The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 26

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

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ment. After establishing a guard, the men, wet and supperless, went to bed, thankful for made an effort to extrieate it, but was unable even a tent roof to shield them from the to do so. While fording this stream, the | peltings of a pitiless storm.

The next morning, July 23d, the Ohio emnps wero removed by the First and Third the eamp of the Second New York was

vanee, but the color with the broken staff and sent to Alexandria by the railroad, and was brought off' safely.

The brigade reached Centreville, where loaded on wagon trains by the Second Con- proved his aim gradually, I had time to our reserves were posted, and after cooking nectieut, and sent forward to Washington. withdraw my brigade by a flank movement their rations and eating supper, lay down to The brigade then filed in behind the bag- around the base of a hill in time to avoid a snatch an hour's sleep. They needed it. gage to proteet it from capture, and reached | Since one o'clock in the morning they had Fort Corcoran about seven o'clock P. M., with the satisfaction of having saved to posed to the rays of a burning sun, and from | the government and having deprived the enemy of more than one hundred thousand dollars worth of property of peculiar value at that time.

raking fire." The brigade had now reached a point below the Warrenton road, having been upon their feet, most of the time ex- ten o'clock A. M. to four o'clock P. M., to the hotter fire of the rebels. Not once dur- ing the terrible day's work had they shown to the field in excellent order ; they obeyed commands, as Gen. Tyler says, "in every been snecessful in dispossessing the enemy of every place of vantage, and thought con- tinually under fire, behaving with the utmost coolness and intrepedity. The march was eondueted along the bank of the stream with insubordination or panic. They marched on a view to turn a battery which the enemy had posted below the road and partially com- last strong position of the rebels would have

Thursday, the 25th, the First Regiment moved into Washington and started for New Haven by railroad, which place they reached, manding the bridge. This taken, and the instance in a manner highly creditable to after delays at Baltimore, Philadelphia and themselves and satisfactory to their com- been lost to them. Preparing to accomplish manding officers," and retired as soldiers this, which would undoubtedly have pro- cured for us a decisive victory, Col. Keyes noticed a lull in the discharges of our artil- lery, and sent an aid to the rear to inquire the reason. Shortly afterward he received orders to file to the right and march in re-

should, without confusion or cowardly haste. But the day's work was not yet finished. Wearied and exhausted as the poor fellows were, a long, dreary march awaited them. The road over which a few days before they proudly marehed with banners flying and

light they arrived at their old camps in a rain storm. Each regiment struek its tents, packed and loaded all the camp and other property, including the camp equipago of the

stood. Our noble army is routed, and the whole plain is covered with fugitives, noth- ing apparently left in an organized state but . Second Maine Regiment, left standing, aud also the Connecticut regiments. Marehing aeross

came orders, and leaving a guard, they the rear rank, the regiments repulse them started in a furious storm, which made by well directed volleys. Resuming the marching over Virginia roads almost an im- mareh, the Connectieut troops approach Cub

The enemy had formed a strong abattis aeross the Warrenton road, which rendered it impossible to move the two batteries sta- tioned at the Stone Bridge until the enemy were dislodged from its vieinity. Col. Keyes therefore moved his line forward, keeping his men as much as possible under the shelter of the hills and knolls. In his report he says: " Our advance eaused the rebels to retire from the abattis, and enabled Capt. Alex- ander of the Engineers to clear it away. In a short time the enemy moved a light bat- tery, whiel he manœuvered with extraordi- nary skill, to a point which enabled him to enfilade my whole line; but as he pointed his guns too far to the right, and only im-

flag-staff of the State color of the First Con- nectieut was shot in two by the rebel ad-

New York, on Sunday, the 28th, and were mustered out on tho 31st. At every place on the route, as well as at home, these brave men were welcomed by the patriotie and sympathetic attentions of the people without distinction of party.

(To be continued.) DOMINUS.

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[ NOVEMBER,

OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

For the Connecticut War Record. The First Connecticut Cavalry. BALTIMORE, Md., Nov. 24, 1863.

LOCATION AND EMPLOYMENT.

It is difficult, in a single sketch, to fully 'in number from time to time. The represent this regiment-it is so widely health of the detachment is very good at seattered and so variously employed. present.

The greater portion of the regiment is Sergt. J. R. Straut of Co. F, with a few men under his command, has been stationed for a long time on the eastern shore, under orders from the Provost Marshal, arresting deserters and rebel- lious citizens in that vicinity. now pleasantly located at Camp Chese- brough, near Baltimore city, under com- mand of Capt. Wm. E. Morris. These officers and men seem always contented and cheerful, for they appreciate the comfort and convenience of this fine en- Capt. E. Blakeslee of Co. A, and a squad of men from the First Connecticut Cavalry, are on duty at Camp Conseript, Fair Haven, Conn. campment, which many of them labored long weeks and months to arrange and. beautify. These elegant barracks will doubtless stand while the war continues, Maj. Farnsworth is still at Richmond as a prisoner. Some of his men are there also, while others have arrived at Parole Camp, Annapolis. A few who were eap- tured at the same time have been ex- changed and returned to the regiment. as a monument of the skill and industry of Yankee soldiers. We cannot believe that order and neatness are incompatible with courage and fortitude. It will al- ways be found trne that those who ativet to despise convenience and comfort when they may be enjoyed, are the first to fal- Our Colonel, Wm. S. Fish, holding the office of Provost Marshal, finds occasion for uuremitting activity in the important ter when the trial comes. Good barracks for the men, warm stables for the horses, a comfortable hospital for the sick, which and responsible duties of his station, but is also used as a chapel, we would not his deep interest in the regiment prompts dream of having at the front. but we are: him to make frequent visits to the camp, where he is always greeted with a hearty quite willing to enjoy them here.

While we have quite enough of leisure, ' welcome.

we are frequently and variously occupied Capt. E. Colburn of Co. G, has been with military duties in the city, and often appointed Brigade Quarter-master on the sent on delightful expeditions down the staff of Brig. Gen. Tyler. Capt. E. W. Chesapeake to Point Lookout and vari- French of Co. C, is Assistant Provost ous parts of the eastern shore of Mary -; Marshal in command of the detective land. Several officers, with about one corps. Adj. H. J. O. Walker has charge hundred men, left camp this morning for of passes and transportation. The sciz- the purpose of superintending the coming ing and disposing of confiscated property election in the southern counties of this is under direction of Lieut. Joseph State. Their presence at the polls is se- Backas of Co. C. Lient. J. B. More- enrity to the people of Maryland that no house of Co. B, has immediate control of man whose vote is challenged on account the military prisoners.

pends on circumstances. Recently, in one or two scouting expeditions, our men encountered the enemy and captured several prisoners. The Assistant Sur- geon, Dr. Thomas E. Bnek, is with the detachment at Harper's Ferry, doing good service among the sick, who vary

SOUTHERN RECRUITS.

On the morning of Oct. 2d, our camp in Baltimore was enlivened by the ap- pearance of one hundred and twenty re- ernits for the First Connecticut Cavalry. Their soldierly bearing gave evidence that they were not unacquainted with military service, yet they appeared to feel strange and awkward in their new uniform. They were hale, stalwart fel- [lows, with no suspicious appearance, but the sharp eyes of the Connectient boys cast many a scrutinizing and suspicious glance at the new comers. The peculiar interest connected with these soldiers, was the fact that they had all been in the rebel army, and having deserted or hav- ing been captured and confined in Fort Lafayette, they had taken the oath of allegiance to the United States and vol- unteered for the Union army. They rep- resent nearly all the Southern States, but the greater number are from North Caro- lina and Tennessee. Nothing has yet occurred to disprove their loyalty and good faith, and most of us are confident that they will render good and faithful service to the country. The course they have taken seems to justify this convic- tion. In the first place they were forced into the rebel service or induced to vol- unteer under false and delusive represen- tations. Besides many of them embraced the first opportunity to escape from the rebel army, and at Gettysburg deserted and delivered themselves up to the Union forces, or voluntarily permitted them- selves to be taken. It is evident, more- over, that few other soldiers have entered the army of the United States at the cost of so much risk and sacrifice. One of these brave men, who was dragged from his home by night, a few months ago, and compelled to take up arms against the Federal Government, uttered in my hearing words of loyalty and patriotism which were truly sublime. He said : "I

of disloyalty, will be allowed to vote, on' The offices for the several departments have a wife and little boy in Tennessee, any consideration, until he shall have are situated in a large brick building, and no man loves his family more than I taken the oath of allegiance. The sol corner of Eutaw and Camden streets. do mine, but sooner than lift my hand diers with their sabres and pistols will It is an elegant structure, havingattached against the stars and stripes "-and the be an annoyance to traitors, and not to to it an extensive enclosure formerly used vow trembled on his lips-" before I'll patriots-" a terror to evil doers and a as a slave pen, which now serves the pur- be a traitor to my country, I'll say fare- praise to them that do well." Another pose of a military prison. The Inge old ; well forever to my home and to those dear detachment of three companies. com- key fairly chuckled as it turned the other ; ones, and never see their faces more." manded by Capt. Howell Atwater, isiday upon a noted rebel. It really seemed They all know well that certain death stationed near Harper's Ferry. The Anty [ to enjoy it. I thought of days gone by, awaits them if they are ever taken by which these men perform is attended and fancied I could hear the piteons grat -; the rebels. I suggested this fact to one with more hardship and fatigue, yet it is ;ing of the key when forced to lock the of them. lle replied : " They will never done with a right good cheer. Seonting, iron gate against the unoffending slave, and pieket duty are sometimes delight-| and separate him forever from his loving ful, but, as every soldier knows, that de- I wife and children.

take me alive!" If they prove true to these noble sentiments, Connecticut will deem them worthy to stand side by side

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

with her own sons in this grand conflict, | employment in life, had to be converted in- |Charleston was made. The iron clad moni- and to share with them the glory of the to soldiers, and to learn the principles and final triumph.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES.

Sometimes in the field, during active operations, the soldiers are so situated and employed that it is with difficulty they keep trace of the days of the week and know when the Sabbath comes. But onr camp in Baltimore furnishes a grati- fying exception to the common remark, " No Sunday in the army." Early in the day, the men, when off duty, are seated in their rooms, with their army blue well brushed, and an extra polish on their boots and buttons, reading the papers amd tracts which the Chaplain distributes among them.

When the hour for divine service ap- proaches, the bugle sounds the call, and the officers and soldiers gather in the place appointed. Dispensing with mili- tary foris, every man is allowed to act his pleasure in the matter of attending church. This plan prevents all captious opposition to the meetings, and better accords with the feelings of the large number who are always willing to attend, since it leaves them to go voluntarily, quietly and thoughtfully to the place of prayer as their custom was at home. A large number of citizens are generally in attendance, and we all enjoy the meetings heartily. Books are distributed through the congregation, from which we all sing lustily, while the choir, with their melo- deon and tune books, take the lead in the cheerful exercise. The prayer, the ser- mon, the singing, all combine to make the hour sacred, and shed upon the camp a hallowed, home-like influence.

ED. BINER.

become familiar with the practice of Light Artillery tactics. Artillery drill and the ar- tieles of war took rank next the Bible.

Thus four months passed pleasantly away during the pleasantest season of the southern year in this land of roses and orange groves. An occasional alarm would eause the battery to be hitched up, and away we would trot out toward the " Ferry," some ten miles, to prevent the enemy's landing, and remain out perhaps a night "en bivouac." But with this exception there was little to show that we were in an enemy's country- we were but preparing for what was to fol- low.

In May, the first expedition against Charleston was organized. As a part of the general plan, a foree, of which one see- tion of the battery under Lieut. Cannon formed part, was sent to cut the Charleston and Savannah Railway at Pocotaligo. This attempt failed of success, and the section, re- turning to Beaufort, remained there.

The following day (May 30) tho remain- der of the battery was embarked on trans- ports with the brigade of Brig. Gen. Stevens, to which it was attached, and on the second day following was landed on James Island.

On the 16th of June was fought the bat- tle of Secessionville, when our determined but ill advised attempt to carry the enemy's works met with so bloody and unsuccessful an issue. The circumstances connected with this affair are well known and need not be here recited. In it the battery under Capt. Rockwell took an active part. This was our first fight, but every man stood fire. The

tors were to be put to the test and pit them- selves against Sunter, Moultrie and the other formidable defenses of Charleston harbor. Co-operating with them, the effective land force of the Department, which could be spared from the garrisons, was embarked on transports and lay at anchor in Stono Iulet, ready to follow up the successes of the iron- clads, but too small to act independently. In this the battery again had part.

The result of the expedition is well known. The iron-clads fought bravely and well but failed to reduce the enemy's works and withdrew. A part of the troops were land- ed on Folly Island, which they took posses- sion of and held, while the balance were ordered back to Port Royal, and the battery returned to Beaufort. There it remained for the next two months.

In the early part of July one section, without horses, under Lieut. Clinton, was mounted on a small steamer and ordered to accompany Col. Higginson's expedition to destroy the railway bridge above Willtown, on the Pompon river, S. C. They drove the enemy before them, as the boats advanced up the river, till meeting a severe and effect- ive fire from the enemy's Light Batteries, they were compelled to retire. In so doing It was immediately pushed to the front and the boat grounded, and as she could not be during the next few days the different sec- tions under Lieuts. Porter, Metealf and Seward, Capt. Rockwell being, at the time, too unwell to take the field, were actively and effectively engaged in our successful at - tempt to drive the enemy within his en- trenched lines.

got off was, with the guns, destroyed, to j.re- vent their falling into the enemy's bands. The battery suffered the loss of two guns, but no loss of credit or honor in this atfair. The men served the guns and served them well as long as was possible.

On the 12th of July orders came for the battery to move at once to James Island and share in the third attempt on the stronghold of rebeldom. The next day it was landed and reported to Brig. Gen. Terry, command- ing. On the morning of the 1och the ene- my attacked us in force, expecting to drive our small foree from the Island, but failed signally. They were repulsed with heavy loss. In this action the battery under Cajs. Rockwell played a prominent part, it being the only Light Artillery we had on the Is-

ways are, it poured in a most rapid and ef- fective fire, silencing the opposing battery and aiding in driving the chemy back toward Secessionville. For services here it had bon- Orable mention in the despatches.

Just thirteen months previous the enemy was particularly gratifying to be able on successfully return the compliment. As the assault on Fort Wagner was to be

For the Connecticut War Record. First Connecticut Light Battery. FOLLY ISLAND, S. C., } Oct. 14, 1863. The Ist Connectieut Light Battery was or- battery was notieed in General Orders and ganized in October, 1861, went into camp at honorable mention of both offieers and men Meriden, Conn., and remained there gradual- was made in the published dispatches of our land. Occupying a position in the front line ly filling up until January, 1862, when with brave and gallant commander, Brig. Gen. of battle, the guns well served as they al- full ranks and equipments complete in every Stevens.

Jourticular it was ordered to Port Royal, S. C .. . On the 4th July, when James Island was Arriving there after a long and stormy pas- evacuated, the battery was ordered back to same, it was disembarked at Beaufort, S. C. Beaufort. where it remained till the Spring and went into eamp Feb. 4th, 1862. following.

The next four months were devoted assid -; In October, 1862, however, one section un- uously to drill and discipline. Horses, which 'der Lient. Cannon took part in the expe- had defeated us, repulsing our attack, and it hul become distinguished at home for every dition to St. John's river, Florida, which re- rohreivable vice, were now broken in, tamed. sulted in the capture of St. John's Bluff. ucarly the saine ground to so pleasantly and down and trained to obey the warlike bugle ; without loss.

call -. Men, from nearly every ealling and | In April, 1863, a second attempt against

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[NOVEMBER,

made on the 1Sth, the forces ou James Is- land evacuated during the night and the battery was removed to Folly Island, where it has been encamped ever since.

Such, in brief, is our history thus far. That it has been so uneventful, while others have gained immortal laurels, aud that we have so few names, scarce even a victory, to inseribe on our banner, is most certainly not our fault. The battery has always been ready to go wherever ordered ; ever anxious to add something to the glory and honor of was so kind and generons as to make us our native State.

done your heart good to have seen the steadiness and alacrity with which our men, (and here I mean not our regiment only, but our whole division, as I saw, and the whole corps, as we all know,) marching by the flank, faced to the front believe . that " grim-visaged war had smoothed his wrinkled front," and was in striking contrast to the treatment we " double.quick " across the railroad and and advanced in line of battle at the What the reputation of the battery for drill, discipline, neatness, orderly behavior and general good conduct in action has been, have been accustomed to receive from the into the woods whence the fire opened it becomes me not boastfully to proclaim. people " away down South in Dixie."

The generals, under whom we have served, can best answer questions on these points.

I subjoin a list of the present officers of the Battery.

Capt. Alfred P. Rockwell, commanding. 1st Lient. George Metcalf. Ist Lieut. James B. Clinton. 2d Lieut. George P. Bliss. 2d Lieut. Hez. B. Smith, Jr.

For the Connecticut War Record. The Second Light Battery. CAMP BARBY, WASINGTON, D. C., Nov. 20, 1863. 5

The battery left New York city on the 15th of last month, under orders to re- port at Washingson. Upon arriving

section, under charge of Lient. Munger, day march, participated in the brilliant skirmishes of the 14th of October. Our regiment did its share in repulsing the sudden attack of the enemy at Bristoe's Sation. Our loss was twenty-six killed and wounded, mostly in the first fifteen was sent to Tarrytown during the draft- ing at those places. Wherever we went we were warmly welcomed, notwith- standing our mission was not one caleu- lated to call forth any particular mani- festations of kindness and good will. ' minutes of the fight. It would have At the various localities where we were stationed our camp was daily crowded with visitors-mostly ladies -- who seldom came empty-handed. Their treatment

on us, without knowing at all how many It would be unjust not to mention that on our way from New York to Wash- ington we were kindly cared for at the Union refreshment saloons of Baltimore and Philadelphia. The refreshments fur- nished were of most excellent quality, and the managers of the institutions have earned the lasting gratitude of tens and even hundreds of thousands of hun- gry and weary soldiers for the disinter- enemies we should find there, without having had a moment's preparation or thought of being attacked. Scarcely a man faltered, save from the fatigue of the double-quick, which few men can sus- tain for any long distance with knap- sacks, rations, and equipments on, in heavy marching order. The enemy were driven out of sight, five hundred prison- ers and a battery captured, and the skir- ested and patriotic benevolence which mish over almost before we really began has prompted to such generous hospi- tality.

to understand that a fight was going on at all. Then we lay along the track of Camp Barry is named after Brig. Gen. the railroad till 10 P. M., and withdrew William F. Barry, Inspector General of Artillery, and is mainly a camp of in-

with great precautions quietly, that is, the noise of the moving column could struction. There are usually from ten to not have been heard at a distance of more here, however, we were immediately or- fifteen batteries here at a time. The than five miles, I should judge, and the dered to the front, and without changejeamp is at present under the command of of cars proceeded across Long Bridge to Lient. Col. Hall of the First Maine Artil- Alexandria, and thence to Fairfax Sta- lery. and under his superintendence con- tion, where we halted and went into venient and commodious barracks are fording two deep streams, plunging camp. At that date the army of the Po- being erected. UNION.

enemy were probably three-fourths of a mile from us. Oh, that was indeed a fatigning night march to Centreville, through the mud, stumbling over stones and stumps, standing a half honr at a time with your eyes closing in spite of yourself, waiting for the head of the col- umn to pass an obstacle, getting mixed up with wagons and artillery, and finally,

tomae was concentrated in the vicinity! of the old Bull Run battle field, Gen. For the Connecticut War Record. Meade having his headquarters at Con- The Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers. treville. We remained at Fairfax Sta- CAMP NEAL WARRENTON, Va., 2 Nov. 1-t, 1803. 5 tion in company with various other troops i of artillery, infantry and cavalry, within Missns. Emirons :- I have nothing of after wading Bull Run, (from two to three feet deep,) lying down about four o'clock in the morning on the grass in the drizzling rain to sleep. We didn't easy supporting distance of Gen Mende's very special interest to give you for the army, until the plans of the rebel Gen. November Risonp. Our regiment has Lee were fathomed and foiled, when we had its share of the marches and counter- were ordered back to Washington and marches, the picket duty, the fatignes, take much cold, because a cold is pro- into Camp Barry.

.the skirmishes, the night retreats, and duced, I believe, by a want of equilib-

The battery left this camp on the 16th the whole ever-varying experience of rium in the system in respect to damp- of last Angust for New York, and re- camp and fell life in the army of the ness or heat, and we were so thoroughly wet and cold all over that there was no mained within the limits of the State Potomac for the last two months. We until after the execution of the draft picketed along the Rapidan for some partial process possible. Such is the sol- therein. The left section, under charge three weeks; left the front with the dier's life in the field. of Lieut. Miles Gray, went to Troy, af- Second Corps on the 6th of October, Our new recruits (substitutes) are proving themselves generally very good terwards to Albany, and thence to Go- bivouaced near Culpepper till the 11th ; shen during the execution of the dratt crossed, recrossed, and crossed again the soldiers, and the regiment is, on the for those districts. The right section. Rappahannock in apparently the very prof- whole. in good condition, with its com- under charge of Lieut. Philo B. Sherman, itless mano vering of Oet 12th and 13th, plement of officers nearly filled, and a was ordered to Kingston, and the center. and after a long and fatiguing night and i fine, long line at dress parade contrasting

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 26

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