USA > Massachusetts > History of the Fifty-fourth regiment of Masachusetts volunteer infantry, 1863-1865 > Part 11
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Major Conyngham, Fifty-second Pennsylvania, with two hundred and fifty men from his regiment, the One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania, and the Third New Hampshire, made a boat reconnoissance of Sumter at night, November 19. Our expedition approached to within three hundred yards of the fort, was discovered, and after an engagement of fifteen minutes withdrew with three men wounded. In this affair a portion of Sumter's garrison acted badly, and three officers were censured. Capt. F. H. Harleston, First South Carolina Artillery, a most gallant and able officer, while examining the defences of the fort on November 24 was struck by a Parrott-shell, and died in a few hours.
Thanksgiving Day, November 26, by general orders, was observed by the suspension of all unnecessary labor. At 1.30 P. M. the Fifty-fourth formed with side-arms only, and marched to the beach in front of the Third Brigade head- quarters. There, with all the other troops on the island,
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they joined in religious services. It was a glorious day, well fitted for the thorough enjoyment of the feast and sports which followed. In response to a call of the " Black " Committee the friends of the regiment had con- tributed for Thanksgiving dinner many luxuries. From this source, the company funds, and the efforts of the officers and company cooks, a most abundant and unusual feast was provided. In the afternoon there was much amusement and sport indulged in by the men. . A greased pole some twenty feet high was erected, and at the top was suspended a pair of trousers the pockets of which con- tained $13. After four hours of ludicrously unsuccessful trials on the part of a number of men, Butler of Company K secured the " full pay " and the trousers. Wheelbarrow and sack races closed the games.
December came in, cold and rainy, for the winter weather had set in. The day, however, was a happy and memorable one, for news was received of General Grant's great victory at Missionary Ridge, and every fort fired a salute, causing spiteful replies from the enemy. A high wind prevailed on the 6th, and those who were upon the bluff or beach witnessed a terrible disaster to the fleet. At 2 P. M. the monitor "Weehawken," off the island, foundered, carrying to their death, imprisoned below, four officers and twenty- seven men.
There was much heavy weather about the first ten days of December. After it subsided, the beach of Morris Island was strewn with logs some thirty feet long and eighteen inches through, a number of which were bolted together with iron. Others were found floating with the tide. A wooden affair, some fifty by thirty feet, double planked, looking like a floating battery, was washed ashore
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on Folly Island about the same time. The enemy had been loosing a part of the harbor obstructions.
We were now firing an average of twenty shells each day into Charleston. The time of firing was purposely varied throughout the day and night, that the Confederates might not be prepared to reply. From " Mother Johnson," Simkins, and Moultrie we received an average of two hun- dred shots per day, most of which failed to strike our works. But few casualties were sustained, the warning cry of the lookouts sending all to cover.
Against Sumter our firing was light after November. But on December 11 some two hundred and twenty shots were hurled at that work. While we were firing slowly at 9.30 A. M., the southwest magazine there exploded. Tim- bers, bricks, and debris, as well as the flag, were shot up into the air, while below arose a black cloud of smoke which streamed out over the harbor. A fire broke out later. The garrison lost on this day eleven men killed and forty-one wounded.
By reference to his official correspondence, it is found that about the middle of December General Gillmore enter- tained the project of attacking Savannah, and then, with a portion of his force, operating in Florida. Ile thought that to move with the fleet against Charleston's inner de- fences, now bristling with guns, either by way of the Stono or Bull's Bay, he should be reinforced with ten thousand or twelve thousand men. He urged that the War Department adopt measures which would enable him to go to work at once.
Calls for fatigue were now lighter and better borne, for seventy-three conscripts arrived for the Fifty-fourth on November 28, and twenty-two recruits on December 4.
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Battalion and brigade drills were resumed. We were fur- nishing heavier details for grand guard, composed usually of several officers and two hundred and fifty men. They went out every third or fourth day during our further stay on the island. For the diversion of the officers the " Christy Minstrels " gave their first performance Decem- ber 5 in Dr. Bridgham's hospital tent, enlarged by a wall tent on one side. Songs were sung and jokes cracked in genuine minstrel style.
To carry out the provisions of the Act for the relief of the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry, Maj. James Sturgis, accompanied by Mr. E. W. Kinsley, a public-spirited citizen, arrived at our camp December 12. They had previously visited the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts, when Colonel Hartwell informed Major Sturgis that neither regiment would receive the relief. Upon meeting Colonel Hallowell the same information was given. At Major Sturgis's request the officers and first sergeants were then assembled, when the matter was freely discussed. Both gentlemen explained fully the purpose of the Governor and the legislation securing it. Some of the officers and non-commissioned officers replied by a recital of the rea- sons for refusal hereinbefore set forth. Finally the non- commissioned officers on behalf of the men positively re- fused the State aid. At their conclusion cheers were given for Governor Andrew, to whom they were grateful for the proffered help. The result of his unsuccessful mission was reported in writing by Major Sturgis to the Governor under date of December 13. In his report he says, -
" I deem it proper to say here, that among the many regi- ments that I saw at Hilton Head, St. Helena Island, Beaufort, Folly, and Morris Island, white and colored, there are none, to
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my inexperienced eye, that equalled the Fifty-fourth and Fifty- fifth, unless it was the Fortieth Massachusetts, while none surpassed them in any respect."
Late in the afternoon of December 17 the Fifty-fourth with all the troops was formed to see a deserter shot. The unfortunate man was Joseph Lane, a drafted soldier of the Third New Hampshire. On November 28 he started from Morris Island toward James. At last, despairing of crossing the water ways, he turned back to our lines, rep- resenting himself as a Rebel deserter. Taken to the post guard-house, he was recognized by some of his own com- pany, whereupon he was tried and sentenced to death. General Stevenson commanded the division, by reason of General Terry's illness. After forming, the column moved slowly up the beach followed by a wagon, in which, seated upon his coffin, rode Lane. When the troops halted, the wagon passed along the line to the lower beach. There the coffin was unloaded, the deserter knelt upon it, and at a signal, in full view of all the troops, the blindfolded man received the musket-shots of the firing party, falling for- ward on his face a quivering corpse.
Christmas day was cold and windy. The only note- worthy event in camp was the arrival of a mail. Besides fatigue parties a detail for grand guard of two hundred and fifty men went out under Captain Pope. Our rifles had sounded their fearful Christmas chimes by throwing shells into the city for three hours after one o'clock that morning. About 3 A. M. a fire broke out in Charleston which illumined the whole sky and destroyed twelve build- ings before it was subdued, the falling walls injuring many firemen. Chatfield joined Gregg in the bombardment directed upon the fire. The enemy opened rapidly for
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a time and then gradually ceased, but our guns continued to fire with more or less vigor all day. On their part the Confederates prepared a Christmas surprise for the gun- boat " Marblehead " lying in the Stono near Legareville. At 6 A. M. some pieces on Jolin's Island, brought there at night, opened on the gunboat, but were soon driven away with loss of men and guns.
New Year's Day being the first anniversary of the Eman- cipation Proclamation, the non-commissioned officers ar- ranged for a celebration. The men formed and proceeded to the parade-ground, where a dry-goods box covered with a rubber blanket was placed, to serve as a speaker's stand. Chaplain Harrison offered a prayer and then intro- duced the orator of the day, Sergeant Barquet of Com- pany H. Barquet was in high spirits, and began with the quotation, " What means this sea of upturned faces," etc. The speaker had hardly warmed up to his work, when in the midst of a most impassioned harangue the dry-goods box caved in, carrying him down. Barquet, in no way disconcerted, from the wreck shouted out the appro- priate but well-worn gag: "Gentlemen, I admire your principles, but damn your platform !" After the hilarity resulting from the discomfiture of the chief speaker had subsided, others addressed the meeting with more or less effect. In the evening the non-commissioned officers had a supper in the large tent used to cover quartermaster's stores. Among the good things provided were baked beans and Indian pudding.
From November 1 to January 8 the following changes took place among the officers, - Major Hooper was pro- moted lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. J. W. M. Appleton, major ; Lieutenant Grace, captain of Company A : Lieut.
1
CAPT. SAMUEL WILLARD (MANN). CAPT. WATSON W BRIDGE. CAPT. JOSEPH E. COUSENS.
CAPT. DAVID A. PARTRIDGE. CAPT. THOMAS L. APPLETON. CAPT. LEWIS REED.
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R. HI. L. Jewett, captain of Company K; and Lieutenant Hig- ginson, captain of Company H; Second Lieutenants David Reid, Emerson, and Tomlinson became first lieutenants ; Lieutenants A. W. Leonard, Lewis Reed, Alfred H. Knowles, Robert R. Newell, and Chas. M. Duren, newly appointed, reported. Captains Jones and Pope and Assistant-Surgeon Pease re-joined. Surgeon Stone went North, and was then appointed surgeon, United States Volunteers. Lieutenant Higginson was promoted while absent sick, and was after- ward transferred to the Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry as cap- tain. Lieutenant Johnston was discharged. A change in the line formation was necessary after these promotions, which was ordered as follows, Company D being on the left : -
OBAE H F K CGI
-
Greek fire was used from our " city guns " experimentally in twenty shells on January 3. Previous firings with this compound had not been satisfactory in result. The charges on this day seemed more effective, apparently causing a fire in Charleston. It is stated on Confederate authority that the whole number of our shells fired into the city from August 21 to January 5 was 472, of which twenty-eight fell short. They are said to have killed five persons. Our opening thereupon from Cumming's Point was the occasion of great dismay and confusion. A hegira to the country took place, by railroad and every kind of vehicle laden with household effects. Those who remained became somewhat accustomed to our shelling. The collection of old iron after each explosion was a regular business. Non-exploded shells were purchased by the authori- ties. From the " Battery " up to Wentworth Street, about
10
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the middle of the city, nearly all the houses had been penetrated.
Wagner having been thoroughly prepared for our pur- poses and armed, on the 12th a distinguished company assembled therein to witness the raising of the stars and stripes on the high flag-staff erected. Captain Strahan, Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, was made command- ant of the work. General Gillmore removed his head- quarters from Folly Island to Hilton Head about this time. General Terry was given command of the Northern District from Charleston to St. Helena. Col. W. W. H. Davis, One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania, assumed control of Morris Island. His force was composed of one colored brigade and two white brigades, besides artillerymen and engineers.
During the time the Fifty-fourth had served with white troops a few officers and men manifested their dislike to the black regiment in various ways. Sometimes white sentinels would pretend not to see the approach of our officers, to avoid rendering the proper salute. Occasionally officers in charge of armed parties failed to give the marching salute to similar parties of the Fifty-fourth. In all such cases reports were made of the discourtesy. The following in- stance of preference given white troops, when on joint duty with blacks, occurred. Captain Emilio, with two hundred and fifty men and several officers, reported for grand- guard duty, and as the first on the ground, was entitled to the right of all others. This position, despite protest, was denied him by Maj. Michael Schmitt, Independent New York Battalion. When the tour of duty was completed, a report was made of the affair and forwarded to post head- quarters. The discrimination did not occur again. By
S
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persistent and firm assertion of the rights of the men on the part of all the Fifty-fourth officers, a discontinuance of these and other discourtesies was at last obtained.
There arrived from Long Island, Mass., on the 20th, some one hundred and twelve recruits for the regiment, which served to fill the ranks nearly to the maximum. With a single exception they were all volunteers. By this date the Fifty-fourth was well elothed, fully equipped, and prepared for any service. The colder weather, although it brought some discomfort, served to lessen the number of sick. Food was better and more varied. Quartermaster Ritchie, assisted by Sergeant Barquet and Private King, secured bricks from the old lighthouse and constructed an oven which furnished soft bread. It had a capacity of two hundred loaves each baking.
Troops had been moving from various posts to Hilton Head during January, and on the 27th our brigade was ordered to embark as soon as transportation was provided. During the afternoon of the 28th everything but the tents was loaded upon two steamers assigned to the Fifty-fourth. As darkness fell, camp was struck ; but as the vessels could not leave until the next forenoon, the regiment through the early part of the night remained on shore, gathered about small camp-fires.
CHAPTER VIII.
OLUSTEE.
G Y ENERAL GILLMORE had resolved upon an expe- dition to Florida, which General Halleck approved, but remarked that such movements had little effect upon the progress of our arms. President Lincoln also desired to make Florida a loyal State. Gillmore's purposes were to secure an outlet for cotton, lumber, turpentine, and other products, cut off a source of the enemy's commissary sup- plies, obtain recruits for the colored regiments he was au- thorized to form, and to inaugurate measures to restore Florida to her allegiance.
In darkness, at 3 A. M., on January 29, Companies C, F, G, H, I, and K, embarked on the steamer "J. B. Collins," the remaining ones on the steamer " Monohansett." The departure took place at 10 A. M. It was not known that the regiment would ever return, so notwithstanding the uninviting aspect of the sandy island, its fading lines were scanned by all with mingled feelings of attachment and regret. Soon, however, the men began to chatter. Cheery voices exclaimed : " No more fatigue at the front !" " We'll have a rest from the sound of the guns !" "No more long- rolls," etc. Then they comfortably disposed themselves for the short voyage. Hilton Head was made at 3.45 P. M. by the " Monohansett," and at 7 P. M. by the " Collins," both vessels lying up at the pier. The companies on the former
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vessel landed at midnight, bivouacked in one of the streets, and early next morning marched a mile and a half to the Pope plantation outside the intrenchments, going into camp near the Second South Carolina and the Eighth United States Colored Troops, - the latter a new regi- ment from the North. Our other companies came to camp at 7 A. M. Tents were pitched on the 31st. A wood extended nearly to the camp, from which green boughs were brought for shelter and shade as well as fuel. All enjoyed the change of landscape, -green fields, trees, and herbage in place of the sand and sea wastes of Morris Island.
Around us troops were encamped or arriving daily. The Third United States Colored Troops joined on the 31st, uniting the brigade, which was enlarged by the assign- ment to it of the Eighth United States Colored Troops. Some fifty recruits for the Fifty-fourth came on Feb- ruary 1; but as the rolls were full, a provisional com- pany, "L," was formed, and placed in charge of Lieut. T. L. Appleton. Service with the Fifty-fourth was eagerly sought for, and it was seen by Colonel Hallowell that several additional companies could be recruited. With the approval of General Gillmore, he therefore applied to Gor- ernor Andrew, on February 3, that the Fifty-fourth be placed on the footing of a heavy artillery regiment. This recommendation, however, bore no fruit.
Captain Partridge was discharged for disability January 19, and Captain Smith for the same cause January 25; Lieutenant Dexter having resigned, departed North, and afterward became second lieutenant Sixty-first Massachu- setts Infantry ; Chaplain Harrison received sick leave, re- signing at the North March 14. He was refused pay as
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chaplain, because of his color. The matter received Gor- ernor Andrew's attention ; and on April 23 Attorney-Gen- eral Bates rendered the opinion that the chaplain, because he was of African descent, could not be deprived of the pay affixed to the office he lawfully held.
After a review by General Gillmore of all the troops on February 4, on returning to camp the officers were informed that the regiment would embark the next day. The sick, some recruits, and the camp were to remain in charge of Lieut. T. L. Appleton. Captain Jones was too ill to accom- pany us.
Orders came to march at supper-time on the 5th ; and the Fifty-fourth proceeded from its only camp at Hilton Head to the pier. Major Appleton, with Companies A, B, and D, embarked on the steamer " Maple Leaf," which was General Seymour's flag-ship. Captain Emilio, with Company E, some recruits, Quartermaster Ritchie, and the stores, took passage on the schooner " R. C. A. Ward." Colonel Hal- lowell, with the remaining companies, was assigned to the steamer " General Hunter."
Gillmore's Florida expedition was afloat, for the troops comprising his force had embarked on some twenty-eight transports, in darkness. It was probable that our point of attack would be unknown. But General Beauregard was aware of some movement, and notified General Gilmer at Savannah to prepare, and had troops ready to move over the railroads to the southward. He personally visited Savannah on January 16, returning to Charleston Feb- ruary 3.
General Seymour, assigned to command the expedition, was to have a force of about seven thousand men. His transports were ordered to rendezvous at the mouth of
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the St. John's River, Florida. Admiral Dahlgren was to co-operate, with some naval vessels.
It was most enjoyable voyaging down the coast. A few men were seasiek, but soon recovered. The "Maple Leaf" arrived off the St. John's at 8.50 A. M. on the 7th, and the "General Hunter" at 9 A. M. Eleven steamers and smaller craft had arrived or were coming in ; and as the transports passed one another, the troops cheered enthusiastically. There, too, the gunboats "Ottawa " and "Norwich " were found ready to escort the fleet. At about noon, the larger portion of the vessels started up the river for Jacksonville, some twenty-five miles distant.
Just three hundred years before, Rene de Laudonnière led a French fleet up the same river, known then as the " River of May," following the lead of the famous Ribaut the previous year. The beautiful and historic stream glided to the sea as placidly as then through the marshy lowlands, past the white bluffs and forests of pine and cedar. Amid the romantic scenery, through this historic region, on a delightful day, the fleet proceeded up the de- vious stream with the gunboat " Ottawa " in the lead, fol- lowed by the "Maple Leaf " and "General Hunter." Evidences of former Federal occupation or Rebel abandon- ment were seen in burned saw-mills, deserted houses, and decayed landings.
Upon rounding a point late in the afternoon, Jackson- ville appeared in view, looking much like a devastated Northern city, with its ruined gas-works, burned saw-mills, and warehouses ; but many residences and stores ap- peared in good repair. As the vessels approached nearer the town, some women and children were discovered, waving handkerchiefs from places near the water-front. A few
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men were also seen lurking about, as if fearing musket or cannon shots. When abreast of the place, the "Norwich " continued up the stream a short distance and anchored. General Seymour, on the " Maple Leaf," ran up to a wharf, and Major Appleton had his men ashore in a moment. A few cavalrymen had been discovered, who, as our Fifty- fourth men were formed, fired some shots, one of which wounded the mate of the "General Hunter," from which Colonel Hallowell and his six companies were disembark- ing. As the shots were fired, General Seymour ordered Major Appleton to " take his men and catch the Rebels." What followed, the major thus describes : -
" I tried, but our men with knapsacks were not fleet enough. I had a dark overcoat on, and was conspicuous. One 'Johnny' took deliberate aim at me over a fence. I saw him just as he fired. The ball came quite close, but did not hit me. By orders I placed men in each street, and pushed the command to the outskirts of the town, with no casualties on our side. We took a few prisoners, civilians, etc. Porter of Company A shot a Rebel through his leg, and got him and his horse."
While the major was thus engaged, the six companies of the regiment landed from the "General Hunter ;" and Colonel Hallowell, also throwing out skirmishers, advanced through the town to the west side, where the regiment was reunited soon after. Pickets were thrown out, and the Fifty-fourth went into bivouac for the night.
The pursuit of the enemy was taken up and continued five miles by Major Stevens with his Independent Bat- talion Massachusetts Cavalry, which landed after the Fifty- fourth. They captured eleven Confederates, including some signal-ınen.
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Transports which had been delayed having arrived with infantry, artillery, etc., on the 8th, at 4 P. M., General Sey- mour moved toward Baldwin. Much to the regret of all, the Fifty-fourth was ordered to remain behind. Colonel Hallowell was made commandant of Jacksonville. Captain Walton was appointed provost-marshal, with Company B as provost-guard. Company E, with the recruits, joined the regiment on the 9th. Lieutenant-Colonel Hooper, with details by companies, picketed the approaches to the town, holding a line mainly along two small creeks. For several days troops were landing and moving out to the advance.
Before the war Jacksonville contained some three thou- sand inhabitants, and was the key-point of Eastern Florida. It had been thrice before occupied by the Federal forces, and twice suffered from devastating fires. The enemy only held it in small force, their main body being at Camp Finegan, eight miles inland. It contained some tasteful residences, on wide streets densely shaded with old trees, the usual public buildings, churches, and stores. On the outskirts were old earthworks, facing cleared ground to woods beyond.
Col. Guy V. Henry's mounted troops, on the 8th, in dark- ness, flanked Camp Finegan, and at Ten-Mile Run eap- tured five guns. Early on the 9th, he occupied Baldwin, capturing another gun and large stores. Our infantry, the first evening, entered Camp Finegan, whence some two hundred of the enemy fled. That night the steamer " St. Mary " was scuttled in a small creek, the navy securing a rifled gun, but her cargo, of two hundred and seventy cotton-bales, was burned. Our infantry advanced to Bald- win on the 9th, over bad roads, where both Seymour and Gillmore also arrived that day.
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On the 10th the Light Brigade, consisting of the Mas- sachusetts Cavalry Battalion, the Fortieth Massachusetts (mounted), and Elder's horse battery, First United States Artillery, some nine hundred men, under Colonel Henry, started out, followed by the infantry. About 11 A. M. the mounted force reached Barber's. A reconnoissance, with loss, disclosed the enemy, consisting of about one hundred and fifty men of the Second Florida Cavalry, under Maj. Robert Harrison, holding the south fork of the St. Mary's River. Henry, securing a position enfilading the ford, and the cavalry battalion charging across, drove the enemy in confusion, capturing their horses and arms. We lost four killed and thirteen wounded ; the enemy, two killed and three wounded. Henry resumed the advance at 1 P. M., entering Sanderson three hours later. Gen. Joseph Finegan, the Confederate commander of East Florida, had retired, firing buildings and stores. The infantry column reached Barber's at midnight on the 10th. Henry, at San- derson, rested until 2 A. M. on the 11th, when he again set out. No enemy was encountered until 11 A. M., when his skirmishers were found in the woods near Lake City. After developing his line, and a company had broken through the enemy's left, Henry, fearing to be outflanked by a stronger force, retired five miles. But the Confederate reports show that General Finegan had there in Henry's front only four hundred and fifty infantry, one hundred and ten cavalry, and two guns. Our loss was three men wounded ; the enemy's, two killed and several wounded. The result of this affair was most unfortunate. It was the turning-point of the Florida expedition. for had the smaller Confederate force been driven by Henry's superior one, and followed up sharply at that time before Finegan's rein-
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