The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 104

Author: Morris, John M., ed
Publication date: 1863
Publisher: New Haven : Peck, White & Peck
Number of Pages: 886

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The spontaneons and magnificent effort of the people to give every soldier a thanksgiving din- ner was an unusual and gratifying success. The boys were incredulous to the last, insisting that it The voting was conducted fairly, in the pres- would not come to them. But finally almiost eve- | enee of two Commissioners, one from eneh party.

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325

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1864.]

Recollections of Army Life in the 27th Connecticut. II.

After a rest of two days we bade adieu to Acquia Creek, on the morning of Dec. Sth, and resumed our march to Pal- mouth. Having lost our way, the jour- ney which properly required but one day. occupied until noon of the next, when we arrived at the headquarters of Gen. Couch, at that time in command of the Second Army Corps. By him the 27th was assigned to the Third Brigade, Gen. Zook's, of the First Division, commanded by Gen. W. S. llancock. At this time, the Army of the Potomac was divided into three Grand Divisions, the Right, Left, and Center, the first of which our Corps formed a part, under the command of Gen. Edwin V. Summer.

We were now marched off to our camping ground, in a pine forest, and henceforth the fortunes of the 27th are linked with the Army of the Potomac. The Regiment belonged to a Corps whose thinned ranks eloquently testified to the hard fonghit contests of the Penin- sula where it had borne the brunt, always in the forefront of battle, and the last to retire when retreat became necessary. The history of the Second proved it to be one of the most reliable Corps in the ser- vice, always ready for any desperate en- counter under its brave and fighting leaders. The famous Irish Brigade form- ed a part of our Division. Such being the character and history of our Corps, it was evident that the 27th must now make up its mind to the severest of cam- paign service. Searcely were our tents up when the Colonel received orders to have the company cooks prepare four days' rations, to be ready by the next [miles below the city. Boat after boat morning, the inevitable preliminary to more important events.

The forenoon of Dee. 10th was ocenpied in cleaning our arms, and preparing for an inspection, to take place at 12 o'clock, before Gen. Zook and staff. Perhaps at this point it might be well to speak of the weapons the Gen. was called upon to in- spect, and which he declared umfit for service. One of his staff a day or two later remarked, "Boys, if you can't discharge them, you can use the bayonet." That Certainly was the most serviceable part of the gun. At the outset, the 27th was furnished with Austrian rifles, of such an inferior order, that no decent inspector would have passed them. One of these

pieces in the hands of the writer, was fired in target practice, with the ordinary the Corps rendezvous, in a deep hoHow near the Phillips House, where General ball cartridge, and on examination, a Sumaner has his headquarters. On the erack eight or ten inches long was found | way we passed long lines of troops mor- fin the barrel, the bands alone preventing ; ing rapidly to the river, or resting behind a split through the entire length. Searee. rows of musket stacks. Here we were to remain until a crossing could be ef- fected.

ly one of these weapons was without de- feets in the most essential particulars. These facts are not mentioned to bring discredit upon any of the authorities cognizant of such matters, but simply as a matter of justice to the regiment. Doubtless the best of reasons can be given to justify the temporary distribu- tion of such arms. Early, however, in the following January, the Regiment was supplied with the Whitney rifled musket,

a weapon in the highest degree satisfac- following, only occasionally a gun dis- tory to all.

In the afternoon of the 10th, two hun- dred and fifty men of the 27th were de- tailed to picket along the Rappahannock above Falmouth. During all the follow- ing night might be heard an unusual rumbling of cars, bringing ap subsistence from Acquia Creek, the rattling of ammu- nition wagons and pontoon trains, slowly moving to their respective destinations. At half past four, on the morning of the Ilth, the Colonel passed around to the officers' quarters, giving orders to have their companies supplied with three days' rations, and fall in by half past six, in light marching order. Let ns leave the scene of busy preparation in camp, and for a few moments view the events trans- piring on the river. Three points had been carefully selected by Gen. Burnside,

Meanwhile, the frequency of cannon discharges increases; every moment ano- ther adds its voice to the swelling vol- mne, until from twenty batteries, com- prising more than a hundred guns ar- ranged along the banks of the river, bursts a tempest of shot and shell, over the rebel city. This continues with little cessation until noon. For three hours turbs the comparative quiet. Then the ball opens again with renewed violence. A visit to the top of the hill, overlooking the city, reveals columns of smoke with now and then a flash of flame, testifying to the effectiveness of the bombardment. At the river all attempts to complete the pontoon bridge had hitherto failed.

With particular interest, we gazed up- on a regiment of the Corps, as tired, dusty, and powder-smeared, it rejoined us after a protracted effort at the bridge. History records but few parallels to the more than heroic valor which erowned that day's work. A trusty weapon sup- ports the soldier's courage, but, to stand unarmed, the target of unerring sharp- shooters, unable to respond to their at- theks, and in view of almost inevitable leath, is the highest test of courage. It where bridges were to be thrown across, I became evident that the bridge could be one a short distance above the Lacey Ilouse, another a few rods below the railroad bridge, and the third about two completed only by driving the sharp- shooters from the houses on the opposite side, by a sudden dash across the river. This hazardous duty was entrusted to was anchored in its place; plank after plank was laid in quick succession, and the river is well nigh spanned by the trembling structure, when suddenly two signal guns break on the still night nir, and a sheet of flame bursts from houses on the opposite bank, where hundreds of sharpshooters lie concealed. The de- the 7th Michigan and detachments from several other regiments, and nobly was it performed: the rebels were driven from their hiding places, the bridge tonched the opposite shore, and the first act in this fearful drama closed. This snecess was received with niversal joy, and all attention now concentrated in fenseless bridge builders are temporarily , what the future shouldl unfold.

driven from their work, while the cannon from the bluffs behind, belched forth a defiant response to the rebel challenge.

To return to the 25th. Promptly at half past six the regiment fell in and joined the rest of the Brigade, a short ; li-tance from camp; silently through

Gen. Howard's Division of the Second Corps, crossed over into the city, while the other two Divisions, Ilancock's and French's, bivonacked for the night in a strip of woods near the Phillips Honse. Early the next morning, Dec. 12th, we crossed into Fredericksburg. over the bridge which had woods, and across fields, we march to ! cost so much blood and labor the preceding day.

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THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[DECEMMA,

Evidences of the bombardment everywhere fre. briefly addresses them. " You are the only Con- ly three thousand yards, but with so much danger sented themselves in the houses perforated with, northeast Regiment in my Division. Bring no dia- to the storming party that General Couch orders shot and shell, and in the miscellaneous ihabich leonor span the State you represent." The order them to cease firing. The line now begins to which hindwed our progress through the street. is given, " Forward, March," re-echoed by cam- fwaver, and with some confusion presses forward Mattresses, pitchers, chairs, kitchen bereits, and manders of Brigades, Regiment- and companies, other furniture, scattered about in gratesque con- fusion, testified that those who had spent the 'the railroad,

to a brick house, from which a brisk musketry fire jand we move in quick time down the street to i- kept up in the dire tion of the stone wall. . 1: this thine, the various regiments became mingled Wille the coltutun is moving on let us briefly together, and unfortunately at the order to de- ploy into line to renew the charge, the 27th became separated into two parts, one advancing to the right of the house, the other to the lett. The time for a sudden dash had passed, and we

night in the town, had avalled them-elves of all the comforts within reach. We moved down isurvey the position of the battle field, Fred- Water street and halted at the first pontoon fericksburg is situated in a large amphitheatre, bridge, a few rods below the railroadl, where we | almirably adapted for defence. Directly in the encamped that day and night. The 27th was | rear of the town is a smooth field with a slightly occupied during the day in bridging gullies and ascending grade extending back a little less than continued the charge only as far as a board fonce, mudholes, with boards and planks from neighbor- ; half a mile to the telegraph road, which is flanked ing fences, so that the artillery could pass, About , by a stonewall. beyond which rises a ridge some- the middle of the afternoon the rebel batteries : what abruptly from a hundred to a hundred and attempted to annoy the men engaged in these fifty feet high. This range of Ingh ground ex- preparations, and for a time a very brisk artillery ; tends as far as Hazel Run, a little stream empty- duel was maintained between the opposing forces. |ing into the Rappahannock just below the lower Sheltered as we were, by the steep bank, the | edge of the town, and in the other direction bends rebels could not obtain accurate range, and most

towards the river, which it very nearly touchrs of the shells shricked harmlessly over our heads just above Falmouth, about a mile above Frede- and fell into the river, or struck on the opposite side. With night the note of preparation ecased, and the morrow was to be the decisive day.

The stern face of war even, sometimes puts on a smile, as the many amusing scenes around us bore witness. A horseman rode swiftly by deck- ed in a mantilla, which once, doubtless, graced the shoulders of some fair seces-ion lady, who had abandoned her finery to esenpe the uncere- monious intrusion of Uncle Sam's shells, A sol- dier might have been observed slowly trundling along a light baby carriage, intently gazing upon the article as if it carried his thought to his home in the North; while another might have been seen, springing gnily down the bank, holding in his arms an enormous doll.

At length the eventful 13th arrived, a day full fuear this point fall Capt. Schweizer the first of of scenes and experiences which will never fade the long list of casualties which at nightfall told how fearfully the conflict had decimated the ranks from the memory of those who participated in thiem, Immediately after breakfast we were marched up to Caroline street, the principal street of the town, parallel with the river, Here the Division was formed in line of battle, and stack

pay for that," then springing to his place, rushed on to death, for no one ever saw or heard of him ed arms, while arrangements were being comple- fafterwards, The Division how advanced at a ted to storm the heights back of the city, Staff officers were riding in hot haste to and fro, car- rying orders, or dispo-ing the forces, and occu- sionally our Division General, Hancock, rode slow- ly and proudly up and down the lines surveying the ranks, his countenance wearing the aspect of quiet and eodl determination. At length the sound of eannonading comes to our ears from be- low, indicating that Gen. Franklin has entered upon the task assigued him, of seizing the rail- road, and turning the enemy's flank. Like banks of keys in a great organ, the rebel works rise behind the town, and gradually the chores of notes bursts forth directly in front of tis. The rebel shell crash among the houses, or strike in the street, while the batteries of the Second Corps, on the north bank of the Rappahannock. Eend their shrieking replies over the city, " .it- tention," rings ont loud and long above the din ; every man is in his place, his mushet at a shoul- der; " right fire," " right shoulder shift arms." follow in quick succession, At this moment Gen. Hancock rides up to the 27th, and, leasing for- ward in his saddle with his right arm upralsed,

discharges, and behind us the batteries of the 2d Corps, on the other side of the river, shell the ene. my's works with little envet at tho distance of near.

less than a hundred yards from the fainous stone wall, as estimated by an officer of the regiment, who afiewards visited the spot under flag of trice. Unable longer to stem the avalanche of fire which seemed to gather intensity as we pro- ceeded a halt was rendered necessary at the fence, all full of bullet holes and torn with shot, Here we remained the rest of the afternoon, load- ing our guns on the ground, then rising sufficient. tinned with almost uninterrupted violence until night overshadowed the scene, never entirely eensing in our front. At times it surged off to ano: ber part of the line, with only a scattering fire opposite our position ; then rolled back again with redoubled power, the peculiar rattling of separate ilischarges being fuzed into one prolong- ed sound, Lines of rebel troops could be seen marching along the ridge and running down to reinforce their comrades in the riffe puits below, and for a weary two hours no reinforcement ad- vanced to the support of the Union forees, At

rieksburg. Rebel batteries were strongly po-tel fly to deliver our fire. The rebel musketry con- along this em nenee so that a front atul entilading fire could be secured upon any force advancing across the level plateau. Gen Longstreet was in command of these lines of fortifications, while Stonewall Jackson commanded the rebel right opposite General Franklin, the whole under the supreme direction of General Lee, Bearing in mind that the task before us was to capture these formidable heights, let us return to the storming coluun.

Sheltered in a measure by the houses. it passes down Caroline street with little interruption, but as soon as we arrived at the railroad depot, seve- | one time appearances seemed to indicate that the ral rebel guns, trained upon the spot with fatal necuracy, welcome us to the encounter, Very

rebels were about to charge unon our feeble line, but a few well dirreted volleys admoni-hed them to retain behind their stone walls.

The Union artillery bad thus far accomplished comparatively little, owing to its di-tance from of the 27th. Several were knocked down, one of ! the rebel works, and to the absence of all favor- whom lesping up exclaimed carnestiy, " I'll have jable positions, where guns could be posted, on the Fredericksburg side of the river. Late in the afternoon, however, several guns took position in the upper streets of the city. The battle field shook with their combined lischarge. Meanwhile Iluneock's Division had been mostly withdrawn to give place to the other Division of the Second

double quick into the open feld, then after resting a few moments on the ground, at the order, charge, moves by the left flank with fixed bayo- nets, passing French's Division, which had been | Corps. But many of the 27th and other regiments obliged to fall back. A second brief rest, then | remained at their posts, their safety leing still on again, while shot and shell plough the ground more endangered if they attempted to leave the in front, barst over our heads, or make fearful i field. gups in the line. Yet on we rush ; the wounded 1 are left where they fall; not a word is spoken, At three o'clock in the afternoon, Howard's Division advaneed to the attack, to be hurled back before the overwhelming fire of the rebels. Only a brief time is now left. before darkness will vover the scene. A final, desperate effort must be inade to take the heights. Supported by the batteries in the streets, a fresh Division advances into the field. How splendidly thuy charge ; with what a perfect line. We can look into the faces of the men as they come on, Nothing apparent- ly can withstand their onset, They come steadily to within a few paces of where we lie. Then not a gun fired. As we approach nearer the rebel lines, all the elements of destruction inge- nuity could devise or position affori, are concen- trated upon the narrow space. From rows of rifle pits protected by a heavy stone wall, tairsts a continuous roll of musketry : from neighboring houses flashes the deadly fire of sharpshooters, wlale batteries posted on the heights behind strong field works, and supported by infantry, sweep the field with shot and shell, and grape and canni-ter : enfilading batteries on the right and , bnv-ts forth from the rebel works an iron tempest left of the rebel semicirele pour in their swift ! which had scarcely a parallel even on that day, showers of bullets went whistling by or struck the ground in every direction with a zip, zip; while pieces of sh Il, bits of old iron, grape and cannister, ruined down with a dull sound as they

1804.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

327

hit the earth. Arrested in its course, the line; ing thus during the evening, in momentary expre- expedienty of establishing such a Hover for Con- wavers, fires a few volleys, then scatters like chatf., tativa of being led out to support the picket. heetient Soldiers. We will not say that we have It was now about du-k, aml several of the 27th, At length orders were received to advance a few great burdens on us already. We can bear il.em who had remained on the field after the with- | hundred yard, below the railroad. As we arrived for our comitry and her defenders We can bear drawal of our Division, retired into the city. At' the rest of the Brigade silently arose from the greater-God will bless and pro per us the more, the edge of the plateau, where a battery was sta- tioned, mounted officers were endeavoring to rally into some sort of order, the shattered rem- nants of the Division, whose mignificent charge we have just described. ground where they had been sleeping, and like as we give the more freely. We trust that this spectres vanished in the darkness. Here we re- ' matter will be taken in ham! speedily. We know mained umil near midnight, obtaining what sleep that if it be deemed best the patriotie people of was possible, theu noiselessly fell in, and withon, Connecticut een endow and sustain such an estab- a word spoken above a whisper, retired rapidly li-hment. If it be best, as it seems to us to be, down the street to the pontoon bridge. 'The we know that they can do it now. streets were silent as death. A few soldiers were

The aspect of Fredericksburg that night can- not be adequately described. Lines of troops We do not wish to send away to another State, were under arms in the streets ready to meet the | prep .ring to loosen the moorings which held the ; the war- worn veterans, who at price of health or enemy should they attempt to follow up their ad- vantage, and drive the army across the river. Crowds of soldiers, all excited by the events of the day. moved rapidly along the sidewalks. Pro- cessions of streteher bearers tenderly conveyed their mangled freight to the hospitals. The elo- quent red flag waved from almost every house, suggesting that the surgeons were diligently at work, while the glare of candles from the win- dows added to the wildness of the scene without. poutoons to the banks. After a brief halt, the limb, won fadeless honor beneath the flag of Con- 27th carrying a few boxes of ammunition, re- necticut. Nor is it certain that we could provide crossed the river by the same bridge on which for these, to whom in part we owe our own lives they had entered the city four days before. On and property, so well or so cheaply in Boston as the road to Falmouth we met Gen. Hancock, who in our own State. Withont writing more, we asked " what regiment is this," and being informed, 'commend this important subject to the attention the 27th Connectient, expressed his great satisfae- of the patriotie and philanthropic citizens of our tion with the conduet of the regiment in the ' gallant little State. events of the last few days. After losing our way in the darkness and experiencing a heavy Paper Guns and Leather Guns. rain storm, we arrived at our old camp ground on the morning of the 16th.

The next day was the Sabbath, bright and elcar over head, but. inexpressibly sad to us, for one- third of the three hundred and seventy-five, who followed the colors of the 27th into battle, iay dead on the field, or wounded in the hospital. That forenoon was spent in cleaning our guns, in anticipation of further fighting. The Connecti- cut Brigade, nnder Gen, Harlend, was drawn up

to be ready at any moment, to charge up the heights. As will subsequently appear, they were not called to do this perilous duty.

In the afternoon a search among the hospitals after several of our wounded, led me a mile and a half through the principal part of the city. every step. The churches had been struck in

New evidences of the bombardment appeared at heroic defenders of the nation is proportiona'e to the personal interest and proprietorship which several places, and a small part of the spire of ; the people have in our free government. This one, n hundred feet from the ground, had been gratitude has found practical expression in unpera !- knocked off. A large quantity of coal in a collar ; leled benevolence and self denial to promote their i

was all aldaze. The stures on Commerce street ! comfort and to ward off or beal disease. we . rough kind of paper at a cost so trifling as to en- were completely stripped of their contents, and i beg leave to suggest one more direction in which soldiers bivouacked on the counters. Occasion- the national gratitude may find practical and ally a resident of the town came timidly forth |praiseworthy expression. To the magnificent be- from his hiding place, or a family loaded down | nevolence displayed for the exigeney of existing with bundles of houscholl effects, slowly wended ' war, let there be added a permanent establish.' their way across the bridge to escape the terrors ment, for suffering caused by, but protracted surrounding them. A disagreeable uncertainty ; years beyond the conflict-in other words, an hung over every moment of the day, and when

we awoke on the morning of the 15th, nothing . Many a faithful, brave, efficient veteran will re- 'and they have stood the test against iron in the hal transpired to diminish our su-peuse. It was ; turn innimed, or broken down, penniless and : most satisfactory manner. The process of manu-

plain that something must be done, and that very [ unable to support jife by labor. Pensions will be but a pittance. This nation cannot disgrace itself situation. The army must fight, or evacuate the |by permitting such to be common paupers. They must be provided for as a distinct class -- in an honarable manner.

soon. Delny only added to the difficulties of the city. Every few minutes during the day, we were ordered to fall in The expectation was universal that we were again to be led to the at. Two Homes have been already established, one in Philadelphia, one in Boston. That in Bos- tack. Hour after hour processions of amimilances moved across the pontoon bridge, and np the op- pusite bank, so that by evening the town was nearly empty of the wounded Gen. Burnside | tention to the support of this IFONE in Boston, rode by and rereivel a hearty welcome. Evi- until a similar institution is established for Con- dently a movement of some kind was soon to be made. A short time after dark the Division was ordered under arms, and all, except the 27th Connectient, marched down Water street toward the railroad bridge. Our little band stood wait-

Paper tubes, prepared by a new process, have been reeruitly tested in the most satisfactory

All unconscious of the night's events the rebels |manner as rocket tubes. Not less remarkable threw a few shell into the town, and meeting no jare thick slabs and boards made of paper. These response crept cautiously down from their fortifi. | boards, of one inch in thickness, have been test- cations, expecting to find our forces concealed : ed by bullet and ball, and the result shows that under the banks of the river, but no pickets chal. their power of resistance is equal to ten inches leuged their advance, the Union Army had shp- [ of solid oak. These paper boards are admir- in line of battle on the main street, under orders : ped from their grasp, the pontoons were up, and ably adapted for the sides of ships; their thus was accomplished one of the most skillful ! specific gravity is somewhat less than that of oak, movements recorded in military history. WINTHROP.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 104

Author: Morris, John M., ed Publication date: 1863 Publisher: New Haven : Peck, White & Peck Number of Pages: 886

Author: Morris, John M., ed
Publication date: 1863
Publisher: New Haven : Peck, White & Peck
Number of Pages: 886