The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 99

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

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Dec. 6th dawned upon ns, cold and frosty, but elear, just such a day as grace this month in the latitude of New Eng- at conflagration, and the offing was full land. The discomforts of the preceding day were soon forgotten in the cheerful with stores to be transferred by rail to Falmouth. simshine. Ye who sit in your houses, or places of business, in the comfort of your

How FOLKS DIFFER .- We chew tobacco, the Hindoo takes to lime. The children of this coun- try delight in candy, those of Africa in rock salt. A Frenchman " goes his length" on fried frogs, while an Esquimaux Indian thinks a stewed can-

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THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[NOVEMBER,

OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

From the Eighth Regiment.

18TH ARMY CORPS, STH REG., CONN. VOIS, ) IN CAMP NEAR BERMUDA HUNDRED, VA., Sept. 24th, 1804. 1

FRIEND MORRIS :- Two months have passed sinee your attention was called to ns, and during that time few events have transpired above our common routine of duties, which are more numerous if not as arduous in the trenches in front of Petersburg, when the 18th Corps was relieved by the 10th on the 26th of Au- gust. The 10th and 18th Corps simply exchanged places with each other. The 18th Corps occupies the line of works from the Appomattox to the James, Dutch Gap and Deep Bottom.

Our campaign commenced the 4th of May, when we left Yorktown for Ber- mnda Hundred, and has been the sever. est of the war. For nearly four months we were not out of range of shell and bullets more than ten days, and then we were on board transports penned up like cattle, or marching to battle, as from White House to Coal Harbor, via New Castle, through elonds of dust, dense lawake all night and down all day, and enough to suffocate a mule; we reached the front about 4 P. M. on the first of June, Raving marched 28 miles with only tle under fire, carried the front line of works and held them against several fu- rious assaults. We remained there abont three weeks, so close to the " Rebs " that it was dangerous to lift a head above the

many times drive us into our Gopher their wounds the second time this cam- hole, (bomb proof.)

Thus we stood the storm, growing four hours rest, deployed in line of bat -! stronger in works and faith, for the stronger our works the stronger our faith. Nine weeks of siege work, has told fear- fully npon our numbers, for I judge the Corps by the Ist Division, which when the 10th Corps relieved us, ineluded thir- works in the night, much more in the ! teen regiments, which numbered about day time. Our skirmishers and pickets | forty-three hundred men for duty. Du- had to dig holes and throw up defences with their tin eups, plates and bayonets. many having to work in a lying position. Our casualties were few in proportion to the position ocenpied and work accom- plished.

the order, we didn't halt until inside the lotism worth anything to the Govern- rebel works. We carried them complete- | ment ?

ly, captured over three hundred prison- The position we now occupy is far from a holiday situation to ns. Our de- tail for picket is very large, the two lines are from eighty to a hundred rods apart. Mneh good feeling exists between them. Orders have been strict against inter- pocket knives get exchanged for tobaeco somchow or other. Our line of breast- works and batteries are from a half mile ers, all their guns, which were treble shotted for us, and turned them upon the flying foe. The Captain of the battery declared it to be a Yankee sell, to make him keep his guns treble shotted wait- ing for the line of battle, and then let course with them, but papers, coffee and the skirmish line capture him, guns and all. A line of works was thrown up close to the next line of rebel works, and our rifle pits were so close to the "John- to a mile in rear of the picket line, and nies," that we used to throw stones at our camps just in rear of our breast works. Old works are to be strengthened, new be corduroyed. These tasks call for heavy details so that every man not ex- cused by the doctor, is on duty every day. But few of the 8th are sick; less than in many regiments. I wont say anything in this connection, about the wormy hard-tack we have had for three weeks past. Some may conclude that it each other, sometimes with considerable effiet. We were in the pits two, and ones built, bad roads and slough holes to sometimes four days at a time through night and day, rain and sun, mud and water. We had to lie low of course, and when we were relieved and got be- hind our breast works it was not much better, for it a head or hand was lifted in sight fifty bullets were sent after it. The enemy's guns had good range upon ourcamps, and would open upon us about | is condusive to our health and we may midnight, supposing ns sound asleep get more of it. after our fatigue in the trenches, keep us

Convalescents are returning to duty promptly; some having recovered from paign. Capt. Goodrich has returned to duty. Our Chaplain is again with us, having recovered from an illness con- tracted in the trenches. We have Divine Service twice each Sabbath, and two eve- nings a week, and they are well attended. A few men are leaving each day by day, whose term of service is out. About sixty in all will leave us.

Part of a detail of twenty-five men from this regiment, while putting up a

ring the summer's campaign, three week's fighting around Bermuda Hun- line of telegraph from City Point to Fort dred and Drury's Bluff, under Butler; three weeks about Cold Harbor, under Baldy Smith ; and nine weeks in front of Petersburg, our regiment has been Powhattan, were taken prisoners by Wade Hampton, on his raid into our lines after beef, Sept. 16th. Enclosed is a list of their names. Everything quiet along our front most of the time. The enemy have shelled our signal towers a few times, withont serious effect. The Ilow- they have been in only one fight and |lett Honse battery opens on our gunboats

When Gen. Grant marched the Army through six hard fought battles, making thirteen in all, and skirmishes too nume- rous to mention. Some of the boys say of the Potomac across Lee's right flank to the James, the 18th Corps marched baek to White House, embarked and sailed up the Appomattox, landed at that has lasted four months. Night and oeensionally, but the Mortar Parrott and thunder showers don't stop ns when we Craw's West battery of ours, as often Point of Rocks, bivonneked for the night, next morning erossed the Appomattox, get at it. Although the campaign has shuts "Howlett House" up. More or less canonading occurs every day at Dutch Gap, on our fatigue party at work on the canal. and started for Petersburg. Skirmishing been so severe upon the boys I have never heard a single complaint against General Grant. and but few against the Government, and those were all be- enuse the Paymaster has become a time- honored institution of the past. All of began about nine o'clock. the 8th Conn. and 13th New Hampshire composed the skirmish line; drove the enemy behind their works before noon, and lay down to await orders. Orders came to advance under their works and await the line of us have six months' pay due, and some battle. By some misunderstanding of of us have more. Is the soldiers' patri- Iberate with our cheers. We made the

Night before last a dispatch eame of Sheridan's victory, each regiment " fell iu" along the line and heard it read, and then made the woods and ravines rever-

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"Johnnies" feel bhie even over their ex- scarcely a round of ammunition. It was tra ration of Unele Sam's beef. Next'a grand sight ; the rebels ran like sheep, morning at 7 o'clock each battery along : the Eighth Corps swinging around on to the line fired a salute with shotted guns, their flank. Nothing could restrain the Last night, Sept. 23d, we were called up mnen when once started. They rushed across the open field, through the woods and on toward the works around Win- about midnight, all along the line to hear another dispatch from Sheridan to Gen. Grant, of his rout of Early's army. We chester, with an impetnosity nothing cheered long and loud enough to wake up all the Jolinies along our trout ; and could resist. When they were well start- ed, down came the hosts of cavalry on this morning at seven o'clock, a salute of the right of our line with drawn sabres, an hour's length, with shotted guns, was fired from the entire front, and every gun along the line opened. We took our po- sition in the works, in ense the "John- nies" should decide to return our compli- ments, which they did not except to a small extent.

Desertions to our lines are numerous. and daily increasing.

Yours, for erushing the rebellion. OLD VET.

From the Twelfth Regiment.

HEADQUARTERS 12TH BEGT. C. V., } HARRISBURG, VA., Sept. 27, 1804. 1

MR. EDITOR :-- Resting a day in this pleasant town, for rations, we have time to collect our thoughts and review the events of the past week.

Nothing of importance happened to us during the first weeks of the month. We were watching Gen. Early and his crowd, onee in a while reconnoitering his position, to see that he did not slide away. If he moved we soon followed, strongly intrenching, so that when he came out with his army to take a look at us, he concluded "that would not do," and retired. We do not recollect that he went very far into Maryland. At. length, on the 18th, Gen. Sheridan, assu- red a favorable time had come to attack him, on Monday morning at 3 o'clock, we moved forward. The envalry skir- mished all the morning, but it was nearly noon when the 12th went into the fight. The rebels were strongly intrenched around Winchester, but they had come ont to a piece of woods some half a mile in front, where a strong line was posted. The 2d Division of the 19th Corps, had

and few rebels stopped for their carth- works, but threw away every thing, cut- ting off their equipments, and running with a'l speed for their lives. The eoun- try knows how, nearly six thousand pris- oners and wounded were gobbled then, and how our victorious army pushed on and attacked them in their strong posi- tion at Fisher's Hill, where a high mnoun- tain protected either flank and the front presented continued earthworks and shining guns. But Gen. Sheridan was too much for him, and a large force rush- ing down the mountain ou their flank threw them in complete confusion, and away they started again, not even stop- ping to relieve two regiments ou their right on picket. I suppose over twenty pieces of artillery and over two thousand prisoners unhurt, was the result of that day's work, but that was not the end. On the army pushed all night, and after resting a few hours, and getting a few days' rations, again pursue and overtake their train and lines of battle seemingly very tired, near New Market. As we ascended one hill, their whole force was in plain view on the next, but darkness closed upon us aud they were forced on all night, erossing the Blue Ridge only to eneounter a large body of our cavalry. How much damage they received at their hands I cannot tell.

This victory purchased with the lives of some of our noblest men and officers, has been as near complete as any in the history of the war, and of course, our army is in the best of spirits, waiting to be led on to yet greater achievements.

him by sympathizing friends and sur- geons, but the shock and loss of blood was so great that he died the next morn- ing at half past seven o'clock.

All testimony concurs in the fact that on the field of battle, under the hottest fire, the Col. bore himself most heroieal- ly. In the confusion of battle, when four generals were giving orders at nearly the same time to the Regiment, he was as calm and self-possessed as on parade ; and when told that his wound was prob- ably mortal, he received the news with cahnness unsurpassed.

"I do not regret that I came to the war; it is all perfectly right." he said ; and again, "I do not kuow how I could die in a better cause." "Oh, my Regi- ment, tell them I love them all."

Private Jacob T. Brown, Co. C, shot in the abdomen, died gloriously in the same room. Also, private John Coyle, Co. B, shot through the lungs.

Lieuts. W. S. Bulkley, and John W. Steadman, killed instantly, were brought to the hospital. We buried them all on the little side hill above the hospital, where their graves stand marked, a noble testimony to their undying patriotism. Capt. S. E. Clarke took command of the Regiment, and nobly led them thro' the charge.

All the officers and men behaved most nobly, not a shirk among those who marched into that bloody field. Our list of killed and wounded is-3 officers kill- ed and 3 wounded; 8 men killed, 56 wounded.

Yours truly, J. H. B.

From the 20th Regiment.

From D. W. Graham, to his Mother, in Port- land, Conn. .

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, Sept. 6th, 1864. DEAR MOTHER :- Since my last letter to you, we have advanced slowly but surely into the city of Atlanta. Perhaps you are aware that the 20th Corps have the praise of this wonderful achievement, which was wrought on the second day of September, and without much tren-

Our brave Colonel Peck was one of been obliged to fall back, on account of those who heroically yiekled up his life ble. The rebels evacuated the town, an enfilading fire that was poured iu up- on them. The rebels rushed upon them, in this glorious cause. As the command except that a brigade of Cavalry which were left to hokl it in check while the Infantry were getting out of the way; they left at cleven in the evening. At midnight our Gen. had word of it ; the "forward, double quick," was on his lips, a took some prisoners, and stripped the shell exploded within a very few feet of wounded, but the 1st Division presented an mubroken front, and as soon as a movement could be made by the eighth Corps on the right, a charge was made,

his head, a piece nearly two inches long passed through his right knee, stopping in the stirrup strap, and wounding his next day one hundred men were detailed horse. He was taken to the Division from our regiment, taking fifteen from the 12th being in the front, and with| Ilospital, where every attention was paid our Company, myself being one of the

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[NOVEMBER,

number. We did not think of reaching Atlanta that day, but thought we would move a little, and try to find the enemy, and see how much foree they had, and fall back to our works. When about one mile out, we sent skirmishers, they kept on, we following by the flank. When within a quarter of a mile of town, our skirmishers commeneed to fire; we then formed a line of battle and wait- ed for the Second Division. By the time they came, the cavalry had left, and our skirmishiers were in town. We then marelied by the flank, to the depot, when we stacked arms, and the boys started for the stores, bursting in the doors, bringing out the tobacco by the cart load, bread, cakes, matches, ink, and many other articles. We staid about town until very near dark, sent our pickets out, and the rest of us went into camp. Af- ter we had been in the city about two hours, our boys wished to try their matches by lighting and throwing upon the floor; there being some loose powder, it flashed and burned three of the boys pretty badly in their face and hands. On the afternoon of the 4th, the rest of regiment came up, and we moved some three miles to the right, where we now remain near the Johnmnies' works, which they left, guarding the rear of the city. Our army will rest now for a while, as this great city is ours.

From your son, D. W. GRAHAM.

From the 10th Regiment.

We take great pleasure in presenting official reports of the conduct of the in- |up a fire which proved effective ; several of the vincible 10th, during the early part of' enemy being seen to fall, and one brought in severe- October.

Some of our readers will be pleased to see the official forms of reports, and all will be gratified that the high claims of this noble regiment are not idle boasts itherefore sent forward nnother company, with in- but are fully and uniformly recognized /structions to support the left, and attack the ene.

by the commanding officers of the Brig- ade, Division and Corps.

The importance of these engagements as gradual approaches to the splendid and not distant triumph, is shown in our editorial column.

HEADQUARTERS, 3D BRIG., IST DIV .. 10TH A. C., 6 MILES FROM RAIMOND, October Ist. 1861-2; P. M. [ORDERS. ]

Cor. Oris, Commanding 10th C. V .- Will im- mediately move his Regiment, excepting those boys whose time has expired, up the New Mar.

ket Road, and drive in the enemy's piekets-ina-

mnovement on the "Central Railroad." He will move through the woods to the open field if prae- tieable without making a serious attack. (Signed,) II. M. PLAISTED, Col. 11th Me. Vols., Comd'g. 3d Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS, 10TH C. V., NEAR RICHMOND, } Oet. 1st, 1864-7 P. M. $

COLONEL :- I have the honor to report my arri- val in eamp with my commaud from the " Demon- stration," on the New Market Road. My losses are light. The prisoners have been forwarded to Gen. Birney's Headquarters.

Very respectfully, your ob't. servant, (Signed) J. L. OTIS, Col. Comd'g 10th C. V.

HEADQUARTERS, 3D BRIGADE, { IN THE FIELD, Oct. 1st, 1864.

COLONEL :- Please give me a written report to. uighit if convenient. Iregret the loss of your men. The 10th is always satisfactory.

(Signed)

HI. M. P. Col. Comd'g Brigade. Cor. Oris, Comd'g 10th C. V.

HEADQUARTERS, 10TH REG. C. V., Oct. 1st, 1864.

COLONEL :-- I have the honor to report the part taken by this regiment in the operations of this afternoon.

Pursuant to orders received from yourself, I moved out, about 2.30 P. M., upon the New Mar- het rond, passed the picket line and formed the regiment on either side of the road ; deployed three companies upon the right and three upon the left as skirmishers. The enemy's videttes fell back before them, one being captured and sent innnediately to Gen. Birney. They were driven from their pits and from a honse occupied as an advaneed post, but, forming behind the crest of a hill nt the foot of which the road was barrieaded. opened a vigorous fire. I halted my line iu an advantageons position at the edge of the woods, well covered, with open ground in front, and kept

one missing. probably captured from the extreme king a demonstration in favor of Gen. Terry's | right of our line on its first advnnee.

Very respectfully, your ob't. servant.

J. L. OTIS,

Col. Comd'g. 10th C. V.

To Col. H. M. PLAISTED, Comd'g Brigade.

HEADQ'RS SD BRIG., IST DIV., 10TH A. C., } IN THE FIELD, Oet. Ist, 1864.

Captain A. TERRY, A. A. General :

CAPTAIN :- I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders of the Maj. Gen. Comd'g, I moved the 10th Conn. Vole, of my command, np the New Market road, about 3 P. MI., to make a demonstration in favor of Gen. Terry, now on the " Central Road." Col. Otis, commanding the 10th, was directed to drive the enemy's pickets through the woods if praetieable, but not advance into the open field beyond, some 800 yards.

The rebel skirmishers were soon driven from the woods into the open field where they were strengthened by another regiment. A sharp skirmish fire was kept until after dark, when the regiment returned.

The ensualties in the 10th were two wounded severely, and one taken prisoner. The loss of the enemy must have been quite severe, as the rebel regiment received the full benefit of our fire while in the aet of deploying.

Two prisoners were captured and sent into Corps Headquarters. One of them was wounded. I am pleased to say that Col. Otis, with his gal- lant 10th Regt., performed the part assigned them in their usual good style. Report of Col. Otis, of the affair, will accompany this.

I have the honor to be, Captain,

Your most obedient servant,

(Signed,) H. M. PLAISTED, Col. 11th Me., Comd'g Brig.

HEADQUARTERS, 10TH REGT. C. V., } NEAR RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 8th, 186-4. 5 Lt. Benj. Wright, A. A. A. Gen. :

LIEUTENANT :- I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this Regi- ment in the affair of yesterday :

At 816 A. M., I received orders from Col. Plais- ted, commanding the Brigade, to move my regi- ment down the New Market Road, as fast as pos- ly wounded. The report wns now brought from the left that the line was outflanked in that diree- tion, and a severe enfilading fire was poured into it,-Sorgt. Williams, of Co. G, being mortally and sible, without taking a double quick. I marehed immediately, and when between the Varina Road and Four-Mile Creek Church, received orders to private Williams of Co. F, severely wounded. I | move in line of battle aeross the open field, at the left of the road, throw out a strong line of skirmishers to the right. and front. My eom- my, who had advaneed at that point. These orders were successfully carried out, and the ene- Iny forced to retire. It was now reported that their skirmish line was moving toward our right ; and to guard against this movement, I sent n small detachment to reeonnoitre in that direction. mand moved in this order until about half a mile from the main road, and was then halted and formed en echelon, at nbout 40 paces in rear of the 100th N. Y. Vols. My regiment now formed the extreme right of our line, my skirmishers ex- tending a quarter of a mile to the right, and well The movement proved to be the deployment of n | refused to protect our flank. After remaining in regiment as skirmishers, but no further attempt at an advance was made by the force opposite us. though firing was continued on both sides. Aud having carried out the instructions given me, I withdrew after dark, no attempt to follow me bring made, and returned to my position in the works.

this position for half an hour, my command (ex- eept the skiriuishers.) was moved by the left flank, and formed in line of battle between the 24th Mass, and 100th N. Y. Vols., the latter be- ing now on the flank of the Division with their skirmishers in front of my regiment. In this position we were attacked by the enemy in strong

I lost two men wounded, (one mortally,) and | force. The skirmishers in our front came in at a

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run, without making the least resistance, and the | well to the Coloneley of the 6th Regiment of regiment on my right following the example, Infantry, the Battery has been under the coul- broke and run in confusion; not an officer or mau | mand of Capt. James B. Clinton, formerly First remaining on the field. Lient. in the Battery.

The enemy's line of battle overlapped us con-

During the month of July nothing of impor- siderably on the right, and the bad conduct of tanec was done until the 26th and 27th, when we the 100th N. Y. had left our flank entirely un- engaged in some demonstrations against the ene- my, on which occasion about five hundred rounds of ammunition were expended. No casualties in the Battery. covered, but taking advantage of the confusion into which the enemy's lines had been thrown, in passing the woods in our front, I commenced the attack, and drove him through the woods before his forces could be got in position to deliver an effective fire. Ile made two more feeble attempts to re-form his line and advance against us but our fire was too liot, and was compelled to fall back in confusion, leaving two officers and six men dend, and two severely wounded on the field. We took prisoners representing the 1st and 5th S. C., and 34th Ala. regiments, showing that a portion at least of each of those regiments were opposed to us.

I make no comments on the behavior of my command, as the entire affair occurred under the observation of the Col. Commanding the Brigade. My loss was two killed and seven wounded.

Very respectfully, your obt. servant, J. L. OTIS, Col. Commanding the Regt. -

Extract from the Official Report of Col. Plaisted. * * * * * *

The eondnet of regiments of this Brigade, through the affair, with the single exception re- ferred to, was satisfactory, nor could it have been more so. The Brigade was on the right flank of our line, which the enemy was seeking to turn. All seemed to feel the responsibility of their po- sition, and no troops in the world could have behaved better. The 10th Conn., Col. Otis Com- manding, held the vital point of the position, and its splendid behavior when the regiment on its right gave way, saved ns from disaster. * *

(Signed) II. M. PLAISTED,

Col. 11th Me. Vols., Comd'g 3d Brigade.

From the First Conn. Light Battery. IST CONN. LIGHT BATTERY, LIGHT ARTILLERY BRIG., HUTU ARMY CORPS, IN THE FIELD, Va., Oct. 13, 1864.

Nearly six weeks were spent in the defences at Bermuda Ilundred, during which time the Batte- ry suffered no loss from the enemy's eanonading. although more or less exposed to it nearly the whole period.

When Brig. Gen. Foster moved across the James River at Deep Bottom, one section of the Battery accompanied him, and was, a few days After, followed by another section. One section still remained at the intrenchments at Bermuda Ilundred, under the immediate command of Lient. Bliss. Early in July, however, the remaining seetion was withdrawn from its position in the defenees, and transferred to the north side of the Jaines, thus bringing the whole Battery together onee inore.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 99

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