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 15
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It was here that the 39th made its first, if not its most brilliant, charge. Across the valley, on Rood's Hill, nearly a mile distant, a masked battery was discovered. The men were concealed, and only the mouth of what was at least a 24-pounder, could be seen. It was important that this battery should be taken at once. To the 39th was assigned the duty and honor of taking it. Away the boys went on the double-quick, but silently and cautiously, and making a detour so as to conceal their movement, and come upon the battery in flank. When they had got sufficiently near, with a yell, a whoop, and a hurrah, through the woods they charged with a rush upon the formidable battery, which was found to consist of an old steampipe, which had been abandoned, by the roadside, and which was supported by any number of trees standing in serried ranks behind it! How many of the regiment owed their promo- tion to this gallant exploit, the writer is not informed.
Our force then marched around, forded the river, and arrived at Newmarket, Friday afternoon, and went into camp in the woods, April 19th.
Next day, the 39th `was ordered across the mountain, to the south branch of the Shenandoah. Four companies of the regiment were stationed at the bridge, near Luray. The other companies, in charge of Captain, or rather Major Munn, (for such he now was), were sent some seven miles above, to guard another bridge, known as the Columbia. They found the cavalry of the enemy in pos-
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session of the farther end, and had quite a sharp and brilliant skir- mish before getting possession. They, however, drove off the enemy, and took some seventeen prisoners.
Major Munn then posted his men in such a way as to hold the place. The bridge was a covered one, and of considerable length, so that the character of any persons in the bridge could not be determined by anyone approaching it. This circumstance gave them another prisoner soon after they had got possession.
One of the rebel officers had been off down the valley to see his girl, and was returning on his horse very leisurely, and with- out the least suspicion that in his absence the bridge had changed hands. He came along singing to himself, feeling very happy, no doubt, for the parting kiss was still warm upon his lips! Our boys saw him coming, and one drew up to fire upon him. But Major Munn said, " No, we will not murder him, but we will have some fun." So they withdrew into the shadow of the bridge, and, when the reb had got close up, they gave the word " halt !" He sang out, " What are you halting me for ; I ain't no d-d yankee." " We be! halt !". and our boys, with levelled muskets, stepped out and repeated the challenge. The astonishment and chagrin of the reb, at thus finding himself a prisoner to the hated yanks, was beyond description. The remembrance of the good time he had just had with his girl down the valley could hardly compensate him.
The regiment remained in the valley some weeks, having more or less skirmishing with the enemy. During this time, Co. E lost one man, John Ripple, by capture, he having got outside the lines,
The weather was, much of the time, wet and disagreeable, and even as late as April 23d, there were snow storms. One member of Co. A also died at Newmarket, April 22d, David S. Farabee.
Patrolling for bushwhackers, and for whisky, relieved some- what the dullness of the stay here. Some of the boys made visits to the top of the mountain, three miles distant from camp, from which the view of the Shenandoah valley was so splendid and enchanting as to amply repay one for the labor of the ascent, and the hazard of being gobbled up or bushwhacked. The valley lay spread out like a map beneath the eye. It was now beginning to put on its spring garb. One could not but regret that such a beau- tiful region should feel the tread of devastating armies.
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We said that the regiment was engaged in patrolling for whisky. This may need some explanation, and it also reminds us of a little story.
.
Whisky had been made contraband of war, and was also excluded by military edict from the army lines-at least from the rank and file of the army. Hence it was part of the duty of offi- cers and men, when doing provost work, to hunt it up, and destroy or confiscate it, and get into safe hands. Now, in the 39th, as in most other regiments, there were some who had a fondness for the contraband, and many were the devices of such to hide it from the provost details. It is said that some were in the habit of hiding their canteens in the tents of the officers, well knowing that no one would think of looking in them for anything contraband, and that there they would be perfectly safe.
Well, one day, a private of the regiment was returning to the camp from a foraging expedition. He was a good and brave sol- dier, but sadly fond of contraband, and his gait and general appear- ance now showed plainly that he had somewhere got hold of some of it. In this plight he was met by the colonel, who, seeing his condition, felt bound to call him to account. He therefore halted him, charged him with being drunk, and demanded of him where he had got his whisky. The man stoutly denied the charge, although his speech and manner testified sadly against him. The colonel was somewhat taken aback by the man's bold denial, and was about to pass on, when he discovered that the man was trying to conceal his canteen. He then demanded of him what he had got in his canteen. "Nothing," was the unblushing reply. " Nothing," says the colonel, " hand it up and let me see." The man had no choice but to comply, and a slight examination only was required to demonstrate that it was full of whisky. Enraged at the man's mendacity, he asked him what he meant by lying so. The soldier avowed that he had not lied. "Not lied," said the colonel, " why, you told me that you had nothing in your canteen, and here it is full of whisky. What do you mean." " Oh, said the soldier, " this is not my canteen ; my canteen is in my tent." " Not your canteen ; then whose is it, sir ?" demanded the colonel. "Oh-this-is-Ma-jor-Munn's-canteen !"
The colonel confiscated the canteen and contents, and rode on.
21
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The subsequent history of Major Munn's canteen is veiled in obscu- rity.
Symptoms of an advance now manifest themselves. All the sick and disabled, and extra tents, baggage, &c., were sent back, and preparations made for a long march.
Monday, May 12th, the 39th started out with Shields' entire division of three brigades, marched around ten miles across the lower bridge, and encamped near Luray. From thence the force moved to Front Royal, twenty-seven miles, in a day and a half- the last day and night being very rainy. The boys of the 39th, not being provided with rubber blankets, they were quartered in a large hospital building, which had been put up by the rebels. After remaining twenty-four hours, they moved on for Warrenton Junction, which was reached the next Monday. From this place to Manassas, the country was one complete scene of devastation, having been so often traversed by the armies of both north and south. Wednesday the march was resumed, and the army reached the vicinity of Fredericksburg Thursday night, and encamped on the east bank of the Rappahannock, among McDowell's forces. Fredericksburg lay on the opposite side of the river, apparently a fine city.
On the 23d, there was a grand review of the army. This was witnessed by the president, and secretaries Seward and Stanton. It was a splendid pageant. The president particularly noticed the 39th, it being an Illinois regiment, and bearing so loyal a name.
Here, the next day, the news of Gen. Banks' defeat in the valley arrived, and the regiment was ordered back. Although they had had but one day's rest, they made a forced march back again, a distance of 180 miles. They left Sunday morning, the 25th, and reached Front Royal, Friday, the 30th, going by way of Manassas Junction, and having considerable skirmishing. The march was a hard one, and, to increase its discomfort, the rations were scanty. Sunday afternoon they moved on from Front Royal, and arrived at their old camp at Luray, having been absent three weeks.
Subsequently the brigade was sent from Luray to Port Republic, to hold, or, if need be, to burn the bridge across the south branch of the Shenandoah, and met with a sad disaster. But the 39th had not reached there, and escaped. Some of the boys were called upon
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THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT.
to assist in the care of the wounded brought in from that fight, (about 75).
Gen. Shields' command remained in the vicinity of Luray until the 15th of June, when he started for Front Royal, where the whole command arrived on the 17th. Remained here until the 22d, when the march was resumed, passing through Manassas and Thoroughfare Gap, arrived at camp near Manassas. Here there was another grand review and inspection.
While here, orders came to move by railroad to Alexandria, Va., where it was embarked upon transports for the James river, and next day, June 29th, reached Harrison's Landing, in time to take part in the closing scenes of General Mcclellan's seven days' fight and seven nights' retreat. It here met the 8th cavalry, in which were many old friends and acquaintances. Sunday, August 3d, Chaplain McReading preached, having the 8th for part of his congregation. While here, the 39th was kept at the front, on picket duty, and had a series of skirmishes, of no great importance, until the 5th of August, when it took part in the second fight at Malvern Hill, without material injury, although it was on the picket line, Major Munn being in command.
From this point, many, both officers and privates, were sent away sick. The regiment was assigned to the 1st brigade of Peck's division of Keys' corps. It participated in the memorable "change of base " of Mcclellan's grand army to Fortress Monroe.
On the 1st of September, the regiment was sent to Suffolk, Va., where it remained three months, fortifying the place, and making frequent expeditions to the Blackwater, having occasional heavy skirmishes with the enemy. On one occasion, it aided in the cap- ture of two pieces of artillery and forty prisoners.
While at Suffolk, Maj. Munn, finding his health giving way, resigned his commission and returned home. This closed the cam- paign of 1862.
On the 5th day of January, 1863, the regiment again broke camp, and leaving its comfortable quarters at Suffolk, where it had been resting since the first day of Sept. last, marched to the Chowan river, a distance of about 75 miles. Having lain idle so long, the marching came pretty hard. Here they embarked on transports for Newbern, N. C., passing through Albemarle and Pamlico
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sounds, where they arrived on the 9th, and reported to General Foster. Col. Osborn was here placed in command of the 1st bri- gade of Terry's division of Foster's corps.
After remaining at Newbern two weeks, the regiment was ordered to form part in the great southern expedition of General Foster. It went by railroad to Morehead City, where it embarked on the 25th. But as a storm was raging outside, they lay at anchor several days for it to subside. They finally put to sea. This was the first experience many of them had of "a life on the ocean wave," and to many of them it was not very delightful. They had to settle their accounts with old Neptune, who demanded the usual tribute exacted from fresh fish.
After a rough voyage, they anchored safely in the harbor of Port Royal, on the island of St. Helena, having been on ship- board about two weeks. Here they went into a beautiful camp at Land's End, seven miles from Hilton Head, which was shaded by live oaks and orange trees ; and here they remained several weeks, passing the time in drill exercises. The regiment was highly com- plimented, by experienced drill officers, for its perfection in drill and soldierly appearance. By way of recreation, the boys indulged in boat rides, oyster bakes, and in alligator hunting; also in col- lecting shells, which were found in great abundance on a neigh- boring island.
While here the regiment received a beautiful flag from Gov. Yates, which had the State coat of arms on one side, and the por- trait of their patron saint on the other. The regiment also carried a national flag. The portrait of Gov. Yates subsequently met with a casualty. A solid shot from a rebel cannon carried away ยท the governor's head entirely. I suppose the rebs would have been glad if it had been the head of the patriotic governor him- self.
On the 2nd of April the regiment left St. Helena Island to take part in the expedition of General Hunter, against Charles- ton, and embarked on the steamer New England, and arrived at Folly Island, the 6th of April. This island is about five miles from Charleston. The men were pleased with the idea of taking a hand in the task of subduing the hot bed of the rebellion. . They were immediately set to work to erect batteries. They were here
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brought into close relations with the rebs again, as they occupied part of the Island.
From an observatory, the entire harbor, Forts Sumter, Moul- trie and Johnson, and the steeples of the city were plainly visible. On the day after their arrival, they saw Admiral Dupont enter the harbor with his fleet of iron clads and monitors, and they wit- nessed the engagement with the famous Fort Sumter which a member of the regiment thus describes :
"FOLLY ISLAND, April 7th,'63. When the day broke this morn- ing, we discovered that the eminence upon which we had encamped last night about 12, commanded a view of great range. We could see the blockading fleet off Charleston harbor; the iron clads, and the reserve fleet of wooden vessels; Fort Moultrie and the sand batteries on Sullivan's Island; Cummings Point bat- tery on the end of Morris Island, and Secessionville ; the steeples of Charleston ; and above all Fort Sumter, with the rebel flags flying defiantly over it. Old Sumter loomed up grandly ; as we gazed upon its massive walls we thought bitterly of the startling episode of two years ago. Every heart in the 39th was burning to avenge the insult and treason of that hour. Between two and three o'clock p. m., the entire iron clad fleet had crossed the bar, and for a time we watched in suspense, as the intervening woods and sand hills shut out the fleet from our view. Suddenly we saw clouds of white curling smoke fly from the walls of Sumter. It was the signal for engagement, and the fort became calm as before.
Soon we discovered a white flag flying beneath the stars and bars, but it was no flag of peace and submission. Leveling our field glasses we recognize the " Palmetto flag," the contemptible rag with which South Carolina opened the rebellion, and displaced the stars and stripes. Immediately we saw smoke and heard the roar of heavy guns as Moultrie and Sullivan's Island opened fire. We could see their flags, but not the works, nor could we see the fleet as yet ; but soon the monitors sailed up the channel, and we could see the smoke stacks and turrets. Soon one of them ap- proached very near Sumter and opened fire. The fort was soon hidden by dense clouds of smoke, as in rapid succession it dis-
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charged its guns, and similar clouds hung over Moultrie, Cum- mings Point and Sullivan Island. The engagement had now be- came general, and the roar of the many heavy guns of both sides was terrific. It seemed impossible that the little monitor could float under such a fire. But the heavy boom of their sixteen inch dahlgreen, and two hundred pound parrots, which we could distinguish from the rebel cannon, assured us that they were afloat, and fighting bravely and desperately. Occasionally, too, as the clouds of smoke lifted we could see them in position, but we could see also the accursed flag of Sumter still flying amid the smoke of battle. The scene was grand and sublime beyond description. For two hours the fight continued; between four and five Sumter slacked fire, and as the shot and shells of the indomitable iron clads still flew through the air, we expected that the walls of Sumter would soon fly the national colors.
But the fire was again renewed fiercely by the rebels. Day was drawing to a close, and the fleet firing a parting shot with- drew over the bar, and thus ended the conflict. We rejoiced that when we counted the " cheese boxes" (as they were moving after the huge iron-clad, like ducks following their mother bird,) none were missing, and we supposed that the contest would be renewed in the morning, but we were doomed to disappointment. The en- gagement was not renewed, we know not why. Our only loss was the sinking of the Keokuk. We would have thanked Gen. Hunter, if he had ordered us then and there to take Morris Is- land and its batteries by storm. Our boys commenced swearing when they saw the fleet withdraw, and are still at it."
I don't suppose the boys' swearing hastened the downfall of Sumter, and the taking of Charleston one bit. At any rate they had to content themselves in their position for sometime longer. Meanwhile the tedium of their sojourn on Folly Island was re- lieved by an occasional adventure.
One night they got up an excursion to a rebel craft which had got aground on the sand bar in trying to run the blockade. Being unable to get it off, the crew had abandoned it, first setting it on fire. For some reason the fire went out, and the vessel and cargo were but little damaged. The vessel lay under the fire of the rebels on Morris Island, and the Union batteries on Folly Island,
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TWENTIETH REGIMENT.
so that neither side dare visit it in the day time to get off the cargo. The 39th made up a boat's crew, in charge of Maj. Linton, one dark night, for the purpose of making the vessel a visit, and seeing what they could find on board. They approached the ves- sel very cautiously, not caring to be discovered, and thus draw the fire of Morris Island, and not knowing but they might meet a like expedition on the part of the rebels.
They reached the vessel safely and got aboard, and found them- selves sole possessors. But unfortunately the matches with which they were provided had somehow got wet, and they could not strike a light to aid them in their explorations. They could only ascertain the nature of the cargo by the senses of feeling and smell. But they were able to smell out, and feel out, a lot of pineapples and other fruits, a lot of cigars, and some fine old Scotch whisky. It is something wonderful how keen the boys were on the scent ! It was a wonderful instance of that compensating provision of nature, by which when one sense is absent, the other becomes pre- ternaturally acute. They confiscated as much of the cargo as they could conveniently carry, and got back to quarters again all right.
On learning the success of this trip, another squad thought they would try it. These managed to keep their matches from getting demoralized, and thus were able to examine the cargo pretty thor- oughly, finding it to consist of cigars, liquors, and ready-made clothing, for all of which, no doubt, the rebels in Charleston were longing. After satisfying their curiosity, and getting together as big a load of the cargo as they could conveniently carry, they pre- pared to return. But what was their chagrin to find that the boat, which had been left in charge of some careless sentinel, had got loose from its moorings, with the rising tide, and had floated off. They could do nothing now but to leave their plunder, (except such as had been consumed), and swim for the shore. This they did, except two who were not swimmers, who had to be left behind until the next night, in full possession of the vessel and cargo. The rest of the party reached the shore safely, although some of them were pretty nearly exhausted.
In June the regiment was moved to Coles Island, where they had a pleasant camp beneath the scattering live oaks, and also good water. June 29th, it returned to Folly Island.
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July 10th, the regiment assisted in the capture of part of Mor- ris Island, Forts Wagner and Gregg being still in possession of the enemy. The regiment now engaged in the construction of the forts, parallels, and trenches, which resulted in the capture of Fort Wagner. It had been assigned to Gen. A. H. Terry's division. A day or two previous to the fall of this fort, Col. Osborn was tem- porarily disabled by the premature discharge of a piece of ordnance.
The 39th formed the advance of their brigade, under command of Lieut. Col. Mann, and occupied the trenches on the night (Sept. 6th) when it was discovered that the fort was being evacuated. As soon as the purpose of the enemy was discovered, a detail of the 39th went into the fort, capturing the rear guard of the enemy, and being just in time to stop a man who was just about to pull the lanyard of a gun, which was heavily loaded with grape and canister, and which had the range of our men, who were advancing; and also to cut the fuse which the rebels had fired to explode the mines and magazine. They then had the satisfaction of being the first to plant the national colors, and the portrait of Gov. Yates, upon the parapet of Fort Wagner. A part of the regiment gar- risoned the fort for a few days, and the rest occupied Fort Gregg, which fell at the same time. While in Fort Gregg, the regiment lost one of its officers, Capt. Woodruff, of Marseilles, by a shell thrown by the rebel guns on Sullivan's Island.
The loss of the regiment during the four months it had been engaged in siege duty, was not very heavy, considering its expo- sure. The experience of being under fire continually, although behind intrenchments, is much more trying to the nerves, and courage even, than a hotly contested battle-field.
Walter Van Bogert, of Co. E, (from Wilmington), was killed by the fragment of a shell, while passing from one fort to the other, just after being released from outpost duty. He was a brave and valued member of his regiment, a young man barely old enough for enlistment at the time the regiment was raised. The following tribute to his memory was written by a member of the regiment at the time of his fall :
"Comrade, sleep, thy warfare is done, Roll we in grief the muffled drum, Bear thee with sighs, and measured tread, To the silent home of the patriot dead.
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THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT.
We shall miss thy bright and joyous face, When we see thee not in thy 'custom'd place ; But we know that thy Heavenly Father's hand Has placed thee in a bright and better land.
Fast fall our tears on thy hallowed clay, And, laden with grief, we turn away ; And at night 'round our camp-fires thy virtues tell, Comrade in arms, farewell-farewell !"
Fort Wagner was a strong and extensive fort. In its front there was a space which ran out to the shore, and which served as a dyke, or passage to the fort. This had been filled up, it was said, by the bodies of those who fell in former attacks. It was also said that Col. Shaw was here buried, under a heap of his col- ored soldiers. This, no doubt, was meant as an indignity. There are those so peculiar as to regard it as the noblest burial !
After assisting awhile in the repair of the defenses of Morris Island, the 39th returned again to Folly Island, Oct. 28th. While on Folly Island, Lieut. Kingsbury was presented by Co. E with a fine sword, sash, &c.
The regiment left Folly Island the 6th of December, going to Hilton Head. Here it remained until about the first of February, 1864. While here, the 39th set the example of re-enlisting for another three years, and received its veteran furlough. It left Hilton Head, Feb. 1st, 1864, for Chicago, going by way of New York. It was escorted to the place of embarkation by an entire brigade, with several generals and their staffs. During the passage to New York, a sad accident occurred. A water butt broke loose from its mooring on deck, rolled against some of the men, injuring eight-two fatally.
The regiment reached Chicago about the 4th of February, with 352 men, 40 whose time was not expired, remaining with 40 others who did not veteranize. They received a fine ovation at Bryan Hall. The people of Wilmington also gave companies A and E a fine reception, at which Col. Osborn and a portion of his staff were present, and the Col., who was as good a talker as he was a fighter, made an eloquent and patriotic speech.
The boys spent their furlough at their various homes, being everywhere received with the honors they had so deservedly won. During their furlough great efforts were made to fill up its deci- 22
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mated ranks, which were ably seconded by their former Major -Munn. This county, especially Wilmington and vicinity, fur- nished its share of recruits. The citizens of Wilmington treated the 39th to a re-union, which was a happy and pleasant occasion. A highly complimentary letter was written to Governor Yates in relation to the regiment by Gen. Seymour, who had commanded the brigade, speaking in the highest terms of the conduct and pluck of the 39th. This letter was strongly endorsed by Gen. Gilmore.
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