USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Spencer > Historical sketches relating to Spencer, Mass., Volume III > Part 10
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For nine days we fished, foraged, rambled about, tore down the rebel works at Yorktown and then embarked for Alexandria where we arrived Sept. 1st. The regiment at once marched to- ward Centreville to aid Mcclellan in checking the enemy after Pope's defeat. After hurrying through a severe rain for nine miles their orders were countermanded and next morning they reached Chain Bridge. Here provisions were plentiful, so the boys had all they wished. I was left with the baggage witlı one from every company in the regiment. I visited the 34th, who were encamped a couple of miles from the dock, where I was stationed. It was here I heard the fate of Lieut. Fred Bemis.
On the afternoon of the 4th we went on board a steamer with all our baggage bound for Georgetown, where we occupied a coal shed as our headquarters. I spent two weeks rambling about Georgetown and Washington enjoying myself as well as. one could in a ragged uniform. I went to church two Sundays in my rags, made so by active and toilsome service. The
How Lovely is Zion.
preaching was pleasing and brought to mind the many Sabbaths spent in church in our quiet little town. I reflected on the past year ; no church had I entered, scarcely had I been under a roof, scarcely a prayer had I heard. The voices of the choir were. like those in our church. The sermon was similar. The same happiness seemed to dwell there as I was wont to share, but now alone I occupy a rear seat in a rusty uniform while surrounded by pride and the height of fashion.
It made me feel sad to think I had friends at church listen- ing to the same kind of preaching and singing, while I was alone, no one to converse with, or to even hear a word of kind- ness for the suffering soldier. I could bear all for I had long learned to look well to myself, then I should better bear the ills and trials of this world.
On the 12th we moved to Georgetown Heights and re- mained until the 17th, then started for the regiment which was in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry and after the enemy. For two weeks I had not heard of their movements and do not know fully, so I cannot describe the route they took after crossing
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into Maryland and their marches to Harper's Ferry. It was at- tended with great fatigue, but owing to the abundance of fruit and potatoes, they fared better than during any other course of inarches.
Leaving Georgetown Heights the day of the battle of Antie- tam we made rapid marches through Tenallytown, Darnestown, Adamstown, Jefferson and Sharpsburg, halting only at night, making in three days a distance of between sixty and seventy iniles, On Sunday I visited the battlefield of Antietam. It was then the fourth day after the battle and hundreds were yet tin- buried. Graves were dug large enough for a hundred bodies. The mangled and decaying corpses were dragged in and cov- ered with earth ; it was a shocking sight never to be forgotten.
Can't Describe Antietam Battlefields.
To describe the battlefield as I saw it would be too sickening so I forbear. Our regiment was in camp near Williamsport, six miles from Sharpsburg, where we found them next day, after be- ing separated over three weeks. The company had received twenty-two recruits, who joined the company at the battle of Antietam, but fortunately were not engaged. Our division had been sent to the support of Harper's Ferry but were too late; it had been surrendered.
A great portion of the rebel army recrossed at Williams- port. General Couch was rapidly pursuing their flying col- umus in hopes to cut them off, but their numbers were too great and prepared in long lines of battle for an attack. Our forces were compelled to withdraw and by a skillful maneuvering of cavalry General Couch saved his men from a hard battle if not defeat. Our division marched in line to meet the enemy but 011 approaching their lines were found to be too powerful; our in fantry fell back into the woods, our cavalry took the front in
Swinging Around the Circle to Some Purpose.
sight of the enemy and kept marching in a circle and every time the color bearer came round he carried a different flag, thus making the enemy believe we had a great force of cavalry. At this time our infantry had fallen back a mile. Parties were sent out by General Couch to kindle fires in the woods opposite the enemy, making them believe our forces were bivouacked for the night
After it had been dark some time and the fires burning brightly the enemy commenced shelling the woods and kept up a brisk fire for two hours. They were nicely sold, for not a soul was in the vicinity. The enemy recrossed during the niglit into Virginia. From Williamsport we marched to Downsville, six miles, where we encamped until the 14th of October,
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suddenly, under light marching orders, we started at five P. M. passing through Downsville, Williamsport and Clear Springs, halting in a cornfield at one A. M. The corn and stalks were cut together and bound in large bundles. With these we made beds which though hard gave us a little rest during the cold night. Next morning at seven A. M. we took up the march and halted at Hancock, a distance of fifteen miles from Clear Springs and thirty from Downsville. Hancock is a thriving town on the upper Potomac and only a few miles from Pennsylvania line.
Our corps was sent to prevent an anticipated flank move- ment of the enemy. Our line at that time from Washington to Hancock was a hundred and twenty miles, with every ford and position strongly guarded. The canal, river and railroad run parallel for many miles. We suffered here with the cold nights. At midnight of the third night we took up the march and halted about sunrise at Cherry Run, eight miles below. Here we had a romantic camp in a deep and narrow ravine, with its mighty and steep banks and overhanging trees. The rocky bed of a once turbulent stream and the tall pines and drooping cedars gave
Camped In a Charming Ravine.
it a wild yet charming appearance. Pickets were sent across the river, who fared sumptuously on the fat of the land but did not see a Reb.
Our stay here was six days, when we marched to Williams- port and camped in a nice grove of oak and walnut timber two days, then marched to Downsville to our old camp where we hoped to spend a few days in quietude, but only to be disap- pointed, for on the second morning at seven we were on the road to Auroraville, twelve miles, where we spent the night. Turned out at half past two next morning, got breakfast (hard tack , pork and coffee) and started with daylight, halting at Berlin, a town on the Potomac, six miles below Harper's Ferry. On the morning of Nov. 3d, we crossed the river on pontoons and halted after marching seven miles. Tuesday we marched twelve miles to Unionville and encamped on the ground where General Stuart and Pleasanton's cavalry, a few days previously, had a severe engagement. In two days more reached White Plains and obtained some good mutton for supper.
Through all our marches in Maryland and Virginia we had been unable to get much fresh meat and now a good chance offered and a good moon. A flock of many hundred sheep was near and you may believe me when I say a hundred of them had the wool pulled over their eyes by our regiment before morning. All the next day mutton came in and was speedily cooked. Everything was filled with mutton, so were our stomachs.
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When the sheep became scarce and wild, rendering neither mutton nor sport for the adventurer the chase was abandoned and we marched to New Baltimore.
During our stay General Mcclellan was superseded by Burnside and made his farewell visit to his troops. Nov. 18 we; reached Stafford Court House, having marched thirty-six miles in three days over stony roads, with little rest, carrying a heavy knapsack and short of provisions.
We camped in a nice field but rain the next night drove me- out of my tent, wetting my blankets and everything through. A.s. the water ran down the incline each in turn had to prevent its course from being calamitous to his dry goods, consequently deep ditches were dug and the water ran to those below, then came- their turn to change its course and so it was through the regi- ment. Many of the indolent and slothful had wet blankets and
Sleep In a Mud-Hole.
knapsacks in consequence. It was a perfect mud hole for several days so the regiment moved to higher ground. Wood and water were plentiful and good. For the first time in three weeks we had a good rest, plenty of provisions and a good chance to breathe freely, knowing a few days and perhaps weeks, would find us quietly encamped at Stafford.
We knew not why the delay, it seemed strange to us, with such favorable weather and nothing that we could see to hinder, but after the Fredericksburg disaster soon we learned. Dec. 5th we marched, crossing the railroad at Brooks Station and halting near Belle Plain, on Smoke Hill, so named by the boys from the- quantity of smoke always rising from the camp fires. The wood was pine, the poorest kind of wood to burn green. Being cold, large fires were needed but often more smoke than fire was ob- tained, hence the appellation bestowed on the hill. Our division soon cleared the wood as far as we encamped, it was time to move and on the 11th we started before daylight toward the Rappahannock, five miles away.
As soon as the day dawned heavy firing commenced on the right and increased with the day. At ten we were under the siege guns shelling the city. Here we lay watching and wondering what was to be done, until the sun was setting, when the order "Fall in," rapidly passed through the division. In five minutes we were moving toward the river, where two pontoon bridges had just been laid. In as many more, we were descending its bank, when a volley from rebel sharpshooters was fired into our regiment. At the very instant a brass battery opened over our heads upon them; such splendid shots I think never before were. made.
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'Twas beautifully grand to see the shells burst directly over the enemy, who would fall on their faces at the instant, then run and so escaped. During the shelling the 2d R. I. crossed in double quick on the lower bridge, deploying as skirmishers as soon as they reached the opposite bank. We crossed on the upper bridge, supporting them. They did nobly; driving the enemy before them in splendid style. I never so expected a figlit or felt more like it, but the day was gone and almost dark so the Rebs retired firing a few volleys over our heads. We advanced in line nearly half a mile with the pickets in front and remained through the night. It was a bitter cold night without any fires and we kept awake most all night on watch.
A Jolly Feast.
Retiring a few rods and stacking arms we found ourselves in a peach orchard with several buildings nearby. A guard was placed to protect the property that an hour before concealed the enemy who fired upon us, killing one and wounding several. The guard not seeing the protection of rebel property in that light slyly invited their comrades in and had a jolly feast, such as had never been my luck before to enjoy in the service. I was among the first to sweeten my mouth with preserves and jellies. When I went in I found some drinking eggs, eating preserves, jellies, pickled peaches, apples, in fact all the good things a com- fortable family has. In the milk house, milk, flour, meal, potatoes and apples were found; everything was deserted that day, no anticipation of an attack being apprehended at that point. The shelling had made sad havoc with the buildings, furniture and bedding.
Shells had burst inside, scattering and breaking everything. One had burst in a feather bed scattering it in all directions. Several lay under the bed, some in the milk house. The trees in the orchard were shattered to pieces, showing how skillfully had our gunners accomplished their work, saving us many lives. From these houses the R. I. boys took four or five prisoners. After feasting on goodies and thinking of the morrow and my comrades I retired with what I wanted and what I could carry.
Preparing for Advance.
At daylight next morning our troops commenced crossing and before noon the whole army was across the river and slowly advancing to the enemy's works three miles in front. The dis- position of troops in line of battle, the crossing of artillery, am- munition and ambulances, fitting up hospitals preparatory to the impending battle, occupied the whole of Friday the 14th. On our right the troops had been equally active butmore unfortunate
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in crossing the river as you have read. Saturday morning was very foggy. About ten the fog lifted and it was a lovely day. Soon on our right cannonading and musketry were distinctly heard. The fight had opened; it increased, the firing extended to our left, the great battle had commenced ; the roar of artillery mingled with the rapid crack of rifles became fearful and raged along the lines for hours.
We knew not of the progress for we remained where we crossed until between three and four P. M., when we marched to the left. Soon we began to see the wounded coming in ; our desti- nation was evident ; calmly we marched along curling a little when a shell would go whizzing over our heads or fall short in front of us. We passed the 12th Massachusetts just from battle, bloody and worn out. Our colonel called for three cheers but not a cheer went up for they once paid too dearly for it at Fair Oaks. That battle still was fresh in our minds. The Pennsylvania reserves had been driven back in disorder and with great loss and we were marching to the front; the enemy were secreted in the woods. We took our position in the rear of a battery, when the enemy opened upon it, keeping up for more than an hour a continuous shower of shot and shell. We lay on our faces and were com- paratively safe.
Recruit Shot by Mud.
The shells burst over us, in front and rear, but luckily only one man in the regiment was wounded. Scores of shot and shell fell within a hundred feet of us, scattering the mud and earth around. It was not a time for sport but I had to laugh to see one of our company (a recruit) lying a few feet from me, who had been struck in the neck with a piece of mud, jump up and run for his life crying, "I'm killed." He returned to his bundle of cornstalks when he found himself alive, turning his back to the enemy and getting as low into the ground as possible. He was not badly hurt but "somewhat demoralized" as the Zouave said.
We laid here until dark then fell back to the river for the night. Sunday we moved near the bridges, drew rations and held ourselves in readiness. The battle had been fought on our right, but we were not knowing to the fact. Rumors reached us of our great loss and ill success. We placed no reliance on the reports and believed the battle yet to come and the enemy driven from his stronghold. Monday before daylight we moved to the front to support General Carr whose command was on picket. We laid in the road half a mile from the enemy and in sight of their pickets. We were kept in suspense all day expecting to make an attack; but the day passed without our firing a shot. At
8
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one time during the afternoon the pickets (the rebs and ours) met, had a good chat, drank whiskey together then returned to their posts. So passed that day.
At night part of the company slept while the other kept watch. About 10 we were aroused to "fall in" rapidly and quietly without speaking aloud. Many a thought passed through my mind. Was it to be a night attack, move to the right or left, throw up earth works, or recross the river? All seemed resigned and ready for any fate and slowly and steadily moved with the mass. It was dark and the wind blowing from the enemy, en- abling us to withdraw unknown to them. Our course was to- wards the river, where we halted about one A. M., our brigade forming in line above the bridges covering the retreat of the left wing.
Saved From Slaughter Pen.
Between two and three o'clock all had crossed but our regi- ment, then we passed swiftly over and the pontoons were taken up. As soon as the opposite side of the river was reached we breathed freely and considered ourselves saved from the greatest slaughter pen that ever man was led into. The enemy had com- mand of the whole plain we occupied and could have swept us at once from its soil, but they had a better purpose, by waiting un- til our trains and provisions had crossed, then they intended to fall upon us and sweep us into the river, destroying our army and capturing our trains and ammunition. This was their plan as prisoners have told us. Tuesday was the time they intended to open upon us, but we were not there, saving them ammunition and the trouble of wiping out the Yankees.
After crossing the river and marching half a mile, we halted in a nice field to remain through the night, but as it commenced to rain we must be in it, so we took up the march for a mile and turned into the brush and wood. The ground was too wet to lie down so we sat on our knapsacks, covered our heads with rubber blankets and slept till daylight. When a man can sit in the rain and sleep he must be fatigued. The next day we built large fires, dried our clothes and blankets, drank a ration of whiskey (sixteen men to a quart) fried some hard tack, drank some coffee, had a sleep and felt all right, just like an old team horse, ready for the next day's work.
After remaining here three days we went on picket twenty- four hours, then marched to the camp we now occupy, three miles from Falmouth and two from the river. When we entered the woods they were so dense it was almost impossible to form a line, but now every tree for nearly a mile has been cut down and burned.
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Our position for camp is good, water near, but wood 110w is scarce. We have to carry it a mile on our shoulders, which is not agreeable. Sonie of the boys can carry as much as a mule ; they think it is a hard way to defeat the rebels carrying wood, still it is better than all figlit. We soon began to live better after reaching here and General Hooker assuming command. Ovens were built to bake bread, onions, potatoes, beets and turnips issued and furloughs granted.
I must tell about Burnside's inud campaign. On Jan. 20th we packed everything, burned our houses, received twenty extra rounds of cartridges, formed square, heard an appeal from Gen- real Burnside read, stating "we were once more about to meet the enemy and hope for and have no doubt of success in the under- taking, etc." At twelve M. we marched towards the railroad, crossed at Stoneman's switch above Falmouth and following the course of the river but out of sight of the enemy. After march- ing eight miles we halted in an oak woods for the night. We had just got our tents pitched and a bed of leaves made when it commenced to rain, continuing all night. The next morning be- tween three and four we were called out to get breakfast and move at daylight, which we did, seeing at once the impossiblity of moving such an army, for already the roads were impassable for trains and artillery. We had not gone a mile before artillery and pontoons were stuck fast; some turned over and deserted. As we continued our march the scene was worse. The road was blocked with wagons and pontoons and impossible to get them out. On the right in a field where a battery had encamped for the night the pieces had sunk into the mud. Some of them could not be moved and so it was the second day and not much rain had fallen.
We turned into a pine woods, made fires, put up our tents, expecting to bivouac for the night but no such good thing for a soldier. When it rains he must pack up and march and so did we, climbing a hill so high that General Burnside, I suppose, thought we should not get drowned out. We stayed here two days and it rained nearly all the time. The enemy were not asleep while we were in the mud. At the first appearance of our troops a farmer on the other side of the river was seen moving manure from his barn and spreading it on a field. Soon after- wards commenced plowing as if intending to sow or plant. The next morning where he had been plowing a long line of rife pits had been thrown up. A good trick, his plowing saved them nearly one-half the labor and considerable time. The morning we left the rebels had up a sign on the bank of the river with the inscription "Burnside stuck in the mud."
Friday morning, the 24th, we were ordered to return to camp, assisting a battery through the inud. After tugging and
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toiling until between three and four P. M. we reached our old camp to find our bunks wet with recent rains, chimnies burned down, no wood, nothing to eat and nothing but the wet ground to sleep on. After starting a fire and making some coffee, put- ting up our tents, changing my wet shoes and stockings, I was refreshed and after a good night's sleep I arose all right, not a particle worse for the seige through which I had passed.
Since that time we have been very comfortable, plenty to eat, such as fresh beef, bread, potatoes, onions, beans, rice, beets, turnips, pork, coffee, tea, sugar and syrup. All are in good health and spirits though not spoiling for a fight. Last week we were reviewed nearly every day, Wednesday by the Presi- dent. Four corps were on the field estimated at 80,000. It was a grand sight and a lovely day, but I have not time to continue my story. I have been compelled to write evenings so have been hurried and had to pass over many things worth mention- ing. We are under marching orders to move tomorrow (15th) but in what direction I cannot say. The army is on the move and something is about to be done. Let it come quickly ; so the war will be settled.
It has commenced raining while I am writing but whether we shall have a Hooker mud campaign remains to be seen. We have pack mules to carry ammunition, forage, provisions and officers' baggage in any emergency, so mud will not be so great a hindrance as before.
If I have written anything that will be interesting and pleasing I shall have accomplished my purpose. But as I have said, all has been written evenings and in great haste ; I hope you will consider all defects in your perusal.
Yours Truly,
SOLOMON K. HINDLEY.
Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 14, 1863.
INDIVIDUAL WAR RECORDS.
The individual war records of soldiers and sailors who served Spencer during the Civil War have been compiled with great care from state records at adjutant general's office, Boston, from "Massachusetts Volunteers" by General Schouler, Adjutant General, from the large volume of personal war sketches pre- sented in 1890 to F. A. Stearns Post 37, G. A. R., by Hon. Erastus Jones, on file at the Public Library, from regimental books, from contributions by Maj. Wm. T. Harlow and others, from Luther Hill's list of soldiers and sailors printed in Spencer Town Reports for 1865-6, from record book of Post 37, G. A. R., from letters, discharge papers, company rosters, memories of the living, cemetery inscriptions and other reliable sources.
Nation's Debt to the Men Who Saved the Union.
" No otlier citizens deserve so well of the Republic as the veterans, the survivors of those who saved the Union. They did the one deed which if left undone would have meant that all else in our history went for nothing But for their steadfast prowess in the greatest crisis of our history, all our annals would be meaningless, and our great experiment in popular freedom: and self-government a gloomy failure. Moreover, they not only left us a united Nation, but they left us also a heri- tage, the memory of the mighty deeds by which the Nation was kept united."- Theodore Roosevelt.
1 ABRAM, THOMAS. Shoemaker, was born at Dunham, Canada Fast, Dec. 24, 1837. Enlisted May 31, 1861 and entered service at Springfield, June 21, the same year, as a private in Co. K. 10th regiment Mass. Vols. He was discharged Dec. 12, 1862, at Newark, N. J. for disability. He participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill. The latter lie considered the most important battle in his service. About Aug. 1,1862, he was confined in the hospital at Blackwell's Island, New York. His most intimate comrades in the service were Patrick H. Kelly, Horace M. Prouty, Amasa B. Bullard and George H. Howard. After the war he resided some time at Westfield but finally removed to Spencer, where he died July 28, 1896 and was buried at Pine Grove cemetery.
2 ADAMS, HENRY FRANCIS. He was the son of Francis Adams Jr., was born in Spencer July 31, 1843 and was
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eighteen years old at his enlistment in the 21st regiment. After very good service with the 21st he was Oct. 25, 1862, tranferred at liis own request, most unwisely made, to the 2nd regiment, U. S. Cavalry. Though not of a very robust constitution he endured the service in the 21st very well. But in the cavalry he was subjected to very severe duty, long marches and frequent picket duty, in the cold and wet nights and days of the winter of 1862-3. Besides taking care of himself he had to take care of a horse. He soon completely broke down and went to a hospital, where his case appearing to be hopeless, he was per- mitted to go home to die. He languished and lingered, slowly dying of consumption till May 19, 1863, when he died at his father's house in Spencer. His grave at the Pine Grove ceme- tery is the only one of the graves of the nine men of the 21st, who lost their lives in the service that can be decorated by their Spencer comrades on Memorial day.
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