The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 5

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

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Contrabands come in in numbers, and what to do with them except to make soldiers of them, it is hard to say. Such a miserable, dirty, squalid set, you never saw. They hav'ut any of them had a suit of clothes since the war broke out, and what, with living in the woods, travel- ing nights, escaping rebel pickets, they have but little of the manufactured arti- cle about them when they reach our lines. Four have just come, fair speci- mens in their get up of a Carnival of Venice. They are the survivors of fif- teen who started a week ago and have been in woods and swamps, hunted by dogs and rebels ; and as they say, "De balance done gone squandcred," that is, lost or captured. They say the rebels have given up all hopes of this state and are running off every thing, slaves and all, to Alabama. MANCHAC.

COOL.

During the attack upon the rebel for- tifieations on Roanoke by our forces, among whom the 10th Connecticut dis- tingnished itself by their bravery, a bat- tery of three howitzers was planted with- in 250 yards of the rebel works, keeping up a spirited duel with the enemy's guns. This battery was under the command of Lieut. Hammond of the Marine Corps. Ammunition, as it had to be carried from the boats by hand, was not very plenti- ful. That of the battery in question was nearly exhausted, only two rounds being left. This the Lieutenant concluded to save for an emergency, momentarily ex- pecting a charge from the rebel infantry, when he would deal out death and de- struction to the advancing foc.

The rebel artillery showered shot and shell in uncomfortable proximity to our three pieces, but their infantry hesitated. The Lieutenant, seeing that they did not ments as they fly," thought he would. Advancing some twenty paces unudler the heavy fire of the enemy to a spot where lay a slain soldier, he turned the body

Having broken his fast he allighted. He had scarcely done so when a shell from one of the enemy's guns struck the very spot where he had been sitting. Our hero, concluding it was about time to return compliments when they became so personal, and despairing of the antici- pated charge, gave the order to fire. A few moments later our forces charged upon the rebel works and carried them.

From the New Haven Journal and Courier. The Volunteers from Derby.

navy five hundred and two volunteers, one drafted inan, and one substitute. Only four of the volun- teers have been returned by the Adjutant General as deserters. They have been variously scattered throughout the Union army, and have participated in many a hard fought battle. At Roanoke and Newbern, Yorktown and Malvern Hill, Antietam and Suffolk, at Chancellorville, along the banks of the Rappahannock, and down the Mississippi, they have made a glorious record. The following epis- tolary tribute, signed by 264 of our citizens, shows the right feeling towards them at home, and cannot fail to have an inspiring effect upon the soldiers.

Fellow Citizens of Derby in the Armies of the, Union,-We, whose names are undersigned, by a. They demanded the arms, but before they could few words of grateful remembrance, desire to ex- be gathered, our cavalry made their appearance, press to you, the defenders of our homes and; and the rebs departed. A day or two afterward. country, the appreciation we have of your patriot- | The cuemy made a dash on a wagon train, and

ic and soldierly condnet, and the gratitude we feel for the services you have rendered.

It is a matter of congratulation to us, that you. though accustomed to the peaceful pursuits of civil life, have shown yourselves valiant in war, and that your patriotism has remained unshaken while sorely tried by the privations of the camp, and

South or in the North. This steady, unyiebling devotion to the right. appeals to and secures our admiration, and we feel that in sich hands the : honor of onr commonwealth and the holy cause of humanity will be nobly sustained.

The New York Times correspondent writes

We learn with sorrow that some who went from from Port Hudson, in reference to the proposed our toid-t have fallen before the foe. But while ; storming party, as follows :

we mourn their loss, we hold saered to memory : " Among all the regiments you will notice that improve their opportunity and the "mo- : their bright example, and though they walk no none have come forward so bravely as the gallant

more among us, the heroic and self-sacrificing . Thirteenth Connecticut. Officers and men alike spirit they have shown in being willing to dare seem willing to share its perils, and I believe, if and to die for the sake of our beloved land, will requisite, the whole regiment would join their never be forgotten. Some of you also have suffer- Colonel, Henry M. Birge, who is to command the ed as captives of war, dying daily in filthy pris- expedition."

Abram Hubbell,

and 256 others.

The Twenty-fifth Connecticut Volunteers.

The Hartford Press has a correspondent, w. E. S. DERBY, June 17th, 1863. in the 25th Connecticut, who, writing from UI- man House, Baton Rouge, La., under date of June MESSRS. EDITORS :-- Since the commencement of 30th, narrates the following of interest concern- the war, this town has furnished for the army and | ing that regiment.

The rebels now have possession of the New Orleans, Opelousas and Great Western Railroad, Thibodeaux to Brashear City. All our baggage and tent equipage is stored at Bayou Reauf, a point midway between the two, and I suppose before this, the rebs are shining resplendent in our dress coats and clothing that we left there in abundance.

The object of these attacks is to draw away our forces from Port Iludson, but they will not succeed. Gen. Banks will attend to Port Hudson and them too. One day, weck before last, the rebel cavalry made a dash npou our rear at Port Iludson, and captured a cavalry picket and the general hospital, of which I was then an inmate-

captured sixty-four wagons. Afterward they shot some of the negro drivers, but their triumph was of short duration, for our cavalry, Col. Griet - son's, recaptured the wagons, and took forty pris. oners in less than an hour.

Our Colonel is slowly improving in health, hav- ing been very sick. The 25th Connecticut has the stern ordeal of the battle field. Nor can we ! suffered seriously from disease as well as battle, and many who marched away from Hartford will at home, delnded by false visions of peace, seemed ; not return with us, but will rest beneath the soil of Louisiana, so many more names to be enrolled on the page of Connecticut's glory. Extreme

fail gratefully to record the faet, that while some willing to give over the struggle, you, standing ; in the fore-front of danger in common with your comrades in arms, were true to the flag, and ready [ warm weather has some advantages ; they come to do battle against all traitors, whether in the . to us in the shape of water melons, musk melons. tigs and blackberries, but there are few who would not gladly exchange them for one breath of pure Northern air, and one draught of pure wal. r.

A. Bradley, John J. Ilowe,

Egbert Bartlett, D. W. Plumb,

Gerald II. Corlies,

Thomas Wallace, Jr.,

John Whitlock,

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[ÅrGust,

For the Connecticut War Record.

A Ramble through the Camps, east of the Alle- ghanies, by a Connecticut Pastor.

Every patriot seeks some better know- ledge of the war than is obtained by con- tradictory telegrams, every friend of a soldier would be glad to greet and cheer the brave man at his work, and every thoughtful mind is earnest in studying the problems which God is summoning this nation to solve. These motives moved the writer to accept commissions from the Governor of Connecticut, to look after the welfare of our troops, and from the Christian commission to aid their benevolent labor for the good of the soldiers, among whom, he had a very large personal acquaintance. The hope of adding somewhat to the intelligent interest in our defenders, to assist the mother and wife in picturing the life of their son or husband in the army, and the wish to further the sacred cause of liberty and law, has indneed the telling the story of the jaunt, with its pleasant welcomes, happy intercourse, and novel

dering whether the South was not al- ready invading with hot breath our Northern home. The Government had not relaxed the restrictions imposed be- fore the attack on Charleston, but the crowd of passengers proved, that passes were attainable, for with Colonels, Chap- lains, Surgeons, and other military offi- vember, 1861, as Colonel of the Seventh Connecticut Regiment, having com- manded the Second C. V. in the three months' campaign ; and has earned pro- motion by the claims of military skill and courage, not by any political patronage. Few officers educated at West Point equal General Terry in military science, vers, mingled the delegates of benevolent i and in familiarity with the art of war, since he has attended to this study both at home and abroad, and by the experi- ence of the camp has added to his pre- vious attainments practical skill, and proved his genius. His high-toned vir- tue, his rare enlture, his manly senti- ment, his thorough loyalty, his strict discipline, and his large wisdom have gained the esteem and affection of all ranks in the army. The unsought testi- mony of officers in the regular service affirm him competent to command a di- vision, and the State may well be proud of a son who maintains the Instre of that fame which is shed from Lyon, and Mansfield, and Foote.

societies, the noted politician, and even ladies with nurses and babes. The steam- -hip stopped at Fort Hamilton to receive a hundred soldiers for the several regi- ments, and at one o'clock cast off the Pilot, when we were fairly out of harbor on our way to Hilton Head. The bustle of departure prevented a religious ser- vice, although it was the Sabbath, and before night-fall, those of us who were not seaworthy, sought our berths. An agreeable company and a quiet ocean, : magnificent ship, and a gentlemanly and able Commander. Captain Gadsden, made the voyage of three days a pleasure trip; until Wednesday morning, we sailed up Landing, and housed by a pleasant wood fire in the headquarters of the Command- ant of the Post, we chatted about home and the State election, and the assault on Charleston, where the land forces had no opportunity to try their strength with the enemy, until at midnight we were lulled to sleep by the dashing of the waves on the broad beach. the harbor of Port Royal. Eighteen months ago, this grand roadstend was impressions. It would be ungrateful tofonly dotted by the sails of an adven- omit a public acknowledgment of the turons schooner, or by the fishing boats of the lordly planters, who claimed this kindness and generous attentions received during the somewhat extensive journey : region for their exclusive aristocracy ; but and if anything has been learned about now, save for the low flat shore and the tents, we might believe ourselves at the entrance of New York bay ; amid a crowd the army, or the management of various Departments, it was because everything was disclosed in a confidence never to be of vessels, from the ocean stemmer to the An early stroll the next morning, tiny boat that one would scarcely trust through the white sand, which is the soil that brings to perfection Sea Island cot- rounded Hatteras. Many of the pa-sen- ton, awakened a conviction of the majes- tic resources in the Republic, which no and a pleasant greeting to a soldier was census could produce. A pier, thirteen hundred feet long, has been built to deep water, and a railroad track constructed, which leads to the warehouses where are stored the supplies of food and clothing, of camp equipage and artillery for a vast army. Soldiers were busy mloading the Arago, while other vessels waited their turn. An immense fleet lay further up abused. Associating familiarly with offi- eers of every rank, in regiments from St. ! through Harlgate, but which had safely Augustine to Baltimore, I have yet to hear a word unbecoming a gentleman, ger, left in the tug that emme snorting to our side, when the ship anchored ; but always answered by a pleasant word. having leisure, I preferred to watch the Strolling among them in citizens' dress, busy scene, and wait an hour for our safe without so much as a gilt cord or military arrival at the wharf. There was a enri- button, and having nothing to sell, I was us sensation of strangeness and famil- a love token from home ; and a Colonel iarity, in reading the names of the steam- urged me to stay, because the boys said ers which have always been associated it did their eyes good. I seemed like a with the North River and Long Island child who had strayed into a Shaker vil. Sound in this distant harbor. A Jersey lage, and whom the stiff-capped and Ferry boat was starting for Beaufort the bay, and in front was anchored broadbrimmed people ahnost quarrel to when we reached the wharf, but instead | Admiral Dupont's Flag ship, the War- fondle, in the promptings of an instinet of drays and hacks and a throng of New |bash, attended by the Vermont, while stronger and better than their erend. Yorkers, a swarm of black women in across the harbor lay the Monitors, who Soldiers were drawn toward me by their bright turbans with their dusky children, had returned from before Fort Sumter memories of quiet firesides, and holy sane- ocenpied the deck, and reminded one of only a few days. At the head of the tuaries, and I saw how sometimes good ja Turk in a rocking chair.

long wharf, a few rods from the shore,

Chaplains lost by wearing shoulder straps, and striving to be military. We had just touched the dock, when !is the old Plantation House, a small the noble form of Brigadier General square dwelling, on which a tower has April 19th, a day borrowed from July, Terry was seen amid the group in wait- been built. whence by signal flags and was inserted in a cold wet Spring, to ing. To his generous hospitality I was lanterns, communication is kept up with give the promise of Summer; and we indebted for a home, and to his kind aid Beaufort, and Fort Pulaski, and St. Hel- stood on the deck of the noble transport for every facility in the object of my visit. ena. The waving of these banners from Arago, as she glided from the dock, won- [ He went with the first expedition in No- ithe station, resembles the flutterings of

1803.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

wings, and though not so rapid, is far more picturesque than the wire suspend- ed on bare poles. From this house, the only one at the Post when our troops landed, radiate the immense enelosed sheds of the Quarter-Master's and Com. missary Departments, crowded with stores of every description, from a hos- pital tent to a handkerchief, and from ten thousand barrels of salt beef to a few chests of tea. In front of the stables stood the army wagons with their teams harnessed, waiting for orders. The stalls were filled with sleek, well-fed horses, but the fine sand fills the lungs and in- jures the animals, while the rapid pace

two companies at Folly Island, making sation showed the necessity of rifled roads and mounting batteries, one at guns to render an attack on forts effi- cient at a distance, although the recent as- sault had proved the wonderful invulnera-

Fort Pulaski, where the regiment were efficient at the siege, another over -! seeing the building of Fort Clinch at, bility of the Monitors, and they were al- Fernandina, and squads posted in mani-| ready in trim for another attack. The fold services, from the drawing of a map genius of Errieson might be profitably employed in seeking the health and com- to the driving of a locomotive. Still further, on the highest and health- fort of those who man these invincible machines, and who are among the most

iest point looking toward the open ocean is the General Hospital, a very extensive talented and best seamen in the navy. We suspeet from their conversation that the next assault on Charleston will be de- liberate and decisive.

row of one story buildings, around an open square. On the northeastern front are the offices for the surgeons and nur- ses, and the dining room is aeross the area behind. leon bedsteads, with mosquito On Thursday afternoon, the Boston was to sail for Fernandina and St. Augustine, in which the orderlies ride, must wear netting, and good matrasses are arranged'and a pass on board that steamer was upon their noble beasts, who gallop through the clean wards, and under the kindly presented : so bidding farewell for through the heavy roads, where they sink management of Dr. Simple, the hospital|a few days to Hilton Head, we were on above the fetlock at every step. The affords the best home for an invalid board and away at five o'clock, but must or wounded soldier. No expense is leave to another communication the ae- spared, and the universal testimony of count of what we saw and experienced the patients proved the ample provision on this jaunt. W. T. E.

officers' quarters at this post are in small unpainted cottages, which are placed just above high water on the beach, and the singular fertility of the sand is shown in and kind attention which they received. the rich crop of oats growing upon the Reading matter is furnished by the dele- gates of the Christian Commission, who are warmly welcomed. We sat down on the bed with a group of Connecticut about home and the war, and have never been more gratified than by the hearty terraces, which have been made of this material. The headquarters of the De- partment has little claim to cleganee, al- though distinguished by a coat of white paint. Just beyond, is the Fort which was built by the rebels, and from which they were driven by the guns of our fleet greeting and bright faces of these suffer- so summarily. Near the Fort, in front,

From the New Haven Courier. Richmond and the Libby Prison.

ANNAPOLIS, MD., June, 1863.

MESSRS. EDITORS: - In my last, a sudden call to

boys around, and had a delightful chat | dinner resulted in leaving ns prisoners in the streets of Richmond, surrounded by representatives from all classes of the Confederacy. From what I have read of the windings up of the Tower of Babel, I have always supposed that the event was signaled by a variety of conversation and unintelligible

ers for their country. God bless them were eneamped the body-guard of Gen. in their patient courage, refusing, as some i harangne, but I think that noise must have been of them have done, a discharge when offered, in the desire to accomplish the work which they have undertaken !

IIunter, being composed of men from a Pennsylvania Regiment in Zonave uni- form, and behind the Forts were the tents of the two flank companies in the

Nor is the Government unmindful of

Eolian harmony compared to the medley of sounds which greeted our ears in Broad street, Richmond. Perhaps I could not deseribe the gathering better than by saying it was composed principally of males and females, but in size and color they

Sixth and Seventh Connecticut Regi- its sons; but provides generously for ranged all the way from the small E flat contra- ments, under the command of Major Rod- their comfort when sick or wounded. band up to the stalwart Hibernian. We were sur- The Cosmopolitan, one of the finest and prised at the number of Irishmen in the rebel ser- swiftest steamers in the Department. was vice. Whether they are volunteers or conscripts I know not, but certain it is that the rebel ranks are largely represented by the descendants of that illustrious and eminently successful toad Ininter- then, has been employed in conveying the Saint Patrick. " Well, you've got here, have you ?" disabled and discharged to the North. " How do you like Rielmond ?" " When is the As the war progresses, the arrangements | rest of Hooker's army coming ?" " You're a sweet looking erowd of thieves, aren't you ?" and sundry other innocent expressions greeted us, all equally characteristic of metropolitan refmement. It is while the incompetent and unworthy are unnecessary to state that we were remarkably discharged. Still, enough remains to bei quiet, and evineed little disposition to form ac. done hy the benevolent and patriotic in quaintanees. Indeed, I don't think that a man in supplying delicacies, reading matter, and our party opened his mouth, and I know that I specially fitted up for a hospital in the ; expedition against Charleston, and since : man, who were drilling as sharpshooters. A reserve of Artillery was lying in the sheds of the Ordnance Department, enough, an ignorant citizen would imag- ine, to furnish the armies of the Republic during the war. lInge mortars and rifled eannon which had played their part in the reduction of Fort Pulaski, and of the army in every Department become systematized, and officers are trained, Parrott guns of immense calibre, with in- numerable field batteries, were arranged ready for the next attack on Fort Sum- ter. Beyond the Fort, eastward, was the Prison, under the charge of the Pro- vost Marshal General, which responsible

religious consolation to these sufferers for office is ably filled by Lieut. Col. Hall, of their country.

the New York Engineers, having under Officers from the iron-clads, calling on his charge both rebels and refractory sol- the ladies at our quarters, seemed to en- exercise for the present.

never took such a deep interest in cobble stones as on that march to prison. Bul it is said there is an end to all things, and the walls of old Libby soon reminded ns that there was an end to our out-door

It had been so long since most of us had oceu- pied a States Prison as a permanent residence, that we naturally entered with some reluetance, and with some slight suspicion that the location would ¡ not suit. In the office, guns, pistols and sabres

diers, and to whose courtesy we were joy the temporary relief from the damp- indebted for many kind attentions. Ilis, ness of their prison-fortress, and the in- regiment was organized to perform the' tercourse with the refined women, who: work of engineers, and are detailed for constituted the delightful cirele at Hilton various duties through the Department ; |Head, during the Winter. Their conver- | hung pendant from the ceiling, and a bundle of

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[Ararsr,

great keys-such as Webster used to carry about produce. Such were the inducements, but as it [a slight process of tunning, our rations of bacon the new jail-adorned one end of the desk. It; was not our intention when we enlisted to take

would have made excellent half soles for boots. was a dismal looking place enough, and I believed ' muy hemp-stretching contract for the Southern | The officers were allowed to purchase some provis. a Lieutenant when he remarked to the keeper that ; Confederacy, we naturally demurred and especially | ions, but this privilege was denied privates, and "he wanted to go home; he had some wood .to; on the plea that our experience in the business was they suffered considerably for palatable food. I saw, and other ' chores' of importance to attend limited. And thus, with this great flea in our ear, was glad when I saw them marching through the to." After our names had been recorded in the wp passed several days, when we were informed street, en route for City Point, for I knew they book of unfortunates, Care. Turner and his #esist- that the selection had been made, and that two'would soon be where hunger is the exception and ants made an exploring expedition through our | Tennessee officers in the lower room were the vie- i not the rule. It would astonish a stranger to see clothing, and confisented everything of a contra- i timis, From what I know of the public feeling in the variety of dishes we manufactured from corn band nature. Then we bid good-bye to light and i Richmond. I fear these two innocent prisoners of meal alone. Mixed with water to a consisteney of civilization, filed up the long narrow stairway and , war have already suffered death in retaliation for paste, it made what we ealled pancakes, a dish through little doors, up more stairs and through ; the two seonudrely spies shot by order of Gen. that constituted a large item in our diet. With a more dark dismal rooms, until we reach the ap. Burnside. In a few days our party of prisoners little less meal and more water, we had Indian partment assigned us, when sliding bolts grate ; were largely reinforced from the South. Captain pudding, and to be eaten with a spoon. A more harshly on our ears, and we realize for the hrst Brown and the other officers of the Indianola join- liberal donation of meal with the same quantity of time in our lives that we are the companions of, ed ns. The same day, Col. Straight and his offi- , water, make a thick substance, which, when baked murderers, and the associates of all that is vile. ! cers enme in. It will be remembered the latter in the oven, was styled Johnny cake. Then there For a moment it seemed as if Hope glided noise- i were captured by Gen. Forrest, while making an are fish- balls, manufactured from the same com- lessly out with the jailer, and Despair stepped in | extensive raid through the South. After his ar- pounds. This receipt requires about four meals to uninvited. We thought of all the martyrs, from ' rival, Col. straight was appointed to the chief com- one water, and when moukled together, should be the Prisoner of Chillon down to Colonel Coreoran, mand in our room, and he at once organized a able to stand alone anywhere. Divide the aggre- and speculated as to whether our names were des-i-ystem that improved the sanitary condition of gute into eakes one inch thick, and about the size tined to adorn first class literature, or the pages of things wonderfully. An officer of the day was of the pahn of the hand. Lay these in rows on the Ilerald. An atmosphere of indigo surrounded constantly on duty, and each morning details were the top of the stove, and if there is any fire nt all everything. How long this would have continued made for sweeping. serubbing and dusting. Ile inside, you will have superior fish-balls in from is uncertain, had not one of those ludicrous inci. enforced strict dischdine, and we were all too glad . one to three hours.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 5

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