The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 134

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

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Early in the afternoon, the 34 Corps, on the left of the 2d, advanced down the western slope of Cemetery Ridge, through woods and an exten- sive wheatfield, almost to the Emmetsburg rond, which winds through the narrow valley, separa- ting the hostile forces, Just beyond, Longstreet is forming his brigades, and at four o'clock, pre- eeded by a brief cannonade, their gray ranks sweep ont from woods and ravines, and onee more is heard that strange, wild yell as they throw themselves forward upon the thin line of the 3d Corps But before the storm of grape and ennister from Cemetery Ridge, they quickly fall back to organize anew their broken columns. Corps moved rapidly to the scene of action. Once more in still heavier masses the enemy ad- vance to the charge. The 27th, with the rest of the 1st. Division, are hurried forward through fields aul by-roads, to support the faltering line. As the regiment enters the wheat-field, already referred to, the broken remains of the

within pistol range, opened upon them a wither- in altimde until it almost loses itself in the sur- fing fire. The contest at this point continued for some minutes. Planting the colors upon the top, the inen 1, aded their pieces under shelter of the brow of the hill, then rising np delivered their fire. Taking advantage of the exposed position of the right flank of our brigade, the enemy [advanced a body of troops in that direction, and Gen. Brooke at length ordered our shattered line to fall back.

Thus with varying snecess the battle raged from four P. M. until dark. Now the feeble line of the 3d Corps trembles before the fieree onset of the foe and retires, contesting the ground incl by inch; but the irresistible onslaught of re.en forcements soon turns the tide. Again the rebels push back the Union troops almost to the origi- mal lines on Cemetery Ridge, and a guin are them- selves repulsed before the concentrated fire of our artillery aiding the charge of a brigade of infantry.

The conflict on the left wing terminated at dark, leaving the enemy in possession of the wheat-field. No attack had yet been made upon other parts of the line, but as the day elosed a division, deploying from the edge of the town, made a brief and desperate, but fruitless assault npon the batteries posted on Cemetery Hill. And still further to the right, the enemy, observing that the larger part of the forces on Culp's Hill, had been drawn off to meet pressing emergencies elsewhere, erossed Rock Creek and, charging up the woody slope, sceured a lodgment for the niglit in the unocespied portion of the works. Such was the general result of the day's fighting. The 27th went into action with seventy-five inen, all that could be mustered for duty after an active service of not quite nine months. At the enmps of paroled prisoners, the Richmond voy- agers of our regiment, though not permitted to rejoin the command, yet in thought followed their comrades through all the vicissitudes of march and battle, which attended them. At five P. M. that little band of seventy-five men formed for the charge at the edge of the wheat-field. At dark thirty-eight were mimbered among the casualties, ten killed, among them Lieut. Col. Merwin, and Capt. Jedediah Chapman ; twenty-tbree wounded and five missing. One of the latter, when Lee's army retreated, was marched by his captors from Gettysburg to Staunton, Va., one hundred and eighty miles, and thence traasported by rail- road to Richmond. After a six weeks experience on Belle Island, he was paroled and returned home so emaciated and worn down by hardship as to be alniost beyoud recognition even by mem- bers of his own company.

At the close of the metion in front of the left wing, the 27th was assigned a new position in the line of battle, about midway on the ridge between Cemetery Hill and Round Top. The regiment remainel in this vicinity until the 2d Corps started in pursuit of Lee's army, three days later. Early the next morning, July Sd, the men were roused from sleep by a' furious can- monade from batteries posted on Power's Hill, about half a mile to the rear. These dogs of war were paying their morning compliments to the rebels, who still occupied the works on the extreme right, which they had captured the pre-

492

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[JUNE,

vious evening. For an hour this thunder-toned reveille awoke the resting armies to the still ficreer drama of the last battle day. The infin- try followed up this fiery prelude with a vigorous attack upon the rebel vantage ground, the impor- tance of which seemed fully appreciated by both sides. The struggle continued with unabated resolution until nine o'clock, when the Union forces snecceded in dispossessing the enemy of this to them valuable point d'appui for future opera- tions.

With the exception of a severe artillery fire, to which Gen. Meade's headquarters were subjected, the enemy attempted nothing further during the remainder of the forenoon. The 27th was busily engaged in throwing up intrenchments, gathering for this purpose rails and stones from neighboring fences, and in the absence of picks and shovels, using their bayonets and tin plates to heap up the enrth. In his morning rounds Gen. Hancock vis- ited the Brigade, and as he stood near by, con- versing with our acting Brigadier, Col. Brooke, the Intter called the General's attention to the little remnant of the 27th, allhiding in strong terms of commendation to the conduct of the regiment in the action of the preceding afternoon. Turning to the men, Gen. Hancock said, "stand well to your duty now, and in a few days you will carry with you to your homes, all the honors of this the greatest battle ever fought upon the continent,"

From eleven o'clock until one, only stifled mint- terings of the impatient storm disturbed the quiet which reigned along the lines. The rebels were silently maturing their plans for the last grand charge, upon which they staked the fate of the invasion. Those were hours of indescribable suspense to the defenders of the Union, whether or no the sun would set upon a foe elared with victory nod pressing onward to new conquests, or sullenly retiring in defeat. At one o'clock the combat began. From every commanding emi- nonce in their concave line, the rebel artillery, numbering more than a hundred guns, opened a terrific cannonade, probably unsurpassed in vio- lence during the whole war. For more than an hour this wild storm of shot and shell rolis over the Union line from Round Top to Rock Creek. The infantry nre partially sheltered behind intrenchments, while the eannoniers stand at their posts, replying occasionally to the bombard- ment, but reserving their fire for more decisive work, when the rebel forces advance to the assault. At length the cannonade slackens, to give way to the next act in the drama, the crisis of the tragedy. In full view two heavy lines of troops, the flower of the rebel army; with skir- mishers in front, deploy from the woods and ridges beyond the Emmetsburg road. With the steadiness of hardened veterans they move for- ward to the nttnek. From Cemetery Ridge thou- sands of Union troops are watching their pro- gress, for the assault is directed upon the left centre. On arriving at the road, the enemy opened a heavy musketry fire, and dashed rapidly forward neross the level plain. The very moment they emerged from behind Seminary heights, the Union artillery met them with shell and solidl shot, but now as they approach within easy range, their ranks are mercilessly raked with a

tempest of canister. Cemetery Hill is wreathed with flame from guns of this kly massed infantry, und the fringe of fire courses along the erest of the Itidge for two miles, as far as the rebel attack extended. Though temporarily checked, one division still marches on with desperate energy up to the very works. Only a weak line bars their progress, but reinforcements quickly arrive at the critical point, around which the contending hosts now struggle in one of the most hotly contested encounters of the battle. For a time the rebels bravely maintained their po-ition, but clouds of missiles from Cemetery Ilill tore into their ranks, while infautry crowd them vigorously in front and flank. At length, leaving the ground thickly strewn with killed and wounded, aml multitudes as prisoners in the hands of the conquerors, the broken remnants roll back in wild confusion and disappear behind the hills from which they had snllied forth ..

This last charge of the rebels took place just to the right of the position held by the 27th. which we have already referred to as being half- way between Round Top and Cemetery Hill. From the relation of the ground to the surround. ing high land, the location of our brigade was regarded as one of the weakest in the line, and Gen. Hancock expressed the opinion that here the enemy would make his attack. Fortunately it proved otherwise, although for a time such a movement seemed imminent. Near the close of the action, a division massed ia column advanced directly upon our frout, but the reserve artillery quickly drove them back before they cante within inusketry range. The favorable termination of what was felt to be the last assault the rebels would make, produced a profound feeling of sat- isfaction. But one of the saddest of duties re- mained to be performed, to lary the dead, and gather the wounded into. the hospitals. This work occupied the men during July 4th. On that day, Lee's army withdrew from this scene of in- glorious defeat, and retired in a south westerly direction.

In the afternoon of July 5th. the war- worn 27th with the zd Corps, left those battle-scarred heights, the theatre of a costly but substantial triumph, which marks the turning point in the fortunes of the rebellion. For the next few days the march was lireeted toward the Potomac, following at first the Taneytown road. But slow progress was made in cousequence of frequent rains and the thoroughly exhausted condition of the troops. The state of popular feeling along the route was in striking contrast with the dejected aspect of every countenance, when the army was on its way to Gettysburg. Now Frederick City put on its most smiling face. Flags were flung to the breeze, and the people gave an enthusiastic wel. come to the regiments as they passed through in pursuit of Lee's army. Crossing the Blue Ridge and Antietam battle field July 10th, the 27th was once more in the vicinity of the enemy, who had retreated down the western slope of the moan- tains and were now in position at William-port on the Potomne, preparing to cross into Virgi- nia. The sound of cannon in that direction in- formed us that they were but a short distance to the front, and while on the field of Antietam the brigade formed in line of battle as a precaution-

ary measure. The next day the rebel cavalry attacked the skirmish line, but quickly fell Unek before a severe shelling. In anticipation of fur. ther fighting, the men spent two nights and one day in building an elaborate line of intrench- ments, but it proved to be labor lost, as the rebels retired on the night of the 14th to the south bank of the river. Immediately on ascer- taining this fact, the 27th, with the brigade, was ordered down to Falling Waters, a short distance below Williamsport, and arrived there just in time to witness the capture of the enemy's rear guard, more than a thousand strong.

The invasion wasnow at an end, and as the last rebel left the soil of Maryland, the campaign of the 27th drew near to its close. Leaving Falling Waters, the regiment accompanied the 2d Corps down the Potomac to Harper's Ferry and went into eamp at Pleasant Valley, about two miles distant. On the morning of July Isth, the 27th eeased its connection with the Army of the Potomae. lu amrouneing this event, Col. Brooke, our Brigade Connander, issned the following general order:

HEADQUARTERS 4TH BEIG. IST DIV. 2D CORPS., Camp in Pleasant Valley, Md., July 17, 1863.

[General Order No. 9.]

The term of service of the 27th Conn. Vols. having nearly expired, it has been relieved from further duty, and ordered to report to its place of enrollment.

The Colonel commanding the brigade desires, in parting with the officers and men of the 27th Conn. to convey to them his sincere feelings of regret at losing their services; while he at the same time thanks them for the obedience and faithfulness which has been a marked feature of the regiment.

Knowing it intimately for so many months of active and arduous service-having been un eye- witness of its many deeds of gallantry, and of the noble devotion displayed by it on many a memorable day, during the time in which he has had the honor to command its services-he feels it a duty he owes-not only to the living heroes, but to the memory of those who have fallen in the field in battling in our righteous cause-to bear testimony to the valor and gallantry it bas always displayed.

Side by side with the veterans of the Army of the Potomac, it has fought, and by the gallantry of its conduet, won for itself an enviable name and reputation; and which may well, in after years, cause all who belong to it to feel a pardon- able pride in having it to say that they served with the 27th Connecticut.

By order COL. BROOKE. Cnas. P. IlsTen, Lieut. A. A. A. G.

With glad hearts the men formed in line at an early hour, and took the cars for Baltimore, after a parting salute to the Brigade, as it marched by on its way into Virginia. On the 20th the detach- ments of paroled men from Annapolis and Camp Convalescent arrived at Baltimore, and the whole regiment, now mustering about half the original number, started by railroad for New Haven. Once more we are entertained at the " Volunteer Refreshment Saloon," in Philadelphia, and, after a night's bivouac at the Battery in New York, arrived at the "place of enrollment" on the 22d

1865.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

493

of July, 1863, exactly nine months from the date : Some sleep where Virginia's waters flow, of departure for the field. We shall not attempt Marmaring their requium soft and low, Others with fairest flowers, were drest, And close by the old homes laid to rest. to describe the hearty enthusiasmn and deep feel- ing of the reception which followed. That "glo- rious welcome home" will long be remembered by the soldiers of the 27th.

One of the most interesting features of the occasion was the reading of the following poem:

A Tribute of Welcome to the 27th C. V.

We'll fling to the breeze, our banner bright, America's emblem, of freedom and right, And rallying round the standard true, Shout a joyous welcome, brave patriots, to you.

Ye went forth from us, a loyal band, Firin on the side of right, to stand;

Ye return, with hearts still brave and true,

Then onr wannest greeting, we give to yon.

Ye return-but our tears will fall as ye come, , For the mournful notes of the muffled drum,

Are borne on the breeze over mountain aud wave, As it beats the dirge, by your comrades' grave.

With the order " forward," ye marched proudly on, And your colors bright, to the front were borne- When the smoke of the battle Ind cleared away, Side by side with the " Veterans," your brave boys lay.

Through the summer's heat, and winter's cold, At your post ye stood, fearless and bold, And when on the field, 'mid the conflict dire, Ye did not " quail at the enemy's fire."

Oh! the road to Richinond hath altars hright, Where a "captive band," ye camped at night, And "Libby's" grim walls a record bears, Of the patriot's song, and the hero's prayers.

Now the toil is over, the march is done, And the wreath of laurel-ye've bravely won- We offer to you, and our welcome it breathes,

For onr prayers were twined, with its glossy leaves.

But ye're not here, and we'll look in vain, For the smiles that will greet us never again, And the quivering lips, and tearful eye, Mutely ask you, where ALL our treasures lie ?

OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

From the First Artillery.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, SIEGE ARTILLERY, ) Fort Darling, James River, Va., May 7, 1865. §

Ma. Entroa :- I have not much news to write, Unt I may possibly interest some one. The Head- quarters of the regiment are at this place. This is one of the most beautiful places it has been my fortune to eneamp on sinec I've been in the ser- vice. It is on a high bluff, from which can be seen Richmond, and a most beautiful stretch of country. The James River can be seen winding along for miles. The fort and quarters are sur- rounded by shnde trees of many different kinds; in fact, it is a grove. Under the trees are placed seats where one can take comfort in this warm weather. The quarters are the best we ever had, large and commodious. The river is plowed by stemmboats every hour of the day. Thousands of visitors pass up and down the river. Every boat is crowded with ladies, gentlemen and soldiers.

I have to record a very painful accident which occurred on the river. Q. MI. Sergt. Frank Smith, of Co. C, of this regiment, being out in a small boat, tried to run the boat near a propeller, for the purpose of getting towed down.

From some cause or other, the tng-boat struck him and knocked him overboard. Ile was a good swimmer, but while trying to take off his blouse, he was seen to go down and did not come up again. It is supposed he got his arms enught in the sleeves in such a a manner that he could not free himself. At last accounts his body had not been found. There were one or two persons in the boat with him, but they could ren- der him no assistance, as their boat was strnek by the wheel of the propellor, and they had to look out for their own lives. He was a man nni- versally loved, and was about to be promoted. Ilis loss is mourned throughout the regiment.

The companies of this regimeut are disposed as follows: Co. A, is doing patrol duty on the Richmond and Petersburg turnpike; Co. C, is still at Fort Brady; Cos. G and D are at depot Semmes, about two miles down the river; Cos. L, E, I, are at "Graveyard Bend," about three or four miles down the river; Co. F, is at Redoubt "Dutton," on the Bermuda Ilundred Line ; while Cos. B, HI, K, and M, are at Headquarters, The general health of the regiment is good.

lloping that we may all be in good old Conn. before many weeks, I close,

Very Respectfully,

Your Obedient Servant,

WALTER F. SAGE.

From the 2d Conn. Heavy Artillery. CAMP OF 21 CONS. VOL., HEAVY ARTILLERY, Near Manchester, Va .. May 21st, 1865. Editor Conn. War Record:

Sin :- I believe that you have published no account of the movements of this regiment since the battle of Hatcher's Run. We lay quietly in camp on the Petersburg lines near Fort Wads- worth, until the 25th of March, when the roar of musketry and artillery in the direction of Fort Steadman roused us from our morning slumbers, fand sent us at about seven o'clock to the support

Co. E.

Co. F.

Co. G. Co. II.

Co. 1.

Co K.

Total.

S 23 : 22

280

Killed, 30; wounded, 115. Total killed and wounded. 145.

Deaths from wounds, 17. Total death- by bottle, 47. Deaths from disease, 22. Total deaths by battle and disease, 69. Taken prisoners, 287. Total casualties, 454. Discharged for disability, 63.

COL. JouN E. WARD, late of the gallant Sth In-|

SERGT. MAJOR, W. H. Roor, of the 12th Battalion, funtry, has been appointed Executive Secretary of has been promoted to be 2d Lieut. It is very the Governor. Ilis numerous friends find him to be still the same generous, frank and accomplished gentleman.

When the angel of Peace, with brooding wing, Shall fly o'er our land, and its anthem sing, With trembling fingers the strings she'll sweep, As she nears the spot, where our loved ones sleep ..

Then a costly crown will our country wear, And bright the gems that shall sparkle there, She shall sit a Queen, peerless and free, And the graves of her heroes her glory be !

Still firmly stand, in God your trust, Till the rebel horde shall bite the dust ; And the North and South, encircled be, With the bands of truth, and Liberty.

Fight on, till onr starry flag of blue, Each glistening fold, to its purpose true, Shall wave, from will Atlantic's roar, To the golden strands of Pacific's shore. MINTA.

The regiment was mustered out of service July 27th, aud with this aet closed the eventful can- paign of the 27th Connecticut Volunteers. During this brief campaign of nine months, the regiment performed marches in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, amounting to no less than five hundred miles, and participated in three of the great battles of the war, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, losing in killed and wounded in the first about one- third, and in the last, one half, of those pres- ent in action, Many of our number, on their return re-enlisted in other organizations, and are still in the field, defending the same principles, which secured their active support in the disas- trons days of 1862.

Below we give a classified statement of ensual- ties, compiled from official records, premising that the original number of men in the regiment was eight bundred and twenty-nine.

WINTnaor.

Tabular Statement of Casualties during the Nine Months' Campaign of the 27th Regiment, C. V.

KILLED.

WOUNDED.

TAKEN PRISONER. | DISCHARGED.

Fredericks.

Chancellors

Gettysburg.

Fredericks-

Chancellore-

Gettysburg.

Ot Discuse.

Of Wounds.

Fredericks.

Chancellors-

Gettysburg.

Disability.

Field & Staff.

Co. C. Co. D.

burg.

ville.

burg.

ville.

burg.

ville

For

2 1

gratifying to record the advancement of a worthy sollier who is advanced steadily by his own nn- aided merit.

Co. A. Co. B.

-194

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[JeNE,

of the 9th Corps at that point. Before we arrived, however, our lost ground had been regained nnd the loug column of gray-backed prisoners was filing off over the hill to the rear of the 1st Div. 9th Corps Headquarters. After nbout three hours hill, men with axes cutting away the rebel waiting for further demonstrations on the part of abattis, we pour over the cuemy's brenst-works and the victory is ours! Here is a temporary ranks; the routed foe is making for Petersburg the enemy, we returned to the parade in front of Brig. Headquarters, and lay for an hour there. By that time it had been decided npon to drive in the enemy's pickets, nud establish our line farther to the front. We were immediately marched to 'the frout of Fort Fisher, the largest work on the Petersburg line, and about a mile west of on camp, and there formed near the right of the line of attack composed of the 1st and 2d Divisions of our corps, except such parts as were on picket, or iu support of batteries. We had about one hun- dred men on picket that day in front of the camp. The attack was made nt haif-past four P. M., and Our little trouble was experienced in accomplishing our object, The rebel picket line was captured almost eutire, and our own line was established n long distance in advance of its originnl position. The detail on picket had its share iu the work and success of the day, oceupying the rebel pits that night, nnd capturing more than their numbers in prisoners, The regiment was relieved at midnight and returned to camp. Our loss during the en- gagement, was five killed nnd sixteen wounded. The former including our Sergeant-Major, E.

Goodwin Osboru, shot through the heart, and the

lay in this ditch during the remainder of the day knee deep: crammed in, and mingled indiscrimi- nntely with the meu and officers of the 9th Corps will probably prove correct. T. and keeping our heads very near to earth to nvoid From the 2d Conn. Light Battery. the Minies, which whistled over them incessantly. BLAKELY, ALA., April 10th, 1865. At 4 o'clock in the morning, the firing sud- The record of the Battery for the past mouth, has not been less eventful thau glorious. On the 11th ult., we left Barancas, and marched to I'en- denly ceased, nnd our regiment was deployed as skirmishers, to ascertain the cause. The rebel batteries and pits remained silent and our line sacoln, where we remained until the 20th. The moved over them-on down the Jerusalem Road toward the doomed city, and cutered it at the head of the 9th Corps. Col. Hubbard at once be- came Provost Marshal of the place; our Conn. men guarded and patrolled the streets, and our flag floated at Headquarters at the Court House until 9 o'clock A. M., when we were relieved and marched

force which left Pensacola on the morning of the 20th, numbered upwards of fifteen thousand, con sisting of parts of six regiments of envalry, nine regiments of white troops, six regiments of col- ored troops, the 2d and 15th Mass. Batteries nnd our own Battery. Our route lay over a section of country where it was predicted by rebels we could never move artillery nor baggage trnins, but we did move them iu spite of swamps and quicksands. Onr march was necessarily slow, as we had to corduroy n good portion of the way, but we averaged nine miles per day during the twelve days we were marching from Pensacola to this place.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 134

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