The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 20

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

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Part of our brigade on Tuesday night, the 8th of September, set out in small boats for the purpose of planting the old flag on the walls of Fort Sumter. There were also about three hundred marines on the same errand. They reached the

feet of the rebel works, an occasional It was six o'clock when we fell in, and shell bursting over our heads and seat- fort first, and were met by the garrison soon we were moving along the sandy tering the pieces around ns. There we!and defeated with heavy loss. This, of beach toward the battle field, and at seven were ; not a whisper was heard, hardly a Jeourse, stopped our fun for that night ; but we will have her yet. If we could o'clock it was dark. The siege guns breath, when suddenly Gen. Stevenson stopped firing, the gunboats fell hack out ' sprang to his feet. " Forward, Third have got there we would have met with of range, and all was still as we lay in Brigade !" rang out through the still success then, as our officers had charged us not to fire, even if we were fired upon, but to run the boats close under the our rifle pits watching the dark forms of night air, and with a yell and a jump we our brave fellows ahead. who were steal-| had sealed the walls of Fort Wagner. ing slowly towards the rebel works. The fort was ours without the loss of ajcrumbling face of the fort, and with "Oh!" we said, "they will get there ; " | man.

fixed bayonets rush up the pile of rubbish

With kind greetings, I am truly yours, HORSE JOIN, 16th Regt. Conn. Vols.

The Tenth Regiment.

and horribly mangled. A torpedo was Our correspondent in the 10th, has failed to for. ward any letter this month. Some very interest- ing letters, written by a drummer boy connected with that regiment, have been kindly placed at our disposal by his parents, to whom they were addressed. We cheerfully give them a place. The young hero who wrote them never suspected fastened to the belt. and in picking it up he exploded it. Inside Fort Wagner it was a terrible sight. In one corner, tied together by strong cords, were the bodies of four rebels. A cord or fuse ran from they would meet the public eye, but he relates ' not armed I never should have taken him | them into the magazine, where a cap was his personal experience for the dear ones at home alive. He had a loaded Enfield rifle. I fixed, which, if sprung, would have ex-

in a way so sincere and pleasant that we are sure he will win the sympathy and esteem of our readers.

In a letter concerning the first attack on Fort Wagner, he says :

As I stood thinking what they were; In a subsequent letter, dated Morris Island, going to do, Col. Leggett came along, Sept. 12th, 1863, he says :

· and slapping me on the shoulder, said :

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1863.3

to another surgeon of the same rank, Minature stage boxes were constructed when we both smiled in the mutual re-jon either side, draped with musquito net- cognition of old schoolmates. Such sur- ting and rebel bunting. and the whole prises are common in the army, where! effect was charming ; while excellent mu- those who have not met for years are sie was furnished by the regimental band. our beloved Foster first raised his hand thrown together, not unfrequently, con- Three comedies were acted by the sol- in its defense. Our course will be slow but sure, and a new year may almost dawn before Charleston falls; but it will surely come. Ambition, privation, de- termination and science will overcome all diflienlties.

The name of the prisoner whom I took on James Island, was Wm. D. Brewster, Co. I, 19th Ga. He was six feet one inch in height, and weighed one hundred and Shiloh, and was afterwards appointed

ninety-seven pounds. He is big enough to eat four or five just sach chaps as I, but the poor fellow commenced erying as soon as I had got hisgun and equipments, and when he found out that I had no arms he begged of me to let him go. But I "could not see the point," and

placing him before me I marched him for our vessel was too deep to pass

into camp, amid the cheers of our boys, who quickly gathered round to hear my think that he had been taken by a mere boy, and unarmed at that. He told them if he had thought I had no arms with me, "the boot might have been on the other leg." On the whole, I think I was very Ineky, so I will close with a kind good night, as drummers' call for tattoo has sonnded.

dier boy."

Think of me always as a " brave sol- ing star in this clear atmosphere sent a ray across the moonbeam on the rippling Ever your loving son, W. J. F. sea-a golden thread athwart a silver band. The company were invited to at- tend the Soldiers' Theatre at Fort Pulas-

For the Connecticut War Record.

A Ramble through the Camps Eist of the Alle- ghanies. by a Connecticut Pastor. NUMBER TWO.

The " Boston," a new steamer built land academy, the writer went with the for the New York and Philadelphia line, was the flag ship of Gen. Terry in the ex-

The garrison were quartered in the casemates, and the soldiers had fashioned, with musquito netting, eurions bird cages rest to see how sokliers amuse them- | for their sleeping rooms around the great selves. The building fitted up for this guns which guard the entrance to the pedition against Charleston, and was by [ purpose was outside the wall of the fort, Savannah river. The new masonry indi- his permission transferred to the Pay-|and would accommodate some two orfeated the great breach which was made inaster and mustering officer for the three hundred. The ingennity and ca- trip to Florida. A pleasant party had been made up of officers and their wives, who were gathering on board, as we en- tered the saloon, about four o'clock in the afternoon.

The lower cabin had been stripped of furniture; the ladies' saloon was need for

daliers made of tin and adorned with a dining room ; and the passengers oc- glass beads, producing a very pretty of- enpied the state rooms on the upper deck. Passing through to the open

fronting each other in the deadly fight, diers, who personated the different parts or lying side by side in the hospital. Dr.

admirably, one of them, we were told, Muzzy, who, as a surgeon in Cincinna- |not wholly nnfamiliar with the stage, and ti, had already gained a large reputation, planned and opened a hospital at his own expense, for the wounded soldier, and the regiment take their turns in attend- when that was taken by the government, went as Brigade Surgeon with the West-

it was near midnight when the perform- ance closed. The thousand comprising ing the theatre, which is open four nights in the week; and this amusement to men ern troops, was present at the battle of shut up in the walls of a fort on this small island, must be invaluable, while Medical Inspector.

nothing profane or immoral is allowed by

The surgeon's manifold experiences in their commander in the programme. Ilis the hospital and the eamp added much to lady, who had spent the winter with her Imsband, assisted the soldiers in the en- the pleasure and instruction of the trip. Although the afternoon was very hot oni terprise, and was much beloved and re- shore, we found the sea breeze chilly

spected. The necessity for recreation in when we steamed out past the light-ship, the monotony of the camp is imperative, and the health and courage of the sol- through the inside channel which had been obstrneed, to prevent the iron clads diers must be invigorated by this relief and refreshment. Our loval army is com- posed of intelligent and active minds who during the absence of our troops at cannot consent to a dull routine, and it is Charleston. The sun was setting when we entered Tybee Sound, and slowly the part of wisdom to devise some enter- tainment in the way of pleasant reading, drill and parade. This regiment were threaded our way towards Fort Pulaski. and of games, to break the regularity of A few miles up glowed the fires of a rebel encampment, and when we were building a little steamer for their amuse- fastened to the dock, the new moon shone ment, having captured a locomotive from brilliantly over the inlet, while the even-

the rebels for machinery. The cleanli- ness of the fort in every corner, and their complete drill, evineed that no duty was neglected.

I afterwards spent a Sabbath there, at the invitation of the Colonel, and preached ki, and not withstanding the name sounded in the theatre to as serious and attentive somewhat nelerical, yet, regarding it in an audience as I ever addressed.

the light of the dramatic entertainment- which close the exercises of a New Eng-

pacity of our sobliers was illustrated by the taste displayed in furnishing this' were finding their way into the magazine place of amusement on this solitary i-land. which had been executed by the men- bers of the 48th N. Y., who garrisoned the fort. The hall was lighted by chan- his officers were severely wounded.

under the direction of Gen. Gillmore, compelling a surrender when the shells at the opposite angle. Col. Barton and his regiment partook in the second assault on Fort Wagner, where he and many of

Wending our way back through the sand flies to our boat, the dawn found ns

fect. The drop curtain was a picture of again on our voyage toward Fernandina. The morning was delightful, and many

the bombardment of Fort Pulaski, ex- deck, a medical inspector, who had come | ceedingly well done by a private in the pleasant acquaintances were formed as

over into the fort ; and with the disci- down in the Arago, rose to introduce me| regiment, who also painted the scenery. pline we are under, this could not have been anything else but snecess. But never mind, dear parents and sister, I will yet have a hand in planting the " Stars and Stripes " over the fort where

story. The old "reb " felt very bad to at Savannah from attacking Hilton Head

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[OCTOBER,

we glided through the smooth waters, who had iled from the benign institution | Wagner, when they lost so many brave Major Dorman, the gentlemanly paymas- of slavery, and whose husbands and ter, left this region as a refugee after the brothers and sons had enlisted in the war broke out, and was last at Fernan- army.

dina when the news of the Bull Run battle was received.

When the boat was moored, the party started to call upon friends and explore

men, and when, could they have been supported, they would have taken that stronghold on the first day. I aceom- panied Dr. Muzzy in his inspection of the quarters and hospital, and had the oppor- tunity of observing the care which the Government exercises in preserving the health of the soldiers and in ministering

Some officers on board were engaged the town, and after a ramble brought up in the expedition which recovered this 'at a bakery and confectionery shop where post from the rebels, who ran away at real candies and ginger beer were manu- the first onset, although if they had stood factured by a Swiss who had remained to the sick and wounded. This regiment by their guns, our forees could hardly , during the assault. He avowed himself have succeeded in dislodging them from loyal, but one of the company recalled their entrenchments. The channel is his conduct when the town was first commanded by Fort Clinch, which was taken, and rather doubted his sineerity.

has many excellent officers, and none abler or more deservedly respected than their Colonel, who has proved his ability both as a soldier and a governor ; for the com- in the process of erection when the war Next the railroad bell exeited the officers, mandant of such a post is a ruler of a broke ont, and upon which work has who had not traveled by such a convey- been resumed by the United States, ance since they left the North in 1861, under the supervision of Capt. Sears, of and they voted an excursion over the the Volunteer Engineers. We steamed three miles in our possession. The engi- up the river and reached the dock at neer was a corporal of the Engineer regi- 2 P. M. little province, and has questions to settle which would perplex the most sagacious. After a dinner at the Colonel's, where the army food was most deliciously served in viands that would have astonished and ment, whose Lieutenant Colonel was with delighted Soyer himself, the Surgeon and myself took a boat and were rowed down to Fort Clinch, then under command of

Fernandina is one terminus of the ns, and was overjoyed to see his officer. Florida Railroad, which was designed to The machine had been made by him from avoid the cirenitous and dangerous voy- the remains of several locomotives which | Capt. Gray. A large company of laborers age around Key West, in the passage : the rebels had left half destroyed, and he were employed in completing the fortifi- cation. which is uneasemated, but con- structed on the general idea of an im- mense earthwork, the solid walls of masonry being protected and covered by sand, whose white glare must affect the eyesight. Seated in a tower near an im- mense columbiad, I had a chat with a from New York to New Orleans. The had one freight car. The merry com- town had grown np suddenly at the rail- pany went through all the motions of road station, and blocks of stores denoted ringing bells, blowing the whistle, shout- the trade which had been expected, but ing all aboard, and then started through which was ruined by the rebellion. The . tho level plains, seeing here and there wealthy inhabitants forsook their dwell- colored men chopping wood, and a few ings on the approach of our forces, and colored women hoving the fields until we it was here that Yulee jumped from a reached the last station, and alighted for soldier who was in a grumbling mood, railroad train when fired upon by a gun- a view of the country. "I declare," and after bantering him a little, he replied cheerfully : " Well, sir, I suppose you are right, and I mean to see this war through, but I should like to hear a brook run." boat, and secreted himself in a swamp said one eaptain, " I can hardly keep my until he managed to eseape inland. Col. hands off this track, for the last time I Hawley, of the 7th Connecticut, com- saw a railroad was in our raid on Poco- manding the post, occupied the deserted taligo, when that train eame thundering While we were at the fort the Pay- mansion of the runaway Senator when along just a moment too soon, as we! master arrived, and when the table was we visited the place, and to his generous were seizing the switch." After a short arranged proceeded to pay each man the courtesy and that of his accomplished ramble, the manoeuvres were rehearsed'sum due on the muster-roll. The good wife, the party were greatly indebted. in starting the train, and we drove back Chaplain received the funds which were It was amusing to hear the young officers, at rather a hazardous speed, for soldiers to be forwarded to their families, and we upon their return to the steamer, enlo- on a locomotive and sailors on horseback doubt not many a home was gladdened gize the tea table with the waffles accom- are not always the most trustworthy during the next week by the remittance panying-a luxury that seemed in their pilots. The next morning a part of the from the army. The sutlers are allowed memory to be a revival of home and its company left in a steamer for St. Angus- to have the debts which, with the Cap- tender associations. Chaplain Wayland tine. tain's permission, the soldiers have ineur- and his wife and child were pleasantly The 7th Connecticut regiment, as Ifred, dedneted from the pay-roll. Major domesticated in the cottage of a physi- mentioned, were garrisoning the town, Dorman pleasantly urged an officer to see cian's widow, who preferred the wildler- tive companies being encamped on a that his men were not cheated, to which ness with traitors rather than her com- pleasant slope just beyond the village, he assented, using a rather strong exple- fortable home with loyal Yankees. Yet two more three miles est, in Fort Clinch, tive. As we sauntered back to the boat, it is not to be imagined that these houses and another four miles west, picketing he said: "Sir, you must excuse me. I were found ready furnished, but, on the the draw bridge on the railroad, while the! did not learn that at home, but it is hard contrary, had been stripped of everything other two, under their Major, now Lient. to help swearing when your men are when our troops arrived, and the inge- Col. Rodman, were at Hilton Head. drill- [ swindled out of their earnings." nuity of the housekeepers was sorely ing as sharpshooters. This regiment has The next day was the Sabbath, warin tasked to proeure even the necessary fur-'always stood among the first in the De- but beautiful, and was occupied in attend- niture for the table. Servants were partment, and has since added to their, ing the school where the contrabands are plenty, since a thousand colored women honorable reputation by their dauntless: taught, and in preaching twice to the and children were crowded in this village, bravery in the splendid assault on Fort i soldiers. The meeting-house at evening

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

1558.1

was crowded, and we had an enthusiastic ! and kind. His courage none can ques- and loyal meeting which would have con- vinced the skeptical that the army are resolute in putting down the rebellion. This regiment is grearly indebted to the fidelity and wisdom of their Chaplain, to whom they are deservedly and warmly attached. .

On Monday we went again to the iowed to Cumberland Island, to Dunga- ness, a plantation presented by the State of Georgia to Gen. Green, of Revolutionary memory, but now deserted by his recreant heirs. The ladies picked magnificent bouquets from the garden, which had the history of his country.

The 7th and 10th are on Morris Island, and the 17th on Folly Island.

Yours truly, CYFAX.

First Connecticut Cavalry.

We reprint from the New Haven Palladium the following extracts from a private letter written by a member of the Ist Connecticut Cavalry, which is stationed at Bolivar Heights, Va. The letter is dated Sept. 28th :

" We have the same routine of duty to perforni, : picket and scouting. The last time we went as a . scout, we left this place on Monday. went that day as far as Charlestown, (where John Brown meti his fate,) camped for the night, and on Tuesday morning started for Winchester, thirty-two miles distant ; we arrived there about two o'clock P. MI., went into the town and right out again. just staying long enough to let them know that the ' " Yanks " were alive.

There is a much better feeling prevailing in that town than there was a year ago. A Union soldier could not pass through at that time with- out being insulted : now, some of them seemed pleased to see us. At one house in the city I heard three cheers given for Abe Lincoln. There will be a great deal of suffering there this winter, unless some of Uncle Sam's Troops take possession . of the city. The rebels in this vicinity are mourning over the hard lot of their friends there, for there is no trade and no means of getting the necessaries of life. They will suffer most for fuel, for the armies have used every particle off wood in the vicinity and for miles around.

Thenee we went to Berryville, another strong rebel town. We chased the rebels out of the town and camped for the night. The next morning we! went to Snickersville, a small town on the east side of the Blue Ridge, just at the foot of the ! mountain. As at. Berrysville we ran the rebs out of town, and staid there until nearly night, when i we started for camp, and arrived bere at mi light , on Wednesday. We are all the time in search of White, but find it very hard to catch him. We sometimes run across some of his scouting parties, i but cannot make them fight. They know the country so well that as soon as they see us coming they scatter in all directions, and reassemble as . soon as we are out of sight. We sometimes catch them napping and take a few prisoners. We ing them from their arduous duties, thus [ ranght a party of fifty by surprise and captured fifteen of them, near Leesburg, about two works ago, and brought them into this place. They did not appear to feel very bad about being taken, and some of them seemed to like it."

The Russian Regular Army consists at present of 31,856 officers and 858,997 privates, and the ir- regular army of 4, 818 officers and 302,961 privates -- making altogether 86,611 officers and 1,161,958

From the Boston Journal.

A Dirge for the Slain in Battle. [GETTYSBURG.]

Toll the bell mournfully Over our dead- Ilushed be all careless noise, Vanish all selfish joys, While slow and tearfully Onward we tread.

Toll the bell mournfully Over our dead- Let our tears freely fall Down on the drooping pall Thrown dark and heavily Over his head.

Toll the bell solemnly Over our dead- Slowly comes home the brave, Seeking his quiet grave- In it most tenderly Let him be laid.

. Toll the bell solemnly Over our dead- Ilearing his country's call, Gladly he gave his all, Going forth fearlessly . Where duty led.

Toll the bell mournfully Over our dead -- Dear is our country's fame, Thrice honored be his name, Who for it manfully Life blood hath shed.

Toll the bell peacefully Over our dead- Quick he reached glory's goal -- God rest his gallant soul --- Where no more ruthlessly Death blows are sped.

Toll the bell hopefully Over our dead- Brave hearts can never die- Calm may his body lie, While his soul trustfully Upward hath fled.

Toll the bell warningly- Let it be said, When our brave die so well. This is Rebellion's knell Floating out meaningly Over our dead.

The rebellion must be crushed of course. tion. His qualifications as a commander What a pity it is we cannot bit upon such appli- anres for crushing it, as will be perfectly agree- and disciplinarian none excelled. His, able to Beauregard! Hle objects to Greek fire ; life and Christian character was worthy and we are doubtful if we can please him, do what we will. Thaddy MeGuire, a snug little drummer of following. Few men ever lived in the from Tipperary, was selected to administer one midst of the excitement and allurements hundred lashes upon an offender, under sentence of a court martial. After a few strokes-" High- of camp life, that resisted so practically er, higher !" eried the victim, and Thaddy com- the attractions that lead many a good plaisantly laid the lash upon the shoulders. " Low. er, lower !" cried the sufferer, and the braid was brought to bear on the small of the back. "High- jabers," cried Thaddy, " there's no plasing ye ony- how, strike where I will."

man astray. He lived a practical Chris- picket station, and in the afternoon were tian and his precepts and example exer- er, higher !" again yelled the poor fellow. " Be cised a most beneficial influence over all in his command. None knew him but to. love and respect him. Modest and unas- snming to the fullest extent, he won for . himself an undying and glorious naine in

been cultivated with exquisite taste ; and after wandering about the grounds, resem- bling in extent and beauty those of a nobleman, we were rowed back at twi- light by the colored boatmen of Capt. Sears, and bidding adieu to our kind friends, retired to find ourselves moving at the dawn on our way to St. Augustine. W. T. E.

For the Connecticut War Record. HILTON HEAD, S. C., Oct. 9, 1863.

SIR :- The 6th C. V. is encamped here in the rear of the General Hospital. Lt. Col. Duryee is in command, and is fast bringing the regiment into shape. The regiment was sent here to recuperate its strength after its fatiguing duties, apper- taining to its glorious successful attack upon Morris Island, and its courageous yet disastrous assault on Waguer, which thinned out its ranks. The loss of our noble Colonel, and the brave officers aud men who followed him so boldly in that forlorn hope, caused the regiment to get badly broken up, though not in the least demoralized. But instead of recruiting in strength or numbers they have been put on the most laborious fatigne duty in the Quartermaster's Department, in load- iug and discharging government trans- ports. But thanks to the judgment and experience of Col. Ewell, chief Quarter- master, who has had sent out from New York a large number of practical steve- dores, who are now in a measure relicv- giving Col. Duryee an opportunity to bring the regiment into its former excel- lent state of drill and discipline, The death of Col. Chatfield is most sincerely mourned by all, both officers and men, not only in our regiment but throughout this department. His name was synony- tons with all that was good, noble, brave ! privates.

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[OCTOBER,

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

OCTOBER, 1863.

PRINTED MATTER. - Postage on transient news. papers is increased to 2 cents, to weight four ounees and under, and two cents for every addi- tional four ounces, or fraction of the same. Books

* All communications should be addressed to "The Cos- not exceeding four ounces, four cents, and four NECTICUT WAR RECORD," Vero Huren, Conn.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 20

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