half a mile aw: S
was a signal officer, and nearly alt Ag CT Soh ak aaa
n signaling to this battery. Ihe guns
y would train them a little to the right
AG: ; Thay rare si m _
or left, as directed by the signal officer. They were paths,
ny ; ] g ’ » ay y rey
shells over the woods and dropping them oy oh enemy OV ‘
: sles away. Those shells were report-
railros . » two miles away. Those :
on the railroad, som¢ ee apyetlg pals so
edto be very annoying to the enemy and of great 7 ‘9
j At } ~~eTtICe §£ ras ores r as
Brooks. It was splendid artillery practice and I w i“ gr atly a
terested in it. While watching them shy those shells Shy : :
wabai T wondered where those devils over there thought they
. from. > tas hp
Antes See nioeht it was signaled that Brooks had accomplish¢ d
: ; a x Hy J 4 eeye © rag ¥: , y
his purpose, tearing up several miles of road and was . asi
9 E B Seki rab The day’s work was over and we drew bac | ;
: , } y § ve oc ste o
Cobb Hill. In this day’s fight the 27th Massachusetts sustaimec
obb’s i } fe
was a group of me
quite an elevation, and the
440 My Diary.
the greatest loss, while the 25
affair. The heat was int
many of them being prost
‘ated and carried back in ambulances.
ON THE SICK LIST.
May 18. Since the affair over on the railroad, I have
on the sick list and have suffered severe]
and from other causes, I
been
y with chills and fever
am not yet able to do much and I fear I
shall not be able to go on many more excursions with the boys.
The regiment has been out nearly every day, and has suffered a
Hoss of more than 200 men, killed, wounded and prisoners. In
the fight at Drury’s Bluff, two mornings ago, we lost heavily,
some 150 men being killed, wounded or taken prisoners. Heck-
man’s brigade was almost annihilated. He was taken prisoner
fogether with Capt. Belger, who lost four pieces of his battery,
and Col. Lee, with nearly the whole of the 27th Massachusetts
regiment, besides
a good many officers and men of the 23d Mas-
sachusetts ‘and 9th New Jersey.
— 18rn Corrs Hosprrat, Port or I
1864. I have been here a
feel a little rested.
tocks, SunpAy, JuLY 10,
little more than a week and begin to
I have not written a letter for more than a
month and about everything has been neglected. | hung around
the regiment as long as Ass’t Surgeon Hoyt would allow me to,
and the first of the month he piled me into an ambulance and
sent me here, saying I could have a much better celebration here
than I could in the trenches, This Was my first ride in an ambu-
Haince and [ didn’t enjoy it worth a cent. “I haye always had a
strong aversion to that kind of conveyance and have always clung
to the hope that I might be spared from it. My health began to
fail early in the spring. I said nothing about it, thinking I
should improve as the weather grew warmer, but instead of im-
proving I grew worse, until now I am unfit, for anything. At
first I was terribly afflicted with piles, then chills and fever, and
now I have a confirmed liver complaint which no amount of blue
mass, calomel or acids affect in the least unless it is to help it
along. I reckon if I can keep pretty quiet and can hold out till
I get home I shall stand a chance to recover from it, but it will be
a slow job.
HOSPITAL LIFE.
Jury 20. Thus far I have been unable to discover any
¢harms in hospital life. With fair health the active camp is far
preferable. This hospital is divided into three departments.
‘The first is the ofticers? ward, the second is the hospital. for the
wounded and very sick, and the third is the convalescent camp. The
first two are in large hospital tents and are furnished with cots,
25th suffered the worst in last night’s
ense, and the men suffered severely,
hee oa 5 Ge $Ft . Aid
ne
My Diary. 148
mattresses and other necessary conveniences. fa re bres Rha
more than 600 men, quartered ee ee Ares
department. It is not supposes ha Pepto bis } foombiit Petia
They are all either dead beats o1 af sirens A meyers crn) ae
dratt is made from among them twic a's deka tg ant 4
F sen here only four days when I was draw ny yut sarin €
kn ©, who is an attache at Doctor Lapras tet dn
name on the roll and scratched it off.: “A. yey goed iy stati
here supposed to be sick, there seems aa yea sn inne Pia ns,
among them as we furnish about as large * agen bh ree
the little cemetery out here as they do at : Ah at i
But then ina population of 600 or more, oh * ct de» sd
day is not surprising. I have been obit erie “> aah hn
been dratted four be “a on ahaorgseayee: sth 2 pe
a va a rae I shall ‘not be troubled with any
only half well, but I spaieyet 1 Bight odd uieporaie amg 4
‘ts ‘tor tt sent aman bac i ys
none roacue aie meh ving with a sharp note to Doctor Sadler,
eth he didn’t send men to the hospital that ets Gent
a ie idn’t want them sent back until they were. a
mit as seh Sadler’s ire, and he says when Hoyt wants his:
sec oe Se f j
Sich he can send for them.
5 : vhole charge of the convalescent
Doctor Sadler has the w hole ch wge ¢ bo hp tye a
ip, and has several young fellows, assistant surgeons . he
ay Res staff. Some of these fellows I gi sage es ‘i mh
“et Remangaas ists’ clerks at } . t by some hook or
i . ‘ ruggists’ clerks at home, but by
nothing more than druggists ca assistant PN pe ahi gent out
crook have been commissioned assistant surg sigs phys
h Every morning all who are able in all the ten wer go uy
i . “i 1 d ALP ht ta a vel . “oo x
ag examined and prescribed for by these new nh net ‘ pet br
of ‘those not able to go seldom receive any medical atten anc a
but it ig just as well and perhaps better that ey SR at Bee
itis just as a Rattan. baat Sie pod
the skill te these young doctors is Pe eaggey limited. if ; ¢ as
i i and askilful surgeon. e comes arounc a
Sadler is a fine man and askilful surges er ed eatices
isionally, visiting those who are not able to g¢ bt kas dap
4 ; ; ¥ ror J a oes 8 ¢ s r t re
fc r them ‘and fora day or two afterwards the assistants w fis
ek it those cases. These assistants make the poate reek
“nd to ases, T te Y kgdb seamen:
Seats the men for the front, after which they ee 1in Ate i “oy
; yy a AC
I : Doctor Sadler and frequently a number of t ye Ny i Hianvinen
sowed and the assistants oftentimes need not feel very :
acce >! S ‘ ahs i’
flattered by some remarks of the doctor.
This convalescent camp holds its own in rie ie at ay
drafts made on it. Recruits arrive daily and the d yas s are nak
conad sys sending back 50 or 100 at each draft. When a
re agi ae ‘ ae of ‘the assistants comes into a ward and orders:
mopeds Soak ‘ nd every man not down sick abed turns out. The
it turned aug ag them in single rank and the inspection begins.
BE canines es the right and go through the ward, making
ley CO
:
oY
a ee eee eee
a
Dy)
— My Diary.
Ne 1E xi nations ¢é nd Hi sk ot san nest rerpy
« 2 a a q StIONS every
th ssame exam S ¢ € ng’ he 1€
« 1€ 10ns of ver
man in the war They fee
on te ee ine Bir pial the pulse and look at the tongue
EN Sg Ea PR cel k my ere booked for the front. They re-
OE Hk hice bi . at te: Brighton, examining horses. Some
chew wild ohare? or wk nee but ARH S. hurry to go back
diaaispiad- ates Bestinagey ‘a to fur their tongues and are thus
to go. We get some r bate gets hold of them, when they have
aga ER sea re poreate from the other hospital, for as soon
sent here an there is declared convalescent he i
, 1e is
A good joke occurred one morning
drafted for the fr : ROE INE when one of ther 4
so ge Eyer ae eee been slightly wounded in aie
Gard os “ A Pictige a crutch. When his ward was in
ashe sit a eee ‘ ell in with the rest, and the doctor, not
Sie gst ic Poa ite his pulse and tongue all ractit
said to this a 3 1 iec . When Sadler inspected Higa ais
reise FC comarca: “i Vhat are you here for?” “Going tothe
Topas , pn 3, fan is where I am ticketed for.” agi iler.
ant, Sais hess Pll excuse you.” Then turning to his pie *
three legcod Danse fi rhea as hae so hard up for men as ite wane
he ~~ at nsie under his aris dere te Ae shonah hie
is Whole hospital is under tie eed atk:
ea NER mite si management of ¢ Te
sia. at coed I am able to judge is well rad : rere
expected ina plaée ‘ike oT and far better than could be
acerues is expended for ilaae psy ae as fast as it
reserves : ey Shs ‘8, Iruits, mMuk, butter, chees
karl eee 4 things which the ghvetatagee ae
“AP NR ms sy a ee is in two departments one
sabi poate kes — Sot e out the meats, soups, vegetables and
danetaGteaka, bites Hit escent. In the other are cooked the
officers’ ward and th A , = tea and all kinds of light diet for the
spa a Sredidied thes has a tare department. The light
Mick Dsind Who tethe sara teat mercy in the person of a
I RECEIVE AN APPOINTMENT.
_ Aveust 1. The ward next me o arg
ot ee 60 if 80 men, recat piesa oY Hie
recently they have been pretty m h ae given
nite ie igerg to care for tig Rant oe bark Regt
tb») T « - 4 bs ol Ly : iu
ie patti sa charge of them. I said I should like -
pape bi a pe ; pant) be of any use. He gave me my in-
“saps ite x soa : “ reports, and set me up in. business
ofarrivals aid bees Aa Lealls, surgeon’s calls, keep an account
Se Agatiotatha < . ge ee esertions, deaths, march them up to th
e times a day for rations and make my tani to ‘an
every morning.
thing I did was to set them to work cl
qu
A cou
condition
chance to
ed the most care and favors.
tion and you can’t tell so well
He can put on the sickest
mule.
and appear as though he would
ger is nev
is no more help
ick and I have no more
that are s
T have th:
Two of them are now unable
burg.
inthe morning an¢
have abot
and foun
tired.
The
march them up there there are
the whole distance.
and said he should like to see
I replied
you will see them marching a
inches fr
morning
that carried canes on the right,
head of the column, and g
show, they marche
those in the rear ke
re 200 le
They kept closed up a good
as the rear crowd
cheered
fun. Wemarched in re
he laughed and shook himse
with the parade, at any rate he
when I ¢
One day one of my fellows came
He said he could catch as mé
ing.
two for three days.
of him again for four days.
been so long, he looked
then rol
said: “Yah, yah, yah!
yah.”
arters, so they wou
143
My Drary.
Entering on the discharge of my duties the first
raning and fixing up their
ld be more comfortable.
of hours’ work showed a great improvement in the
_ and while it was being done it gave me a
them were the worst off and need-
A sick nigger is a curious institu-
about him as you can about a sick
look of anything I ever saw
die in seven minutes, but a nig-
er really sick but once, and is then sure to die. There
for one than there is for a sick pig. I have three
faith in ther getting well than
it Gen. Lee will drive Gen. Grant from betore Peters-
to attend the surgeon’s call
ot will be ina few days. I
canes, spavined, ring-boned
and
iple
of things
find out who among
1the other Lexpe
it 40 hobbling around with
Jered. The others are simply a little war-worn
kitchen is about 30 rods from the camp, and when I
so many lame ones they stragele
Doctor Sadler called my attention to this
them march in little better order.
t in the morning and see the parade;
28 inch step and closed up to 18
He promised he would. The next
I formed every one of those darkies
and the very lamest I put at the
ye them a send-off. It was a comical
1 at the rate of about one mile an hour, and
pt calling out to those in advance: “Why don
Hurry up dar; shan’ get breakfas’ fo’ noon.”
deal better than they kept the step
ed the advance to push them along. We were
along the route as almost everybody was out to see the
a view before the doctor, and by the way
lf I thought he was well satisfied
complimented me on my success
: “Surgeon, come ou
ym stem to stern.”
at breakfast call
mg dar!
sarried in my morning report.
to me for a pass to go fish-
uy bull-heads as would “do us
I gave him a pass, but didn’t see anything
When I asked him where he had
tty sob er for a minute or two, and
yes and showing his teeth,
yah, yah,
pre
whites of his e}
ling around the
ize no idee ize don gon so long;
-
Ja ee
Sioned eileen
a
|
i
~—— ste sinatra
144 My Diary.
NED CARTER THE BLACKSMITH.
Aveust 8. When I first came here I w
up, but thanks to
lock ¢ “iG j
i Bie Aldrich of my own company (who are attaches of this
i aie also to Miss Dame for their attention, kindness
te rhe am ee roe the best now I have any time this summer.
clr sympathy, attentions and ki ti ‘
( ympathy, Buy ind offices, Iam under
debt of everlasting oratitude. Bice:
ath W ithin a week two of my sick men h
is fast going. \
as pretty well used
He died ave died and another:
, em Was a character in his way. As nes
as one can guess the age of a darky I should eet Bet ae
60 years old, and rather an intelligent man.’ He always call ad
himself Ned Carter the blacksmith, and delighted in fledevee Sika
call him so. He would talk by the hour of old. times aboutr his
old master, and the good times and good cheer they ised to have.
at Christm is time. When I first took this ward I'saw that Ned
Was a sick darky and told him to have things his own way; if he
felt like sleeping in the morning and didn’t want to come ‘out to:
roll call IT would excuse him. TI noticed that he seldom went for
his rations, but would send his cup for his coffee and tea. He
said there was very little at the kitchen he could eat T adked
him what he could eat. He said he thoucht some cracker ‘and
milk would taste good. I took his cup ‘up to Miss Dame and
asked her if she would give me some condensed milk and a flr
soda crackers for a sick darky. She gave them to me and Ned
Carter the blacksmith was happy. ~The convalescent oni i
not allowed anything from the sick kitchen except by one if
Doctor Fowler, so any little notion I get from heey is thror ie
the kindness of Miss Dame or my friend Wheelock. ‘I have OL
gh stale, a ey of tea and a slice of toast, with some peach
Hrestciccat has ly ite = and the poor fellow could express.
My Dtary. 151
“Tow many deaths?
*“Four.”
“Four deaths in four days. About ship and go back to the
Hook.’’
Our hearts that a few moments before were buoyant with
hope now sank within us. The Hook was a cold, dreary place,
and there was no knowing how long we should have to stay, hut
it was easy enovgh to know that some of us wouldn’t stay there
very long. We ran back to the Hook, and dropped. anchor, not
far from the large hospital ship.
After a little while we saw a ek
‘lowered from the hospital
ship; a man stepped in and was pulled along side our boat; he
climbed aboard and proved to be some kind of health officer. He
looked us all over and then Jooked over the boat. He signaled a
tug to run alongside, he hustled out those citizens, and put them
aboard of it. He also took Samuel Champney of company D,
whom he found lying down, and. took them all ove to the hospi-
tal ship. We bade Sam good-bye as he we nt over theside of the
boat. We never saw him afterwards; and I have since learned
that he died there. The next morning, when the ¢
coming over, the call went over the boat: “All hands on deck;
don’t be caught lying down; all out on deck!” When he came
aboard he fownd us all fooling and knocking off caps. He looked
us over and. remarked that we didn’t seem to be ailing very much.
He then looked the boat over and not finding any down took his
leave, but if he could haye looked through the side of the boat
he would have seen half of us down by the time he was in his
gig was seen
o198,”, ; ;
ee Capt. Denny of company K, who is in command of this de-
tachment, and who is a genial, bie-hearted man, said he would see
what he could do for us. He went over to the hospital ship and
a little while after we saw him ona tug going towards New
York.. I knew if there was any help for us, Capt. Denny was
the man todo it. He isa good talker and great in diplomacy,
and when he sets about a thing he is pretty sure to accomplish
something. Tuesday night came but no Denny, and the question,
“Where is Denny?” was oft repeated without an answer. I
could but feel that the captain was working for us and no news
7 ‘oop » 194} rags
wis perhaps good news. Wednesday morning, the oth, was a
cold, bleak, cheerless morning, and we were growing weaker every
hour, but all hands rallied on deck when that regen tw as
seen coming. Noon came but no Denny. Where is |! stn ?
‘ ; ; ‘ ‘ } } } » ‘ » 1S i,
What has happened to him? Can it be pecans that he has cle
‘ anes ee v ead
serted us? were questions that went unanswered. I said it ae
possible something may have happened to him, but I peg od rs
lieve he has deserted us. He is has thet kind om wes - ae
he would not miss taking us into Worcester for halt the weal
1
Ae
152 My Diary.
of the city, but if he don’t come t
~ aoe ti i onight, we will send Captains
arkhurst and Emery to see what
: ef has become of him.
About 5 p.m. we sighted a large tug coming through the
narrows, and soon after it headed towards our boat. Lone ‘before
Ht got within hail we saw a man in the bow, waving his cap. It
was Capt. Denny. Deliverance had come, and I reckon when
that hospital doctor heard our cheers, he must have thought we
ae ne very badly affected with yellow fever. I had ‘known
apt. Denny for several year ‘fore the war. ss :
aa atime whew) nde iy bigs Bip ee vb mi SS cata
De as so glad to see him as I ws on that afternoon.
Phe tue came alongside and ‘we were not very Jone transferring
ourselves aboard of it and it was again heading for the city.
7 e ie ee side of sy Norwich steamer, and
oarcded her at the forward gangway, and were hustled amone the
cotton bales and freight like so many lepers. We ies eh
lowed abaft the forward ganeway, and were not troubled with
Visitors as no one cared to see the brave defenders. But we
eared nothing about that so lone as we were voing towards home
and the accommodations were as good as we had been accustomed
to having. ; :
We reached Norwich about 2 a. m. on the 15th, and went
aboard the cars, arriving at Worcester at 4 0’clock. At. this
hour Worcester people were still wrapt in the arms of Morpheus
and Jf course we didn’t meet. with a very enthusiastic reception.
Our little party formed on Foster street and noiselessly wended
our way to the City Hall. A few stragglers who were around the
depot reported our arrival and an hour after we received an invi-
tation to go back to the depot refreshment room for lunch, This
Invitation was readily accepted and a famine was created in that
refreshment room soon atter our entrance. We had a good
breakfast ot hot coffee, cold meats, bread, pies, cakes, ete. After
breakfast we returned to the hall to receive visitors, amone the
first of whom was Col. Pickett, who warmly weleomed us shak-
ing hands with all. We were right glad to see our colonel, and.
learn that he was getting the better of his wounds received at
Cold Harbor.
By 8 o’clock the hall was filled, and welcoming speeches were
made by his Honor Mayor Lincoln and others. After which it
Wis proposed we make a parade and show ourselves over the city.
Phis was onjected to, not because we didn’t wish to please our
Worcester friends, but because we were sick and tired, and had
had enough of perades and marches; our thoughts were of home
and we were in a hurry to get there. Free tickets were furnished
us on all the railroads, and we were dismissed for a week or until
our iuster out. I arrived home at noon, agreeably surprising
my family, who were not expecting me for a week to come. pi
So
My Drary. 153
On the 20th of October we again met in Worcester for mus-
ter out and discharge papers. I was once more a free man, hav-
ing been under the care and keeping of others a little more than
thirty-seven months.
CLOSING SCENES.
Two months later we again met in Worcester to be paid off.
This was to be our last meeting, henceforth we should travel in
different paths and our meetings would be only by chance if ever.
Shaking hands and wishing each other all manner of good fortune,
we said our good-byes and parted. Ihave been through it and
have had a great experience. I shall have no regrets that I did
not go and have brought back no sorrowing memories. I have
done what I could to preserve the union of the states. I have
met the enemies of the country face to face, and done what I
could to roll back the tide of rebellion, and if I have been of any
little service to the country, I am glad of it. With all the officers
of the regiment my relations have always been on the most ami-
cable footing, and I am vain enough to believe that they will all
bear me witness that I have always cheerfully obeyed all their
commands and done all the duty required of me; that I have al-
rays treated them politely and shown them all the respect due their
rank. In my little sports and’ jokes I have shown no_ partiality,
and. I trust there is no one who bears any malice towards me on
that account. [have brought from the field no resentments or
animosities towards any, but shall always hold in pleasing re-
membrance all, both living and dead, with whom I have been as-
sociated.
Let him not boast who puts his armor on
Like him who lays it off, his battle done.
THE END.
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