USA > Illinois > Yates phalanx : the history of the Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Veteran Infantry in the war of the rebellion, 1861-1865 > Part 3
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YATES PHALANX
The Regiment proceeded by way of Cottage Grove avenue to 22nd Street, turning into Michigan avenue, thence to Madison street, and to the cars. The men put their best foot forward, making a most creditable and soldierly appearance, although without muskets, gratefully and proudly receiving the admiring plaudits of the thousands who gathered to witness the departure of the Thirty-Ninth.
Cel
"OFF TO THE .FRONT."
We were escorted from the camp to the depot by the Chicago Zouaves in command of Captain E. L. Brand, and highly appreciated the compliment
After the men had been assigned and comfortable disposed of on board the cars, the officers, through the courtesy of Mr. C. Pratt, one of the officials of the railway, were invited to partake of lunch at the Briggs House, where they as one proceeded, and with good appetites soon showed their appreciation of this kindness. After the meal, Mr. George C. Bates, an old soldier and a prominent lawyer of Chicago, arose, and in behalf of the citizens spoke to us about courage, glory and honor.
At the conclusion of the remarks of, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas O. Osborn arose, and with a heart full of emotion and in words of burning eloquence, responded in behalf of the Phalanx and its officers. He told of the obstacles in its infancy, the embarrassments in its equipment, and of its successful and perfect organization, and pledged the Regiment and its officers to either maintain and defend the cause of the Union or to leave every man of it on the field of battle and of duty.
A short and stirring speech was then made by Captain Hooker, when the order was given to "Fall- in!" and the officers proceeded to their posts. An excellent light meal was also provided by the railroad company for the Regiment and Captain Brand's escort, at the depot, which was discussed with eminent satisfaction and elicited universal sentiments of gratitude for the generosity which had anticipated their wants.
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CHAPTER TWO
"Off for St. Louis"
After leaving the Briggs House our steps were directed to the railroad cars, where, after bidding adieu to the many friends who had accompanied us, the order was given to move, and we were soon separated from all the blandishments of Chicago, and bade a long goodbye to home scenes and comforts.
The occasion was one that enlisted the energy of thought, and as the train moved forward and onward a mournful silence seemed to take possession of us all, relieved only by the swift rolling wheels and jar and clatter of motion; but the reaction soon took place, and the jovial element of some of our comrades asserted a preeminence that we could not control, and in mirthful song and strange story we soon forgot the past.
We reached the city of Alton the following afternoon, where a most desirable change awaited us in the shape of a steamboat ride down the river.
The transfer was soon made, and "all aboard!" soon proclaimed, when we heard the cry of "man overboard!" All rushed to see what was the matter, but thanks to the crew of the steamer the man was already landed, and proved to be one of the men who had imbibed too freely of the milk of "human weakness," and he came aboard again dripping and sputtering about a bath in the Mississippi.
The city of St. Louis was reached about seven p.m. and the command disembarked and formed for the march to Benton Barracks, our destination. It was some time, however, before a guide was found, and then we learned that a march of several miles was before us.
The Regiment started out, marching by platoons up through the narrow and deserted streets with no one to cheer and no one to make afraid. Occasionally some belated traveler or vagrant would turn to watch our progress. It was not until the band had come together and commenced a lively air that the streets were enlivened by the lights from door and window, but they were generally quickly closed again, for it was nothing but a "Yankee parade" in the opinion of the majority.
We reached the barracks in the early morning, but received no accommodations at all until eight o'clock, when quarters were assigned to the field and staff officers and to each company.
Benton Barracks, at this time, was a Camp of Instruction and were occupied by several regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry under the command of Brigadier-General S. R. Curtis, U.S.A. The barracks were named at the request of Major-General Fremont in honor of his father-in-law. They were pleasantly located, some three miles west of the city, and were very extensive, including the old Fairgrounds and some 300 acres beside it. The barracks proper was constructed on the
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border of an oblong square enclosing 100 acres used for parade and drill purposes, and the appearance presented here, at times, was calculated to awaken enthusiasm in the most obtuse.
For the first few days, there seemed to be a general revulsion of mind occasioned by the strange scene and the consciousness of having suffered a great change in social and culinary arrangements. We had but just begun to realize that pork, beef, beans and hardtack were the "staff of life" for the soldier, and the continuous use of this provender, badly cooked, was calculated to engender a bad temper. The Post Sutler was the only alternative, and the extortionate prices for little delicacies in the way of fruit and cakes made one wonder, besides making him sick. All were soon familiar with the new routing of life; and in going through camp, scenes of contented comfort and enjoyment were apparent.
re -
THE SUTLEBS.
The soldier is ever the creature of circumstances, and we had made up our minds to take "things as they came," and let care go drifting; and the leisure time was enjoyed through out camp in games at cards, dancing, and practical jokes.
Private George Riddle, of Company I, enlisted on September 17, 1861. He later recalled;
"My first night in camp, and breakfast the next morning, somewhat disappointed me. I was taken to a tent and told that I could sleep there. They didn't even ask me if I preferred to sleep alone or with someone, but just told me that I could sleep there. So I rolled myself up in a wisp of straw and managed to pass the night quite comfortably. In the morning
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Off For St. Louis
I heard a rattling of drums all around me and the boys all tumbled out 'hollering' 'Roll call! Roll call!' So I rolled out too. They told me to 'get in line there!' And I got into line same as the rest. They then called 'breakfast!' And I saw all the boys run, and I followed, and got around a table made out of some rough boards put on sticks driven in the ground for legs. I found a piece of fat meat on a tin plate, and a tin cup with some black stuff in it, and a little 'hunk' of bread. The 'boys' 'pitched in!' But I thought I'd wait until breakfast was ready. I didn't see no sugar, no cream or butter-no potatoes; in fact, nothing but a little fat meat, and bread, and the little tin of what they called coffee. I still kept waiting, thinking they would soon bring on some thing like what us boys had been use to. By this time the 'boys' had 'downed' the meat and bread. They shouted out for me to 'grab hold' and make myself at home. And then I did."
Arms for the Regiment were received October 16, 1861, but as they were of an inferior type the men protested against them. General Curtis said that they were for drill purposes and for the protection of the camp, and that as soon as possible they should receive better ones; which explanation was satisfactory.
Private Riddle continued, "My first night on guard (it happened that during our stay in Chicago I did not have to go on guard duty) came at Benton Barracks. I got along fine in the daytime, but Oh, Lord! The trouble I had that night! They gave me an old carbine that Santa Anna had in the Mexican War! And put me on a 'beat' close to a little lot that had corn in it, and gave me the 'countersign' which I never will forget; but I forgot it that night. They told me that I must keep a good 'look out!' For they were looking for Price's2 whole army to come on us.
"My relief was put on at 12 o'clock that night, and I had to look out for Price and the 'grand rounds' both, and it kept me so busy that I forgot part of the 'counter-sign,' which was Santomingo. I could think of Sango, but for my life I couldn't think of mingo, so I walked to the other sentinel and asked him what it was. He said, "By golly! I've forgot it too!" but he said it was mingo something. 'All right!' I said, 'I've got it now-Sangomingo!'
"It wasn't long then before the 'grand rounds' came. I could hear the other sentinels halt them, and my heart began to flutter. I let Price and his army go to thunder and I stuck to the 'countersign' and the 'grand rounds.' When they came up within speaking distance I cried out, 'Halt!' And they halted, and for the life of me I couldn't think of what else to say, and they still halted! I thought I must say something, so I says 'Come on with your grand rounds!' And they came up, and I saw it was Lieutenant-Colonel Osborn and Dr. Clark; and the Colonel says, 'Soldier! Don't you know the duties of a sentinel?' 'Yes, sir,' says I. 'Well, I don't think you do,' says he; 'and I'll report you to your company commander.' This kind of flustrated me, for I thought I had halted them all right-just as good as a soldier of 1812.
2Brigadier-General Sterling Price - Confederate States Army
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"Soon after I heard a noise in the cornfield nearby, and I, Price and his men are coming! I listened closely, and felt sure I could hear them, and cocked the old carbine to be ready; but they never came. But I'll tell you, if they had come, I would have cleaned them out right then and there and gone to camp faster than a bank cashier going to Canada."
After being in barracks for some days, sickness among the men became manifest, and it was not unusual matter to have 150 report at "sick call" in the morning. Many of this number were pure malingerers, of course, and reported merely for the purpose of being excused from duty, which was becoming too onerous and 'played out,' in their parlance, and wishing to escape drill, they reported to the surgeons for an excuse.
It had been intimated, and we had reason to believe that we were to be sent to General Sigell's division, but while waiting for transportation, Colonel Ward H. Lamon, Marshal of the District of Columbia, arrived on October 26 with an order from General Fremont for us to proceed to Williamsport, Maryland, to join Ward H. Lamon's Brigade, which was then organizing, and was to be assigned to General Bank's Division of the Army of the Potomac.
The order directed us to leave camp on October 29 and proceed to Leesburg on the Potomac via Alton, Terre Haute, and Indianapolis. Our wish would have been, by the way of Chicago; but it was considered that too much risk would be run in the matter of losing men.
For some reason the departure of the Regiment from St. Louis was deferred until October 31, 1861, and the destination changed to Hagerstown, Maryland.
The journey from St. Louis to Hagerstown occupied thirty-six hours. The incidents of the trip were diverse and exciting. Everywhere along the line we met with hearty welcome, amounting to ovations in some instances. At the isolated farmhouses, the inmates came to the portal waving us onward and giving us God-speed to our destination and our mission.
At Indianapolis a light meal was bountifully spread and partaken of with thankful hearts, seasoned as it was with cheering words at the hand of youth and beauty (feminine gender). The Regimental band under the enthusiastic Lace gave them some patriotic airs, and we sped onward, traversing a beautiful and picturesque country down the valley of the Beaver and Ohio Rivers until we reached Allegheny City at four p.m., November 1, 1861.
We crossed the river, and were soon in Pittsburgh, where a delegation from the "Soldier's Aid Committee" escorted the Regiment to rooms over the city market and where we were plentifully fed with the staples of life, to say nothing of the luxuries.
The boys put away the "hash," as they termed it, with decided relish under the waiting hands and smiles of the patriotic women of Pittsburgh.
At this point we were transferred to the Pennsylvania Railroad, under the gaze of curious thousands who had gathered to look at an Illinois regiment.
As we moved off, the grand hurrahs of the men and the encouraging smiles of the women were sufficient to satisfy even the most apathetic among us. The cars provided for us were very comfortable, and numbered some twenty-six aside from the baggage train, and three locomotives were attached to draw us onwards.
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Off For St. Louis
In passing through the train we found the men to be unanimous in the opinion of having been well treated in Pittsburgh, and it was amusing to a great degree to listen to their talk. Some were convinced that old Pennsylvania was the most hospitable State in the Union. "Didn't they treat us well!" says one who had a box of cigars, a package of tobacco and a drinking cup had been presented to him. Others would only admit it was second to Indianapolis. "For didn't they do it brown for us in Indianapolis!" There was gratitude on every side, and we were thankful that the generous people had been so thoughtful for us.
SUPPER AT PITTSBURGH.
At midnight we commenced the ascent of the mountain and many were the wishes that the darkness of night might be changed to day until the passage was made, that we might enjoy the scenery.
Some hours were occupied in making the transit, and occasionally we caught glimpses of awful chasms and frightful precipices; sometimes were whirling along unbroken ridges, then thundering through dismal tunnels cut through massive rock; then as we commenced the descent, our speed was sometimes alarming; but the only satisfaction obtained was the clangor of the chained wheels as they slid along the rails, awaking shudders for our safety.
November 2, at three p.m., we reached Harrisburg, after following along the historic Juniata and the broad and beautiful Susquehanna Rivers.
We remained sufficiently long to transfer our train to the Cumberland Valley Railroad, and were soon rolling on again, and reached Mechanicsburg, a lively and very pleasant city, and one that will remain "green" in the memory of more than one connected with the "Phalanx," for as we entered the town a large number of young ladies met us at the depot, from the Seminary near by, each bearing the colors we go to maintain.
Some of the officers and men were so fascinated that they jumped from the train and hastened to pay their respects, thus taking lead of the Field and Staff, who were so importuned that at last they consented to show themselves-all being modest and retiring men.
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A merry time was had in the few moments that we were permitted to stop. The whole population of the town had seemingly turned out to greet us, and those who remained behind were seen at the doors and windows with fluttering handkerchiefs and waving hats.
At half-past six p.m. we reached Carlisle, our Colonel's old home, and who called our attention to the barracks where he had spent many years as a soldier.
On reaching the station we proceeded to the hotel for supper, much to the annoyance of the engineers, who blandly told us that they would not stop longer than five minutes; but we soon ended the controversy by asserting that we would remain until our supper was finished, well knowing that their duty would not be compromised, as there were not trains to meet and no trouble to encounter except their willfulness; and we enforced our point by giving orders to have the brakes put "hard down" in case they attempted to start, and many of the boys who had been up the "trick" before, were only too glad to obey; and the train was soon under "martial law."
On leaving the supper-table we found the noncommissioned staff and men enjoying themselves heartily in making the acquaintance of the many ladies who had gathered along the train and who were presenting edibles and smiles in one motion gratuitously; and there are many of the old "Phalanx" who will cherish thoughts of that occasion for all time.
Carlisle lies about fifty miles from the border of Virginia, and in the track of rebel invasion, and the inhabitants of the town were in constant fear of such a disaster as was realized in the partial destruction of their place in 1863, during the passage of Lee's army through to Gettysburg. The railroad runs through the main street of the town, and notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, the streets were full of people to welcome troops who were going to the front to place themselves between them and danger. The ladies seemed to preponderate, and the boys when they left the train to stretch their legs, were quite taken by surprise to find so much beauty and such a loving welcome as was extended. One would have thought that they had all come to meed some long-absent brother or son, so demonstrative was their greeting. The boys, after recovering from their surprise, rather enjoyed the affair, and much regretted that it could not be continued indefinitely or taken along.
It was eight o'clock before we were started again, and it will be remembered that every town we passed through was illuminated with bonfires and lights placed at the windows and portals of the houses-in fact a perfect ovation had been tendered the command from its first starting out to the end of the journey.
We reached Hagerstown at midnight, but did not leave the cars until morning, on account of the rain which had commenced to fall some hours previously.
At six o'clock we removed from the cars, during a temporary lull in the storm, to the market house, which was kindly placed at our disposal and where the morning ration was disposed of. The city was very quiet; but few of the citizens (principally Negroes) gathered around to look at us. At midnight, November 7, the baggage train and ambulances reported from Williamsport. The train was speedily loaded and we started out, in a drenching rain, for our destination. The march occupied two hours time, but it was not a gloomy one notwithstanding the heavy rain and driving wind. There was no complaining, for every man behaved himself as a soldier, and the vivacity of spirit and elasticity of step was wonderful in consideration of all the circumstances. Officers and men were soon wet to
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Off For St. Louis
the skin, and it was only occasionally that some of the more effeminate reported back to the ambulance for shelter.
Williamsport, the "Omega" of our tramp, was reached at three p.m., and we proceeded to take quarters in several vacant warehouses on the banks of the canal, as it was deemed impossible to pitch the tents on account of the high wind and incessant rain.
But one incident had occurred to mar the pleasure of our progress from St. Louis, Missouri to Williamsport, Maryland. Before leaving Pittsburgh, Private Daniel Neal, of Company K, while the car in which he was riding was at rest upon a bridge (the train having stopped for repairs), missed his footing upon the platform and was precipitated down through the trestle-work a distance of forty feet. Fortunately the bed of the stream beneath was shallow, and he escaped drowning; but when picked up it was found that he had suffered a severe concussion of the spinal column, with fracture of two of the processes of the dorsal vertebrae. The lower limbs were paralyzed. He was taken aboard the cars again and made as comfortable as circumstances would permit, and on reaching Pittsburgh he was placed under competent care at Dr. Waller's Surgical Infirmary. He rejoined the Regiment at Arlington Heights, Virginia in 1864 and was discharged by reason of physical deformity.
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YATES PHALANX
13
CHAPTER THREE
Making Encampment
After a good night's rest in our provisional quarters we removed to a camping-ground about one mile from the town, it being located on the summit of a broad ridge near the river, from which and the enemy's pickets it was closed from view by a belt of heavy timber.
The Regimental Hospital was established in the town, having appropriated a large brick structure, formerly a hotel, for the purpose. It was capable of containing about 100 patients, and was soon completely full by reason of an epidemic of measles which broke out about this time among the men of the command, aside from other and frequently recurring diseases incident to camp life. The medical officers of the Regiment treated some 300 cases of measles in this hospital without the loss of a single life; but afterwards, the sequelae frequently occasioned death.
While here, First-Lieutenant Joseph W. Richardson, of Company A, was taken sick with typhoid fever. He received the best of care at the Globe Inn, where he was quartered, but after a painful illness he succumbed to the disease, November 7, 1861. The ladies of the house contributed a very pretty wreath of flowers, and the Regimental colors, furled with crepe, were hung at the window of the room where he lay. He was buried with military honors on the banks of the Potomac River, between the two hostile armies-the friends and foes of the Union.
The Regiment had no weapons at this time, and upon request to Colonel Leonard, commanding the Thirteenth Massachusetts and the Post, to send a firing party, he responded with his whole regiment, which turned out with the Thirty-Ninth to do the last sad offices for the dead lieutenant. This, perhaps, is the only instance during the war where two regiments, at the front, attended the burial of a soldier, no matter of what rank. Chaplain McReading read the impressive burial service of the Masonic Order, to which the deceased belonged, and soon after the hills echoed the salute which Massachusetts fired over the grave of a patriot son of Illinois.
The medical officers remained in town for the reason that the hospital was located there, but each morning either the surgeon or the assistant rode out to camp at seven a.m. to hold "sick call." There seemed to be an organized fellowship among members of the several companies to give the "doctor" a warm reception at each visit, and no sooner did we reach the outline of camp than a perfect howl was sent up in which could be distinguished expressions such as "Here comes old Salts! Castor O-i-l! Quinine!" etc., etc., and which were echoed and re-echoed from one end of camp to the other, making a most unpleasant strain upon the sensitive eardrums of the doctors.
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The medical officers, however, had the opportunity for revenge among the large numbers always presented for excuse from duty (mainly malingerers), by repeating the doses of salts and oil and quinine, and personally attending the administration.
The practice of cathartics among the men was rendered almost absolute by reason of the continual gormandizing of indigestible rubbish from the sutlers, and it was a matter of surprise that no more sickness was brought about from the inordinate stuffing that was continually practiced; and, be it known, a six months supply was consumed in the short space of six weeks.
THE CAMP KITCHEN. (FROM PHOTOGRAPH.)
Opposite the Potomac House in the town, was a quaint structure that possessed more than common interest, and around which many reminiscences of the past clustered that are still dear to every American heart. It was in this building that General George Washington, while looking for a site for the National Capitol, made his headquarters and remained for the space of two weeks. Williamsport was a locality he had in view at one time, but some circumstance changed it to the present region.
We were close upon the rebels here, and could see their pickets daily pacing along the high ridges of the opposite shore of the Potomac River, and sometimes we had a view of large numbers of cavalry who were scouting and continually driving the Union-loving men and women from their homes, besides plundering and destroying their property.
Williamsport was full of refugees that had been forced to leave their homes on account of their loyal sentiments. It was also full of spies, who, under the most strict surveillance, managed to communicate with the enemy on the opposite shore. There were rebels in the town, too, but they were securely lodged in the guardhouse.
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Making Encampment
The Regiment, at this time, still had no muskets, but were daily expecting them, and as a consequence we felt ourselves to be in a very lame condition, with no means of offense or defense except what nature could provide.
The Thirteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, then quartered in town, were armed with the Enfield rifie, and besides, there were several companies of cavalry well-mounted and armed, and a section of battery of rifled cannon.
It was promised that two more regiments, one from West Virginia and one from Pennsylvania, would soon join us, and then it was proposed to cross the river, proceed to Martinsburg, thirteen miles distant, where there was some 5,000 of the enemy with heavy ordnance, and we, of course, were going to dislodge them and establish a new base of operations; but
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