USA > Illinois > Will County > Fifteen years ago; or, The patriotism of Will County, designed to preserve the names and memory of Will County soldiers, both officers and privates - both living and dead: to tell something of what they did, and of what they suffered, in the great struggle to preserve our nationality > Part 14
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Companies A, B, C and F were stationed on the opposite side of the river from Hancock. Companies E, H and D were sent six miles up the river, to a place called " Sir John's Run ;" and com- panies I and G five miles further on, to a place called " Big Caca- pon." Three companies were afterward moved three miles back into the country to Bath, the county seat of Morgan county, Virginia. The men of the 39th were now learning picket duty, scouting, &c.
The country where they were located, as is well known, was a romantic and rough one, composed of mountains, valleys, rocks and ravines, being but sparsely populated. A night excursion over the hills and mountains, and through the passes and ravines, was an exciting though wearisome adventure-one in which details were often called to indulge.
The companies at Sir John's Run (E, H and. D), occupied buildings which had been deserted by the inhabitants, when the rebel troops took possession of the place, and were comfortably fixed in respect to quarters.
On Friday morning, Jan. 6th, a report came to the companies at this point to the effect that the enemy was approaching Bath. But the men had been so often fooled by mere rumors, that they did not credit this one until a dispatch came from Major Mann, ordering part of Co. E to go to Big Cacapon to assist Captain Slaughter. Twenty men, under Lieut. Whipple, were thereupon dispatched to the place, where they arrived about one o'clock in
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the morning. What took place at this point-Big Cacapon-will be best told in the official report of Capt. Wm. B. Slaughter, who was in command of the companies at that point. If it was not a very "big thing," it was quite a brilliant one for its size, and showed the kind of metal of which the 39th was composed. His report, dated Jan. 6th, 1862, says :
" The afternoon of Friday, the 3d inst., I spent with a small part of my company, and Lieut. Rudd, in a careful reconnoisance from the top of Big Cacapon mountain, taking observations from prominent points, for a distance of two and a half miles. From these points we could plainly see indications of the presence, in the valley between us and Warm Spring mountain, of a large force of the enemy. We estimated it at not less than 3,000, and in the dis- tance could be seen two extensive camps. I accordingly extended my pickets on the mountain during the night, and ordered my men to sleep on their arms.
"On Saturday, I threw out a party of 21 men, under Lieut. Rudd, to the top of the mountain, with instructions to observe the enemy, (which we knew to be approaching Bath in great force), and embarrass the approach of any force that might be sent against us. About eleven o'clock, information was brought that a column of three regiments was approaching by the Bath road. It was thought probable that another force would be brought against us, by the Long Hollow from Bloomery Gap. This supposition was enhanced by the fact, which I had learned, that the movements against Bath were simultaneously made, by large forces by way of Sleepy Creek and the valley east of the Big Cacapon. I therefore directed Capt. Dircks, with his company, to occupy the approaches by the Long Hollow and points across to the bluffs of the Great Cacapon creek, and took measures to defend the bridge and ford with my com- pany, and the detachment from Co. E, under Lieut. Whipple.
" Breastworks of timber and railroad ties had been constructed during the day, on each side of the bridge, and strong defenses planted along the bluffs of the creek. Lieut. Whipple, with 30 men, were posted at the bridge, and the balance of my force, except the detachment under Lieut. Rudd, disposed on the bluffs, under command of Lieut. Savage. Valuable service was rendered during
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the day by the detachment under Lieut. Rudd. Having the whole valley west of the Big Cacapon mountain before him, he was able to see every movement and disposition of the enemy, and to per- ceive their strength.
"The column advancing against us consisted of three regi- ments of infantry and one piece of artillery. To check so large a force was a desperate undertaking for 22 men, but, as the event showed, not impossible one. Selecting a position near a bend in the narrow road, which they knew the column must pass, our boys knelt on one knee, and awaited its approach. Not until the fore- most files were within twelve rods, was the presence of our party suspected, and then, at the critical moment when the discovery had caused hesitation, the men coolly delivered their fire. Several of the enemy were seen to fall, and the head of the column was thrown into confusion. Our party retired to another shelter. The enemy was thus held at bay for three hours, and it was not until the darkness of the night covered them, that they ventured to descend the mountain. Lieut. Rudd expresses the highest admiration for the coolness and determination of the men. The whole execution of his part was such as to reflect the highest honor upon him.
" Col. Foster, with the 13th Indiana, arrived on the ground at Big Cacapon about six o'clock p. m., but he declined to take the command, and our plans were not changed. Had the enemy descended the west side of the mountain before dark, nothing could have saved the 13th, as its retreat would have been effectually cut off. I am fully convinced that its salvation is due to the cour- age and skill of the detachment that occupied the mountain road. " About seven p. m., we became aware of the fact that the enemy were fixing a gun in position to attack us. Deeming it probable that we should be obliged to retire before their superior force, I ordered all the company baggage and stores to be placed in the cars, so as to facilitate our retreat when it should become necessary. Our loading was not completed, when the enemy opened on us with his cannon. The engineer immediately started the train, and moved around the curve about two miles, where it could lie in safety. The 13th Indiana, being in the cars, were carried along. Our men, stationed at the bridge, under command of Lt. Whipple, could distinctly see the position of the enemy's gun. They answered
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its fire with their muskets. After the second shot the gun was deserted, and gave us no further trouble.
" A large force of their infantry at the same time made its appearance at the creek, and replied with muskets. Our men, being well protected, were able to maintain their position with impunity. The skirmishing continued for about three-fourths of an hour after the train had left. A company of cavalry, and a regiment of infantry, made a show of purpose to cross the ford opposite the bluff occupied by Lieut. Savage, but they were hand- somely repulsed. I was confident the position could be maintained at Big Cacapon, provided the Indiana regiment could return and take part in the defense. I accordingly dispatched a message to Col. Foster, with the request that he would bring down his force and assume command. Before the messenger reached him, how- ever, I received word that the enemy had crossed the creek a mile and a half above, and were likely to cut off our retreat. I there- fore ordered a retreat, which was effected in good order. Since the above was written, we have reliable information that the enemy lost seventeen men in the Big Cacapon affair, including Dr. Wil- son, a distinguished and influential citizen of Morgan county, and surgeon in the rebel army."
At the same time with the affair at Cacapon, Col. Osborn, with a portion of the regiment, (four companies), was attacked at Alpine Station. Two companies, in command of Captain Munn, went out to engage the enemy and hold them in check, and cover the retreat across the river, which they accomplished successfully. They met the enemy a short distance from camp, when, after getting into position, the rebel cavalry made a charge upon them, which was met by our boys with a volley from their rifles, which emptied some fifteen saddles. Our men fell slowly back, contesting the ground inch by inch, and completely covering the retreat of our force across the river.
In the meantime the other companies were hurrying themselves across the river as fast as possible, with their baggage, all of which they got over safely, while Co. A lost their tents, and the captain and 2d lieutenant lost their trunks with their books and papers. Capt. Munn also lost his horse.
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As soon as the enemy reached the river, they planted their guns and commenced shelling the town, and our batteries replied. They finally drew off.
In the meantime General Lander had arrived with an addi- tional force, and had taken command. Next morning the ene- my commenced planting their guns above town, and sent over a flag of truce, demanding the surrender of the place. The flag of truce was brought over by the afterwards famous Ashby, who was received by Captain Munn, and another who blindfolded him, and marched on either side of him through the town, to Lander's headquarters, where he demanded the surrender of the place saying that if not surrendered they would fire upon it. To this Lander gave a peremptory refusal, telling him that he might shoot and welcome, as they would kill more of their own friends than they would of Unionists. He was then conducted back in such away as to impress him with an exaggerated idea of our strength at this time, which was perhaps the reason that the ene- my afterward withdrew with so feeble an attack.
Gen. Lander was then notified to remove the women and children, as the place would be bombarded. This it was thought advisable to do. All kinds of animals and all sorts of vehicles were brought into sudden requisition, and a general skedaddling of non-combatants took place, which would have been amusing if . it had not been so serious. The enemy had set the next day at 12 a. m., as the hour when the bombardment would open. Our men waited until the time was past, and hearing nothing from them, sent them a shell to inquire " why the delay ?" The rebels then replied with a shower. To this the Union battery replied so well as to soon silence them, and drive them from their guns. The enemy had the advantage of position, but our boys had the best guns, and scattered the rebs like sheep.
The 39th regiment was highly commended for its behavior, in these its first encounters with the enemy. None were killed but about a dozen were captured, one of whom was from Co. E. The enemy were 15,000 strong, and in command of the famous Stone- wall Jackson.
In the skirmish near Bath, some members of the 39th cap- tured a very beautiful horse, the rider whereof had been un-
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horsed by Sergeant Hopkins, of Co. D. This rider, by the way, was the adjutant general of Stonewall Jackson. The boys at once determined to send this horse as a present to their patron saint, Gov. Yates. It was accordingly put in charge of Captain Munn for that purpose. While subsequently going through Winchester, the horse was claimed by one of the loyal rebel women of that place, as her property. She affirmed that she had only loaned it for that day as a special favor to the officer from whom it was captured. Now, I need not say to those who know him, that the captain, (now major) is an exceedingly gallant man, and would naturally be disposed to yield to the claims of a woman, espe- cially if young and pretty, as this one happened to be. I am fur- nishing no mean evidence, therefore, of the major's nerve, as well as loyalty, when I assert that he was proof against all her appeals. The horse had been found in bad company, it was contraband of war, and above all, the boys had made it " corban" to Gov. Yates, . and however loyal, and however pretty the widow who claimed it, she was compelled to see it depart forever, with the pros- pect of its being subjected to the ignoble use of carrying the loyal governor of the Sucker State.
Cumberland being threatened about this time, the regiment was ordered to make a forced march to that point, which they did . over very bad roads in eighteen hours, a distance of thirty-nine miles.
From Cumberland the regiment was ordered to New Creek. In the meantime Lt. Col. Osborn had been promoted to the Colonelcy of the regiment, and Major Mann had been made lieutenant colonel, and Captain Munn of Co. A. had been made major. It will be well for the reader, to look sharply to the vowels in these two last names. It is our Munn, who is now the major, and though he is a man, he is not " Major Mann," as the " patriotism of Illinois," erroneously calls him.
During January, while at New Creek, the regiment received new uniforms, of which they were greatly in need, as they still wore the ones with which they left Chicago. It was not with our soldiers as it was with the children of Israel in the wilderness ;-- their clothes waxed old and that very soon. The comfort and health, as well as the appearance of the regiment, was greatly en- 20
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hanced. For it was now suffering greatly from sickness, brought on by exposure and fatigueing duty. The weather was very cold, and much of the time their quarters were poor-being cattle cars. For over two months at this place and Patterson's creek, the men endured the discomforts to which they were exposed without grumbling, although many of their comrades were dying.
In February the regiment had the advance in the movement to open the railroad toward Martinsburg. It had been assigned to the first brigade of Gen. Lander's division. It was for some time kept on the move, and sometimes divided, watching the road at different points, until the boys began to think that that was the chiefend of their creation.
Company E left Alpine Saturday afternoon and crossed the river to guard the baggage train of the regiment that had been ordered to Martinsburg by way of Williamsport. They left Han- cock Saturday evening, and marched to Clear Spring, fifteen miles. This was a beautiful village of about 1000 inhabitants, and comparatively loyal. The citizens treated them to a good breakfast. Moving on they reached Williamsport, eleven miles further, about 11 a. m. Here they crossed on a ferry. The train consisted of twenty-four wagons, and only one could cross at a time. The town was full of soldiers. The regiment was at this time distributed between Williamsport and Alpine Station. On the 11th of March the rest of the regiment came into Martins- burg, and marched through town and bivoucked about one and a half miles out on the road to Winchester; and the next morning Company E joined them, and all moved on about ten miles, and waited for the wagons to come up, and bivoucked for the night. Started next morning at 4 a. m. and hastened on to join the brigade. They came up with them and encamped two miles east of Winchester.
Here they found a vast array of armed forces ; the country as far almost as they could see was covered with tents and trains. Here was all of Shield's force, consisting of 17 regiments, (Gen. Lander had died, and Shields was now in command); together with a large part of Bank's force. They had taken possession of the place Wednesday morning, the enemy retiring before them, a few of their rear guard being captured.
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On Tuesday the 18th, the regiment was ordered to move with three day's rations and 60 rounds of cartridge, and 9 a. m. moved out with the brigade, passing briskly through Winchester, all the bands playing inspiring music. The day was fine and the roads good, and the boys were animated with the hope of doing something more brilliant than the guarding of railroad bridges. Far as the eye could see the column stretched out be- fore and behind over the rolling hills-infantry, artillery, and cav- alry,an imposing sight.
"'Twere worth ten years of peaceful life, One glance at their array."
Gen. Shield's division was with them, and they were mov- ing in the direction of Strasburg-a " reconnoisance in force." Just the other side of a village called Newtown, the advance came in sight of the enemy's cavalry six miles from Winchester. The Union column pressed on as fast as possible, with some skir- mishing, until they came to a little stream called Cedar Creek. Here, the enemy having got across, blew up the bridge and turned their cannon on our forces. The advance waited for the artillery, which soon came flying up, but before they could get into posi- tion, the enemy retired. The 1st brigade was assigned to guard the artillery, and not allowed to build fires. So they bivouacked on the wet ground, and stretched out their tired limbs, and rested as best they could, under their blankets, and in the morning found themselves nearly frozen in.
In the morning, crossing the creek, they marched out about three miles, passing through the camp of the enemy. General Shields reconnoitered the ground, sending forward the artillery and the 1st brigade. The batteries took position on two hills, com- manding the position of the enemy, and the infantry were posted on the hill side, in the rear. Two regiments were deployed as skirmishers, and the artillery opened fire. The rebels at once withdrew, and the skirmishers and cavalry were ordered forward. After advancing two miles the enemy began to throw shells, and it being now night, the advance was called back and bivouacked near town. This constituted the great battle of Shenandoah, near Strasburg, on the 19th of March, 1862. The rebels did not stop
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long enough to fight, after our forces got into position. Two men were slightly wounded on the Union side. Next morning the force returned, and got back to their former quarters, (21 miles) just after dark.
Saturday, March 20th, the report came into camp that Col. Ashby had made a dash into our pickets, and had taken Co. C of the 39th, prisoners, and captured eighty wagons. The long roll was sounded ; the regiment formed in line and moved out on the double quick, through Winchester, and off to the right on the Romney road. Just as they got through the town they encoun- tered a rebel battery which opened on them, and here General Shields had his left arm broken by a fragment of shell, which at the same time did not wound the flesh. Our artillery quickly re- plied and drove them off. The report that Co. C was captured proved false,-only two men of that company were captured. The regiment moved on about eight miles, but found no enemy, and returned to camp at one in the morning.
March 23d, the regiment had the privilege of taking part in the brilliant fight at Winchester, in which "Stonewall" proved to be a " bowing wall and a tottering fence" before the Union army.
Being posted at the extreme left, the 39th did not come into the thickest of the fight, and suffered but little. Its part in the battle is thus told by a member of the regiment, writing to the Wilmington Herald at the time. Under date of March 29th, near Strasburg, he writes :
" Everything remained quiet after that, until Sunday noon, when the long roll sounded again. We marched out on the Strasburg road, and within two miles of Winchester, turned off to the left, and marched through the fields and woods until we came in sight of the enemy. We halted and were ordered to lie flat. Meanwhile the enemy's cannon on the front and right was speaking loud and fierce. Some of our artillery were planted on a hill to the right, and replied with good effect. The position of the enemy was in the woods to the riglit and left of a little vil- lage called Kernstown. All around there were patches of timber in which the enemy concealed themselves as much as possible. Their main force seemed to be in the edge of a wood on a hill,
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northwest of the town. Most of our force was on a ridge north- east of the town. The rebels opened fire on our regiment from a battery in front, but few shells reached us. They then moved to the left and nearer, and the shells burst thick and fast around us. . Two cannon came to our rescue, and soon silenced the rebel guns. We now moved to the left, and took position close to the enemy, so as to command their position, and they immediately drew back.
" About five o'clock we hear a heavy roll of musketry, and another, and another in quick succession, then one continued roar and crash, and the smoke rises thick above the trees where the battle is raging. The roar and smoke continue without abate- ment, but it moves farther and farther off, and we conclude our forces are driving the enemy. As night comes on we see the flash of the guns, as the messengers of death fly fast from line to line, and as the darkness increases, the noise dies away, until it ceases altogether. We lie down on the field with our guns be- side us, not knowing when we may be called upon to renew the conflict. All night long the men are moving about with torches in search of the wounded and dead. Many poor fellows on both sides have gone to their long rest. Many more are crippled for life. The Union loss is said to be from fifty to one hundred killed, and three or four hundred wounded. The enemy's loss is not known, but said to be three hundred killed.
"The scene of the battle field is awful. Dead men lying in heaps here and there, limbs of others, and dead horses lying in every direction. In a little hollow behind a battery, four rebels were playing cards. They had just dealt, and each held his hand, when a shell burst in their midst, and killed all of them. In other places the wounded are groaning and crying for help. Such is a battle field! Although the shell fell thick around us, and Co. D. were skirmishing all the afternoon, none of our regiment were injured. Next morning before light we moved on, the ar- tillery occasionally throwing shells. All day we followed after the retreating rebels, till we came to Cedar Creek, when our artil- lery threw shells across at the rebels who were cooking their supper. They gathered up in haste and fled; one shell killed one man and wounded three. Next morning as we passed over the
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ground of the rebel bivouac, we found it strewn with half filled barrels of flour, cakes half baked, and tents half burned, and things scattered very generally. We passed on without much skirmishing, to our present position, three miles from Strasburg."
In the pursuit of the enemy down the Shenandoah valley, the 39th were in advance. The pursuit was resumed Tuesday, the 25th, and as our forces moved forward, the rebel cavalry and ar- tillery disappeared. Our artillery continued to throw shells after them, and they went behind the hills and woods towards Wood- stock. The pursuit was kept up with more or less skirmishing, and the regiment went into camp about three miles southeast of Woodstock. The town of Woodstock is a county seat, and con- sisted of one main street running through the valley. As we en- tered one end, the enemy left at the other. They had artillery planted upon the hill on the further side, and ours was planted upon the height on this side. Not wishing to injure the place or peril the lives of the citizens, our forces did not fire until the ene- my opened from their side, when we replied ; and then for a little while the shells flew from either direction over the little town, to the no small terror of its inhabitants. One of our shots struck the large brass ball upon the top of the court house, and halved it. During this artillery duel also, Gen. Ashby's horse was killed under him, giving the rebel general a close call.
When we went into camp, near the little town of Edinburg, the army was short of rations, and permission was given to forage, which was eagerly accepted on the part of the men. The woods were full of hogs, and forthwith a big hog hunt was instituted, and a promiscuous firing was going on all over the wooded sides of the mountain. It is a wonder that something besides hogs were not slaughtered. Indeed, one man had a very narrow escape. He was sitting down by a tree reading a letter-no doubt one he had just got from home-when all at once he was seen to throw up his arms and sink down. On being examined, he was found para- lyzed and insensible. A ball had struck the top of his head, depressing the skull, so that it pressed upon the brain, and yet the scalp was not lacerated. The surgeons, with ready skill, elevated the skull and relieved the pressure, and he was restored to con- sciousness, and recovered.
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While in this position, which was in a beautiful grove, on the north bank of the Shenandoah, there was daily more or less skir- mishing with the enemy.
On the first of April, the regiment was called up at one o'clock, and moved forward toward the enemy. It marched through Edin- burg, the advance driving the pickets of the enemy. The rebels fire a few shells and retire, and our force moves on. After sunrise they go through Mt. Jackson, a village of five or six hundred inhabitants. Here the rebels, before leaving, set fire to cars, engines, bridge, &c. While they were trying to burn the bridge over the Shenandoah, our cavalry charged them, shot one man, took three prisoners, and saved the bridge. Jackson tried to make a stand on the heights across the river, but Shields flanked him, and he withdrew toward Stanton.
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