USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Spencer > Historical sketches relating to Spencer, Mass., Volume III > Part 9
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We slept around our gun stacks for a time, expecting to have a good, long sleep, but at midnight a shower drove us away, and we sought shelter on a boat containing, as the next morning showed, wounded and skedaddlers.
I was up early, seeking intelligence of our company, hearing we had been the greatest sufferers of the regiment. About a hundred hospital tents were filled with sick and wounded, so I started out with the intention of visiting them, hoping to find some of our wounded. After looking and inquiring sonie time, I found two of our company, John Hermann and J. F. Harrington, and several others of the regiment, all slightly wounded, but not: one of them had had his wounds dressed by a surgeon ; all had
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ARMY LIFE
to be done by themselves. After trying, withi 110 effect, to prevaii upon them to go on board the sanitary commission boats, I left them to seek for others. I visited the landing and assisted in unloading a train of wounded. I found one of my old school- mates, with his shoulder dislocated. I told him I would find him a good place on the steamer, and he could go home. At this time, one of the two I had not long since left, repented, and wished to go hoine. I now had something to do to find a good berth for them on the boat. I bade them follow me. I told the surgeon in charge that I had a couple of wounded men who needed great care. He ordered me to the next boat alongside, where I would find good accommodations, and away we went. Notwithstanding hospital stewards and nurses forbidding our entering the cabin, I pushed forward and obtained a good mattress in a pleasant pait
Boys Get the Best There Is.
of the boat, where there was good ventilation. After seeing them comfortable, and my errand accomplished, I bade them God speed, hoping soon to see them again on duty. I might describe the scenes on board these boats, but I forbear ; it was too awful to picture.
At 10 o'clock we took the cars for Savage Station, where we. arrived about 3 p. m. A shower coming up, and the where -. abouts of our regiment being unknown, we concluded to stay here through the night. I had not long been here before I learned the fate of our company to be 10 killed and 29 wounded. Poor Sylvester Johnson was among the slain. He fell at tlie. last rally, and at the close of the battle. The order to retreat liad been given, and our men were slowly falling back, but continually pouring volley after volley into the blood-thirsty enemy. Here he fell dead, and his body lay to be ravaged by the enemy.
The next morning we hastened to camp, a couple of miles distant, having learned the direction. We had occasion to pass. Gen. Couch's tent, whereupon we were hailed by the general,. and said he : "Boys, where have you been?" We told him. " What regiment do you belong to?" "Tenth Massachusetts," was the reply. " You need to be proud of your gallant regi- ment, boys ; they did nobly in the late battle, but you will not find all your comrades there."
We passed mournfully along, and soon joined our shattered regiment. Thirty-nine had gone from our company. Captain Miller saw me coming and met me, bursting into tears. The shock was too great for me ; I was overpowered, and had to give
Saddest Hour of Life.
way to tears, also. This was the saddest hour of my life ; all around me were men weeping ; those men who four days before
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were immovable by shot or shell wept like children for the fallen. Brave men have tender hearts.
On May 31, 1862, part of our company was detailed on fatigue duty to build corduroy roads not far from camp. Gen. Casey occupied the front line ; our division was in reserve under Gen. Couch. About 1 p. m., as I was informed, rapid firing commenced on the picket line, and gradually increased. Gen. Casey's troops were soon out to meet the enemy, who were pour- ing in upon them. The distance between the picket line and Casey's camps being so short and the enemy having massed their troops before attacking the pickets, it was a surprise, and before Casey's troops were well disposed their lines were broken, and they fled in confusion, but not without desperate fighting, know- ing their camps were lost if they retreated. Our company was called from fatigue duty, line of battle formed, yet nothing at first was apprehended but a skirmish. All knapsacks were packed and piled. It soon became evident that a general engage- ment had commenced, and bloody work was in prospect. Our regiment marched to the front, near Casey's line, where it had dug rifle pits, which now were filled with water, but in it went to escape the shot and shell that were falling and bursting all around.
Soon the order "Forward !" came, and away it went to meet the enemy. Scarcely had it formed in the slashing when the enemy fell upon them in immense force ; then it received the order to "fall back as best possible." Two of our company were killed here, and several wounded. The regiment fell back to near the rifle pits, formed line of battle, and held the enemy in check, but, owing to their superior force, of necessity had to give way or be captured. Gen. Keyes at their head led them by the flank on a rise of ground, where his headquarters had been. Soon the enemy appeared again. After some hesitancy as to whether they were friend or foe, a rapid fire was commenced and continued until our gallant regiment was outflanked, and they rallied in their camp. Here they waited but a short time for the enemy, when again the battle raged with redoubled fury.
Our boys now had a two-fold purpose at stake : to fight for all their personal property and for victory. It was here they fought long and well, as the dead and wounded afterward showed. But, one to ten, the bravest could not long endure, so, for the third time, we were compelled to fall back. No reinforcements : How much longer can a battalion keep in check an army so brave as their foes ? A few hours will bring destruction to part of our army if no aid is rendered. Our troops have been driven two miles, and camps occupied. The fourth time the regiment rallies and the men fight like devils, until the enemy is baffled, and
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night saved us. Reinforcements came at night, so what remained of the regiment fell back a mile, not to rest, but to mourn over
More Than Half the Company Killed or Wounded.
the lost. More than half of our company fell, killed or wounded. No blankets, no knapsacks, nothing to eat ; all lost, and in the hands of the enemy.
Who can picture such a scene of mental and physical suffer- ing, after five hours of the bloodiest fighting, in mud and water waist deep, then to fall back, worn out and hungry, to lie down on the wet ground in the cold night air without a covering. Will any one hesitate to feel proud of such men, who endure all this without a murmur ?
Who would not rather die upon such a battle-field than to waste a life in indolence? Many do not appreciate the honors of the fallen brave as well as a soldier. The necessity of the life makes. us hardened, and we pass, almost unnoticed, scenes that once would strike terror to our very hearts. It is not because we are hardened against all purity, sincerity, devotion or affection ; it is not because we men, together, care nothing for another's life. Military discipline demands every one to be self-reliant and dependent upon himself for every word, act, and deed ; each is a complete and responsible machine. Soldiers are true under good discipline. We have men here whom I know will stand by under any circumstances while a drop of their best blood lasts. All the finer feelings and admirations of youth will not be lost with the service ; they are hidden ; experience is purifying them, and preparing us better to be men and to love and enjoy the blessings of this world as it was designed for man. But to the battle-field.
Only a few of the wounded could be brought away the first night, as the enemy occupied the battle-field. Reinforcements hurried along during the night. The next morning Gen. Sickles with his brigade charged upon the enemy with a yell and drove them back with great slaughter. In some instances the enemy
Bayonetted to Trees.
were pierced to trees with the bayonets of our troops, so hotly were they pursued. I saw one man myself who had received a sabre-bayonet through his body.
Every company, when possible, seeks their own dead and wounded, so our boys, the day after the battle, went in search of the dead and wounded. All but one was found that day, and he was the one I have spoken of finding at the cars at White House landing. The enemy was so recently driven from the ground that no burying parties were sent out that day. Monday every- thing was quiet, both armies burying their dead. Six of our
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SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY.
company were laid in one grave-three sergeants and three privates. They all fell within a space of thirty feet, dying with- out a struggle. No blankets to cover some of them, and nothing but a cap or a few leaves to cover their faces. They were covered with earth, never more to be seen by inan.
I lingered long around that grave. Comrade Sylvester Johnson was buried there. Many a time I examined the spot where he fell, for it was yet red with his blood. His pockets had been emptied, it was evident, for near by I found part of a well- known picture case. He was shot through the head. He strug- gled through every rally and check of the enemy, and after the order to " fall back" had been given, he, almost the last to give way, at the last moment of the battle, fell dead. His remains in three weeks afterwards were taken up. Fortunately he was laid on the outside, making it much easier to move the body. I was there, and though tedious the task, I was glad to undertake it, knowing it would be a consolation to his brothers and sisters to have his remains deposited in his native town. One of the selectmen of Greenwich came and took charge of the body. I took a farewell look at him after laying him in the coffin ; he whom I had daily been associated with for a year, who had talked of the future and its bright prospects, the happy times in store for him when he returned to his home and fireside ; but there he lay a mouldering mass ; no features discernible ; his hair and teeth alone to identify him. Farewell, dear Sylvester ; cherished as a brother by me. I will mourn my loss of a true soldier and hero. Thy example shall be my motto : to faithfully and honestly fulfil every duty to the greatest sacrifice.
The dead were buried two days before I joined the regiment, but I learned all particulars from the boys.
We threw up another line of breastworks and rifle pits, and camped near them. Gen. Keyes, a week after the battle, came riding along, and inquired what regiment lay there. "Tenth
The Brave Tenth.
Massachusetts," was the reply. Says he: "That is the very regiment I came to see." After inquiring for the general health, spirit and comfort of the men, he continued : " I came on purpose to see you ; at the battle last Saturday you saved the left wing of the army. Great praise and honor is due you, and I will see that justice is done you in the report."
Every morning we turned out at 3 o'clock and stood in line until day break, to prevent a surprise if the enemy made an attack. Nothing occurred of great note until June 26, when Jackson fell upon our right wing. Two days before heavy firing and quite a fight took place in front of the old battle-fields. I
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was left to draw rations, so did not march with the regiment, but afterward went in search, hoping to join them. Not being suc- cessful, I remained in the rear of a battery, the 2d New Jersey, and witnessed a grand display of artillery firing. Occasionally a shell would go whizzing near us, but all were safe. On the left of the battery volley after volley of musketry was heard, and the smoke could be seen curling above the tops of the trees ; an engagement had commenced. A mass of troops came out of the woods, fell back two or three hundred yards, formed in line of battle, and marched forward to meet the enemy. Reinforcements were coming up on the double quick, lines of battle formed, and in turn marched toward the woods. Soon firing commenced, and in they dashed ; in a moment thousands of rifles were hurling deadly messengers through the ranks of the enemy, who were speedily driven back, and the firing soon ceased, our troops hold- ing the ground.
Our regiment was in front, but to the right of the battery, so it did not share in the slaughter. It was a fearful night on picket duty without blanket or fire. Every man had to keep awake and on the lookout, for the enemy in front could be dis- tinctly heard and giving orders. Knapp accidentally shot his hand that night. The next day I went with some meat and coffee for the boys, but going too near the enemy's sharpshooters the place was uncomfortable while the bullets were whizzing around me. You may believe I took my coffee and scattered.
Such Cannonading.
The next day such a cannonading I never heard. It was like volleys of rapid musketry ; it was a continuous roar of call- non for half a day without cessation.
Friday, the 27th, we had orders to march at 2 p. m. All was destroyed that we could not carry. At the time appointed we marched toward Savage Station, stacked arms, and awaited orders. At dusk they came. After crossing the railroad above the depot, we hurried along as fast as possible until about eleven o'clock. The firing in front had not ceased. High in the air the shells were bursting, casting their lurid and blazing fire through the heavens. After halting and forming into line, we deployed as skirmishers to prevent all passing to the rear. For an hour we performed this duty, when all became quiet, and we had a chance to sleep an hour, when the order came : "Fall in imme- diately ! " And away we went, retracing our steps of the first part of the night, reaching the station at day-break. We hurried along, without stopping a moment, until we reached White Oak creek, when we made coffee, and then marched three or four miles farther, where our company had to go on picket duty, but
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were relieved at night. After drinking freely of coffee and eating a few hardtacks, I was refreshed, slept, and the next morning was ready for any fate.
At 10 a. m. picket firing was heard in front, so we hastily fell in and moved into the road in readiness. The firing grew more rapid ; a six-pounder opened, gave them a few shells, and all was quiet. About two hundred rebel cavalry fell upon our pickets, and were mistaken as to our numbers. They left fifty empty saddles and as many prisoners.
At 4 p. m., with ten hardtacks, a little coffee, and canteen of water, we took up the march in a southerly direction, seem- ingly taking every cart-path and the worst roads to be found. At dark we turned into the fields and rested for an hour or two. We were ordered to lie down and not speak aloud, as if an enemy were near. It seemed strange to all; many, in consequence, were somewhat frightened. I alinost came to the conclusion we: were laying in ambush for the enemy, but soon the order passed along in a whisper, "Fall in," and we continued our march through the woods until daylight. That was the hardest night's.
Hardest March of the Campaign.
work I ever experienced ; for twelve hours our knapsacks were not taken off. Through woods so dark it was impossible to see three feet in any direction, and the roads very muddy, such a vast column moving over them with artillery, made it very slow trav- eling, frequently not going half a mile in an hour. After mid- night at every stop, if not for more than two or three minutes, the whole column would sink to the ground without regard to mud or water. Here it was that many slept while marching. At any halt they would sink and rise with the mass, and for a time move on unconsciously. One of our company told ine that he marched the latter part of the night asleep.
That night, crossing White Oak swamp, I cannot picture it , the march was so long, dismal and dreary. How anxiously we looked for the first dawn of day, and how gladly we hailed its. first beaming rays. At sunrise we passed through the woods and entered a wheat field, covering almost a square mile, ready for the sickle. It was shoulder high, and thick with weeds and clover. We marched through it and stacked arms, threw off our knapsacks, spread our rubber blankets, slept two or three hours. and felt refreshed. This was Haxall's landing, on the James river. After going to its bank and refreshing in its waters, I returned to the regiment to rest. Eating was out of the question. I had nothing my appetite craved.
This was June 30, and one of the hottest. The sun poured its scorching rays on our weak and exhausted bodies, but we had
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patiently to endure it without even a leaf for a shelter. At 2 p. 111. we took arms and moved toward the woods, expecting to camp for the night and rest, but how we were disappointed. It was the forerunner of a blocdy battle. After marching into the edges of the woods we left our knapsacks and started double quick to the front. Away we went as fast as possible, for two or three miles, when I gave out and sank exhausted. My afflicted side could not endure more. I was compelled to give up and the reg- iment was soon out of sight. While resting I was joined by two or three from our company. Night was fast approaching and we could not find the regiment so we returned to the knap- sacks. The next day was the battle of Malvern Hill.
Fight Like Devils, But No Credit Given.
Our division (then Couch's) took the most prominent part and no credit has ever been given them in official reports. Our regiment was very active and did good fighting, every man fir- ing sixty rounds. The enemy made a desperate charge to turn our flank but met with repulse and bloody slaughter. The po- sition of a battery in rear of our regiment made sad havoc with our own men. While firing grape and canister several were killed and a lieutenant lost an arm. Major Miller was in com- mand of the regiment and towards the last of the battle was wounded in the neck by a sharpshooter. He was taken prisoner with several of our company's wounded and conveyed to Rich- mond in an army wagon, where he died two weeks after.
We lost the best man in the regiment when Major Miller fell. He it was that led the regiment into battle at Fair Oaks, after Col. Briggs was wounded and rallied them so many times. He was a father to all, and one of the bravest men that ever fell on a battlefield. We had eleven wounded in our company, only one of whom died and he in Richmond, a prisoner at the time. He was shot through the mouth and, unable to take nourish- ment, starved to death. Lieut. Shurtleff, in command of our company, (now Capt. ) was wounded in the breast and fell, but. his mighty strength and spirit sustained him for a time. Not daunted by his wound he remained long with his company and not until urged did he reluctantly leave the field.
Who could hesitate to fight with such a leader? I wish we had more such men. Tomorrow, the 15th, we expect to march and perhaps before many days we may go into action with Capt. Shurtleff at our head and I trust we shall give a good account of Company H. We claim the best of fighting stock and intend while there is honor in doing duty, to strictly perform every task.
But to Malvern Hill. The enemy inade a desperate effort to break our lines that day, but our position was too well chosen
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SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY
and the disposition of our troops too well made to be broken. The enemy came out of the woods in three lines and advanced ; but scarcely had they taken their position when shot, shell, grape, canister and bullets fell among them like rain, breaking their lines and throwing them into confusion. Several times broken, as many times they rallied. At last to make one grand effort they formed in four ranks, four lines of battle extending over a mile in length. A frightful struggle commenced. The enemy charged on our right; after a severe contest they are cut to pieces, leaving a stand of colors in front of our regiment which were taken by the 36th N. Y. On our center the battle raged and the enemy advanced, our fire increased and the enemy wavered. Mighty gaps were made by shot and shell but were quickly closed and continued to approach the mouths of our rifles and cannon until their front line gives way, apparently melting. The second shares a similar fate. The third disor- dered by loss and confusion of the others, breaks and runs and so with the fourth, leaving their dead and wounded on the field.
Shells Save the Day.
The enemy tried again to rally but our gunboats were throwing one hundred and two hundred pound shells among them, render- ing all hopes of making another attack in vain. So closed one of the bloodiest battles of the war.
After the battle the regiment fell back and early next morn- ing returned to their knapsacks, filled their haversacks with hard bread and a little coffee and took up the march towards Harri- son's Landing. We had scarcely started when it commenced to rain. The mud in an hour was knee deep. The roads were filled with artillery and wagons, the troops marching as best they could on the sides of the road and in the woods. Hundreds of wounded were making their way to the landing. The ambu- lances were filled and many had to walk or be captured. Poor consolation to a wounded man but worth striving for.
I saw one man on horseback, with his leg badly shattered scarcely able to ride, but determined not to beleft. Capt. Shurt- leff made the tedious journey to the landing where he went on board the asnitary commission boat. The army halted at Har- rison's Landing in a wheat field of several hundred acres. In a few hours it was a vast waste and mud hole.
Two days after we advanced two miles, took our position and threw up breastworks. Fatigue duty commenced in earnest. Building forts, redoubts and cutting timber occupied a month, then came digging wells forty feet deep and fitting camp to our comfort. As soon as everything was completed for our comfort, orders came for its evacuation. After packing for the march,
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we had an amusing time making effigies for the benefit of the enemy when they came. Some were dressed in military style
Effigies Deceive the Rebel.
with knapsack and musket and posted on the breastworks as a sentinel. Others were mounted on old horses left to die. Wooden cannon mounted with straw artillerists to man them, some swinging to trees by their necks, a hint to Jeff and his leaders. So many of these were placed along the lines they had an effect in keeping back the enemy. Saturday morning, August 16, we left Harrison's Landing and halted five miles below, near Charles City court house. The next morning we started early and made the longest march since we have been in the service ; having previously shipped our knapsacks on transports we were prepared to make a rapid march. We travelled about twenty- eight miles and as the sun was going down we crossed the Chick- ahominy at its mouth over a pontoon bridge 2000 feet long, and halted for the night.
We were now safe from any attack from the enemy. The enemy were held in check by our cavalry at Malvern Hill until Sunday morning when they fell back within the fortifications at Harrison's Landing and prepared for battle. The enemy rapidly followed their retreat, forming line of battle in front of the breastwork, as for an attack. It being nearly night, our wooden guns and straw sentinels were an anxiety to them, who thought we had a large force waiting for them, so they remained in line until night closed the scene, when our cavalry withdrew and left them alone in their glory and monarchs of all they sur- veyed. The next morning they had a clear road to the Chicka- hominy, our cavalry having crossed at two A. M. They came in sight during the day but remembering the shells thrown from our gunboats at Malvern Hill they preferred to keep the dis- tance good between them and the boats. A few lazy and some sick were left and taken prisoners. On the whole it was a grand affair, we saved everything and had plenty of provision.
The next day we marched through Williamsburg and halted midway between there and Yorktown. We were too much fatigued to travel farther until we had rested. All were suffer-
Suffering From Sore Feet.
ring terribly withi sore feet and lameness. The dryness of the roads, the oppressive heat and scarcity of water caused much suffering.
Wednesday, the 20th, we passed through Yorktown and halted 611 the bank of the York river in a beautiful place for rest and amusement. A good place for fishing, foraging and bathing.
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SKETCHES OF SPENCER HISTORY
It became evident we were about to leave the peninsula, so what we could find we claimed and confiscated, not wishing to leave a straw that would benefit the enemy. The country was scoured for miles and well drained of potatoes, fruits, fowls, pigs and beef. Many needlessly destroyed property and cattle. When I say cattle were killed in the yard of the owner and the liver and heart only taken, I tell the truth. It was cruel so to do, but the owners were enemies, so it was done to show their anger and feelings towards them.
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