USA > Connecticut > The story of the Twenty-first Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War. 1861-1865 > Part 25
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34
363
Operations.
number in late actions, we feel happy that these precious lives are spared to serve their country just as faithfully, in some other manner.
Nothing of moment occurred to disturb the quiet of our camp life during the months of January and February. And we may well be thankful that we were not obliged to wade about through that notorious Virginia mud, which held full sway the greater part of the time. March 4th, however, found us breaking camp with the rest of our brigade. We, however, were going aboard transports, and the usual camp rumors were rife as to our probable destination, and about as far from the truth as usual. Fort Monroe, however, was our first stopping place, where we were joined by a small fleet of gunboats, and putting off again just at night of the fifth, our further progress was soon completely enveloped in darkness to those unacquainted with our orders.
The next morning, however, revealed our destination. For we found ourselves well on our way up the Rappahannock River, and Fredericksburg could be our only attraction in that part of the country. And at that place we arrived on the morning of March 7th. And a familiar spot it was to us, the scene of our first battle, December 13, 1862. And as we wandered through those now silent streets, that fearful scene more than two years before, was brought vividly to mind, and one looked towards those neighboring heights almost with the expectation of seeing them bristling with inen and cannon. The town is but one of many sad illustra- tions of the devastation of war. Scarcely a house there but bore some mark of shot or shell. The greatest destitution prevailed among the inhabitants. One could scarcely pass through the town without being surrounded by a crowd of hungry women and children, begging piteously for something to eat. But as our supplies had not come up, we could not help them.
The object of our expedition was to break up an extensive and illicit traffic going on across the lines. A large amount
364
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
of supplies for the rebels was being continually smuggled across in exchange for tobacco. A large quantity of the latter article, which had just come up from Richmond for the purpose of exchange, was captured and destroyed by our forces. We remained but one day, " having accomplished the object for which we went there," and then returned to Fort Munroe, carrying over five hundred boxes of tobacco, a number of Confederate wagons and mules, and about thirty
CORPORAL JOHN G. PALMER, CHARLESTON, S. C., 1865.
rebel soldiers, surprised and captured in town. Among the latter was one of the most notorious scouts in the rebel service. We had come upon him entirely unawares.
After a short stay at the Fort, the brigade was sent off on another expedition to White House, Va., to establish a base of supplies for General Sheridan, who was then striking terror to the hearts of the inhabitants of Richmond and vicinity, by one of his most successful raids. Here the regi- ment remained in camp for several days, until joined by Sheridan's cavalry, when it marched with thein across the
365
Operations.
country to Deep Bottom, where we first started. Here the brigade remained until the memorable morning of April 3d, when it triumphantly marched into Richmond.
Thus the Twenty-first had the honor of being among the first troops to enter the rebel capital. But we cheerfully give the credit to those brave men, who, by their hard fighting at Petersburg, opened the door for us. We were content to be in Richmond; the goal of all our hopes and desires, and for which so much precious blood had been spilt. Its possession, however, scarcely seemed a reality. It was like a great and sudden joy, in which fact has overleaped imagination ; for we had thought the only path to that goal, would be drenched with blood. But although scores of black-mouthed cannon grimly peered over massive ramparts all along the road, yet they were silent. The hand to fire the match was wanting. The enemy had evidently fled in the greatest haste, as every- thing was left just as it stood. Guns all in position, maga- zines filled with ammunition, and a large number of tents gave the Quarter-Masters a grand opportunity of squaring some of their accounts.
Nothing of importance characterized our stay in Richmond, which was rather short. We were first encamped on a beautiful hill-side just on the outskirts of the city, and near the James River, and from which a fine view of Richmond, Manchester, and the surrounding country might be obtained. Here it was that we received the news of the assassination of President Lincoln. It seemed so improbable, that at first we entirely discredited the report; but when the fact was fully substantiated, we were perfectly confounded. Men knew not what to say. But had they then been called into battle, the cry for quarter, I fear, would have been very poorly respected. In our sober reasoning, none of us believe that the Southern people had any hand in that dastardly act. But in the heat of the moment it was impossible not to associate the deed with those fighting against us, and for whose cause the blow was struck. And at first there seemed a hatred brooding in
366
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
each man's heart, which was fearful to behold, and which would have required but slight provocation to warm into a furious blaze. But happily, our glorious successes, the ces- sation of hostilities, and calm reflection, seem to have eradi- cated that feeling, and the guilt is very properly laid at the door where it belongs.
On the 28th of April, Colonel Brown was ordered to proceed with his regiment and a squadron of cavalry to Columbia, Va., a small village on the James River, fifty-six miles west of Richmond, to establish a military post, protect the inhabitants of the country during the inaction of the civil authorities, and to preserve quiet and order generally, es- pecially among the negroes, who, under false notions of free- dom, were leaving their plantations in large numbers and rushing for Richmond, which they seemed to consider was to be the Garden of Eden to them, where they would have no more work to do, but food, clothing and spending money would be freely given them out of the generous pockets of Uncle Sam. Well, we all know Uncle Sam to be a very generous old fellow, and that he is " rich enough to give us all a farm." But whether he will do it or not, is a question open to discussion. These misguided creatures, however, seemed to feel perfectly certain that he would do so, and all along the road to Columbia we met them by dozens, "trab'ling to glory."
Our marching was done by easy stages, of twelve or fifteen miles per day, so that with very little fatigue we reached Columbia on the Ist of May. And that is our present station. The regiment is somewhat divided, several com- panies being scattered about in different parts of the country, where troops are needed. Companies A, B, C, E, F, G, and I are encamped in town. Company D, Captain A. M. Crane, is stationed at Palmyra, about fifteen miles north-west from here. Captain Crane has been appointed Provost Marshal of the sub-district of Fluvanna County. Company H, Lieuten- ant Glazier in command, is stationed at Bremo Bluff, about
367
Operations.
ten miles west from Columbia, on the James River. Com- pany K, Captain Talcott, is at Goochland Court House, on the James River, about twenty miles distant, in the direction of Richmond. Captain Talcott is also Provost Marshal of the sub-district of Goochland County. Colonel Brown occupies one of the most pleasant locations in town, as his head- quarters, and from which one has a splendid view of the James River and surrounding country. His staff is com- posed of the following officers : Captain W. P. Long, Twenty- first Connecticut Volunteers, A. A. G .; Captain Charles Fen- ton, Twenty-first Connecticut Volunteers, A. C. S .; Lieuten- ant Ransom Jackson, First Connecticut Volunteers, A. A. G. M.
We have communication generally twice a week with Rich- mond, by way of the James River and Kanawha Canal; one trip on a common canal boat requiring twenty-four hours. This mode of travel is extremely tedious to an enterprising Yankee. But as it is all we have, we are obliged to submit.
The Provost Marshal's office here is continually crowded with applicants for parole, the oath of allegiance, and pro- visions for destitute people. This department is one of the most arduous in the service, and requires a vast amount of good nature. It is a perfect school for patience. We find the male population, in profession at least, heartily glad to get back once more under the care and protection of the old Government. And all respectable citizens are taking the oath of allegiance. A good many take the " oath with sugar in it" also, when it can be obtained. And it is wonderful what an amount of sickness prevails in the community, as soon as a new barrel of whiskey makes its appearance at the Commissary. It is really amusing to see with what a relish some devotee of the God spiritus frumenti, who has been deprived of his grog for so long, smacks his lips after "a drink," and declares he " haint tasted nothin' like that ere for a twelve month."
368
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
The only opposition we find here is from the women. They are still a little rebellious. But their spunk becomes them so well, that we don't oppose it. However, they are like poor debtors; all they require is a little more time.
Lieutenant Jackson, our efficient Quarter-Master, is run- ning his department with most commendable ability, fully supplying our wants in the way of clothing, etc., while Captain Fenton, our Commissary, is furnishing our stomach with the best that can be obtained. We are wholly depend- ent upon him for the principal articles of diet, for General Sheridan swept the country clean. Should you ever travel through this part of the country, you will not be obliged to ask twice if they remember Sheridan. Even the babes will tell you of him. A small supply of eggs, butter and milk can be obtained. As the season advances, however, early fruits and vegetables become quite plenty, so that we are even now feasting upon strawberries and cherries ; and green peas have once or twice been served up at headquarters.
Our friends at home, as well as we out here, I presume, are already counting the weeks, yes days, to elapse ere our term of service will expire. Here many are so positive as to predict that we shall be at home by the Fourth of July. Well, we shall all be glad to celebrate that day with you, and it is possible we may ; but the least sanguine among us would not advise you to lay in a large supply of fire-crackers for our use, as it might be powder wasted. You will probably have due warning before we do come, however.
But the time cannot fly too rapidly with us. We yearn for your friendly greeting. Our long deprivation of home ties only makes them the more dear to our hearts. Welcome, then, the day when we may once more tread the soil of the noble " Nutmeg State."
369
Sketch of Lieutenant F. W. H. Buell.
SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT F. W. H. BUELL.
Lieutenant Frederick W. H. Buell, the subject of this brief sketch, was born in the town of Chatham, Conn., in the year iS40, and was the son of Hon. William G. Buell, of that town. On the breaking out of the Rebellion, he felt it his duty to aid in its suppression, and the spirit of true patriotisin firing his breast -he, with several others of his young patriotic friends, offered themselves to their country, and in the month of August, 1862, enrolled their names as defenders of right, truth and liberty.
Lieutenant Buell was a young man of much promise and worth -- highly esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance -- of good personal appearance and noble bearing. On the 5th of September, he was mustered into the service of the United States, at Norwich, Conn., and soon after left for the seat of war --- stopping a short time in Washington, Frederick City, Pleasant Valley and Harper's Ferry, thence marching down the valley to Fredericksburg. Lieutenant Buell shared in all the toils and dangers of the camp and field, until after the investment of Peters- burg. The most severe engagements in which he participated were at Drewry's Bluff and Cold Harbor. At both of these places Mr. Buell behaved with great bravery. On the 16th of May, at Drewry's Bluff, he, with the regiment, fought with great gallantry, in which we lost over one hundred men in killed and wounded. lieutenant Buell was never wounded in battle, though his belt- plate was broken to pieces by a ball.
Lieutenant Buell was married, just before he left home, to Caroline Brown, daughter of Rev. Thomas G. Brown of Chatham. He was an only son, and greatly beloved by his parents and two sisters, and especially by his young wife. His sickness was of short duration, and terminated very suddenly on January 4, 1865, at Chapin's Farm, Va., highly esteemed by his fellow officers and soldiers. Ifis death was caused by congestive chills. Thus ended the warfare of this Christian soldier, and we trust he has entered into his rest in Heaven -- this is the consolation of his friends. May we all die as well prepared.
THE STORY
-- OF
The Twenty-First Regiment,
CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
DURING
THE CIVIL WAR.
1861-1865.
BY MEMBERS OF THE REGIMENT.
MIDDLE TOWN, CONN. :
PRESS OF THE STEWART PRINTING CO.
1200.
370
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
.
CHAPTER XXII. 1
TIIE PRECIOUS MEMORIES OF THE VETERAN.
ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE REGIMENTAL REUNION MAY IS,
1875, BY CAPTAIN W. S. HUBBELL.
In the earlier days of our rebellion, I sat one morning in May, beneath the white canvas of a regimental headquarters. Being then a civilian, I had spent my first night as a guest in the new camp of the Twenty-first Connecticut Volunteers. It had been rather a sleepless night amid these unaccustomed surroundings, and now, soon after dawn, the young Colonel and myself were awaiting the movements of Sam. Wiley, the cook. Just then, upon our right, the flap of an "A" tent was thrown back, and there strode forth the Drum-major who with much ostentation and vigor, began to beat the signal for breakfast. As the sharp rattle died away in the hum of camp, Colonel Dutton exclaimed : "That drum-beat is a sound which I hate! For three years at West Point, I have been roused at dawn and warned to bed at night by that same alarm. I have been marched to my meals, to my studies, to drill, to parade and to church. I have scarcely taken a step without some exhortation from that beaten sheep-skin, and have often longed to escape its unwelcome
371
The Precious Memories of the Veteran.
call. Yet, in spite of all this," continued he, "the sword and the drum recall memories which are dearer to me than life."
His speech expresses a truth to which every soldier's heart will respond. The details of military service may have been arduous and irksome, but the memory of the same is precious. The old reveille, that awoke us to the duties of camp and field, was oft an obnoxious and provoking sound,
SNOWBALL .. (THE COLONEL'S ORDERLY).
but to-day it sets us wild to hear its well remembered notes. The "sick call " was the signal for a doleful procession to appear at the head of each company street, but the same lingering accents from the bugle would now provoke a healthy smile if given here to-day. So when " the general," "the assembly," or "to the color," were beaten in camp as warning of our departure from some desirable quarters, there
372
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
was much growling in the ranks, and disgust plainly readable upon each manly brow, but we now recall both the march and its signal with a smile of satisfaction.
It is true of war; that it looks best from a distance, and we get the benefit of this prospective, as we recede farther and farther from the times when "the Blue" and "the Gray " crossed swords on the battle-fields of the South. Those four years of fighting will seem more bewitching and incomparable as they retire into the past, and, as the survivors wax old and die, much of what annoyed and discouraged us the most in our military experience, will be most fondly cherished, and our hardest trials and severest struggles, will be the very last to be forgotten. In the retrospect, that will be the most prized which was least desired in its day. Now, that the marches, the battle, the perils are over, we would not have missed one of them all. Even scars are desirable after the wounds are healed.
Taking advantage, therefore, of this aspect of military ex- perience, I propose to speak to-day of the " Precious Mem- ories of the Veteran," since I am sure that the very endurance which once was a pain, can be transformed into a joy, at the touch of memory's magic wand. Those features of a soldier's life, which, like the Colonel's drum-beat, were hateful to us once, are now, as we recall them, a source of keen delight.
Taking first things first, let us begin with the memories of our enlistment day. And here, of course, it is assumed that we were all volunteers in the full and honorable sense of that word-a sense which lifted our soldiers above the scale of hirelings, and made them formidable only to the foe. There were, it is true, some exceptions to this rule-especially toward the close of our great struggle, it seemed necessary to recruit the ranks by an appeal to the unworthy and the disso- lute. Substitutes were purchased at high cost, whose motives were quite mercenary and untrustworthy. But of the audience, which it is an honor for me to address to-day,
373
The Precious Memories of the Veteran.
probably not one entered the service of our Government, save from high and patriotic intent. Let me, therefore, invite you to recall your enlistment day, and to refresh your memory with the details of that offering which you then made of self to country.
The waves of feeling which overspread the North at intervals during the rebellion, were most wonderful to observe. From the outset, the loyal element responded in a surprising way to the appeals from the national and state executives. When President Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand volunteers, on April 15, 1861, there was at first a general feeling that such an army could not possibly be recruited, and the South laughed with incredulity at the bare idea of enforcing such a proclamation. But the great up- rising at once began, and two days later the Sixth Massa- chusetts left Boston for Washington. At the time of its passage through New York City, public sentiment was still undecided as to which cause should be favored in the metrop- olis. There were hundreds of Confederate flags, all ready to be unfurled at a moment's warning, and it is true beyond question that some of the largest newspaper offices in New York were abundantly provided with colors displaying the red, white and red, which colors were afterwards prudently concealed and replaced by the red, white and blue.
For many years I kept one of these Confederate flags given me in April, 1861, by the editor of a great New York daily, out of the stock which they had in readiness. Then, the next day, that memorable 19th of April, came the Balti- more riot, and this settled the question of enlisting with loyal thousands. Men left their farms and their merchandise, their college and their workshop, and hastened to the nearest recruiting officer to be enrolled for the defence of the old flag. At intervals in the history of our conflict, other great epochs can be marked, during which all other duties were laid aside, for the salvation of our beloved country. Under some such pressure, either sudden or gradual, we consented to sign away
374
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
our liberty in favor of " Uncle Sam." Do we not remember well the very day and hour in which we signed our names to some recruiting paper, and were enlisted beyond recall ? There is an old proverb about "marrying in haste and repent- ing at leisure," and perhaps that view of life occurred to us, when we awoke on the morning after enlistment. Was there not a slight melancholy in the thought that henceforth we were no longer free, but must go and come according to orders ?
A great blessing it was to the new recruit, that his enthu- siasm came then to his aid and made him glad over the step he had taken. Straightway he hastened to decorate himself with some bit of martial regalia-a cap, or a vest with brass buttons, or some other significant trifle, which should indicate the new profession of arms. now chosen. In many cases, recruits were enrolled faster than they could be equipped, and no uniforms were furnished till weeks after the troops had gone into camp.
In the exuberance of their patriotic ardor, men could not wait for Quarter-Master's supplies, but forthwith spent a part of their "bounty" in some article of dress which should advertise their belongings. The aristocracy of the North for the time being wore the blue, and indigo dyes were at a premium. Brass buttons became more lovely than prunella, or even than silver, and no head-dress was so imposing as a blue cap with a curved visor and a chin-strap easily lowered under the jawbone. Bronze became the fashionable flesh color, and white cotton gloves or buckskin gauntlets, well nigh abolished the use of kid. Lounging attitudes became rare. Men straightened up, by common consent, and bodies were held erect on the hips, inclining a little forward; heels were brought on the same line, and as near together as the conformation of man would permit: shoulders were kept square, with elbows near the body; eyes were fixed straight to the front and striking the ground about the distance of fifteen paces; while the palm of the hand was turned a trifle
375
The Precious Memories of the Veteran.
outward and the little finger anxiously sought to entrench itself behind the seam of the trousers. None could be found, at least among the recruits, who did not assume a gait, modeled after that inimitable West Point carriage, and the first step of every move was inaugurated by throwing out promptly the left foot to a distance of exactly twenty-eight inches from the right heel. Add to this, a look of alertness which men wore, like an over-all, as if they feared some voice of authority might, on a sudden, call out, " Attention, Squad!" and catch them napping to their discredit. We may smile at these recollections now, but no one thought them ludicrous in 1861. In those days of the great war governors, it was no empty honor to be Commander-in-Chief of the militia of any Northern State.
At times speedily, but oftener after much delay, the new soldiers were sorted into regiments and received their uni- form and equipments. Oh ! the transformations of that event- ful day! Surely, nothing but patriotism saved most of us from disgust at the fit of the new clothes. Government uni- forms are made for the average man, and he, though easily grot at by arithmetic, is seldom found in the flesh. Some of us were forced to concede that our comeliness hitherto, had been the work of our tailor, more than of our Creator. Truc, clothes do not make the man, but after the man is made, he is improved by suitable raiment. Uncle Sam, however, recognized no right of private judgment in apparel, and we were all leveled down to the regulation standard. The fashion plates of Quarter-Master General Meigs were all that we might consult, and the old-time luxuries of vests, collars, waistbands, neck-ties and shirt fronts, must, with umbrellas and straw hats, be relegated to the future, to await the close of our war. The goddess of taste was dethroned, and grim Mars reigned in her stead, sweeping public sentiment after hamn, in a tide like that of Fundy.
The ladies (God bless them), in feverish heat, declared that no man could look homely in the national blue, and they
376
Twenty-first Regiment Connecticut Volunteers.
avowed a fondness for the sturdy misfit of Uncle Sam's ready- made clothing. They laid their caressing hand on the sleeve of many a frightfully-fitting garment, and its wrinkles seemed to disappear, while the feminine touch of approval remained. Thus encouraged, every recruit hurried away, in the disguise of his new uniform to have his picture taken for his admiring constituents, and they all declared it "just splendid !" "so manly !" "handsomer than you ever looked before, my dear !"
Officers in blue broadcloth and glittering shoulder-straps, shone like stars in the firmament, and were the envy of all their friends, while here and there a regimental commander with his silvery eagles, was adored as the Aztec used to idolize the Sun. Such a halo did society throw around the garments of liberty's defenders that common men became shining ones, and were clad with radiance as a wrapping for their regulation suit. This outer robe was pleasant to wear, and re-enforced the courage of many a timid volunteer.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.