USA > Illinois > Yates phalanx : the history of the Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Veteran Infantry in the war of the rebellion, 1861-1865 > Part 6
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YATES PHALANX
busily engaged in removal. Thus passed the night. Shelter and opportunity was given the men as far as possible to change or dry their clothing and prepare coffee. Reinforcements were constantly arriving through the night, and early the following day, General Williams with a brigade arrived; also General Lander, who assumed command. We were astir early on the morning of January 4 and patiently awaited developments. The enemy could be plainly seen over at Alpine and on the bluffs, but all was peaceful.
At ten a.m. a white flag was raised and seen advancing to the border of the river on the opposite side, which indicated that the enemy wished to communicate, and Lieutenant Colonel O. L. Mann, who had been appointed provost-marshal that morning, with a small detachment in command of Sergeant Myers was ordered to cross the river to receive it. He soon returned bring Colonel Turner Ashby, of some cavalry fame at that time, and proceeded direct to General Lander's headquarters, Ashby being blindfolded. On the way over he inquired of the boys, "What regiment do you belong to?" he was answered "The Thirty-Ninth Illinois!" "My God!" He said, "Where in hell is not the Thirty-Ninth Illinois! They seem to be ubiquitous." He doubtless was thinking of the many different places he had encountered the Thirty-Ninth on the previous day.
General Lander received Colonel Ashby in a room in which was the telegraph office, and thinking that Ashby might understand telegraphy removed to another room where he read the communication from General Jackson. In this message Jackson demanded the surrender of the Union forces, saying that he had 15,000 men and it was his intention to cross the river, and that if he were opposed that he should bombard the town. It also stated that two hours' time would be given noncombatants to leave the place, at the termination of which he would open fire. General Lander read it carefully through and his reply was at once emphatic, forcible and characteristic. Turning to Ashby, he said: "Colonel Ashby, give my compliments to General Jackson and tell him to bombard and be damned! If he opens his batteries on this town he will injure more of his friends than he will of the enemy, for this is a damned Secesh place, anyhow." Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, thinking the interview terminated, commenced to replace the bandage over Ashby's eyes prior to leading him forth, when General Lander, having reflected somewhat on his answer, said: "Hold on! Take a seat, Colonel Ashby. General Jackson has addressed me in a polite and soldierly manner and it demands a like reply. I take back all that I have said and will write that I have to communicate." This was done, and as Lander placed the missive in his hand, he said: "General Jackson and yourself, Colonel Ashby, are gentlemen and brave men, without a question, but you have started out in a God Damn bad cause!" and shaking hands with him, Ashby departed. He was returned safely to his lines, and afterwards, without making much preparation, we patiently awaited events. The citizens were busily engaged, meanwhile, in hustling out of town, bringing into service all sorts of vehicles and conveyances. Our forces were so placed as to be concealed from view, and we had a very respectable one, sufficient at all events to prevent the enemy crossing the river at this place. At the expiration of the two hours the garrison flag of the Thirty-Ninth was run up to the top of the old liberty pole standing in town and we anxiously waited for the opening of the promised bombardment. At last two shots were fired over, one of which, a small six-pounder solid shot, was picked up and is now in the possession of Captain Hiram Phillips, of Bloomington, Ill. These shots did no damage, and only served as an invitation for our batteries to respond, which they did in a brisk manner and kept it up for the space
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"The Rebel Force"
of an hour. The enemy did not return the fire, but we could see their troops in motion and it was evident that the enemy was busy in sacking Alpine, as fires were lighted in many places and soon all the houses save the Swan and Orrick property was in conflagration, lighting up the surrounding country for miles.
The following day a reconnaissance was made over the river by some of the Thirty-Ninth, who found matters and things at the station pretty badly demoralized. The Swan family had removed, bag and baggage, and no one was found to give us any information. The Swan house, as well as the Orrick, was found to have received the many compliments in shape of shot and shell that we had sent over, and both were badly damaged. The railway had been torn up and the rails twisted and bent with fire, and all the railway property destroyed. Where our medical dispensary had stood there was nothing but a mound of ashes. All was ruin and desolation.
Proceeding up along the road to Bath we found a number of newly-made graves, and several of them were occupied by soldiers who had perished from cold, for the weather had been exceedingly severe and the men in Jackson's command from Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas had suffered extremely.
Many notes addressed to the Thirty-Ninth were found. Some were couched in terms of bitterness and hostility, some complimentary and conciliatory, but all exhibiting evident respect for the pluck and fighting qualities of Western men.
Here is a sample copy of one that was addressed;
"TO THE BOYS OVER THE WAY."
"We are about to leave you, and our comfortable quarters to your tender mercies. If you should happen to pick up anything lying around here, I expect that you will want to keep it as a slight token of your regard, or send it home. How much better it would be for the 'liberty boys' if they would go home themselves and leave us poor rebels to enjoy freedom in their own way.
Company G, First Reg't Georgia Vol's."
"P.S. We are poor rebels and cannot offer a more valuable keepsake, but hope you will prize it from the spirit in which it was given.
Col. J. W. Ramsey, First Georgia Vol's."
"P.S. Go home, boys! Go home! We owe you no ill will further than result from your efforts to conquer the Freeman of the South. We will go home gladly when we have effectually defended our borders.
Company G."
Jackson's army that had started out on this raid from Winchester animated, no doubt, with high hopes of easily gobbling up an Illinois regiment, and cheered by the prospect of foraging among the
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quiet hills and valleys of "My Maryland" and the neighboring border of prosperous Pennsylvania, had been most grievously disappointed. He had gained absolutely nothing; but had lost seriously by battle and exposures, and certainly he had not won any renown, but instead had experienced the bitter mortification of having been held at bay with his entire army of 15,000 men for nearly a day at Bath, and for hours at different points by mere detachments from an Illinois regiment, who by delaying his progress have ample time for the Federal forces to concentrate their strength and turn him back empty-handed from the very threshold of Maryland and victory. This affair might have had a more sorrowful and tragic ending had Jackson fully understood the number of our troops and their disposition.
On January 3 his cavalry had captured several of our men, one of whom was taken before Jackson who questioned him closely about the number of the Union forces in his front. This man proved to be an able diplomat and was equal to the occasion. In reply to the question as to the number of troops, he stated (and it must have been believed) that we had on the Virginia side of the river between 6,000 and 7,000 men, and that before leaving camp that morning it was reported that General Bank's army had reached Williamsport on its way to reinforce Lander. It was possible, and could have been accomplished with comparative ease, for Jackson with his large force to have captured us all by making a vigorous push on January 3, but the cautious feeling of his way proved our salvation.
We recrossed the river, after having accomplished our mission, and went into quarters at the Old Tannery, most of our tents and garrison equipment having been lost for the want of transportation.
A hospital had been established by Surgeon Blake up in Pennsylvania, near the border, having found a suitable building that had served the purpose of a church or school house. The Doctor had located there at the time of the threatened bombardment of Hancock by Jackson, and it was not thought best to make any change as our stay at Hancock was very uncertain.
The Thirty-Ninth was pursuing a sort of independent existence, it not having been brigaded as yet. The brigade that was to have been organized by Ward H. Lamon and to which it was to have been assigned was never more heard of after reaching Williamsport.
We remained at Hancock until the evening of January 11, 1862, when orders were received to march to Cumberland, Maryland. The reason for this move was said to be that Jackson was after the military supplies stored at Romney, Virginia, and General Kelly had ordered the Thirty-Ninth, the Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania, and the 110th Pennsylvania Volunteers to make a forced march to the assistance of the force already there and that were to be concentrated at New Creek, Virginia.
In concluding this chapter I give room to General O. L. Mann's version of the skirmish and retreat from Bath, as follows:
"In the afternoon of January 3, 1862, Major Mann, who was stationed at Bath in command of three companies of the Thirty-Ninth, received a call from a very excited Negro who urged him 'In de name of de Lawd' to get out of the town at once. The African had traveled about ten miles on the road from Winchester and was overflowing with startling news. He said that General Jackson with his entire army was moving on Bath, and could not be more than five miles away. A scouting party had been out about seven miles on that road
37
"The Rebel Force"
in the morning and had returned without having seen the enemy. Major Mann took Captain Linton and sixty men, and after marching about four miles out met the advance of Jackson's army. Captain Linton deployed his men to the right of the road and Major Mann and Lieutenant Belcher of Company K, who were mounted, and two cavalry couriers kept the road. In a short time the men were briskly engaged by rebel cavalry and infantry. Seeing that they were largely outnumbered, Captain Linton retreated after a brisk skirmish and the loss of nine men taken prisoner.
"Major Mann was cut off from his road of retreat and was nearly made a prisoner by Ashby's cavalry, but the good running and jumping qualities of his young stallion helped him to gain shelter in the thick timber and finally to reach camp, bringing with him Lankinaw of Company D, who had been shot in the leg. (He was the first man in the Regiment to be wounded by the enemy.)
"Captain Woodruff of Company K, who had heard the firing from his position at Bath, had so disposed of his troops as to make the best defense possible. The rebels, however, did not follow up the retreat that night.
"It is now known that one of the men who had been captured (his name is forgotten) proved himself a most accomplished liar, for when taken before General Jackson, the interview is believed to have resulted much to our advantage. He assured the rebel chieftain that General Kelly had not over 5,000 men at Bath, but that he understood before leaving camp that General Banks was crossing his entire army at Sir John's Run and at Hancock, and was expected at Bath that evening. The man knew that he was dealing out large lumps of 'taffy' to the General, but that it was also a military 'necessity.' Jackson must have given some credence to these 'whoppers,' for he ordered a halt, and sending for his subordinates ordered them to camp in line of battle and be ready for action at any moment. Before midnight of the 3rd, two Pennsylvania regiments (the Eighty-Fourth and the 110th) arrived. Colonel Murray, commanding the Eighty-Fourth, by virtue of rank assumed the command, and on being advised of the state of affairs and the location of the enemy, deployed his troops to the north and east of the town, and an anxious night was passed with rain, sleet and snow. The following day was devoted to skirmishing until late in the afternoon, when the enemy, being doubtless convinced that the strength of the Union forces had been magnificently estimated by their prisoner, determined to surround our forces if possible. The position was naturally a strong one, and the two pieces of artillery operated by Lieutenant Muhlenburg did excellent service throughout the day in keeping the rebels in check. General Kelly, at Cumberland, had advised Colonel Murray early in the day that the Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry would reach us from the place by rail, bringing a fresh supply of ammunition, of which Major Mann's command was getting short. At sundown, no help reaching us, and the rebels developing great strength, Colonel Murray ordered a retreat to Sir John's Run, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, distant about two miles, and where it was feasible to ford the Potomac River to the Maryland side. As they neared the station, the Thirteenth Indiana Volunteers, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Robert S. Foster, was met. A short council was held which resulted in an order to 'about face' and fight. After the first
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part of this order had been executed, Major Mann asked Colonel Foster for ammunition and was surprised to learn that the officer had but two rounds to his men, and had been told that he would get ammunition at Bath. This intelligence resulted in another 'about face,' for the Thirty-Ninth had but two rounds left, and the Pennsylvania regiments being armed with guns of a different caliber their supply was of no use. Colonel Foster at once ordered his men aboard the cars and returned to Cumberland, and the detachments of the Thirty-Ninth and the artillery forded the river. The two Pennsylvania regiments retreated down the railroad to Alpine Station, only to ford the river later on. After fording the Potomac, a part of Captain Woodruff's company (K) volunteered to remain there to protect the bridge and station. This they did most effectually, the enemy not being able to accomplish this vandalism under the fire of Company K's sharpshooters. The other companies proceeded on to Hancock."
The official report of Captain William B. Slaughter, who was in command of the companies at that point is here inserted. His report, dated January 6, 1862, says:
"The afternoon of Friday, the 3rd, I spent with a small part of my company, and Lieutenant Rudd, in a careful reconnaissance 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 distance could be seen 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 twenty-one men, under Lieutenant 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 Captain 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 company, and the detachment from Company E, under Lieutenant 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. Lieutenant Whipple, with thirty men, were posted at the bridge, and the balance of my force, except the detachment under Lieutenant Rudd, disposed on the bluffs, under command of Lieutenant Savage. Valuable service was rendered during the day by the detachment under Lieutenant 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 perceive their strength.
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"The Rebel Force"
"The column advancing against us consisted of three regiments of infantry and one piece of artillery. To check so large a force was a desperate undertaking for twenty-two 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 foremost files were within fifty yards, 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 descent the mountain. Lieutenant 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.
"Colonel Foster, with the Thirteenth Indiana, arrived on the ground at Big Cacapon about six 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 Thirteenth, as its retreat would have been effectually cut off. I am fully convinced that its salvation is due to the courage and skill of the detachment that occupied the mountain road.
"About seven p.m., we became aware of the fact that the enemy was 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 Thirteenth Indiana, being in the cars, was carried along. Our men, stationed at the bridge, under command of Lieutenant Whipple, could distinctly see the position of the enemy's gun. They answered 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 Lieutenant Savage, but they were handsomely 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 Colonel Foster, with the request that he would bring down his force and assume command. Before the messenger reached him, however, 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 therefore 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. Wilson, a distinguished and influential citizen of Morgan county, and surgeon in the rebel army."
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Captain E. C. Myers of Company K reminiscences:
"On the night of January 4 all of the troops had crossed the river by eight o'clock excepting the Pennsylvania regiment, which followed the railway to Alpine Station, and the last company to cross was Company K, of the Thirty-Ninth.
THE RETREAT FROM ALFINE STATION THE NIGHT OF JAN. 4. 1542. (F. om a Sketch made at the time by Dr. Clark.)
"Captain Woodruff and myself, I was then a Sergeant, lingered a little with the hope of securing a boat, as one or two had been in use ferrying over the sick and disabled. The idea of fording the river was not at all inviting that cold night. While waiting and watching for a boat I discovered quite a number of muskets lying around, perhaps a dozen or more, that had been purposely thrown away by some of the men before they took to the water. They were all loaded. I gathered them together and said to the Captain, who was becoming impatient and somewhat fearful of the enemy's approach, that we had the means for making a fair defense, even if we were attacked; and as the night was quite dark the enemy could not
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"The Rebel Force"
estimate our force, and by the rapid discharge of our dozen muskets they could be held in check, anyhow, until we crossed the river.
"Soon I saw a boat near the opposite shore with a man in it, and I called to him to come over; but he paid no attention whatever. I then aimed a gun at him and told him to bring that boat over or I would shoot. This proved a bad move on my part, for the man, doubtless thinking us to be rebels, left his boat and sprang up and over the canal bank for shelter. There was then no hope from that direction, and we had about concluded to ford the river when I saw a man in a boat coming across from another direction. He evidently had not seen us, and passed by, landing some yards below where we stood.
"It was now so dusky that we could not distinguish who or what the man was, whether a soldier or civilian, and did not much care, being more exercised about getting safely over the river with a dry skin than aught else. The man in the boat, after landing, drew it up on the shore and immediately started through the woods at a lively pace, as though he had some important business, and I have since thought that he was a spy.
"We immediately went to the boat and took possession, and after putting the muskets on board, started across the river. Landing safely, we found a portion of our men still there, and after disposing of the muskets we started for Hancock. On reaching the hotel after midnight, I sought a place to rest myself, and going upstairs entered a room which was occupied by Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, who was stretched out on the bed, boots and all, and with permission I laid down beside him, hoping for a little rest. The room we occupied had early in the evening been pierced by a six-pounder solid shot fired by the enemy, and in its passage had cut off the footboard. It was then occupied by the chaplain of the Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania regiment, who naturally got out, and it was owning to this circumstance that the Lieutenant-Colonel had secured the bed. The night passed quietly enough except for the noise made by the men down below, who were busy in drying their clothing and making a resting-place on tables, chairs, and floor."
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43
CHAPTER SIX
"Fight under any circumstances"
We moved out of Hancock at six p.m. ahead of the two Pennsylvania regiments. The night was cold, with some considerable snow on the ground. The distance to Cumberland was forty miles, our route lying over the mountains. The experience of the past two weeks had been amply sufficient to warrant us in drawing the conclusion that the funny and agreeable part of our soldier life had gone glimmering down the vista of time, and we saw little before us but hardship and peril. The boys stepped out gaily and briskly, singing, shouting and making merry for the first few miles, but the grade in the ascent of the first mountain soon subdued them into paying strict attention to the business in hand.
We had left behind all our sick and tender-footed with Surgeon Blake, who had been assigned to the charge of the hospital by Dr. Antisel, the Chief Medical Officer of William's Brigade that remained at Hancock.
Every few miles a halt was ordered for rest, but many men, instead of resting, took advantage of the occasion to forage for something to eat, and opportunities were not wanting, as the country was well settled by thrifty farmers whose larders must have suffered severely, judging from the amount of provender of all varieties and descriptions that found its way back and was distributed along the line. We reached Cumberland at four p.m. January 12, eight hours in advance of the Pennsylvania regiments which left Hancock at the same hour with ourselves.
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