USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Woodbury > History of ancient Woodbury, Connecticut : from the first Indian dead in 1659 to 1872, Vol. II > Part 31
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" All the boys are well and send their best respects to you. I appreciate your kindness to me in the past, and I pray God to re- pay you.
Yours truly,
JOHN B. BUNNELL.
" CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, Va., Dec. 21st, 1862.
" MY DEAR FRIEND :- I beg pardon for not writing you sooner after the battle, as, perhaps, you have been anxious as to my safe- y. I am well and in good spirits.
" Our regiment crossed the Rappahannocto Fredericksburg on
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the afternoon of the 12th inst., and that night bivouaced in the streets of the city. On the morning of the 13th, we were detailed to support the pickets in front of the 3d division, which were sta- tioned just beyond the outskirts of the city. Col. Stedman re- ported the regiment for that purpose to Col. Donoho, 10th N. H. Vols., commanding the pickets, at about 9} o'clock ; up to this time there had been a desultory firing of pickets, although Franklin was, at the time, hotly engaged on the left, but it grew more brisk until at about 10 A. M., the engagement became gene- ral. The picket headquarters were at a small house on an emi- nence near the railroad, considerably to our left, and within 800 yards of the rebel breastworks. From this position we could ob- serve every movement on each side. We were out of the general range of fire, and comparatively safe, although, if too much ex- posed, the zip of a bullet from some sharp shooter's rifle was sure to remind us that, under the circumstances, "Discretion was the better part of valor." One poor fellow was hit by one of them, and lost his leg in consequence. The position of the enemy was one of great strength, not only by nature, but by all the appli- ances of military science.
" The ground in rear of the city forms a platean, or open plain, about a third of a mile deep, and then rises in a range of hills, which abuts at a deep ravine on the left. At the foot of this range of hills runs a road flanked by a stone wall, behind which the sharp-shooters and infantry of the enemy were posted. On the crest of the hill above were heavy intrenchments, behind which powerful cannon are planted, in such a manner as to bring an enfi- lading fire upon our troops, who must advance to the attack over the open field in front, and still behind these works other lines of . infantry are concealed.
" As soon as our men emerged from the city, they were opened upon with shell, and as they came nearer, by the infantry. The first to advance was a portion of Couch's corps, Hancock's divis- ion, I think. The shell made awful havoc among them. We could see the men fall, and flags go down and come up again, and count the dead and wounded behind them, as they swept on, by dozens. I noticed that the enemy were careful of their ammuni- tion : they would reserve their fire until our men were within short range, and then deliver it with terrible effect.
" At about noon, the Irish brigade made an attempt to dislodge the enemy from their breastworks. It came across the plain in
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splendid style, and charged upon the works most gallantly ; but, besides artillery, they were met by two lines of infantry, one above another, and were repulsed. They fell back in some con- fusion, but were soon rallied, at a depression in the ground, where they held their own. The first brigade of our division were en- gaged about sunset. It was under fire only about half an hour, and lost 400 killed and wounded. On the 14th, there was no gen- eral engagement, but picket firing and occasional cannonading was kept up all day. On the morning of that day it was announ- ced that the 9th army corps was to charge upon the enemies works in column by regiments. The 11th was to go in advance of the column, and do the skirmishing. But Sunday passed, and no fight- ing took place; why, I do not know. I believe it would have been successful, although attended with an immense loss of life. On the night of the 15th, we recrossed the river, and reached our old camp, which had been left standing, before midnight.
" I am rejoiced to see that the public do not blame our beloved General Burnside., for we think that he did everything that lay in his power, and that too, with a vigilance, promptness and gallant- ry, which reflect great honor upon him. It is said that he did not want to advance at the time he did, and thought that to do so would result only in slaughter, but was ordered to do so by the President. The sequel proved his superior wisdom. Oh! when will citizens learn to mind their own business and leave military matters to military men ? This has been a drawback to our cause ever since the rebellion commenced. I believe we should have conquered the rebels ere this, if we had had a straight out and out military dictator. For my part, I am tired of this useless sacri- fice of life. I feel a strong devotion to my country. I am wil- ling to undergo any privation or sacrifice, even to that of my life, to establish its union and maintain its honor, but I do not like to throw my life away at the caprice of those who do not under- stand the movements and welfare of any army.
"The right grand division was reviewed by Gen. Sumner this A M. Our regiment was especially complimented by the Gen. for its neatness and soldierly appearance.
Yours affectionately,
SAMUEL C. BARNUM."
To P. M. Trowbridge. Esq."
.
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" CAMP OF 11TH CONN. VOLS. )
Dec. 11th, 1862, 7 o'clock P. M. ยง
" MY DEAR FRIEND :- Just as I predicted last night, we awoke this morning to the music of cannon. At precisely 5 o'clock A. M. the sullen boom of a heavy gun sounded out upon the morning air, and opened the ball.
Our troops are in Fredericksburg, and the city is in ruins and burning. At an early hour this morning our Engineers commen- ced throwing a pontoon bridge across the river at a point near the city, and were fired upon by the rebels from houses and breast- works. It was found impossible to accomplish the work, as our men were picked off by sharp-shooters as often as they came in sight. Consequently, our batteries opened upon the city, to dis- lodge the rebels, and continued it, with intervals, until sundown. The cannonading has been the most terrific and rapid I have ever heard. It seemed to be, sometimes, by volleys, which would jar the ground for miles. Considerable difficulty occurred in dislodg- ing some rebel sharp-shooters from rifle-pits on the opposite side of the river, as our gunners could not depress their guns enough to touch them. It was accomplished, however, by a most daring and heroic exploit of some fifty brave soldiers of the 7th Mich., who went across on two pontoons, lying on their backs in the bot- tom of the boats, and exposing only their hands in rowing, and who charged upon the pits on reaching the opposite shore. The last plank of the bridge was laid at about 4 o'clock P. M. I pre- sume others will soon be laid. Our troops are now passing over. We have been under orders all day, and are now ordered to be ready to move early in the morning.
" This is the first instance of the shelling of a city during the war. Everybody is pleased with the way in which Burnside con- ducts affairs. It seems as if war was being waged sternly and in earnest. I admire him, too, for demanding the removal of Gen. Meigs. I believe Mcclellan's failures have been occasioned more by such blunders, as for instance the delay of the pontoon, &c., and his failure to remedy matters, than his own incompetency.
Yours affectionately, SAMUEL C. BARNUM.
To P. M. Trowbridge, Esq."
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" CAMP 11th CONN. VOLS., Opp. Fredericksbug, Va. S
"MY DEAR FRIEND :- Yours of the 28th inst. came to hand this A. M. I imagine that your mail facilities must be rather poor, as I have written you at least two letters, and one to Rod., since the battle. I am quite well, and very busy, as it is now the end of the year, and there are several reports to be made out- which involves a good deal of labor.
"You ask what I think of being whipt. I confess we were. We must try again ! I am not disheartened, but, on the con- trary, feel more like fighting and dying than ever. I don't care to live to see my country succumb to rebels. I amire Gen. Burn- side most ardently. I love him. I think, with a smaller force, he would be much more brilliant and successful. With his present army he nobly confesses his want of capacity. I am inclined to the belief that "Little Mac" is the man.
Yours affectionately,
SAMUEL C. BARNUM.
To Philo M. Trowbridge, Esq."
" CAMP OF 11TH CONN. VOLS.,
Opposite Fredericksburg, Va., Nov. 27th, 1862. 5
MY DEAR FRIEND :- It is Thanksgiving in Conn. to-day, and I have been thinking of you constantly, and I need not say how often I have wished I were with you to enjoy it. There are so many pleasing associations clustering about the day, that it has always seemed to me one of the happiest of the year. Bright visions of your festivities have flitted before me to-day, until I have almost imagined myself there in reality. And thus it is I often derive great satisfaction in the thought of the happiness of friends at home. You must not imagine, however, that I am want- ing in the comforts of life; on the contrary, I have enjoyed a sumptuous dinner to-day, prepared by the cook of our mess, and at which Col. Harland (our Brigadier) and Surgeon Warner of the 16th were guests. I enjoyed it, but felt almost guilty at the thought, that the men of the regiment had nothing but hard crack-
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ers and " salt junk." The rank and file are the ones who make the greatest sacrifices, after all.
" Our army has been lying here for more than a week. No one knows when or where it will move next. The rebels are in con- siderable force on the other side. Their camps are plainly visible from a point near our camp, and the pickets of the two armies often converse with each other, on the banks of the Rappahannock.
"Poor Rod. has been quite sick with a fever, and has suffered much. He is now better, and I hope will be well soon. If he is not, I shall try to send him home to recruit.
"You wish me to tell what position I occupy, &c. I am at present acting as Adjutant. The Adjutancy is a Staff appoint- ment, and a very desirable situation. His business is to make all reports, &c. of the regiment, write, publish, and copy all orders, attend to the officers' correspondence, and in the field to form the regiment and assist in maneuvering it; also, to mount the guard. I am entitled to a horse, and many other privileges, which I could not otherwise have. Besides, I very much enjoy the society with which it brings me in contact. Col. Stedman has told me that he should be pleased to have me remain where I am, but, at any time I wish to go in the line, I can have a captaincy. My present rank is that of 1st Lieutenant.
Yours affectionately, SAMUEL C. BARNUM.
To P. M. Trowbridge, Esq."
" CAMP OF 11TH CONN. VOLS., Dec. 10th, 1862.
"MY DEAR FRIEND :- I received your kind letter of the 4th inst. last evening. I am surprised to know that you have received but one letter from me since the battle. I am confident of having written more.
" I am very sorry that my silence has occasioned you any anxiety on my account, for, I assure you, my health was never better than now, and although exposed to the fatigues and exposures of the march through Virginia, I not only survived it, but really quite enjoyed it. If a person is in good health, there is always some- thing to interest one on a march.
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" I am still with the field and staff, and enjoy it very much, not only as it is just in my line of business, (writing,) but it brings me into a very refined circle of society, under the influences of which I feel that I am improving. I can give you no definite direc- tions about the box of which you write, as it is announced this af- ternoon that the troops will move to-morrow morning, at daylight. Stirring scenes are ahead. While I write, the rumbling of wagons, &c., betokens preparation for the coming contest. We may awake to-morrow morning to the music of cannon. Pontoon bridges have, I understand, been thrown across the river at points below this place, and one is being, or is to be thrown across at a point near Falmouth. Over these bridges I suppose the troops are to make a simultaneous attempt to cross. Of course opposition is expected ; the battle may be severe and critical; I am inclined to think it will. The 9th army corps are the first to attempt a cross- ing at Falmouth.
"This seems to me a critical period. Great events may be hanging on the issues of the next few days. God grant that our cause may triumph this time. A good deal of curiosity is felt here in regard to the destination of Banks. I hope it will be as you suggest, to operate with us in another direction.
"May be you would like to know what my feelings are in re- gard to the prospect of a fight. I assure you they are none of those ever described as " spoiling for a fight." I would much rather the thing be accomplished without the shedding of a single drop of blood, but if it is to be otherwise, I desire to meet it squarely, coolly and bravely.
"The experiences of "Newberne," "South Mountain," and " Antietam," have taught me that there is an awful reality to be sternly met.
Yours affectionately, SAMUEL C. BARNUM.
To P. M. Trowbridge, Esq."
A few extracts from the diary of Ammi F. Hall, Co. G., Ist Conn. Heavy Artillery, are here given, in lien of a description of the Seven Days Battles and retreat of Gen. McClellan.
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"On the 27th of June, at two o'clock in the morning, in a cold 'ain storm, we formed a line; sixty rounds of cartridges were given to each man, and one days rations. We immediately start- ed on a forced march to Hanover. We had gone twelve miles, when we halted long enough for the engineers to build a rough bridge over a small river. This being accomplished, the order Double-quick,' was given, and away we hastened, with our ac- customed vigor, for the scene of action, which the booming can- hon told us had already commenced. On our approach to the battle-field, we found a part of Gen. Porter's Division, which had marched by another road, and was nearly an hour ahead of us, nad engaged the rebels. Our regiment was immediately deployed to attack the enemy in the woods on the Hanover Court House Road, but they retired on our approach. Then we gave three Yankee cheers, and commenced the pursuit on the turnpike to Hanover, when orders to countermarch were given, in order to repel an attack of the enemy on our left and rear. The advance of the brigade was much impeded by the artillery and ambulance trains, and the column thus became broken. For a few minutes all was confusion and excitement, and the left became the front. Our regiment was deployed and entered the woods on the right, to prolong the attacking line in that direction. At this moment, Col. Robert Tyler sprang forward and said,' Now boys, you that are not afraid of blood, follow me.' Instantly, a line of shining bayo- nets were leveled, and we charged through the woods like a deadly avalanch. The enemy were swept from before us, and were ut- terly routed and dispersed. We took hundreds of prisoners, and the victory was complete. The red sun sank below the horizon, retiring from that scene of horror and devastation, as if in sor- row for the fallen dead. The picture of the cold and lifeless bod. ies of the slain will ever remain a perpetual vision. The low, mournful cries of the wounded, and the penitent confessions of the dying rebels, as they prayed for mercy at the hands of God, will forever ring in my ears. It was a painful task to labor with those sufferers, to hear their penitent confessions, and witness their sad gratitude. But the saddest, thought of all was, that af. ter all their brave fighting, they could not have the consolation of a heroic death in the defence of the right, but must lie down in a sol- dier's grave with the brand of traitors upon their memories. Dark- ness soon covered the field, and the men were so weary that many sank down on the field, unable to keep their places in the ranks.
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When the order 'Rest,' was given, each sought his chum, his dearest friend and comrade, and they together sank down upon the cold, wet, bloody ground, without food, without covering, and without other shelter than the broad canopy of Heaven ! Once, during the night, I awoke, but only to withdraw my feet from a puddle of water, benumbed, and nearly frozen. In a moment, I was asleep again, and did not awake the second time, till the sun had long been looking down upon us.
"Foraging parties were sent out in search of food. They returned at noon, with several of the enemies' waggons loaded with meal and bacon, which was equally shared by the whole regiment. In the afternoon we buried the dead. Twenty-five North Carolina soldiers we buried in one grave. At three o'clock Gen. McClel- lan appeared upon the field, and was greeted with great enthu- siasm.
" On the 29th we went towards Ashland, on a reconnoisance, -- found the enemy in force, and returned to camp at noon. At sun- down we took up the line of march for camp at Old Church. The night was very dark, the road rough and muddy, and the regiment was scattered along a distance of six miles. I reached camp at one o'clock in the night, and sought my tent for repose.
" On the 31st we started for Cold Harbor, marched five miles, when the order to countermarch was given. We had nearly reached Old Church, when the order to countermarch was again given, and we reached Cold Harbor at twelve o'clock. At one, the constant roar of cannon, and the fierce rattle of musketry, told us a terrible battle was in progress. Orders came to 'fall in.' We stacked arms, and awaited further orders. The battle contin. ued during the afternoon, and was renewed next day. Still nearer and nearer sounded the roar of artillery, bringing to our practiced ears the sad and silent foreboding of defeat. Between us and the combatants lay a dark, deep, rapidly flowing river. The bridge had been swept away by the late freshet. It was madness to attempt to cross it, and rush to the rescue of our defeat- ed and retreating army. We did not know, at the time, that this was the great battle of Fair Oaks, which, recorded on the page of history, fills the hearts of loyal people with shame and indigna- tion. On Monday morning we marched to Banes' Mill, and re- mained there till the 25th of June, doing picket duty in the Chick- ahomany swamps. The pickets were in no wise friendly. A con- tinual fire was kept up on both sides, and not an hour passed, in
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which some of our soldiers did not fall by the enemies bullets. We were often compelled to stand in water up to our waists, and behind trees, to avoid the bullets of the hostile riflemen. Al- though suffering from constant exposures, the bites of musquitoes and other poisonous insects, in these dismal swamps, still we were not discouraged, for we well knew the value of every inch of ground we then occupied.
"On the 13th of June, we had a chase after Stuart's cavalry, which I shall not soon forget. It was four in the afternoon when we started, leaving everything behind that would impede a rapid narch. At 11 o'clock we halted at Old Church, where we slept pon our arms for the night. Early in the morning we were on their track. Baggage and Sutler's wagons were left smoking all along our route. At one in the afternoon we reached Tunstall's station. On our approach the rear guard of the enemy could easily be seen disappearing over a high hill. The schooners in the river were all ablaze, and the cars at the station were on fire. Our cavalry advanced in rapid pursuit, but the enemy succeeded in safely crossing the Chickahommany, having gone entirely around Mcclellan's army, which event caused not a little com- nent throughout the camps. We returned next day to camp, nearly starved, and quite disgusted with our long and fruitless pursuit.
" On June 25th, we marched to Seven Pines, over the battle- field of Fair Oaks, which had not lost the traces of the late fierce conflict. The smell of human blood was sickening in the ex- treme. Unburied bodies of friend and foe lay in the woods and swamps around us, and from the long, shallow trenches, where a portion of the dead were buried, heads, hands, and feet protruded sad relics of hideous war. We immediately took position in Gen Hooker's division, with our cannon, 150 yards from the enemy's picket line. It was evident that more work was near at hand. Whole brigades and divisions stood in battle array-horses in. harness, and baggage wagons loaded, ready for pursuit or retreat. Here we stood by our guns four days. In one day and night, the enemy, in feeble force, charged ten times upon our battery. At, night, I stretched myself upon one of the guns, and had a long, sweet rest. A shell bursting over my heard, brought me to my
feet. This was a signal for a night attack-most dreaded -- most feared by the soldier. But the rebels were drawn back to their works, after a short, but fierce conflict. This was, with us,
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the commencement of the Seven Days Battle. The heavy boom- ing of cannon on our right told too plainly, that the anticipated and dreaded hour had arrived.
" Saturday night-and the battle fiercely rages. The soldiers look around on each other in silence and solicitude. Half an hour later, we were marching with all our guns and baggage, in the darkness, and on an unknown route. 'This,' said a comrade jo- cosely, ' do'nt look much like the road to Richmond,' as we strug- gled on over stumps and holes, through swamps, and over sleep- ing comrades by the way, till we halted at Savage Station. We stretched ourselves upon the ground, and slept, for the remainder of the night. In the morning, a long, dull, heavy report, brought us to our feet. Hundreds of tons of ammunition were being de- stroyed. Everything that would burn was all in flames. Infantry, cavalry, artillery, ambulances and baggage wagons, were all hur- rying along at the top of their speed. 'Retreat,' whispers one. ' Retreat,' says another. 'Retreat,' sounded through the faltering ranks, and at once the horrible truth flashed upon us, that Mc- Clellan and all his army were in full retreat.
" We marched ten miles that day, and halted at White Oak swamp, where the various parts of the regiment met together. We placed our sixty siege heavy guns in line, fearing the pursu- ing enemy. Then we had a few hours in which to rest our stif- fened limbs. Most of the men were lying on the ground, sleep- ing, eating, reading or writing, when the startling cry-' The reb- els are coming,' rang through the camp. A wild rush of soldiers followed, and in twenty minutes the regiment stood by its guns in battle line- No rebels appeared, however, and the men broke ranks again.
"On Monday morning we resumed our march again. But be- ing somewhat fatigued, and the trains being urged on at an unu- sual speed, we had the privilege of riding on the guns. The ex- citement grew more intense, and soon we found ourselves whirl- ing through the air for some destination unknown to us, where we could find protection. At length we emerged from the dark pine forests, into a large field of wheat. Far off in the distance flowed the James, rolling on in all its majesty, and through its murky waters plowed our gunboats, the terror of the rebel Con- federacy. Food, water, rest awaited us, as we struggled through the tangled wheat. The order, 'Halt,' was given, and 'gopher like,' we made a fierce attack upon the wheat field. I filled my cap
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with wheat, which I boiled, and, in less than twenty minutes, sat down to a repast, which has seldom if ever, during my soldier ex- perience, been excelled.
"Next in the programme of the Great Secession Rebellion, oc- curred the memorable battle of Malvern Hill. Three hundred cannon in three lines of battle hurled their deadly missiles through the mad columns of the advancing foe. The long, fearful, dread- ed yell, the wild shout, the roar of musketry, and the sharp clash of glistening steel, as the columns surged to and fro in the bloody charge, in this battle, can never be appreciated except by those who heard and saw them. The rebel charge was terrific, but by the aid of our gun-boats, they were driven back, and we quietly settled down on the banks of the James. But we were not to remain here long. A cold, drizzling rain was descending, when, in silence and thick darkness, we hurried along the river at twelve o'clock at night, and halted at Harrison's Landing. I was very weary, and threw myself under a gun, my knapsack for a pillow, and settled down in the deep mud. The enemy also took advantage of the darkness, and returned, disappointed and de- feated, to their capital, leaving a sufficient force to deceive our army, and compel it to act on the defensive.
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